Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:3
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

The difference between keeping silent or gossiping. I think though it even goes deeper than that, especially in the times we are living in. There are times I wish to speak out but the spirit constrains me. Maybe because when I think with my head and not my heart I will get myself in trouble. Sometimes learning to be a peacemaker that best place to start to to learn constraint and be silent. This verse in Matthew keeps coming to me.

"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)

The footnote for Agree, GR Quickly have kind thoughts for, or be well disposed toward.

Day 3957

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:5-6
"The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness."

I have been pondering last night and today over the need to see justice done for those wronged. In part this was triggered by Elder Ronald A Rasband's talk the other day at the MTCs.

“We should all thank Heavenly Father that we get to have a front-row seat to the fulfillment of ancient and modern-day prophecy,
To illustrate the Lord’s hastening of His work, Elder Rasband countered six false narratives from those who “cannot see or acknowledge what is happening."
"I feel that we are only scratching the surface of what the Lord has in store for us as He prepares the world for His Second Coming,”
“I feel that we are only scratching the surface of what the Lord has in store for us as He prepares the world for His Second Coming,”
“So buckle up, hold on tight, because I firmly believe that the best is yet to come.”
(Ronald A. Rasband, "'A remarkable time to serve’: At MTC, Elder Rasband testifies the Lord is hastening His work", Church News, 28 Jan 2026)

I have asked myself "Do I know what time it is? Am I really seeing what's happening?"

These are the last days, I'm not so sure justice will come by man.The wicked will consume the wicked. I do not need the chaos of the world to turn my focus and time away from what is needful. I need to put my focus on doing good things that cultivate the spirit to guide me. Work on my family history, attend the temple, seek knowledge, growth, ponder and prayer. Right now having the spirit as my guide is the best thing I can do to survive these days. Oh, I know what time it is, and I don't need to see all the gory details on the world's wickedness. My focus is the Lord is coming, I'm preparing for that day.

Deseret News

Day 3956

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 8:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 8:17
"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."

I reflected on my childhood and how I first learned about Jesus. It was at the Harrisena Community Church, down the road from my parents' home. I was probably 3 or 4 at the time. In Sunday School my teacher gave all of us a picture of Jesus at the door. She explained how there wasn't a door knob for him to open. That we needed to let Him in. The stuck with me and I have always treasured that picture. I was so blessed to know and love Jesus from my youth.

"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. "
(Matthew 7:7-8)

"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
(Jeremiah 29:13)

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)

Day 3955

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 6:16-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 6:16-19
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

I have to say this does remind me of someone. If I'm reading this correctly the Lord hates the first six but the seventh is an abomination to him. That would be sowing discord among brethren. It reminded me of when I looked at 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.

"Members should also study candidates carefully and vote for those who have demonstrated integrity, compassion, and service to others, regardless of party affiliation. Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on “tradition” without careful study of candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:10)."
(First Presidency Letter, "Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church", 1 Jun 2023)

"But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."
(Mormon 4:5)

Day 3954

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I've had some interesting observations and emotions today. Good people that see the events taking place around us so differently. I have been reflecting on how we truly are in those days spoken of by President Nelson.

"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

I'm not saying my good friends that see things differently than me are incapable of receiving revelation. That would mean I think I am and I'm right. I have decided to just do the best that I can and leave the rest in the Lord's hands. I continue to pray for guidance, that my eyes will see, and ears will hear. That I will recognize truth and have understanding. I cannot get through the mine fields around me without the Lord's guidance and direction. One thing is sure there are so many opinions out there that if we were left on our own to figure things out we may fall down crooked paths. Look to the Lord and do what is right.

Day 3953

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 149:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 149:1
"Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. "

This made me think of the new hymns that are being released. I have a faith one right now called "Jesus is the Way". I cannot wait to sing it at church. Once again I love being called saints.

Jesus is the Way
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has said,
“Come in, oh, come ye in through me.”
By other paths we are misled;
Through Him we are made free.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world.

