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

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 16:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 16:25-26
"But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."

It is the great gulf between evil and good in the next life that got my attention. That gulf was fixed and neither could pass to the other side. Yet, they are speaking of paradise and spirit prison, and final judgment has not happened yet. This is what I learned.

"Between this abode of the faithful and “hell” there was “a great gulf fixed” (Luke 16:26), which prevented interchange between the two.“Abraham’s bosom” refers to paradise, and “hell” refers to the spirit prison. The division between these two places existed before Jesus Christ visited the spirit world between the time of His death and His Resurrection. Before Christ’s death, spirits from paradise could not visit those who were in spirit prison. His ministry in the spirit world bridged the gulf between paradise and the spirit prison, making it possible for the spirits in prison to receive the message of the gospel from authorized ministers sent from paradise.
The Savior’s visit to the spirits in prison opened the way for the salvation of the dead, as Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: “Since our Lord has proclaimed ‘liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound’ (Isa. 61:1), the gospel is preached in all parts of the spirit world, repentance is granted to those who seek it, vicarious ordinances are administered in earthly temples, and there is a hope of salvation for the spirits of those men who would have received the gospel with all their hearts in this life had the opportunity come to them” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1965–73], 1:522).
President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) clarified that before spirits can be released from spirit prison, they must hear the gospel and accept it and the saving ordinances must be performed for them: “In relation to the deliverance of spirits from their prison house, of course, we believe that can only be done after the gospel has been preached to them in the spirit, and they have accepted the same, and the work necessary to their redemption by the living be done for them” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 413–14). "
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 18:Luke 15-17")

Day 4113

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 15:4-6, 31-32

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 15:4-6, 31-32
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost."
"And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."

As I was reading the parable of the lost sheep I kept thinking about the 99 left behind. Who was protecting those sheep? Then as I read the parable of the prodigal son I saw how they went hand in hand. The 99 and the faithful son are the same, they were true and ever faithful. They may for a moment hesitate to see such rejoicing and feasting over the lost, but the Father has not forgotten them. We are to learn to rejoice for the lost sheep returning in stead of feeling forgotten. The reward is to be with the Father again.

Day 4112

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 14:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 14:11
"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Jesus went to the chief Pharisees house to eat bread on the sabbath day. They were watching him and saw him heal a man of dropsy. Then Jesus explains that when you are invited to a wedding to not sit down at the highest room, or place next to the host. He explains that when you assume you are the highest place that you may be asked to move, being replaced by someone more honorable. That you should sit at the lowest place and be invited to come up. Then He speaks of not exalting yourself for you will be humbled. This made me reflect on President Benson talk on Pride. There sure is an issue with pride right now.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
(Proverbs 16:18)

Day 4111

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 13:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 13:1-3
"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

We cannot assume that when bad things happen that it was the judgment of God upon them for being wicked. Good people suffer along with the wicked. I think more disasters and wars are happening due to the overall wickedness of the people today, but those that fall in harms way can be of either persuasion. The Lord will call the righteous to him, and punish the wicked in the same breath. It is not us to judge, but for us to repent.

“To say that particular individuals slain in war, killed in accidents, smitten with disease, stricken by plagues, or shorn of their property by natural calamities, have been singled out from among their fellows as especially deserving of such supposed retribution is wholly unwarranted. It is not man’s prerogative to conclude in individual cases of suffering or accident that such has befallen a person as a just retribution for an ungodly course. … The Lord brings difficulties upon the most righteous of his saints to test and try them; persecution … is the heritage of the faithful.
“The real lesson to be learned from Jesus’ conclusion, ‘Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,’ is that there was no difference in righteousness between the slain and the living, and that unless the living repent they would perish with the dead. … In a broader sense the thought is that as these have perished temporally so shall all perish spiritually unless they repent” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:475–76).
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 17: Luke 9-14")

Day 4110

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 12:37, 40

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 12:37, 40
"Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

If the Son of man comes when people don't think He will, then shouldn't we always think that the time is now? I would much rather live each day thinking it could be tomorrow, leaving nothing that needs repenting left undone. There has been a hastening in preparation and signs that we are close, when I heard others say the second coming is years, and years away I wonder if they are the ones prophesied to say He delays his coming.

"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:26)

"And they said, Who then is that faithful and wise servant?
And the Lord said unto them, It is that servant who watcheth, to impart his portion of meat in due season.
Blessed be that servant whom his Lord shall find, when he cometh, so doing."
(JST, Luke 12:50-52)

Day 4109

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 11:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 11:9-10
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

I pondered on how asking doesn't always mean you get an answer right away, sometimes we must wait for it. Understanding comes in the Lord's time, which is perfect. Even if the answer is no. That said, I reflected on the times when I was immediately given answers to my prayers. As I contemplated this I would have to say all my prayers have been answered, and mostly in a timely way. What I probably don't do often enough is thank Heavenly Father after they are answered. I am trying to do better with that.

