Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure."

I pondered on wisdom and knowledge being the stability of my time. What time do I live in? The prophet and apostles are being very clear that we now live in the days that have been prophesied, this is the season. The Lord is at the door. I was just listening to Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk yesterday at BYU-Idaho. After hearing President Oaks speak 12 days prior he changed his talk and went into more details on what the prophet had said. What stood out to me in President Oaks talk, and what Elder Andersen just emphasized, is we will be deceived if we do not have the Holy Ghost as our guide. To me the stability that comes from wisdom and knowledge is totally the inspiration given by the Holy Ghost. That is to be treasured. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot afford to lose it, or I will be deceived.

"After quoting President Nelson 12 days ago, President Oaks issued a more sobering counsel. He said, "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."
Very interesting. He did not say that without the constant influence of the Holy Ghost you might be deceived or you could be deceived. I thought his choice of words were very potent. He said if you don't have the Holy Ghost you will be deceived."
(Elder Neil L. Andersen, "President Oaks and the Law of Witnesses", BYU-Idaho Devotional, 22 Feb 2026)

As I was listening to Elder Andersen's talk I thought about the other things I could have been watching or listening to. If I had been distracted by them, I would have totally missed what the prophets are saying. Oh, I need to be wise and careful about my time.

Day 3980

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 29:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 29:13
"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:"

This makes me think of those that treat Jesus like a genie in a bottle. Someone to call out for when they need help, but stuffed back in the bottle and placed on a shelf afterwards. They love the concept of a Jesus, just not his words or commandments. We can profess our love for Jesus, but God can see if our hearts are far removed from Him. If we loved Him we would do what he says.

Day 3979

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 25:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 25:9
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

I sat an pondered on that scene. I had a couple of thoughts, mainly about songs. One was the song "I Can Only Imagine". The other was "When He Comes Again". I couldn't decide which I loved best, just like I couldn't decide if I will dance, be still, stand, fall on my knees, or sing hallelujah. As I was listening to these song I was reminded of a new one called "When the Savior Comes Again". All of them are powerful and peaceful in their own way. The only thing I do know for sure is there will be tears.

Day 3978

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5
"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant."

This question was interesting to ponder on. I like how it was explained. After the ordinances are changed it is only through a restoration, and in effect the priesthood, for them to be restored. How grateful that I live when these ordinances have been restored.

(15-4) Isaiah 24:5. Why Was Changing the Ordinances So Serious?
"The gospel ordinances are part of the specific means outlined by the Lord whereby one can overcome his natural state, receive a spiritual rebirth, and become like God. Each ordinance was designed by God to teach spiritual truths and move His children toward godliness. When the ordinances are changed, their power to save is lost. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of the ordinances: “If there is no change of ordinances, there is no change of Priesthood. Wherever the ordinances of the Gospel are administered, there is the Priesthood.” (Teachings, p. 158.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "Prophecies of the Dispensation of the fullness of Times")

Day 3977

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 19:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 19:18-19
"In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.
In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD."

Six times in this chapter “In that day” is used. I read that it suggests future fulfillment. Elder McConkie gives the meaning behind some of those locations.

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie used a quotation that shows why Isaiah may have used such neighbors as Egypt, Moab, and Babylon to describe the wicked of latter days. Speaking of the world, he said: “‘Babylon marks its idolatry, Egypt its tyranny, Sodom its desperate corruption, Jerusalem its pretensions to sanctity on the ground of spiritual privileges, whilst all the while it is the murderer of Christ in the person of his members.’ ([Robert Jamieson and others, Commentary on the Whole Bible, ] p. 577.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:510.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "A Voice of Warning to the Wicked" (Isaiah 13-23)

Day 3976

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 18:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 18:3
"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."

I pondered on how the Lord has always warned people before destruction comes. We know we are near the end of the world, the time with Jesus Christ will come again. All the wicked will be destroyed. God won't destroy people unless he has warned them. That is the role of prophets. There are prophets on the earth today raising the warning voice. They have lifted up the ensign to the nations, and are blowing the trumpet. It is up to us to hear them.