God’s servants, teaching in His name,
Will live His gospel strong and true,
For did not Jesus do the same?
He taught and lived it too.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.
Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world.

Our Savior is the precious tree
That bears the fruit so sweet and pure.
His truth that makes us ever free
Unchanging will endure.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.
Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world

Day 3952

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 146:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 146:8
"The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:"

I've prayed a lot to have eyes that see and ears that hear. I do not want to be spiritually blind, or deceived. I want understanding on what is happening around me. Sadly, we seem to have an epidemic of blindness in our nation. They cannot see what is right in front of them because of strong delusions and the desire to believe lies. I have been praying that their eyes will be open and they will see the awful condition we are in. The Lord doesn't make one blind. It is the following of blind guides that lead us far from that Lord that makes people deaf, dumb and blind.

"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
(2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

"Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
(Matthew 15:14)

"And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind."
(John 9:39)

"And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men."
(1 Nephi 13:27)

"And wo unto the deaf that will not hear; for they shall perish.
Wo unto the blind that will not see; for they shall perish also."
(2 Nephi 9:31-32)

"But Amulek stretched forth his hand, and cried the mightier unto them, saying: O ye wicked and perverse generation, why hath Satan got such great hold upon your hearts? Why will ye yield yourselves unto him that he may have power over you, to blind your eyes, that ye will not understand the words which are spoken, according to their truth?"
(Alma 10:25)

"O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light?"
(Helaman 13:29)

"And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen
Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing."
(3 Nephi 2:1-2)

"And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice."
(Moses 4:4)

"And after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.
But if he repent not of his sins, which are unbelief and blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he fall."
(Doctrine and Covenants 58:11,15)

Day 3951

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 143:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 143:8
"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."

I pondered on ways I hear the Lord first thing in the morning. First of all is prayer. I receive my strength for the day, and it sets my path ahead of me. Then I thought about my early morning time in the temple. How that is such a strength for me. I seem to hear the word of the Lord much better in the mornings, being less tired and ready to listen.

Day 3950

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 140:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 140:11-12
"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor."

Before I read in the Old Testament I was reading in the Book of Mormon. I was on the part where Alma and Amulek are speaking to the people in Ammonihah. Alma was sent to tell them to repent of their wickedness or that great city would be destroyed. They rejected the prophet and in one day the city was totally destroyed by the Lamanites. They fell upon the people so quickly that the Nephites could not come and defend them. I reflected on how we never know how God is going to fulfill His words, but he does. How long are evil men allowed to reign? We don't know, but eventually the sword of justice does fall on them. They cannot escape it, even in death.

As wicked as a people of Ammonihah became I found it interesting that is was the plot to destroy the liberty of the people that brought them under condemnation. This was before they even murdered the people of God.

"And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them.
For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people."
(Alma 8:16-17)

Day 3949

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 138:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 138:2
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

For a moment I thought about trying to pray facing towards the temple. Then I remembered its not referring to that. My actions and desires, the prayers of my heart should be leading me there, not away from it. I could pray all day long in front of the temple and it would do my soul no good, if that is not where my heart is.

Day 3948

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 133:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 133:1
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

At first I thought about how divided our nation is, that made me sad. I wondered if unity will only be when the Lord comes again? Then I thought about His Church. How unity should be found there, even when all the world is in commotion. We have a sacred charge as we prepare for the Lord's Second Coming. Then I thought of "if ye are not one ye are not mine."

"Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.
And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.
Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless"
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:27-31)

"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."
(Moses 7:18)

Day 3947

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 130:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 130:5
"I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope."

I pondered on how as the world is falling into chaos and growing darker I am waiting on the Lord's Second Coming. That is the hope in my heart that will heal this world. Hope that doesn't focus on the darkness, but rather on the light of the world, the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Day 3946

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 127:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 127:2
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."

I love a good nap. I take one every day for my lunch break. That is the benefit of working from home. I also try to not stay up late and rise early. So, this verse about the Lord giving his beloved sleep is to me a good reward. I remember a story by Truman Madsen about Joseph Smith's ability to fall asleep anywhere at any time. This was the gift of a clear conscience.

