Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 10:12-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 10:12-15
"Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."

Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses but it appears that some of his Jewish followers still followed it, at least in what was considered clean and unclean to eat. I know later I will also read when other questions come up. Is it the changing of culture at that point? It made me think of how we are told the restoration is ongoing and not complete, there is more to come. It was after President Nelson was called as prophet that first heard the phrase "ongoing restoration". Up to that point I could not recall it being said like that. I decide to search the general conference talks for when that phrase was first used.

I found it in the Oct 2019 General Conference by a talk given by Elder Quentin L. Cook. He used the phrase "ongoing Restoration" in reference to President Russell M. Nelson's earlier talk. That talk was about changes in policy regarding who may serve as witnesses to baptism and sealing ordinances. It also went over changes in the Young Women and Young Men classes. After that General Conference it was used more and more. So interesting to review that tonight when we are in preparation for another change to take place in a couple weeks.There has been so many changes in the last seven years. I am so grateful I have a heart that loves and embraces change.

Day 4152

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 9:4-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 9:4-6
"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."

This made me ponder on judgment day when we will face the Lord. Like Saul, there will be no long speeches for justification for our sins and behaviors. It will be an absolute truth if we are found wanting. Thankfully for Saul he had years ahead of him to repent and be forgiven.

Day 4151

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 8:3, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 8:3, 9
"As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:"

Two examples of men that had much to repent of, and they did. They are examples of how you can never write a person off as unredeemable and going to hell. It is not for us to judge. I would have been careful around them, but happy to see them change.

Day 4150

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 7:60

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 7:60
"And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

This is the story of Stephen, his testimony, and how he became a martyr. I was wondering if there was more information regarding "lay not this sin to their charge". Were they asking God to forgive them without repenting and be guiltless, or that the person had forgiven them for their actions. As I was reading I came across this story told in General Conference. I vaguely remember it. I felt to share it to honor their memory.

"During the Mexican Revolution, Rafael Monroy was the president of the small San Marcos Mexico Branch, and Vicente Morales was his first counselor. On July 17, 1915, they were apprehended by the Zapatistas. They were told they would be spared if they would give up their weapons and renounce their strange religion. Brother Monroy told his captors that he did not have any weapons and simply drew from his pocket his Bible and Book of Mormon. He said, “Gentlemen, these are the only arms I ever carry; they are the arms of truth against error.”
When no arms were found, the brethren were cruelly tortured to make them divulge where arms were hidden. But there were no arms. They were then taken under guard to the outskirts of the little town, where their captors stood them up by a large ash tree in front of a firing squad. The officer in charge offered them freedom if they would forsake their religion and join the Zapatistas, but Brother Monroy replied, “My religion is dearer to me than my life, and I cannot forsake it.”
They were then told that they were to be shot and asked if they had any request to make. Brother Rafael requested that he be permitted to pray before he was executed. There, in the presence of his executioners, he kneeled down and, in a voice that all could hear, prayed that God would bless and protect his loved ones and care for the little struggling branch that would be left without a leader. As he finished his prayer, he used the words of the Savior when He hung upon the cross and prayed for his executioners: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”  With that the firing squad shot both Brother Monroy and Brother Morales. "
(James E. Faust, "Discipleship", Oct 2006 General Conference)

In the talk President Faust then goes on to tell of reorganizing a stake in the area and interviewed a descendant of Rafel Monroy. He asked what happened to rest of Brother Monroy's descendants and was told that many had served missions and were faithful in the church.

Day 4149

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 6:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 6:13-14
"And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us."

I wondered if Stephen spoke of the law of Moses being fulfilled with Jesus Christ and done away with? Maybe that is the customs they speak of and are upset about. I did find something that points to that.

