Today's Favorite Verse: Haggai 1:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Haggai 1:7
"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways."

I know Haggai said this when calling the people to repentance for not rebuilding the temple as the Lord asked. However, this wasn't what I chose to ponder on though. It made me think about how individual verses can have meaning in other ways. Today, I saw a post a friend made on social media. Then one of their friends ripped at them for their position and asked them to have a change of heart. It was a rather interesting comment that had a lot of irony given what they had said in their diatribe. Rather a mote and beam moment. I wasn't tempted to comment, but if I was so inclined I would have told them they needed to look at changing their own heart. Now when I read the words of the Lord saying "consider your ways" that would have fit right in. There really is much wisdom in considering our ways when we aim to chastise another person.

Day 4047

Today's Favorite Verse: Zephaniah 1:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Zephaniah 1:14
"The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly."

This made me reflect on the hastening. How many changes I have seen that show a hastening of the Lord's work is taking place. Now more than ever we are told we are preparing for the Lord's Second Coming. It's not someday down the road. It's soon, you hear it, can feel it, and know it. His coming will be a great and dreadful day, depending on your relationship with the Lord. .

I was thinking today about Simeon and Anna that the Spirit inspired them to be at the temple when the infant Jesus was brought there. Wouldn't it be something to have the promise you would not see death before He came? My patriarchal blessing says I will rise in the morning of the first resurrection. That's a wonderful promise, but the morning of the first resurrection has been on going since Jesus Christ's resurrection, and will continue through the Millennium. I could be on either side of the veil when the second coming happens.

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
(Luke 2:25-30, 36-38)

Day 4046

Today's Favorite Verse: Habakkuk 1:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Habakkuk 1:20
"But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him."

This reminded me of the words of President Nelson.

"Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

I've had the experience where I knew the Savior was visiting his temple. It was the second session of the newly dedicated Payson Temple. I knew that if I got up and left the endowment session I was in that I could find my way to Him. Yet, I understood that I was not to do that. He was overseeing the workings of the temple and accepting it. Where I was, was where I needed to be. I have wondered how we should react if the Savior revealed himself to us in the temple? I'm sure there would be silence and awe. Would we keep silent that he was there, or would the world need to know? When I think about Jesus' appearance to the Nephites after his resurrection, they spent the whole night spreading the word of His appearance, and that he would come again to the temple the next day. I have no doubt persecution would come to us if it was revealed.

"And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ascended into heaven, the multitude did disperse, and every man did take his wife and his children and did return to his own home.
And it was noised abroad among the people immediately, before it was yet dark, that the multitude had seen Jesus, and that he had ministered unto them, and that he would also show himself on the morrow unto the multitude.
Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude."
(3 Nephi 19:1-3)

Day 4045

Today's Favorite Verse: Nahum 1:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Nahum 1:7
"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

That is a very comforting verse if you trust in the Lord. I have felt Him as my strong hold when in the midst of trouble. You do not need to see Him to know he is there, and mindful of all that you are going through.

Day 4044

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 4:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 4:1-2
"But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."

I have done much thinking on wars and rumors of wars, of financial hardship, and possible shortages coming. The days look rather dark on the surface. But, one thing I know is that the Lord's hallmark temple in the tops of mountains rests in Salt Lake City Utah. After a seven year renovation it will be rededicated in 2027. Before that dedication there is planned an amazing six month open house that will run from April to October of that year. The church is expecting people to flow into it from many nations, to come and see. It is for that reason alone I am waiting and watching for what the Lord has in store for us. There cannot be a world-wide depression or shortages that would prevent people from coming to the house of the Lord.

Day 4043

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 2:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 2:1-2
"Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.
And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage."

Interest thought that the evil man cannot sleep. He spends his time during the night plotting evil against others. I am reminded of the difference between wickedness and evil.

To be wicked you are morally wrong in a principle. To be evil you have a plan or passion to hurt someone. With sowing discord among brethren it sounds like you have a plan and are working it. Its incredible how much discord one evil person can sow. We were warned about supporting and giving them power.