Day 4108

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 10:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 10:23-24
"And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

I pondered on how many through the years waited and wished they could see the time when the Messiah would come to the earth. They wanted to see Him and his works, and hear his words. Then I pondered on how many have waited for my day, as we prepare for the Lord's second coming.

"My dear brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work.
Why are we building temples at such an unprecedented pace? Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so. The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord!...
My dear brothers and sisters, in a coming day, Jesus Christ will return to the earth as the millennial Messiah. So today I call upon you to rededicate your lives to Jesus Christ. I call upon you to help gather scattered Israel and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. I call upon you to talk of Christ, testify of Christ, have faith in Christ, and rejoice in Christ!
Come unto Christ and “offer your whole [soul]” to Him. This is the secret to a life of joy!
The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ. "
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 4107

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 9:2, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 9:2, 6
"And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where."

What stood out to me is the Jesus sent the apostles out to not only preach the gospel, but to also heal the sick. I pondered on why healing the sick? Is it because it's hard to listen when you're sick, take care of temporal needs before the spirit can be feed. Was it to show service? As I thought of all these reasons the thought that came to mind was "by their fruits shall ye know them:" I think that must be it. They were doing good works in Jesus name. This is how the Spirit could testify that they had power and authority through Jesus Christ.

Day 4106

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 8:7, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 8:7, 14
"And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."

The parable of the sower, and of particular the seeds that fell among thorns. It doesn't appear that the problem is having no roots that go deep enough, or someone saying things that destroy their faith. The problem is where they are spending their time. They care to much about the things of the world, riches, pleasures and have no fruit to show for it. The soil was good but they put obstacles in the way of receiving the spirit to guide them. Soon they just drifted off into the world.

It made me think of the time wasters. Never has it been so easy to waste our time. Tonight I was washing the dishes while listening to videos. I didn't realize my battery was low and suddenly my phone went dead. I proceeded to work in silence. I realized I don't often have silence around me. It's usually filled with hearing or reading something. I realized how much I missed that. Just me and my thoughts, which usually leads to really good impressions on things I need to do. Sometimes, we don't realize we have a lot of thorns around us, crowding out the Spirit from speaking to us. Before we know it our spiritual batteries run dry leaving us to the world.

Day 4105

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 7:41-43

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 7:41-43
"There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."

One of the most powerful stories in the Book of Mormon is the conversion of the people of Ammon, the Lamanites. They had a hatred of the Nephites and delighted in killing them. They felt they were robbed and justified in their actions. Yet, when they were converted they gave up all their sins and buried their weapons of war. They were a faithful people that would rather give up their lives then to deny the Christ. It was because of their complete repentance that the Spirit was poured out so abundantly to them. They had much to repent of and were forgiven and blessed.

"And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren."
(Alma 23:6-7)

Elder Neil L. Andersen: "Years ago, I was asked to meet with a man who, long before our visit, had had a period of riotous living. As a result of his bad choices, he lost his membership in the Church. He had long since returned to the Church and was faithfully keeping the commandments, but his previous actions haunted him. Meeting with him, I felt his shame and his deep remorse at having set his covenants aside. Following our interview, I placed my hands upon his head to give him a priesthood blessing. Before speaking a word, I felt an overpowering sense of the Savior’s love and forgiveness for him. Following the blessing, we embraced and the man wept openly.
“I am amazed at the Savior’s encircling arms of mercy and love for the repentant, no matter how selfish the forsaken sin. I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins. Except for the sins of those few who choose perdition after having known a fulness, there is no sin that cannot be forgiven. What a marvelous privilege for each of us to turn away from our sins and to come unto Christ. Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience” (“Repent … That I May Heal You,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 40–41)."
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 16: Luke 4-8")

Day 4104

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 6:30

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 6:30
"Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."

What does this mean about the man that taketh away and ask them not again? When I think of taking something it feels like stealing. I looked at a similar verse in the Sermon on the Mount.

"Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."
(Matthew 5:42)

Taketh away would not be stealing. It would be someone borrowing from you. So what does "ask them not again" mean? I could see not making the person ask you more than once to borrow something, but it doesn't sound like it's in the right direction. Does it mean not to ask for something back that someone borrowed? That's probably more like it when you think of it in the context of giving to those that ask. If they ask to borrow then be just as prepared to give it to them. I know when I've lent things and they come back damaged or not at all it sure can mess with your soul. I've had to struggle with letting it go in order to have peace inside myself. It better to already consider it gone. That doesn't excuse the person that technically stole from you, so that would make the "taketh away" part fit. I've found I have to turn the person over to the Lord to deal with them in order to have peace.