"Stephen and his defense, it appears that his opponents were angered by his teachings that the coming of Jesus Christ had redefined basic Jewish concepts regarding the land of Israel, the law of Moses, and the temple of Jerusalem. Stephen’s opponents “suborned men”, meaning that they persuaded men to commit perjury."
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 30: Act 3-7")

Day 4148

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 5:38-39

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 5:38-39
"And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

When you think upon all the followers of Christ throughout the centuries it answers the question Gamaliel put forth. If it was of man it would come to nought, if of God it could not be overthrown. The same has happened with the restoration of the gospel in our day. There are over 17 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world.

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Matthew 7:20)

Day 4147

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:32, 34

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:32, 34
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,"

The early saints lived a law of consecration and had all things in common. At the same time the saint in the America's did the same after the resurrected Jesus Christ appeared to them. So did the early saints of the restoration live a United Order and the law of consecration.

“And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift."
(4 Nephi 1:2-3)

I have often wondered how it would feel to live like that? I've often thought that if it was instituted today we would see the sifting of the wheat and tares among us. The law of consecration is still among us. All that we have should be used for the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth. In some ways that is a harder law to live when no one is looking. I thought of a very simple example. My son had the calling of the ward bulletin each week. With it he needed to go to the chapel Sunday morning to print and prepare it for distribution. He decided he would consecrate the use of his printer, and I helped with toner and paper as a contribution to the ward. No one knew, no one ever asked why he wasn't at the chapel printing the bulletin from there. The bulletin just showed up. He never missed having the bulletin ready, even when we were sick we were able to leave it on the porch for someone else to pickup and take for us. That is a very simple way to take what we have and use it to build up the kingdom.

Day 4146

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
"The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"

I thought Peter was so bold and bore a powerful testimony. I totally missed that he didn't tell them to repent and be baptized. Instead he told them to repent and be converted that their sins would be blotted out during the millennium, which is the time of refreshing. These were the people that crucified Christ.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) referred to Acts 3:17–19 and said that Peter was addressing those who had crucified Jesus. “[Peter] did not say to them, ‘Repent and be baptized, for the remission of your sins;’ but he said, ‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.’ [Acts 3:19.] … They could not be baptized for the remission of sins for they had shed innocent blood” (in History of the Church, 6:253)."

Day 4145

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 2:4-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 2:4-8
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"

Prior to reading in Acts I was reading in the Book of Mormon, and it reminded me of this.

"For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding."
(2 Nephi 31:3)

The Lord is doing a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men. He has prepared a way for all to hear the gospel in their own language for their understanding. What a great missionary force is among us. The gift of tongues is spreading the gospel. The Book of Mormon has been translated fully into 115 languages. Selected portions are in an additional 21 languages, with an additional 26 language translations in progress. I love reading and listening to the experiences of the translators of the Book of Mormon.

Day 4144

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 1:24, 26

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 1:24, 26
"And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

Why did they draw lots over who the next apostle would be? That isn't how it works now. Then I reflected on how in verse 4 Jesus commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father. Which would be the Holy Ghost. The day of Pentecost had not happened yet. They could not be lead completely by the Holy Ghost in the matter. They were using the best tools they had available. They had prayer and they could ask to be shown which one was chosen.

"Here again is set forth a significant and unique feature established by the Lord in the governance of His church. The right to nominate rests with the superior officer or officers at whatever the level. But that nomination must be sustained—that is, accepted and confirmed—by the membership of the Church. The procedure is peculiar to the Lord’s church. There is no seeking for office, no jockeying for position, no campaigning to promote one’s virtues. Contrast the Lord’s way with the way of the world. The Lord’s way is quiet, it is a way of peace, it is without fanfare or monetary costs. It is without egotism or vanity or ambition. Under the Lord’s plan, those who have responsibility to select officers are governed by one overriding question: “Whom would the Lord have?” There is quiet and thoughtful deliberation. And there is much of prayer to receive the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that the choice is correct.
We have sustained this afternoon a number of newly called officers. We welcome each with love and respect. Among these is Brother Robert D. Hales, to become a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. He fills a vacancy made by the passing of our beloved friend and associate, Elder Marvin J. Ashton. In filling that vacancy, each member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve was at liberty to make suggestions. I am confident that in every case, there was solemn and earnest prayer. A choice was then made by the First Presidency, again after solemn and serious prayer. This choice was sustained by the Council of the Twelve. Today, the membership of the Church in conference assembled has sustained that choice.
I give you my testimony, my brethren, that the impression to call Brother Hales to this high and sacred office came by the Holy Spirit, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Brother Hales did not suggest his own name. His name was suggested by the Spirit."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “God Is at the Helm,” April 1994 General Conference)