Day 4042

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 4:1, 5, 10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 4:1, 5, 10-11
"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry."
So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.
Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:
And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Jonah was called to preach repentance to the people of Ninevah. He first ran away from the calling, but the Lord found him and taught Him a lesson. Jonah entered the city and told the people in 40 days Ninevah would be overthrown if they did not repent. The king and his people believed and put on sack cloth and ashes, and fasted and repented. They did exactly as God asked. They turned from evil and God forgave them. God was not going to destroy them. That is a lesson for the ages. What I find interesting is that after all this Jonah is angry that the people of Ninevah are being spared. He sits outside the city to see what will happen to it. It made me think about how the Lord would feel looking at us, wishing he would come and destroy all the wicked. We should never wish the destruction of people. We should have more feeling for others than for a gourd.

Day 4041

Today's Favorite Verse: Obadiah 1:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Obadiah 1:3-4
"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD."

Pride goeth before the fall. Pride is the most basic of tools the adversary possess. He can crack the protective shell around a righteous person by tell them how righteous they are. Now more than ever we need humility and the spirit to guide us, so we are not deceived. These two points remind me of President Oaks recent talk.

"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. Even active members may sometimes have concerns about some historical, doctrinal, or social issues connected with the Church.
I want to help all our members overcome present or future doubts. Whatever those doubts, the way to overcome them is to get closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. Again and again, He has taught us that He is the way.
III. Four Ways to Draw Closer to Our Savior
I share four impressions that will draw us closer to our Savior:
• First, strengthen our faith in Him.
• Second, increase our humility.
• Third, seek help from others.
• Fourth, be patient.
(Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered this BYU devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4040

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 8:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 8:11-12
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it."

I pondered on how it depends on where you stand if you are in the midst of a feast or famine in hearing the words of the Lord. I am so blessed to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is no famine in hearing the words of the Lord. There is continuous revelation and prophets and apostles speaking to us. Yet, with all this bounty a person could be starving if they chose not to sup.

Even in the world where prophets and apostles are not known there can be a feast if they open the bible and read it. Start where you are and feast on the words of the Lord that you have. Then when you want to have more come and see me.

Day 4039

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

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 5:12-13
"For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time."

I pondered on the meaning of the prudent keeping silent. Is it like we have been told to be peacemakers? Don't content with the wicked, just leave them alone. There is no doubt about it that we are living in evil times.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."
(Matthew 5:25)

It made me think of this post I saw the other day by John Hilton III. It was from his recent YouTube video on Scripture Central. He related a story of Elder Lybbert being told he needing more faith. It didn't mean you worked so hard to the point of exhaustion. That you give reasonable effort and have faith the Lord will do the rest. Is that silent part having faith that the Lord will take care of the rest? He did that for Alma and his people when they were living in bondage.

"Have you heard the story of when Elder Packer told another General Authority he needed more faith?
Elder Lybbert of the Seventy was serving as Area President of Asia. Back-to-back emergencies—a mission president imprisoned, missionaries lost in Korea—had left him running on empty.
Elder Lybbert showed up at a stake conference in Taiwan completely exhausted. Then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks took one look at him and sent him back to the hotel to rest.
When Elder Oaks later shared the experience with Elder Boyd K. Packer, Elder Packer said: “The next time you see Elder Lybbert, tell him he needs to have more faith.” And then Elder Packer told Elder Oaks what he meant by that.
At the next General Conference, Elder Oaks pulled Elder Lybbert aside and delivered the message: “You need to have more faith.”
Elder Lybbert was astonished. “How can I work any harder than I already am?” “Exactly,” said Elder Oaks.
Then he explained what Elder Packer meant.
Elder Packer wasn’t saying to do more. True faith is understanding that the Lord expects a reasonable effort and then we trust that He will get His work done.
“Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” — D&C 123:17
This is what Jethro taught Moses. Moses was doing righteous work, but carrying it all alone. Jethro’s counsel wasn’t to work harder. It was to trust God enough to share the load.
True faith isn’t always doing more. Sometimes the way to have more faith is to do less and trust God more."
(John Hilton III, Instagram post 15 Apr 2026)

(Finding Christ in the Wilderness | Exodus 14-18 | Come Follow Me 2026 | John Hilton III | Apr 13-19)

Day 4038

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 3:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 3:7
"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

The Joseph Smith Translation is a little different.

