Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 5:5, 18-19, 21

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 5:5, 18-19, 21

"And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.

And Cain loved Satan more than God. And Satan command him, saying: Make an offering unto the Lord.

And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground and offering unto the Lord.

But unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect. Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

I was wondering why the fruit of the ground wasn't an acceptable offering to the Lord. If your a farmer and that is all you raise wouldn't that be acceptable? Then I went back and read what had been asked of them. In verse five no where does it mention vegetables. The more I thought on it, and the offering being in a similitude of the sacrifice of the Savior, there was a need for blood to be spilled. Vegetables don't have blood, just like Satan doesn't either. What a mockery Satan was making of the Savior's atonement and sacrifice to inspire Cain to offer up vegetables.  The sacrifice of an animal was not an impossibility for Cain because he was a farmer, he could have traded his vegetables for the needed animal. He just didn't want to. He had no desire to please God. Satan knew that the sacrifice of a vegetable was a reference to the Father who Cain was really worshiping. The one who had no blood, not His only Begotten Son. That is why Satan inspired Cain to do that very thing.

Day 564

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 3:2, 4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 3:2, 4-5

"And on the seventh day I, God, ended my work, and all things which I had made; and I rested on the seventh day from all my work, and all things which I had made were finished, and I, God, saw that they were good;

And now, behold, I say unto you, that these are the generations of the heaven and of the earth, when they were created, in the day that I, the Lord God, made the heaven and earth,

And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air; "

As I was reading this chapter I ran into a little trial of my faith. For some reason as I read it I thought it was saying God rested on the seventh day and then created man. I didn't think that was right. I went back to Genesis and the scriptures were as I recalled, God rested after he created man. I can't tell you all the thoughts that went through my head. But, I knew there was an explanation and the issue wasn't the scriptures, where they had come from, or who translated it, the problem was me. I wasn't looking at this the right way. The only way to receive an answer was to pray. I humbly asked that my eyes would be made to see and my heart would understand.

I started the chapter over and read more carefully this time. It took several attempts before I could finally see God was recapping the generations of the heaven and earth, and how they were created. Only this time he added the part about creating man in great detail. What a simple explanation. Why didn't I see that earlier? Why the little trial of my faith? Then I knew trials are how I am tested and can grow. I had already come to learn that questions that pop into my head while reading, are the spirit wanting me to sit and ponder over something. This is when I am ready to be taught. The experience today was a new type of gospel question that the spirit gave to me. It was also an opportunity to understand how people can have doubts about the scriptures and the manner in which those questions can be resolved.  

Day 562

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C Official Declaration 2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 2

"In early June of this year [1978], the First Presidency announced that a revelation had been received by President Spencer W. Kimball extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members of the Church. President Kimball has asked the I advise the conference that after he had received this revelation, which came to him after extended mediation and prayer in the sacred rooms of the holy temple, he presented it to his counselors, who accepted it and approved it. It was then presented to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who unanimously approved it, and was subsequently presented to all other General Authorities, who likewise approved it unanimously.

Recognizing Spencer W. Kimball as the prophet, seer, and revelator, and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is proposed that we as a constituent assembly accept this revelation as the word and will of the Lord. All in favor please signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed by the same sign."

This is the final chapter in the Doctrine & Covenants, so fitting to end with my day. I remember this event as a young teenager. I remember not understand why black males of African descent could not hold the priesthood. There were theories but no one seemed to know for sure. We did know that someday the priesthood would be given to them. We just didn't know if it would be in this life or the next when that event would happen. I remember the feeling of not knowing the reason why, but having to leave the timing up to the Lord. This was my first experience in such matters. Then one day while sitting in our living room watching television this announcement just came on the air. Life changed for so many, it was a glorious day and we rejoiced. I can remember that feeling of seeing prophesy fulfilled, but seeing it happen in a way no one had imagined. I have used that event as a measuring stick when people try to give their version of last day events. No one knows how things will really happen or when. When things happen there just won't be any doubt that prophesy was fulfilled. We will know it for what it is. I have learned it is best to trust in the Lord's timing. What I need to do is sustain the prophet. 

Day 559

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C Official Declaration 1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 1

"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.

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..."

It comforts me to know that the prophet that is at the head of the Church can never lead me astray. It is only me going astray when I do not listen to his council and advice. I can only imagine how serious the prophet must feel about his calling. Knowing that if he was to speak contrary to God's will and lead the saints astray he would be removed. I had to sit and ponder on how even my words and actions that could lead others astray would have to be accounted for in the next life. That is a very serious responsibility. One if looked in that light you wouldn't take lightly.  

Day 558

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 138:12, 15-16, 18

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 138:12, 15-16, 18

"And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality;

I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand.

They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death.

While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful."