Day 4143

Today's Favorite Verse: John 21:25

Today's Favorite Verse: John 21:25
"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen."

This reminds me of the verse in the Book of Mormon that is similar..

"And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people;"
(3 Nephi 26:6)

When I think that everything the Lord said is not contained in the scriptures, and then there are also lost and sealed portions of the scriptures, it drives my curiosity to a fever pitch. I want so badly to read all of it. One day I know I will get to read everything. Until then I treasure what I have and read and ponder on them.

Day 4142

Today's Favorite Verse: John 20:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: John 20:10-11
"Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,"

Mary Magdalene came to the sepulcher early when it was still dark. She sees the stone has been taken away and Jesus was gone. She runs to tell the disciples. Peter and John run to the sepulcher. They also see it is empty and the placement of the linen clothes left behind. At this point Peter and John leave, but Mary stays behind weeping. When she looks into the sepulcher again she sees two angels and converses with them. Then she turns around and sees Jesus but doesn't know it is him at first. While reading this I picture the celestial room of the temple. How as the endowment session is over and people come into the room some immediately leave the room. Others will linger in quiet reflection, prayer and reading scriptures. They will leave at separate times. I thought about how if Mary had left with Peter and John she would had missed this private time with the Lord. Yes, there is a need to hurry about our Father's business, but there is also a need to quietly ponder and contemplate what we have seen, heard and felt.

Day 4141

Today's Favorite Verse: John 19:15

Today's Favorite Verse: John 19:15
"But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar."

The Caesar mentioned is Tiberius Caesar. He was the ruling Roman Emperor, supreme political figure at the time, and not a king. Being a "Caesar" was a royal title like the title "Pharoah" in Egypt, but not an official title like a king. The Jews were rejecting Jesus by calling Caesar their king, when even that wasn't true. I just found it rather interesting how they held up a political figure as their king when that wasn't his title. I pondered on how they were willing to worship Caesar as their king, instead of Jesus Christ. There is a lesson in there in making men kings before Jesus Christ.

Day 4140

Today's Favorite Verse: John 18:28

Today's Favorite Verse: John 18:28
"Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover."

This is rathering shocking. The Jewish leaders were concerned that they did not defile themselves before the passover, yet they would falsely accuse Jesus to have him put to death. That's giving the appearance of being religious and righteous, but rotten on the inside.

"The hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders was put on display when they led Jesus to Pilate to be judged. They would not enter into the hall of judgment, which was a Gentile structure, because doing so would make them ritually unclean and they desired to eat the Passover meal the next day. Yet at the same time, they were willing to falsely accuse Jesus before Pilate and seek His death
(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 27:John 17-19)

Day 4139

Today's Favorite Verse: John 17:1

Today's Favorite Verse: John 17:1
"These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:"

Many times in the scriptures it says Jesus went alone to pray. We don't know what he prayed. I wondered who recorded Jesus’ intercessory prayer? Then I realized he was with his apostles when this was given. It was after introducing the sacrament and before he went to the Garden of Gethsemane. How would it have been to be an apostle and heard Him pray for them? At the very beginning of this prayer I am struck with Jesus' humility. He prays that the Father glorify him, so he can glorify the Father. That isn't trying to get praise or credit. That is wanting to complete His mission in a manner than brings glory to the Father.