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing until he revealeth the secret unto his servants, the prophets." (JST Amos 3:7)

Throughout the scriptures I see prophets warning the people before destruction would come. They were given the opportunity to repent and turn to God. They were given God's grace and mercy. Sadly, they didn't always listen. How grateful I am that there is a living prophet on the earth today, President Dallin H. Oaks. The warning voice has gotten louder and louder in these past eight years. We have been told what we need to be doing. So much of the prophet's counsel has been line upon line, building us to become more and more a Zion people. If we listen and obey we will be prepared for what comes. Knowing this has brought me so much peace is such a crazy world.

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:38)

"Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,
Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith.
Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April.
Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.
For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory."
(Doctrine and Covenants 21:1-6)

"The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty. (Sixty-first Semiannual General Conference of the Church, Monday, October 6, 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reported in Deseret Evening News, October 11, 1890, p. 2.)
It matters not who lives or who dies, or who is called to lead this Church, they have got to lead it by the inspiration of Almighty God. If they do not do it that way, they cannot do it at all. . . "
(Doctrine and Covenants: Official Declaration 1)

Day 4037

Today's Favorite Verse: Joel 1:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Joel 1:28
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:"

This is the time that we are living in.

When Moroni visited Joseph Smith he quoted this verse in Joel. I have wondered what other explanations and scriptures that couldn't be mentioned were told him? Surely, the instructions have been passed to us in other scriptures and in the temple, but it would have been interesting to know all that was covered that night.

"He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated that the fulness of the Gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture, and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here."
(Joseph Smith-History 1:41)

Day 4036

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 14:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 14:8-9
Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein."

I pondered on conversion. Once you come to know the Lord, there is true repentance and conversion. We give up our idols and favorite sins. We will bare fruit by which people will know who we follow. By their fruits we will know them. The wise will continue to walk with the Lord. Those that are fair weather friends will fall. It's always by their fruits that we know.

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

Day 4035

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 10:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 10:12
"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you."

Before reading in the Old Testament I was reading in the Book of Mormon, where Jesus Christ appears to the Nephites after his resurrection. He gives to them what was taught on the Sermon on the Mount. The part on mercy stood out to me, as it does now in reading Hosea. How grateful I am for mercy.

"And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
(3 Nephi 12:7)

“Mercy is not showered [indiscriminately] upon mankind, except in the general sense that it is manifest in the creation and peopling of the earth and in the granting of immortality to all men as a free gift. Rather, mercy is granted (because of the grace, love, and condescension of God), as it is with all blessings, to those who comply with the law upon which its receipt is predicated. That law is the law of righteousness; those who sow righteousness, reap mercy. There is no promise of mercy to the wicked; rather, as stated in the Ten Commandments, the Lord promises to show mercy unto thousands of them that love him and keep his commandments.” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 484.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "The Ministry of Hosea: A Call to Faithfulness (Hosea)", (10-31)

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
(Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21)

"And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;"
(Daniel 9:4)

"Behold, I, the Lord, am merciful and will bless them, and they shall enter into the joy of these things. Even so. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 70:18)

Day 4034

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 7:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 7:8
"Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned."

The descriptions in these chapters don't always show the best quality in the tribes. Ephraim being mixed among the people is speaking of them acquiring the cultures and worshipping of their idols around them. That is part of why they become scattered. But, what does a cake not turned mean? At first I pictured a birthday cake being baked in the oven. Then I realized you don't turn those. Then I thought of a pancake that you flip when it's half done. So, is Ephraim half-baked? What does that phrase really mean?

"Half-baked" describes ideas, plans, or schemes that are poorly developed, impractical, or not carefully thought out. It implies a lack of maturity, research, or foresight, often deemed foolish or unrealistic. Literally, it refers to food that is underdone. "

A poorly done, half-baked item would be burnt at the bottom and raw at the top. Not really useful until you get the timing right. Ephraim's timing is off, and that's because its mixed its identity all up. It must understand it's true identity before it can complete its mission.