This chapter records a vision received by Joseph F. Smith, October 3, 1918. He was the son of Hyrum Smith, nephew to the Prophet Joseph Smith. At this time in his life he was the President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have always considered the 138th section of the Doctrine and Covenants mine. I have cherished it since the spirit told me to read it after my near-death experience. I was also told to go to the temple in order to understand what I saw. I have read it many time as the spirit has impressed upon me the need to do so once again. I have felt no need to endlessly pour over it. In fact I know I need distance so my eyes will see new things. For the past 24 years my reading has focused on the Redemption of the Dead. 

I had the tender mercy of the Lord to have my day to read this chapter also fall on my temple day. I was able to sit alone in the Celestial Room and read and ponder on it. In this holy place, having done work in behalf of my kindred dead, the spirit surprisingly had me focus on something other than doing family history work. 

What caused me deep reflection was how similar the day will be for the saints as we wait for the Savior's Second Coming. I reflected on what I could recall of President Russell M. Nelson, of the Quorum of the Twelve, recent General Conference talk about "Joy and Spiritual Survival". What we need to focus on is having joy in these last days. That joy comes as we focus on the Savior, regardless of our trials. The saints of God waiting in spirit prison, rejoiced and had joy as they waited for the Savior to appear. Releasing them from their bondage and captivity caused by death. I reflected on how important joy was in their preparation to meet the Savior. I feel that the saints prior to the Savior's return to the earth will be capable of experiencing that same joy, even if death is looking them in the face. In fact finding joy in the gospel plan is the only way to endure what is to come. There was so much more I pondered on. I am seeing this chapter with new eyes. I cannot wait to read Elder Nelson's conference talk again.

Day 557

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 137:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 137:7-9

"Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;

Also all that shall die henceforth with a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts."

Not all the visions that Joseph Smith received are in the Doctrine and Covenants. This one was added later to the scriptures. When this vision of the celestial kingdom was opened up Joseph saw his brother Alvin there. He wondered how that could be when he had died prior to receiving the ordinance of baptism. As I pondered on this I thought of the scripture that every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. Which would make me conclude that we would know his judgments are just. That no opportunity to receive His gospel had been denied any one of us. The gospel plan is just and fair for all of God's children. He will know our doings and intents of our hearts and judge us based upon them. 

Day 556

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 136:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 136:1-3

"The Word and Will of the Lord concerning the Camp of Israel in their journeyings to the West:

Let all the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God.

Let the companies be organized with captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens, with a president and his two counselors at their head, under the direction of the Twelve Apostles."

This chapter contains the direction Brigham Young was given at Winter Quarters (the camp of Israel), as they prepared to make their journey west. It reminds me of a conversation I had with one of my sons Saturday night. He and I were in the kitchen as his father and brother were watching the Priesthood Session of LDS General Conference in the living room. I wasn't paying attention so I don't know what prompted my son to remark. "One thing you have to say about the Church is that it's organized."  I told him that in the scriptures we are told that His house would be a house of order. We can see the order in the Church and that it testifies how indeed it is Christ's Church for there is order in it. Until that moment I hadn't really thought about that. What a sense of peace it must have given the saints as they were leaving to go west to see order in the manner they were to travel. Order in God's kingdom does bring comfort and peace, no matter what turmoil is around you.

Day 555

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 135:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 135:3

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!"

This chapter gives the details of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and his brother Hyrum Smith. All I could think about was the hymn "Praise to the Man".  I am told in Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." As I look at the fruits of Joseph Smith I know that they are all good. I am grateful for what his life has done for mine. So grateful to have the spirit testify to me he was indeed a Prophet of God. 

Day 554

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 134:7, 10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:7, 10

"We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizen of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.

We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies; provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world's goods, or to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, or to inflict any physical punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their society, and withdraw from them their fellowship."

I don't know where this chapter has been hidden from me all these years. I read as if experiencing it for the very first time. Even though I have read the Doctrine and Covenants many times before. The header says it is "a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general, adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church." The declaration was given the following preamble: "That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, our opinion concerning the same." This would have been the last chapter in the Doctrine & Covenants, but sadly the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith did not make that happen. They paid the ultimate cost of religious persecution, in which this chapter could have prevented. The Doctrine & Covenants will continue for several chapters because God has never stopped talking to us. 

As I read this chapter I felt an absolute feeling of agreement on the position spoken. Some verses even put into alignment the things I had been pondering over. It even helped me understand why I had a trouble with a religious sect in particular, but knew they had just as much right to practice their religion as did I. Now I see the trouble is when a religion justifies sedition or conspiracy among its members. It should never use physical punishment, the loss of limb, or property and even life. None of these improper punishments would bring a person willingly to God. In fact a bad element could corrupt an otherwise peaceful religion with these tactics. The punishment for disorderly conduct for any religion should be dis-fellowship or excommunication. People should be able to leave of their own free-will.