"And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.
And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them.
Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:
Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:4-5, 11-12)

Day 3975

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 14:12-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 14:12-15
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit."

This is how Lucifer became Satan, the devil. It was vanity and pride, he felt he should be exalted higher than God. Pride is the ultimate tool that Satan uses to destroy man. It is by pride that man will stoop to all the imaginations of his heart and no longer feel after God. As I was pondering on this it was the first time I realized that in the pre-existence we all had weaknesses. No wonder both God and the devil know us so well.

Day 3974

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 11:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 11:9
"They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."

The only way the wicked will stop hurting and destroying others is if they came to a knowledge of the Lord, and truly know Him. Sadly, when the Lord comes the second time those individuals will not be here. I say sadly because they were to late in repenting and turning their hearts to him. Only those that will live a terrestrial or celestial law will remain. People of every nationality and faith that are of a good heart will remain. All that remain will eventually be converted as they come to know Jesus Christ. That would be an incredible thing to witness.

“There has never been a time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul. Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world—and those in our individual lives—would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and heed His teachings.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation", Oct 2021 General Conference)

Day 3973

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 8:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 8:20
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

President Oak recently BYU Devotional spoke on four ways to draw closer to the Savior. The third one was to seek help from others. He then gave this warning.

"Remember, to survive spiritually, you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost. An abundance of speculation and false information in podcasts and on social media surround us. Some may protest or question the truth of Church doctrine, without knowing or even understanding the fulness of that doctrine.
Don’t be persuaded by false or inaccurate information. Discuss your concerns with faithful, well-informed friends, and always take those concerns to the Lord."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional, 10 Feb 2026)

I really try to monitor who I listen to on social media and podcasts. I'm pretty good at spotting those preaching false doctrine and turn away from them. What I have noticed that seems infectious is those that speculate. They speculate on implied meanings in any talk or video released from leaders of the church. I swear some of them are even into astrology and numerology. The focus is always on how it applies to how close the second coming is. They give their opinions in a way that sounds like its fact, sadly what they are not aware of is they have crossed into false information. The speculation becomes such a focus that the gospel principle or doctrine that was discussed is completely overlooked.

My list of podcast and videos that I watch grows smaller and smaller. Mainly because those that start out good, seem to get swallowed up in it becoming their livelihoods and being sensational is a way to grow it. I cannot go wrong if I stay inside church websites.

President Ezra Taft Benson gave us three tests in "Be Not Deceived" (Oct 1963 General Conference).
1. What do the standard works have to say about it?
2. What do the latter-day Presidents of the Church have to say on the subject—particularly the living President? 
3. The third and final test is the Holy Ghost—the test of the Spirit. By that Spirit we ". . . may know the truth of all things"  (Moro. 10:5) This test can only be fully effective if one's channels of communication with God are clean and virtuous and uncluttered with sin. 

During President Benson's time frame we didn't have podcasts. What President Oaks is warning about is the dangers of how quickly false information and speculation can over take us. I am trying to be much more intentional on what I listen to in my down time. I'm grateful for the guidance of a living prophet to warn me what needs to be removed from my list.

Day 3972

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:20
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Lately, as we listen to the news our family seems to mention calling evil good, and good evil all the time. Examples are getting easier and easier to find. We truly are living in the days that Isaiah prophesied. I noticed that Elder Gilbert mentions the same thing yesterday.

"Elder Gilbert quickly moved from talking about the way to involve the Lord in personal revelation and innovation to talking about the fact that the world is in a time foreseen by prophets throughout history.
"The world is in commotion, and people are struggling. Good is being called evil, and evil is being called good,” he said.The anxiety, stress and polarization that come with living today present opportunities that haven’t been seen before, he said.
“It is much harder in this climate to do things without the Lord, but when you involve Him and make Him your priority, all of those things calm.
”As challenges emerge in the world, Elder Gilbert said the gospel light is able to stand out even more and provide more clarity to those who need and seek it. He credited young adults in the world with being able to see that in increasing numbers.
“Ancient and modern prophets have prophesied of the last days before the return of the Savior that there would be increasing darkness, but it would make the light stand out even more than ever before. And people are flocking to that.”
(Church News, "Elder Gilbert says ‘Christ is always pointing you to something better’ as he accepts apostolic call", 13 Feb 2026)