Day 4103

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 5:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 5:16
"And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed."

I wondered how many times it says in the scriptures Jesus went off by himself and prayed? I'm not sure, it's hard to search just for that. Jesus is the example for us to follow, and taking time to be by ourselves and pray is a good thing. We need to fill our spiritual reservoirs and souls. I pondered on the weakened state he was in after fasting 40 days, and the devil immediately tried to tempt Him. It's important to not run faster than we are able and neglect taking care of body and soul. We need to put oil in our lamps. Daily prayer and scripture time is one way I try to keep my oil supply up. Sacrament and temple attendance could be another, but you're really not alone. I think it's really important to have alone time.

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil."
(Matthew 4:1)

"Then Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God."
(JST Matthew 4:1)

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:"
(Matthew 5:1)

"When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."
(Matthew 14:13, 23)

"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
(Mark 1:35)

"And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray."
(Mark 6:46)

"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
(Luke 6:12)

"And it came to pass that Jesus departed out of the midst of them, and went a little way off from them and bowed himself to the earth, and he said:"
(3 Nephi 19:19)

Day 4102

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 4:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 4:13
"And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season."

When the devil departed from tempting Jesus for a season I wondered when he came back? Could the devil have any power to tempt Him anymore? I will have to watch for that as I continue reading the New Testament. One reason the devil had no power to tempt Jesus is because the Holy Ghost was with Him. The Spirit led Him in the wilderness and he was there for forty days. It was only after He ended his fast that the devil had power to come near and tempt him. When we are in a weakened state the devil tries to break us. Even so, the Joseph Smith translation shows how the Spirit was still with Jesus. Eventually, the devil leaves because these temptation have no power over Jesus. It is similar with us, when we are committed to do what is right in a particular area the devil can no longer tempt us on that thing. I thought about the various things I am not tempted to do. Some I don't feel I ever felt a temptation regarding them. Others, I had to learn to chose a different path, until it's no longer even a consideration anymore. The key is to live in a manner that the Holy Ghost can be a constant companion. That will help with temptations not overpowering us.

Day 4101

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 3:21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 3:21-22
"Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased."

These verses are a good example of why the Godhead are three separate beings. Jesus stood in the water after being baptized. The Holy Ghost came in the bodily shape of a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, which was God the Father declaring Jesus was his beloved Son, in whom he was well pleased. The Godhead is one in purpose, yet are three separate beings.

Day 4100

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 2:19, 51

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 2:19, 51
"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."

I pondered on the importance of pondering. Mary was capable of this and twice in this chapter it mentions her pondering things in her heart. Keeping them "in her heart" means she held them close to her. They were sacred experiences. She must have not gone into great details on her experiences with others. Otherwise, I imagine more would have been recorded on these events.

"Luke recorded that after the shepherds’ visit and after finding the 12-year-old Jesus in the temple, Mary pondered the events and sayings, and she kept them “in her heart” (Luke 2:19, 51). Her actions demonstrate the importance of treasuring sacred experiences. While it is vital that we share our testimonies with others, President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that we should ponder our sacred experiences and share them only when we are prompted to do so:
“It is not wise to continually talk of unusual spiritual experiences. They are to be guarded with care and shared only when the Spirit itself prompts you to use them to the blessing of others. …
“I heard President Marion G. Romney once counsel mission presidents and their wives … , ‘I found out that if I talked too lightly of sacred things, thereafter the Lord would not trust" me.’
“We are, I believe, to keep these things and ponder them in our hearts, as Luke said Mary did of the supernal events that surrounded the birth of Jesus” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 15: Luke 1-3")

Day 4099

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 1:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 1:17
"And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

This reminded me of this verse known so well regarding family history work and the redemption of the dead.

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
(Malachi 4:5-6)

John had the power of Elias to prepare the way of the Lord. Elijah also had a role to play in preparing for the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Did both of these roles include the redemption of the dead? We know they practiced this in the early church.

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"
(1 Corinthians 15:29)

I wonder if John was the one to establish baptism for the living and the dead?

Day 4098

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 16:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 16:8
"And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid."

Why were they afraid? I looked for references but couldn't find any that explained them being afraid. I understand trembling and being amazed for seeing angels and being told Christ has risen, but why would that make them afraid? Were they afraid to tell others because they wouldn't be believed? This is what happened, until he appeared to the eleven. There is a discrepancies in the testimony of the witnesses. The first three gospels say the angels were seen by the women but John says it was Mary Magdalene alone. Could their fear to speak about what happened cause the other women to not be mentioned by John?

Day 4097