I am grateful to know where the line is.  As a government we can set laws to prevent atrocities from happening within a religion. At the same time allowing a religion the right to worship and practice its religion to the enjoyment of its people. There are acceptable bounds the Lord has set. I do wonder if in Joseph's time they had any idea of what a particular religious sect would be attempting to do in my day. 

Day 553

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 133:53, 62

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 133:53, 62

"In all their afflictions he was afflicted. And the angel of his presence saved them; and in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, and bore them, and carried them all the days of old;

And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life.

Amazing chapter giving more concerning the Savior's Second Coming. As I read I could see these events in my mind. In this verse I could see the Savior in Gethsemane and how he experienced my every affliction. He took not only my sin, but all my grief and pain upon him there. I marveled that He even knows what it felt like to have my tooth pulled today. He truly does know me. How much greater I need to know him. I could see the angel that came and comforted Him in Gethsemane as he suffered for my pain. How many times have angels comforted me I wonder? I am sure far more times that I am even aware. How many times has he carried me? Every day of my life that I have let him. I pray I will let him carry me the rest of my days on this earth. For in his arms is where I want to stay. 

Day 552

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 132:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 132:8

"Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion."

I had to ponder on the running of Christ's Church on the earth and the running of government by man. What a stark contrast that is. We have confusion in a proportion I have never witnessed before in my life. All I can say is the way man is acting is not of God. How grateful I am to belong to His church and how it anchors my soul for the order that is found there. My heart feels for people that have no God or church in their life. I cannot comprehend how it must feel to have no order but only feel confusion at this time. I do not know what I would do if I could not stand in Holy Places.

Day 551

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 131:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 131:5

"The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood."

The following quote from Joseph Smith sheds further light on this subject. 

"After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands)...then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shall be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saint, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 150.)

I didn't come to realize what this verse implied until after my marriage. I was young and still very foolish. I prayed that I would receive this great blessing, and let me tell you all hell broke loose in my life. It was to the point I cried, enough I don't want it. I left the matter alone. Years past and I thought I was spiritually stronger and more prepared and I asked for this again, and all hell broke loose in my life. I left the matter alone. Years go by and I think I'm ready. I'm stronger and can weather whatever test he gives me now. I ask again and all hell breaks loose, but this time I realized the problem was me.

It was time to get really real with myself. I was asking for this great blessing because I actually didn't believe. I wanted such a witness so I would see with my own eyes that Jesus was really real. I was prideful and asking for such a thing was the greatest example of my offense. I repented and sought only to learn of Him. I began to read and really ponder over the scriptures and tried to be faithful to what I was learning. I found out how imperfect I really am, how much I need his atonement. What a great price he has paid for me. I realized how weak I am, and I would never have found him if I tried to carry my burdens on my own. It made perfect sense why all hell had broke loose in my life earlier. I had not learned to walk beside him, and let him carry me. Today I know my Savior and seeing him in the flesh or not will make no difference. He is so very real to me.

Day 550

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 130:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 130:7-9

"But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, future, and are continually before the Lord.

The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim. 

This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ's."

Today is my temple day and while I was sitting in an endowment session my mind wandered over the beauties of this earth. Then I thought of all the places I have never seen and probably will never get to. I had a sadness come over me as I always do when I think of such things. There is so much beauty in this earth and I would love to appreciate all of God's creation, but I know I will never have the money to travel and go there. I shall leave this earth and never have the chance in my body to know what it feels like to see a volcano, travel upon the vast ocean, or look down the grand canyon. Will the end times destruction erase the man made attractions I have never seen, like the Eiffel Tower or Disneyland? There is so much beauty on this earth and I know I will miss it. I recalled somewhere in the scriptures the earth being turned into glass and the thought made me sad to not see mountains, hills, streams and all that green. I even thought about little children born in abject poverty that never witnessed even the amount of beauty I have seen. I already felt bad, now I felt even worse for them. 

While I sat thinking about this a thought came to me "God doesn't take away, he gives you more." I didn't understand how glass could be more beautiful than the beauties of this earth. Then as my habit, after the session I went into the celestial room to settle in a favor chair and read my scriptures. What do you know, this chapter talked about the very thing my mind had been wondering on. That was no coincident, the spirit seems to like to teach me things this way. I learned the place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummin, a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things in their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before him. One day I can live in such a place. I thought if my God can have anything he wants and he wants that, then it must be far better than what I have. 

What I hadn't recalled earlie was the part about the past, present and future continually before the Lord. I felt like I was being told, "See you won't miss anything. You will see far more than what the time of your life existence could have ever shown you. It will be presented in such away that will be more real than what is possible now. The poor among the earth that follow Christ will obtain celestial glory. It isn't less, it's more. When you loose your life for Christ's sake the return is a hundred fold." I know to some the sadness over not being able to travel may seem trivial to them. But, this experience has brought me such comfort and peace over the whole matter.