Day 4033

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 5:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 5:15
"I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early."

When we forget the Lord he doesn't really leave us. He's waiting for us to repent and come to Him. He knows us very well. In our afflictions we will seek Him early. I remember when I used to do that. I would get really serious about repenting, and doing what I should be doing, when I needed Him. One day I remember being just sick of that cycle. I decided to seek the Lord even though I wasn't in a crises. It was the best decision I every made. Oh, the first thing I do in a trial or crises is reach out to the Lord, but that's more of our relationship now and not the "come to Jesus" moment. The solutions and answers are much clearer and peaceful, and not the anguish it used to be.

Day 4032

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 1:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 1:2
"The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD."

I did wonder why a prophet would be told to take a sinful wife? As I read more I realized it's talking about the relationship between the children of Israel and the Lord. They have committed great whoredoms. The church is often referred to in the feminine. Hosea is being called as a prophet to lead them. In between that he does marry and have children.

Day 4031

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 12:8-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 12:8-12
"And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days."

I added this note to these verses in my scriptures.
Is this timing a major coincidence or has prophecy just been fulfilled? 

At the end of day on March 25, 2020 the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints closed due to Covid. Israel was attacked on Oct 7, 2023 at 6:30 a.m. Which would be the end of the day Oct 6 for the United States, making it 1,290 days later. 
If you read Daniel 12:10 it tells you who will understand.

When I realized the timing I didn't feel fear but awe and wonder of it all. It makes me wonder what else we are seeing but not knowing what we see. When the resurrected Christ appeared to his apostles he expounded all the scriptures that testified of him. We will more than likely experience the same thing when He comes again. Then go, "Awe, I didn't realize that was a sign". Things just happen so natural and organic.

The next question is when are we to start counting the 1,335 days? For blessed is he that waiteth. Was it from the date the temple closed I wondered? That would have made is 20 Nov 2023. I didn't note anything special on that day. If the count begins after the 1290 days then it would be 2 June 2027.

I'm not marking that date as something wondrous, like the second coming, is happening. I have my eye on that date but am fine to wait and see. For it is through the waiting we are blessed. For me waiting means to stay in place and be ever ready. It echoes the parable of the ten virgins to me, and being blessed for keeping their lamps filled. Now is not the time to take a break from living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Day 4030

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 8:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 8:19
"And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be."

The angel Gabriel, which is Noah, came to Daniel and told him what would happen in the last days. That's the time I'm living in. It will happen in the time appointed. There is a set time for the Savior's second coming. We can't delay or hurry it along. The Lord's time table is set in motion. It is only us, and where we stand on the path of repentance or not, that will determine if that coming was too soon or too late for us. We should not prolong our day of repentance. Daily repentance has made me more mindful of my actions, and brought much peace into my life.

Day 4029

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 6:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 6:10
"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."

As I was pondering on Daniel praying towards Jerusalem, I wondered if the temple was still standing there? I don't think it was, but I feel like that is what it was implying, or at least it being a holy place. Was he facing what used to be? That made me think about the times I heard people mentioned facing towards the temple when they pray. I've never felt the need to do that. Where I usually am when praying doesn't face the temple. I'm not even conscience of its location when I pray. Is praying towards the temple even needed? Then I found this nice little discussion on it.