"We have a glimpse of his sleeping ability from Lorin Farr, who observed that even in the Missouri persecution days, even under pressure—and of course he was then under the kind of pressure that leads to the worst fatigue—he could sit down at the base of a tree and almost instantly fall into slumber, but almost as instantly snap back to full and alert activity. That may have something to do with a clear conscience and the assurance that God is with you."
(Truman G. Madsen, "Joseph Smith Lecture 2: Joseph’s Personality and Character", BYU Speeches, Aug 22, 1978)

"Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:124)

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
(Alma 37:37)

Day 3945

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 125:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 125:1
"They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever."

I pondered on how the Lord doesn't move us out of our place, that it's us that will do it. It is when we no longer trust or believe in the Lord that we leave Him. The only one that distances themselves from God is ourselves. The Lords hands are forever stretched out still.

"Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
(Isaiah 9:17)

Day 3944

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 122:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 122:8-9
"For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good."

I pondered on how my heart has changed since I became more diligent in attending the House of the Lord. My heart has softened and I can see others as children of God no matter how they walk in life.

Day 3943

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 119:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 119:34
"Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart."

This made me pondered on teaching children the gospel. They need understanding before they can make covenants to keep His law. They need to know to love the Lord with all their heart.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
(Proverbs 22:6)

"But behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave save I should leave a blessing upon you; for behold, I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it."
(2 Nephi 4:5)

"And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.
And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord."
(Doctrine and Covenants 68:25, 28)

Day 3942

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 116:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 116:1-2
"I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."

I pondered on why I Iove the Lord. Is it because He listened to me? As I pondered on this I realized that it was having prayers answered that made me realize He was truly there. Once that realization is known I cannot stop from calling on him for the rest of my life.

Day 3941

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 112:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 112:7
"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD."

We are going to hear of wars and rumors of war, those are certainly evil tidings. Yet, we are to trust in the Lord. I am drawn again to President Oaks recent words.

“As we experience Satan’s deadly onslaught on morality and the integrity of families, and as we read the prophecies and feel the signs of the times, we cannot doubt that the future holds great sacrifices and challenges for Latter-day Saints individually and for the divinely prescribed work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said. “The scriptures speak of perilous times, when men’s hearts will fail them. They also speak of worthy disciples escaping these things, of their standing in holy places and not being moved.”
In these holy temples, Latter-day Saints make covenants with God. This, the prophet explained, is “the way the Lord reminds us to stay worthy of His blessings and to translate the knowledge we receive in the temple into service to our fellowmen.”
“Surely,” President Oaks said, “the times ahead will call for us to remember our temple covenants and to rely on the blessings promised in these houses of the Lord here in Burley and throughout the world.”
“This is His house. This is His work. We are His servants,” the prophet concluded."
(President Dallin H. Oaks, Burley Idaho Temple Dedication, 11 Jan 2026, Church Newsroom, "President Oaks Dedicates the Burley Idaho Temple")

Day 3940

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 109:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 109:8
"Let his days be few; and let another take his office."

I can understand this sentiment of David as he lived under the oppression of king Saul. Prior to reading this I was reading in the Book of Mormon. King Mosiah was telling the people why they should no longer seek to have a king.

"And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood.
For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God;
And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness.
And now behold I say unto you, it is not expedient that such abominations should come upon you."
(Mosiah 29:21-24)

I know king Mosiah spoke truth and sadly we are living his concerns. I have the sentiment of David.

Day 3939

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 106:19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 106:19-20
"They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."

The imagery of having the glory of an ox that eats grass really stuck with me as I read these chapters. How we would obtain the same glory of anything we worship. Which really is nothing when I compare it to the glory of God. That is really selling yourself for a pot of porridge.