Day 4138

Today's Favorite Verse: John 16:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: John 16:2-3
"They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me."

Jesus was speaking to his apostles. Only John the beloved would not die a martyrs death. This made me reflect on Joan of Arc and William Tyndale both killed by religious leaders for their beliefs. I cannot think of any time after Jesus' resurrection, with the law of Moses fulfilled that God has asked a religious sect to kill others for their beliefs. Those that have killed others have been deceived thinking they were right. I pondered on Joseph and Hyrum Smith being murdered in the Cartage jail. I don't know if any of the mob thought they were doing God's service? Was that just politically motivated? Why such hate over people's religions? It is sad what people have done in the name of religion, when what they show is that they do not know the Father nor the Son.

Day 4137

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

That is not some genie wish. There is a condition on asking what we will. For what we ask for must be according to God's will. If we abide with the Lord the Spirit will teach us what to pray for, and not ask amiss. We will be one with the Lord in our desires. The greatest example to me is Nephi, the son of Helaman, in the Book of Mormon. He was given the sealing power. That all things would be done according to his word, BECAUSE the Lord knew he would not ask contrary to His will.

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
(Helaman 10:4-5)

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"
(1 John 5:14)

"And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you."
(3 Nephi 18:20)

"Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the voice of my Spirit."
(Doctrine and Covenants 112:22)

"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;
And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:64-65)

Day 4136

Today's Favorite Verse: John 14:21, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: John 14:21, 23
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

I pondered on how the more you love the Father and the Son the easier it becomes to keep the commandments. You don't have to choose to keep them, you want to keep them.

Day 4135

Today's Favorite Verse: John 13:4-5, 26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: John 13:4-5, 26-27
"He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him."

Twice Jesus offered service and friendship to Judas at the last supper. Jesus washed all the disciples feet, even Judas'. The dipping and offering of a sop was typically a gesture of kindness and respect when offered by a host to a guest. The other disciples just did not understand all that was said. Judas knew and he also had a chance to change his course of action. Once Judas is gone Jesus gives a new commandment to the rest of the disciples to love one another. Could love given to Judas have changed his heart? Regardless of others actions, we are still to love one another..

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
(John 13:34-35)

Day 4134

Today's Favorite Verse: John 12:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: John 12:15-16
"Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him."

I had a hard time picking a favorite verse. So many good things to ponder on in this chapter. I decided to select this because I learn the disciples made the connection on why Jesus sat upon the ass's colt and rode into Jerusalem. I knew the Savior after his resurrection explained some of these things, but I guess not all. It is for us to keep looking for Christ in the scriptures. To find new ways that verses open up and apply to Him.

Day 4133

Today's Favorite Verse: John 11:15

Today's Favorite Verse: John 11:15
"And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him."

When people say "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" it makes me think of Lazarus. To be sick and die and placed in a grave for 4 days would seem a pretty bad thing. Yet, the Lord called him forth from the grave. How many times has the Lord saved me from the grave and any numbers of trials. All of these experiences have been for my good. They are sacred to me. They have strengthened my faith and belief in Christ and trust in his timing.

Day 4132

Today's Favorite Verse: John 10:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: John 10:4-5
"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."

I want to be one that flees when a stranger tries to make me follow. I don't want to stray from the Lord, but always know His voice and follow Him. I pondered on several experiences I have had when I had to flee. When the Spirit whispered "That's a priestcraft don't follow them.", "Throw that book away!", "That is a false preacher, turn that video off!", "He is lukewarm, spit him out." I don't ever want to lose the ability to hear that warning voice.

Day 4131

Today's Favorite Verse: John 9:27-29

Today's Favorite Verse: John 9:27-29
"He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.
We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is."

Jesus healed the man born blind on the Sabbath. The Pharisees then question the man and his parents. When they asked the man a second time on how his eyes were opened he remarks on how they didn't listen the first time. Do you want to hear again and also be his disciples?