Why Did Daniel Pray Three Times a Day toward Jerusalem?
"Solomon, in his dedicatory prayer of the temple in Jerusalem, referred to the people’s praying “toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name” (1 Kings 8:44). The Prophet Joseph Smith once counseled the Twelve Apostles to “make yourselves acquainted with those men who like Daniel pray three times a day toward the House of the Lord” (History of the Church, 3:391). And President Wilford Woodruff, in the dedicatory prayer on the Salt Lake Temple, said: “Heavenly Father, when thy people shall not have the opportunity of entering this holy house to offer their supplications unto thee, and they are oppressed and in trouble, surrounded by difficulties or assailed by temptation, and shall turn their faces towards this thy holy house and ask thee for deliverance, for help, for thy power to be extended in their behalf, we beseech thee to look down from thy holy habitation in mercy and tender compassion upon them, and listen to their cries.” (In James E. Talmage, The House of the Lord, p. 142)
This is not to suggest that the direction in which one faces when one prays has mystical significance, but, rather, that it is an attitude of spiritual “facing.” To face the temple, which is the temporal representation of the House of God, suggests that one turns one’s heart to the Lord and the covenants made in the temples to be more like Him. President Woodruff clarified this point in what he said next: “Or when the children of thy people, in years to come, shall be separated, through any cause, from this place, and their hearts shall turn in remembrance of thy promises to this holy Temple, and they shall cry unto thee from the depths of their affliction and sorrow to extend relief and deliverance to them, we humbly entreat thee to turn thine ear in mercy to them; hearken to their cries, and grant unto them the blessings for which they ask.” (In Talmage, House of the Lord, p. 142; emphasis added.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "Daniel: Prophet of God, Companion of Kings (Daniel)", (28-32)

Day 4028

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:21
"And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace."

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego would not bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. For that they were to be tossed into the fiery furnace. Their fear of God was greater than their fear of man. They knew that God would save them if it was His will. I have always loved this story. This and the one in the Book of Mormon where Nephi and Lehi are surrounded by a pillar of fire and it burned them not. These stories of survival in the midst of fire have brought me so much comfort. I used to be very afraid of nuclear holocaust but now I am not. I know that we can survive with no effect upon our bodies if it's according to God's will. While reading this I noticed the word "other" garments is italicized. That is one more reason for their protection.

Day 4027

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 47:1, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 47:1, 5
"Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over."

I was going to look for Elder Renlund's conference talk where he spoke of "waters to swim in". Where we immerse ourselves in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the healing that comes from temple blessings. Then I found this interesting quote about the water.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed: “Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple, and water come out from under the temple, and the waters of the Dead Sea be healed. It will take some time to rebuild the walls of the city and the temple, &c; and all this must be done before the Son of Man will make His appearance.” (Teachings, p. 286.) The waters issuing forth from under the temple and the healing of the Dead Sea may occur when the Lord Himself sets foot upon the Mount of Olives, causing this mountain to divide in two and create a large valley.
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "Prophecies of the Restoration", (27-34)

Day 4026

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 44:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 44:5
"And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary."

We are given the same charge today in the holy temples. To enter a dedicated House of the Lord one must be interviewed, found worthy, and present a recommend with two signatures to worship inside. Once inside the quiet of the Lord's house, we are able to ponder all that we see, hear and feel. It is such an amazing time, with so many temples being built around the world. Before they are dedicated the world is invited to a free public open house. There they can experience the peace founds inside, and feel and see the reverence we hold for the House of the Lord.

Day 4025

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 40:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 40:3-4
"And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel."

Ezekiel sees in vision a very detailed temple. The angel walks him throughout the whole temple, out buildings and courts, measuring each detail as they go. Ezekiel recalls every detail and records it. I wondered if the second temple in Jerusalem followed those measurements or was it only intended for the temple of the last days?

I learned it resembled Solomon's temple, but the second temple (Temple of Zerubbabel) was built on the same site by not initially built like it. Herod's expansion of the second temple greatly remodeled and expanded the complex but it doesn't appear to match the temple Ezekiel saw in vision. Ezekiel's temple has not been built.

“In most of its essential features Ezekiel’s ideal followed closely the plan of Solomon’s Temple; so close, indeed, is the resemblance, that many of the details specified by Ezekiel have been accepted as those of the splendid edifice destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar."
"The plan provided for even greater exclusiveness than had characterized the sacred area of the Temple of Solomon; the double courts contributed to this end."
(James E. Talmage, "The House of the Lord", 1914, pp. 44-45)

Day 4024

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 38:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 38:16
"And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes."