Day 3938

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 105:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 105:5
"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;"

I pondered on how important it is to remember all the miraculous and marvelous things the Lord has done. It brings us to remembrance on the grace and mercy of God. How he loves His children and will bless those that follow Him. We need to trust Him. I am reminded of one of my most favorite quotes by President Nelson in the first General Conference after he was made prophet. What President Oaks said today is an extension to it.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in 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", April 2018 General Conference)

"President Oaks noted that Latter-day Saints around the world will need such spiritual strength in the coming days.
“As we experience Satan’s deadly onslaught on morality and the integrity of families, and as we read the prophecies and feel the signs of the times, we cannot doubt that the future holds great sacrifices and challenges for Latter-day Saints individually and for the divinely prescribed work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said. “The scriptures speak of perilous times, when men’s hearts will fail them. They also speak of worthy disciples escaping these things, of their standing in holy places and not being moved.”
In these holy temples, Latter-day Saints make covenants with God. This, the prophet explained, is “the way the Lord reminds us to stay worthy of His blessings and to translate the knowledge we receive in the temple into service to our fellowmen.”
“Surely,” President Oaks said, “the times ahead will call for us to remember our temple covenants and to rely on the blessings promised in these houses of the Lord here in Burley and throughout the world.”
“This is His house. This is His work. We are His servants,” the prophet concluded."
(President Dallin H. Oaks, Burley Idaho Temple Dedication, 11 Jan 2026, Church Newsroom, "President Oaks Dedicates the Burley Idaho Temple")

Day 3937

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 101:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 101:2
"I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."

This morning I was watching a video of Elder Bednar. He was explaining what the word "perfect" really means. I've pondered on that all day. I'm sure that is why this verse stood out to me tonight. Behave wisely in a more complete way, with a complete heart turned to God.

"In modern language we think "perfect' means "perform without errors". That's not what it means in scriptural context. Brothers and sisters we are delighted to be here with all of you tonight. Elder Gerard talked about the commandment to "be ye therefore perfect". This causes remarkable anxiety among the members of the Church. And it's a misinterpretation. In modern language we think the word "perfect" means "perform without errors." That's not what it means in the scriptural context. It means "be ye therefore [complete], as your Father in heaven..is [complete]."

Here's how I think about "complete" - if you look at an apple tree in the spring, it has blossoms, no apples. The blossom if there's sunlight and water and other nutrients, turns it into a little tiny bud and a little tiny apple during the course of the spring and summer will continue to grow and mature. In the fall it's now complete. And you pick the apple and you have a delicious fruit. But who's the gardener? The Father and the Son. And we're connect by covenant. That's the source of the nutrients. What are we to become? Like them. Never in this life. Never through our own works alone. Do we have to work at it? Absolutely. Is that enough? Never. And we stress out, thinking, "Oh, I'm never going to do that quite right. I'm never." No, you're not. Neither am I. None of us are. But with His grace and with His help, incrementally and gradually, there's very steady growth. Just like the bud that becomes an apple over time."

(Elder David A. Bednar, "What "Be Ye Therefore Perfect" Really Means", YSA Devotional, Berlin, Germany, Feb 14, 2025)

Day 3936

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 98:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 98:9
"Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity."

The only fair way to judge is with equity. No one is above another. The Lord is no respector of persons.

"For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion."
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:35)

"Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it."
(Deuteronomy 1:17)

"For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:"
(Deuteronomy 10:17)

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:"
(Acts 10:34)

"But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."
(Colossians 3:25)

"And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need."
(Alma 1:30)

"And as many as would hear their words, unto them they did impart the word of God, without any respect of persons, continually."
(Alma 16:14)

"And for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons."
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:16)

Day 3935

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 96:11-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 96:11-13
"Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth."

I pondered on how the rejoicing and joy came before the Lord comes. That as terrible as the world is becoming, and Satan is truly in his great day of power, that should not overcome us. That the focus and joy is we are all the closer to the Lord's second coming. I haven't reached the point that I am praying day and night for His return, but I'm getting close to it. I just have peace that this is all in His hands. "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."

Day 3934

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 91:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 91:7-8
"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked."