What gave me pause is how the Pharisees said they were Moses' disciples. Why didn't they say they were followers of the great "I Am" or Jehovah? I know prophets today speak to God but I'm not any prophet's disciple. I'm not a disciple of Joseph Smith, Jr. or President Dallin H. Oaks. I would call myself a disciple of Jesus Christ. That is who I follow. I know John the Baptist had disciples but he pointed them to Jesus when He made himself known.

"Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus."
(John 1:34-37)

Day 4130

Today's Favorite Verse: John 8:32, 43

Today's Favorite Verse: John 8:32, 43
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."

This made me think about something I have observed recently. People can say the same things but mean something so different from each other. It's gotten where I don't even try to change anyone's mind, because I know I can't. The difference is I know what is true and there is a freedom in knowing it even when others see something totally different. Those that don't want to hear truth will hear what they want to hear. You can be blind to truth even with it right in front of you. The only thing I can do is live worthy to keep the Spirit with me, so I can hear the words of truth and understand it.

Day 4129

Today's Favorite Verse: John 7:38-39

Today's Favorite Verse: John 7:38-39
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

What I pondered on was "the Holy Ghost was not yet given". I would think the Spirit was given before Jesus was glorified. I thought about all the holy prophets that came before Him. They had the priesthood and surely would have had the Holy Ghost. Was it just that the gift of the Holy Ghost was not given to those baptized at that time? I tried to learn more and this is what I found.

"The Holy Ghost has been manifest in every dispensation of the gospel since the beginning, being first made known to Adam." (Bible Dictionary, "Holy Ghost")

"And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you."
(Moses 6:52)

"And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men."
(1 Nephi 10:17)

"For some reason not fully explained in the scriptures, the Holy Ghost did not operate in the fulness among the Jews during the years of Jesus’ mortal sojourn. Statements to the effect that the Holy Ghost did not come until after Jesus was resurrected must of necessity refer to that particular dispensation only, for it is abundantly clear that the Holy Ghost was operative in earlier dispensations. Furthermore, it has reference only to the gift of the Holy Ghost not being present, since the power of the Holy Ghost was operative during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus; otherwise no one would have received a testimony of the truths that these men taught. When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth unto the heart of the hearer. The Holy Ghost knows all things and can lead one to know of future events."
(Bible Dictionary, "Holy Ghost")

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
(John 16:7)

Day 4128

Today's Favorite Verse: John 6:48, 51, 53, 56

Today's Favorite Verse: John 6:48, 51, 53, 56
"I am that bread of life.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him."

As I am reading this chapter I kept hearing in my mind the hymn "Bread of Life, Living Water". We need to internalize all that the Savior is. That is the eating of the bread of life and living water.

“To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ was and is to believe in and accept Him as the literal Son of God and Savior of the world, and to obey His commandments. By these means only may the Spirit of God become an abiding part of man’s individual being, even as the substance of the food he eats is assimilated with the tissues of his body.
“… The figure used by Jesus—that of eating His flesh and drinking His blood as typical of unqualified and absolute acceptance of Himself as the Savior of men—is of superlative import; for thereby are affirmed the divinity of His Person, and the fact of His preexistent and eternal Godship. The sacrament of the Lord’s supper, established by the Savior on the night of His betrayal, perpetuates the symbolism of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, by the partaking of bread and wine in remembrance of Him. Acceptance of Jesus as the Christ implies obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel.”
(James E. Talmage, "Jesus the Christ", 342–43)

Bread of Life, Living Water
In the Garden, Jesus suffered
Ev’ry sin and ev’ry woe—
Bleeding drops from ev’ry pore,
That we might forgiveness know.
Bread of Life, Living Water,
Feed my soul, fill my heart.
Lord, give me new life in Thee
And make me whole—complete and holy—
Bound to Thee eternally.

Jesus sacrificed His body
On the cross in bitter pain—
Freely gave His life for us
So that we would live again.
Bread of Life, Living Water,
Feed my soul, fill my heart.
Lord, give me new life in Thee
And make me whole—complete and holy—
Bound to Thee eternally.