Day 3971

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 2:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 2:12
"For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:"

I've been reflecting on pride every since President Oaks speech the other day at the BYU Devotional. I had an interesting thing happen after that speech. I happened to read a post on social media from a friend of mine. We have the same faith, pray to the same God, attend the same church, read the scriptures, attend the temple, and are both trying to be good people. I know they are a good person, yet, they see and feel completely different on social and political matters than me. What I see them posting I just can't understand how they see things that way, and I've tried. As time has gone on their posts have gotten louder and bolder. I am sure they feel they are doing a good thing with their posts. I never reply because I don't feel I need to, or should.

Then I saw their post on President Oaks' talk and the warning about being deceived. From that talk they boldly warned people about listening and watching propaganda, accepting lies as truths. Basically, they took President Oaks warning of being deceived to heart and felt anyone that didn't see things the way they did were the ones being deceived. I found it so interesting because from afar they would be speaking of me.

So, then I had this question come to me, "How can two people trying to take the Holy Ghost as our guide see things do differently?" How can we both be sure we are receiving personal revelation and right? Then the spirit brought to my remembrance that President Oaks spoke about being humble. That is the difference on who truly is listening to the Holy Ghost as their guide. I need to sincerely keep asking that my eyes are open, and that my ears are hearing, and seek for understanding. Then with that understanding I will be guided if I need to change course and direction. If we are not humble and teachable we will be unable to change course or admit we've been deceived. It is the pride of this world that causes man to stumble. Pride is what stops a man from accepting revelation when it is right in front of them, and instead follow the whisperings of their own heart. That was such a powerful lesson from the Holy Ghost, and a confirmation that President Oaks is truly a prophet of God and spoke the word of the Lord. Humility is a shield and protection in the days we live in. I wish I could quote his whole talk but this is what stood out.

"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.
...increased humility draws us closer to Jesus Christ. This will help us overcome questions about the Lord’s doctrine. When we are humble, we can more clearly hear the Lord’s voice.
President Ezra Taft Benson .. said, “Humility responds to God’s will—to the fear of His judgments and to the needs of those around us.”
President Spencer W. Kimball defined humility as “teachableness.” He explained:
Humility is teachableness—an ability to realize that all virtues and abilities are not concentrated in one’s self. . . .
. . .Humility is never accusing nor contentious. . . .
Humility is repentant and seeks not to justify its follies. It is forgiving others in the realization that there may be errors of the same kind or worse [that we ourselves commit].
. . .Humility makes no bid for popularity and notoriety; demands no honors.
To have humility is one of the powerful commandments we have been given to guide us in our mortal journey. It prepares us for our appointed meeting with our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Take care not to become distracted. Remember His parable of the ten virgins. We want to be among the five humble ones who were admitted to the presence of the Lord."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional, 10 Feb 2026)

Day 3970

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 8:14
"Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices."

This is the last verse in the Song of Solomon. I can't say I learned anything inspiring the whole time I read this book. I really tried. Then I finally turned to the Joseph Smith Translation to see if I was missing anything, and I actually laughed.

"Note: the JST manuscript states that “The Songs of Solomon are not inspired writings”

Furthermore, I found Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: "Song of Solomon is biblical trash—it is not inspired writing."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Bible, a Sealed Book", Supplement, A Symposium on the New Testament, 1984 (1984), 1–7)

I guess I was actually being guided by the spirit the whole time.

Day 3969

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7
"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee"

The one without spot or blemish was our Lord, Jesus Christ. Is that what this song is about?

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"
(Hebrews 9:14)

"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"
(1 Peter 1:19)

Day 3968

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1-2
"By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not."

I asked myself if these are love songs why are they in the scriptures? Then I though maybe like some poetry there is a deeper meaning to them. I was always bad at understanding the meaning behind poetry. The only thing I could picture was kneeling at my bed at night praying to Heavenly Father. There are times when He seems so very far away, which in truth it is me. Is Solomon saying he is seeking the Lord but he can't find Him?