This reminds me of having a bubble of protection around you. Those that trust the Lord will survive these last days. Oh, some will be called home early, for the timing is the Lord's. But only the good will survive the Lord's coming. I wonder if I will see the wicked receive their reward in this life or in the next? Will they fall in the pit they are digging for others? I have to trust that the evil men that avoid judgment have a purpose here, known by the Lord. They may think they get away with wickedness, but it won't always be so.

Day 3933

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 89:5, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 89:5, 7
"And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."

I am always drawn to when the Lord's followers are called saints. That is what God calls us. The Old Testaments used the word saints 34 times. The New Testament its used 61 times. Christians are what enemies to Jesus Christ gave as a nickname to his followers. I love referring to myself as a latter-day saint. I love that relationship in the name of the church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".

Day 3932

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 86:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 86:15
"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth."

I reflected on how Jesus Christ embodied all of these characteristic when he came to earth. How He is the same same yesterday, today and forever.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
(Hebrews 13:8)

"For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him."
(1 Nephi 10:18)

"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."
(2 Nephi 27:23)

"And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever."
(2 Nephi 29:9)

"For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?"
(Mormon 9:9)

"And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men."
(Moroni 10:19)

Day 3931

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 84:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 84:1-2
"How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God."

The hardest part of the winter is my temple attendance suffers. There is such a longing for spring when I spend more time in the temple. Until then I spend more time at home working on my family history, but its really not the same.

Day 3930

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 81:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 81:11-12
"But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels."

I pondered on being left to walk in my own counsel. There are some areas I might do fine in, but I cannot know all things. Before I read my scriptures I happened to watch a video on cutting up a chicken. I can learn from others things that are helpful. But, if I was left alone to follow my lusts and my own counsel it would become hollow, especially in times of trouble. It reminded me of the articles I read sometimes where people write about an issue or situation they have and others give them feedback or advice. I cannot tell you how many times the advice is through the eyes of the world, and lack any compassion or charity. Eventually, if one followed the world's advice that life would get hollow, devoid of friends and a warm heart. Oh, they would have won are argument, but what really does that leave them with? I am grateful I can turn to the Lord for wisdom and guidance.

Day 3929

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 77:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 77:2
"In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted."

I pondered on how we need to seek the Lord in good times too. If we only reach out in times of trouble and despair, and haven't developed a relationship with God, how quick will He answer us? It made me reflect on how important it is to pray daily in gratitude for all God has blessed us with. To acknowledge His hand in our lives and our dependency on him.

Day 3928

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 73:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 73:3
"For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

I sat and had to wack my brain on where I had heard a story about the wicked being prosperous. I knew it was rather recent. Then I recalled, it was at the funeral of President Jeffrey R Holland the other day by his son Matthew. This is a transcript of the parable his father had related to him and his family.

"Children, there was once a diligent farmer who tried to do everything right. He never worked on Sunday. He always paid his tithing. He regularly served others with kindness and generosity. But, come October, his fall harvest was paltry.
By contrast, his neighbor was a vain and worldly man. He worked every Sunday. He hoarded every dollar he ever made. He acquired additional lands through questionable means. Yet, come fall, the worldly farmer enjoyed a bumper crop.
In his vanity, the worldly farmer gloated about this to his poor neighbor.
At this point in the story, my father’s voice broke, and tears started to trickle down his face as he continued: “The righteous farmer replied, God does not settle His accounts in October.”
Whatever other virtues my father had, the greatest source of his sweeping, righteous influence was his faith—his deep, rock-ribbed conviction that Jesus Christ is always and forever the unimaginably generous “rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Nothing, absolutely nothing, could persuade him that God was anything other than a high priest of good things to come, and that the restored gospel was a true gospel of happy endings, particularly for those who do their best to keep the commandments, receive their priesthood ordinances, and honor their eternal covenants.
Such faith is the thing we all most need, and the thing he most wanted to share."

I just loved that phrase "God does not settle His accounts in October."

(Start at 43:30)

Day 3927