Now I come before the altar,
Off’ring Him my broken heart,
Seeking for the precious gifts
His Atonement can impart.
Bread of Life, Living Water,
Feed my soul, fill my heart.
Lord, give me new life in Thee
And make me whole—complete and holy—
Bound to Thee eternally.

Day 4127

Today's Favorite Verse: John 5:39

Today's Favorite Verse: John 5:39
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

This reminded me of our discussion after family scripture reading in the Old Testament. How when they repaired the temple they found the book of law. The people had so fallen away that they lost the law. They weren't living it. If you do not have the scriptures you will slowly drift away. We need to earnestly search the scriptures.

"Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us."
(2 Kings 22:13)

Day 4126

Today's Favorite Verse: John 4:42, 48

Today's Favorite Verse: John 4:42, 48
"And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."

While Jesus was in Samaria not only the women at the well believed in words, but those that she told also believed Jesus was the Christ. They received their own testimony by listening to Him themselves. I pondered on how we all need our own testimonies and cannot progress far on the faith of others. It wasn't until Jesus said in Galilee that they needed a sign or wonders to believe, I realized it never said he did any miracles in Samaria. Instead it was His words, he was able to tell them all things. As we listen to His words we can also receive a firm conviction the Jesus is indeed the Christ.

Day 4125

Today's Favorite Verse: John 3:26, 30

Today's Favorite Verse: John 3:26, 30
"And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
He must increase, but I must decrease."

What absolute humility and wisdom of John the Baptist. He knew he was the forerunner to Christ. He prepared the way and even baptized Jesus. Now he knew he must fad into the background. That men were to follow Christ and not John. There would be no competition on who obtained the greater flock. John was there to prepare the way and point them to Christ.

Day 4124

Today's Favorite Verse: John 2:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: John 2:7-9
"Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,"

The first miracle spoken of in Jesus' ministry. I'm sure there were others before this otherwise His mother, Mary would not have sought his help with this. What I pondered on was the mention of the servants knowing the water had been made into wine. After-all they had been the ones to fill the pots. It made me think of the miracles Christ's followers will witness today and know the source of them and recognize it them for what they are. Miracles can be happening around us, but we can be totally obvious to them. When we are servants of the Lord we will know and see them.

Day 4123

Today's Favorite Verse: John 1:9, 33-

Today's Favorite Verse: John 1:9, 33-34
"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."

I pondered on how everyone born on this earth received this light, the light of Christ, to guide them in their life. Man knows right from wrong inside his soul. They cannot deny this, even if they do not have any faith or religion. Those that do come to know Christ and are baptize will receive more, the gift of the Holy Ghost. To be their constant companion if they live worthy to receive it.

Day 4122

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 24:27, 44-45

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 24:27, 44-45
"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,"

One thing I love finding in the scriptures are the prophesies that foretell the coming of Jesus Christ. I love how Jesus opened up the scriptures and expounds on how various acts he performed were fulfilling prophesy. I wonder how many of verses they were truly amazed at, and had not seen it until He told them.

Tonight as I was reading in the Old Testament I came across such a verse that appeared to be prophecy to me. It was in Jeremiah.

"I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them."
(Jeremiah 8:13)

It reminded me of the barren fig tree and how at Jesus word it withered away. I always wondered on why He needed to do that.

"And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away."
(Matthew 21:19)

It will truly be amazing after Christ comes again to have him open up the scriptures and expound on how events around us today fulfilled prophesy.

Day 4121

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 23:40-43

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 23:40-43
"But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

There were two malefactors or thieves that were crucified along with Jesus. One mocked Jesus and the other appears to recognize who He was. Jesus tells him that today he would be in paradise with him. I pondered on what was soon to happen when Christ arrived in the spirit world. He would have the gospel preached to all those that didn't have the opportunity to hear it in their lifetime. This thief would be among them and quickly leave spirit prison and join Him in paradise.