I have learned that what I used to picture as end times is not how things are turning out. I never pictures things would become as they are. One thing I used to picture is that I would always stand with Israel. Oh, the whole world could come against them, but I knew they would prevail. Now I see this a little differently. The way things are going the world could absolutely have cause to come against them. Never would I picture how things are lining up. I have left off from trying to figure this all out. The only thing I do know is I want to be right with the Lord and not leave anything left undone. Prophesy will be fulfilled in the Lord's own way and time. The only thing that needs hurrying is the gathering of Israel, helping others to come to Christ, on both sides of the veil. As for wars and oppression of others I want nothing to do with it.

Day 4023

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 36:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 36:26-27
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."

It is with a mighty change of heart that we turn to the Lord, and are born again. We will have His spirit to always be with us. Our hearts will desire to walk in this statutes, keep His laws and all that He asks of us. The place to start is within our hearts. I am reminded of king Lamoni and his mighty change of heart and desire for eternal life.

"And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest."
(Alma 22:15-16)

Day 4022

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:12-13
"Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.
When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it."

This reminded me of the day I was praying about a sin that happened long ago. I could not be resolved of it. The Lord spoke clearly to my mind, "I love you for who you are today. You need to forgive that 17 year old girl." I learned something so profound that day. You cannot store up righteousness or wickedness and have one overcome the other. Judgment day isn't a tally that is counted up to see which side you are on. The Lord looks at who we are today. Do you stand righteous today or wicked? Have you repented of your sins and are clean? He knows us, just like we know ourselves. Judgment will not be a shock, for we already know where our heart stands.

Day 4021

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 29:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 29:4
"But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales."

I pondered on what a bunch of trouble that fish would be in, simple because he found something that looked very tempting and went after it. Once he's bitten and now hooked in the jaw he is at the mercy of the fisherman. The fish is then moved not completely under its own power. As it is moved it starts to stick to other things until it is completely powerless and able to be devoured. People can be a lot like fish. I thought about the commandments and how they are a protection to us. They prevent us from being hooked in the jaw and start spiraling downward.

Day 4020

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 25:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 25:17
"And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them."

I thought about how this would be a very hard way to come to know the Lord. There is another option. It's to search for Him. Read and ponder the scripture to know His voice. Keep His commandments, and believe and trust in Him. Do all that He asks and those that sincerely seek Him will find him. They will be able to say they know the Lord. I would much rather know the Lord that way then to have furious rebukes wake me up.

Day 4019

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 22:27-29

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 22:27-29
"Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.
The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully."

My son and I were talking today. We had identified earlier some false prophets and apostles. He told me what one of them had said today. It was really bad. These verses do describe them. I find it so interesting that all my life I knew there were false prophets, apostles and false Christs, but I hadn't really met them. Now they are so incredibly bold and main stream it's shocking. They are not hiding. They work in plain site. Prophecy is being fulfilled at such an amazing pace.

Day 4018

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 20:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 20:3
"Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you."

It took me back a little when the Lord said "I will not be inquired of by you." That seemed so harsh when they wanted to inquire of the Lord. As I read and pondered I realized these elders of Israel hadn't gone directly to the Lord, they asked Ezekiel to inquire. They were just like the children of Israel at the time of Moses. They lost an opportunity to know the Lord. When Ezekiel inquires of the Lord he is told, He won't listen or speak to them. They have rebelled in the abominations of their fathers. They have not listened or obeyed Him, would they listen now?

All this made me pondered on the recent Sunday class meeting schedule changes. It made me so sad to read the comments on various posts. So many finding fault, suggesting better plans, etc. Seriously, you're going to go into General Conference already finding fault with a new meeting schedule? You haven't even tried it yet. What's so hard about having a 25 min class? You're not capable of getting up from your pew and walking to a classroom in 5 minutes? I use a walker and know it doesn't even take me a minute to walk there. What if this announcement was a test to see how we would react? A test to see if we are ready to receive more?

I remember when Elder Renlund visited our stake. He had two members of the stake come up and bear their testimonies of Jesus Christ. I sat there just broken hearted because neither of them did what they were asked. They couldn't take 5 minutes to tell what the Savior meant to them. I watched Elder Renlund taking notes. I felt like Elder Renlund was taking the heart beat of our stake to see what we were ready to receive. His talk was wonderful, but I still wonder what else he could have told us if our heart beat was a little different.