Day 3967

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

When life is over that is the conclusion. Did we fear, or as I think of it, love God and keep his commandments. God will be the final judge on it. Nothing in our life is hidden from Him. He know all our little secrets, whether they are full of good acts or favorite sins we chose to not wash away.

Day 3966

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 8:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 8:11
"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."

If man was immediately punished after committing sin or evil works then man would learn to not commit sin simply to not be punished. Instead there is time for justice to seek his work. Time is given for man to repent on his own. Time for remorse and a mighty change of heart. Time to come to know the Lord. Those that learn no lesson will find justice served one day.

Day 3965

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:13
"Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished."

When we stop learning or being willing to change we soon grow foolish. We are to become as a little child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, otherwise we cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 18:4)

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
(Mark 10:15)

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
(Mosiah 3:19)

"Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."
(3 Nephi 9:22)

Day 3964

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1,17

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1,17
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."

I don't always know where to find specific verses in the scriptures, so it always makes me happy when I come upon the familiar, especially when songs. I had to go listen to The Byrds "Turn! Turn! Turn!". That song was on the radio a lot when I was growing up. It helped me understand at an early again there would be seasons to my life. As I have gotten older I understand there is even purpose in the wicked among us. Even now they are fulfilling prophesy to all that was foretold before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Day 3963

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 29:2, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 29:2, 7
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it."

In the chapters I read tonight considering or caring for the poor was mentioned so many times. I think you can know the heart of a man in the way he treats the poor and needy. It's not just to feed and cloth the naked and hungry, it's important to know what is causing the poverty and help lift them out of it. I pondered on the "Perpetual Education Fund" that is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

President Gordon B. Hinckley called it a "bold initiative".
“But we believe in the need for it and in the success that it will enjoy,” he said. “Where there is widespread poverty among our people, we must do all we can to help them to lift themselves, to establish their lives upon a foundation of self-reliance that can come of training. Education is the key to opportunity.”
("25 years later, 130,000 students have benefited from the Church’s Perpetual Education Fund loans", Church News, 3 Feb 2026)

Over 130,000 students in 76 countries have been blessed because of it. The effect blesses generations.

Day 3962

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 26:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 26:27
"Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him."

I have thought of this one lately. How does a man dig a pit and fall in it? Or, roll a stone and it rolls back over him? How do they not see where things are headed. It is a spiritual blindness due to wickedness that overcomes them. They can no longer see that others can see things as they really are. Those with eyes that see and ears that hear, and hearts that understand know to get out of their way.

"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—"
(3 Nephi 2:1)

The other part is the wicked will destroy each other.

"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)

"And also that God hath set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons, and to blind their minds, that they may not understand his marvelous workings; that he may prove them also and take them in their own craftiness;
Also because their hearts are corrupted, and the things which they are willing to bring upon others, and love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves to the very uttermost;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 121:12-13)

Day 3961

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:24
"He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:"

I think I have been seeing examples of this. I had a discussion with the son earlier today about it and we were reminded of this scripture.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

"Satan offers a strange mixture of just enough good to disguise the evil along his downward path to destruction,"
(Durrel A. Woolsey, "A Strategy for War", Oct 1995 General Conference)

Having the spirit as our guide is more important than ever. We cannot afford to be deceived.

Day 3960

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:23
"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

I've had to exercise that several times today. As I was pondering on this I realized that when you know truth and are sure of it, that it doesn't matter if others don't see it. You know trying to change a person's mind would only bring contention, and its not worth it.

Day 3959

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 18:13, 15

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 18:13, 15
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."

Coming to a conclusion before we have all the facts is folly and will bring shame. It is so important, especially in the times we live in, to make sure we have truth. Seeking knowledge and truth is vital.

"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."
(Doctrine and Covenants 9:8)

If we are to walk with the spirit always to be with us we must study things out in our minds before the spirit can guide us in if it be truth or error.

Day 3958