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."
(1 Peter 3:18-20)

"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."
(1 Peter 4:6)

Day 4120

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 22:35-36

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 22:35-36
"And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."

When Jesus sent out the apostles the first time it was without purse or script. Before His death and resurrection he told them to go with purse and script. He also mentions a sword. This made me think about our missionaries today. They also go with everything that is needed for them. When did this change? When the first missionaries were sent out to proclaim the restoration of the gospel they also went without purse or script. It appears that it started to change during the time of Brigham Young, after being settled in the West. He would tell the missionaries not to beg the poor Saints to death while on their missions. (Discourses of Brigham Young) By 1863 Apostle George A. Smith mentions "Circumstances have changed and in view of the poverty of other peoples and the wealth of the Saints that missionaries should not need to go without purse or scrip." (JD 10:142, 6 Apr 1863) As I was reading an article "Without Purse of Scrip" by Jessie L. Embry on the change it seems being without purse of scrip was guided by mission leaders for their areas. It wasn't until transportation was more available in the 1950's that it changed.

"We used to be in the habit of going without purse or scrip. That is the way I have traveled hundreds and thousands of miles, but then we felt as the disciples of old did. When we returned, if asked if we had lacked anything, we could say verily no. But there was a time afterwards when Jesus said—“Let him that has a purse, take it with him, and let him that has no sword, sell his coat, and buy one." We do not always remain in statu quo. At that time we were the poorest people in the world, but now we are better off than the generality of mankind, and we are able to help one another, and there is no necessity for our missionaries to go under the circumstances they have done heretofore; and since it is the counsel that they shall not, why let us do what we can to help them. In relation to the Kingdom of God, it is still onward, and we expect it to continue to progress, and we expect, individually, to be co-workers in its affairs and participators in its progress. If we are called on missions we go; if we are called upon to contribute to assist others to go we contribute. If the word is, “remove here,” or “go there,” we go—that is, many of us do, some do not."
(John Taylor, "Trip to Southern Utah-The Works and Faith of the Saints", 19 May 1867, Journal of Discourses 12:47)

Day 4119

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 21:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 21:34
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares."

It was the word "surfeiting" that caught my attention. Jesus is speaking of the signs to precede His Second Coming. Being distracted while surfing the internet is definitively something I can relate to. I have to say the incessant doomscrolling is something I'm continually analyzing and metering my usage of. One thing that has helped me is having a playlist on YouTube of all my favorite hymns. When I catch myself endlessly scrolling for something to watch I stop and turn that on. It has really help me feel the spirit and bring peace to me. I have also found sometimes I need to just unplug and sit in silence.

"When you look around on this cruise ship called earth, you might see other people sitting in lounge chairs drinking, gambling in casinos, wearing clothing that is too revealing, scrolling endlessly on cell phones, and wasting too much time playing electronic games. But instead of wondering, “Why can’t I do that?,” you can remember that you are not an ordinary passenger. You are a member of the crew. You have responsibilities that passengers do not have. As Sister Ardeth Kapp once said, “You can’t be a life[guard] if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach."
(Bradley R. Wilcox, "O Youth of the Noble Birthright", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Recently, in a worldwide youth devotional, President Russell M. Nelson invited the youth to step back from the world, disengaging from social media by holding a seven-day fast. And just last evening, he made a similar invitation to the sisters as part of the women’s session of conference. He then asked the youth to notice any differences in how they feel, what they think, or even how they think. He then invited them “to do a thorough life assessment with the Lord … to ensure that your feet are firmly planted on the covenant path.” He encouraged them that if there were things in their lives that needed changing, “today is the perfect time to change.” (Russell M. Nelson, "Hope of Israel", Worldwide Youth Devotional, June 3, 2018 Conference Center, Salt Lake City, Utah)
(Jack N. Gerard, "Now is the Time", Oct 2018 General Conference)