Based on the majority of comments on the Sunday class meeting changes, I think we already failed that test.

Day 4017

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 18:27-28

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 18:27-28
"Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die."

Because we sin it does not mean we are eternally doomed. That was the whole purpose behind the Lord, Jesus Christ's atonement. He paid the price so we can live again. All that is asked is for us to repent when we sin. We can repentance every day. It's best not to put it off or feel you are unworthy. Jesus never told us we were unworthy of his atoning sacrifice when we come unto Him.

Day 4016

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:2-3, 6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:2-3, 6-7
"Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!"
They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.
Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD."

I learned something the other day that was so depressing to me. I learned that there is a religious political movement now calling their leaders prophets and apostles. As I was reading about this movement it sickened me that others may think I speak of them. When I ponder on my favorite verse and say I follow the prophet and apostles they are not who I speak of. I want to be very clear that I believe Jesus Christ's church has been restored on the earth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is a prophet today named Dallin H. Oaks. He has two counselors that make up the First Presidency, namely Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson, they are also apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles consist of Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, Neil L. Andersen, Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, Dale G. Renlund, Gerrit W. Gong, Ulisses Soares, Patrick Kearon, Gérald Caussé, and Clark G. Gilbert.

I can say this boldly for the Holy Ghost has born witness to me this is true. The others are false prophets and will lead you astray. I can wait because with time truth stands. One way to know a false prophet is by what they prophesy and it does not happen. Oh, they will twist and say they meant something else, but a prophet of God never has to do that.

"Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart."
(Jeremiah 14:14)

"There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof."
(Ezekiel 22:25)

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
(Matthew 7:15)

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
(Matthew 24:14)

"And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known."
(Doctrine and Covenants 64:39)

Day 4015

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 11:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 11:5
"And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them."

This is Holy Week in remembrance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, atonement and resurrection. It is also the week I prepare for General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is when for two days I will sit at the feet of the prophet and apostles and listen to His words. Prophets see around corners, they know our concerns and thoughts. What is ahead that I need to prepare for? For years I have experienced thoughts on various subjects, hoping they will be covered, and then found that was the direction general conference went. I've had some very interesting impressions this time. I wonder how things will be laid out?

Day 4014

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 7:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 7:25-26
"Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.
Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients."

This reminded me of President Nelson, how he taught us to seek peace, be peacemakers, to seek the Holy Ghost and have it as our guide. I could not comprehend then what I do now what peace would come into my life, as I listened and applied what he counseled.

"In the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
"Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Seven years later President Oaks built upon that those words, the preparation period given by President Nelson is now accomplished. We are in the season he spoke of, where if we do not have the Holy Ghost as our guide we will be deceived. Without it there is no peace.

"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, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered this BYU devotional address on February 10, 2026.")

I thought about how people that didn't prepare then, to learn how to have peace in the midst of trials and the spirit as their guide, will be looking for it now.

Day 4013

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 6:7, 10, 13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 6:7, 10, 13-14
"And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
And they shall know that I am the LORD, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them.
Then shall ye know that I am the LORD, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.
So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD."

What stood out to me was how many times it says, "ye shall know that I am the Lord". Why does it have to take losing everything, suffering war and famine, before they wake up? One thing I do know, is that He warned them before any of this happened. They had time to repent and turn back to him. It reminded me of having my bottom spanked when I did something wrong as a child. My parents always warned me before any punishments. I guess children are no different. Eventually we learn to listen and obey.

Day 4012

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 3:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 3:18-19
"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."

As I read these verses it made me reflect on a spreadsheet I started at the beginning of the year. My plan was to note every talk and post made by the prophet and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I didn't last very long keeping up with that list. I try to post what I find on Facebook, and am having a hard time keeping up with that. Watching the exponential growth of just these posts there is no doubt in my mind the Lord is hastening His work. His prophet and apostles are traveling and speaking to the whole world. They take serious the charge that if they do not sound the warning voice the blood of the wicked will be required at their hand. They are working at a profound pace to prepare the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ. In less than 10 days is General Conference. I cannot wait to sit at the feet of the prophet and apostles and listen to what I should know for the days ahead.

Day 4011