"There are certain patterns of online engagement that predict negative outcomes: cyberbullying, sexting, and doomscrolling, for example. (”Doomscrolling,” by the way—for those of you who, like me, have never heard of it—refers to spending long periods of time on one’s phone or computer focusing on negative news stories. Apparently, for some, that habit is compulsive and somehow darkly comforting.) Passive uses of social media—that is, spending time reviewing social media content aimlessly—increases feelings of inferiority and negative comparison, while active or purposeful social media use (such as posting, commenting, and connecting) does not have the same negative associations."
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Trust in God", S&I Annual Broadcast, Jan 2024)

"The scriptures teach us to use judgment and be wise in all things. The internet can be used in a positive way or a destructive way.Both long-term members and those newly studying the gospel need to be intentional about what they view. Do not entertain immoral, dishonest, or unrighteous material. If you do, algorithms can lead you down a path that destroys faith and impairs your eternal progression. You can be acted upon positively or negatively. Seek righteousness and avoid dark internet rabbit holes and doomscrolling. Fill your life with positive, righteous ideas; be joyful; have fun but avoid foolishness. There is a difference. The thirteenth article of faith is a marvelous guide. Above all, immerse yourself regularly in the Book of Mormon, which will draw the Spirit into your life and help you discern truth from error."
(Quentin L. Cook, "Sacred Scriptures - the Foundations of Faith", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 4118

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 20:20, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 20:20, 23
"And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?"

What stood out to me was they "feign themselves just men". The Lord perceived their craftiness. He knew how to answer their questions to the point "they durst not ask him any questions at all". This made me think about deception and how we will be deceived if we do not have the spirit as our guide.

"I feel to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued us: that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” 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."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4117

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 19:41-42

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 19:41-42
"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes."

This made me ponder on how the Lord and the prophets must feel when they look out across the members of the church. Prophets see around corners, they try to warn and prepare us. Yet, how much do we really see and understand?

Day 4116

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 18:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 18:9
"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"

I struggled to decide which verse was my favorite in this chapter. I decided on this one because not only have I seen this, it also made me think of something President Nelson said. I just couldn't remember what talk it was in so I spent a lot of time tonight looking for it.

"In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.
At this point you may be thinking that this message would really help someone you know. Perhaps you are hoping that it will help him or her to be nicer to you. I hope it will! But I also hope that you will look deeply into your heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent you from becoming a peacemaker."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed", April 2023 General Conference)

I loved that wisdom in looking at ourselves and not just pointing the finger that someone else needs to do better. It is the same when you think we are more righteous that others, and then we despise or mock those that just sin differently than us. We are all in need of the Lord's mercy and grace, and we need to in turn give it to others. The world seems to be losing it's humanity. It all just makes me really sad.

Day 4115

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 17:34-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 17:34-37
"I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together."

I love the Joseph Smith Translation of these verses for it explains how the saints will be gathered.

"I tell you, in that night there shall be two in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord, shall they be taken?
And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is gathered, or in other words, whithersoever the saints are gathered, thither will the eagles be gathered together, or thither will the remainder be gathered together.
This he spake, signifying the gathering of his saints, and of angels descending and gathering the remainder unto them, the one from the bed, the other from the grinding, and the other from the field, whithersoever he listeth.
For verily, there shall be new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
And there shall be no unclean thing; for the earth becoming old, even as a garment, having waxed in corruption, wherefore, it vanisheth away; and the footstool remaineth sanctified, cleansed from all sin."
(JST Luke 17:34-40)

The gospel is being proclaimed to every nation, tongue and people, and the saints are gathering to the stakes of Zion and temples around the world. Yet, at the very end that very last gathering will be assisted by angels to a place of refuge among the saints. How can you fear what is to come with a promise like that. Angels will come for you just like they did for Lot and his family. .

"And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."
(Doctrine and Covenants 115:5)

Day 4114