Day 549

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 129:1-2, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 129:1-2, 4

"There are two kinds of being in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones - 

Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.

When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you."

I think this is such an important chapter. It explains how to detect between heavenly messengers, and the devil as an angel of light.  I think this information is vital for the world. How much misery could have been avoided through the ages, if people would have known to test any being that appeared to them, saying they have a message from God. 

"These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God."

1. An angel is a resurrected personage with a body of flesh and bones. If you ask to shake hands with them, they will do so. You will feel that they are of flesh and bones.

2. A spirit is a just men made perfect but not resurrected. They are only spirit and do not have a body of flesh and bones. If you ask to shake hands with them they will not move, but will deliver their message. That is because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive. 

3. The devil as an angel of light, has no body. If you ask to shake hands he will offer to shake hands and you will feel nothing. That is the way to know you are being deceived.

I think it rather creepy the thought of feeling nothing. It would make me feel scared and afraid. But, when I think upon it, fear only comes from Satan. That would be all he would be capable of doing to me, if I let him. God would never leave me alone in Satan's presence, if I plead in the name of Christ to rescue me. Satan would have to depart. I do think with this knowledge the experience would be so brief that the fear would never enter, because of my faith in Christ. The thought of this gives me comfort and peace.

I have often thought of how in the Book of Mormon angels appeared to men, prior to Christ's birth and death. I cannot help but think we will see the same thing prior to his second coming. I am told that even the very elect could be deceived. I would think there has to be a reason why we were given these instructions for our day.  I believe the knowledge of how to test any being, saying they are a messenger from God, is going to be vital for us. 

Day 548

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 128:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:19

"Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!"

This chapter is an epistle from the Prophet Joseph Smith to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, containing further directions on baptisms for the dead. He is being pursued by his enemies and still in hiding. He says the subject of baptism for the dead "seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest." As I was reading this I could not help but think of Moroni being in a similar position. He was having to hide from his enemies that sought to take his life, but what is pressing upon his mind is leaving a record for us. Does that not tell you where their hearts lie.

There are 25 verses, all so beautiful and powerful. So full of instructions and explanations. I had a hard time settling on only one. I could see inside the verses what Joseph learned at the start of his journey as a prophet has come full circle. The restoration is complete. All the keys have now been divinely restored. He is now putting the pieces together. The difference between Joseph and Moroni are the later saw the end of his civilization. He was writing to a further day, which is to all of us. Joseph knows the church and its people will go on. That rock will only continue to roll forth. There is a great work for us to do. This day truly is one to rejoice with gladness. I am so grateful I live at this time. 

Day 547

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 127:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 127:1

"Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed unto me that my enemies, both in Missouri and this State, were again in the pursuit of me; and inasmuch as they pursue me without a cause, and have not the least shadow or coloring of justice or right on their side in the getting up of their prosecutions against me; and inasmuch as their pretensions are all founded in falsehood of the blackest dye, I have thought it expedient and wisdom in me to leave the place for a short season, for my own safety and the safety of this people. I would say to all those with whom I have business, that I have left my affairs with agents and clerks who will transact all business in a prompt and proper manner, and will see that all my debts are canceled in due time, by turning out property, or otherwise, as the case may require, or as the circumstances may admit of. When I learn that the storm is fully blown over, then I will return to you again."

I could not help but as I read this to think of what is happening in various cities in our nation. Safety and peace has been taken from us. One never knows where troubles may begin. I had only said to my family within the last 24 hours that if riots happened here, over some perceived offense or crimes, I would leave my home until it blew over. I would not stay as things burned around me. My home does not mean that much to me. I have so much to get prepared to be able to do that. Even just the storms we have had in the past couple days has reminded me again of wanting to digitize my life and have everything stored on an external hard drive. I could leave and have the most important records with me, my genealogy. I am so very tired tonight having run around all day doing good things and learning much. I can tell the Lord is trying to tell me something and I'm trying to put it together like a big jigsaw puzzle. There is no panic or stress over things. I know things will fall into place, line upon line, as I work each piece that is handed to me. We live in the most interesting and puzzling of times. I know like the Prophet Joseph Smith, if I remain faithful and listen to the council of the prophet, the spirit will be my guide in all things that are needful.

Day 546

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 126:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 126:1

"Dear and well-beloved brother, Brigham Young, verily thus saith the Lord unto you: My servant Brigham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable to me."

This took place July 9, 1841 when Brigham Young was President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In times past he had served missions aboard proclaiming the gospel. Now that he has been found worthy of the Lord, in being faithful in doing the Father's will, he is told that offering is acceptable. You can now stay home and care for your family. I don't think Brigham had any idea what was to come. That he would be called to lead the church, following the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. For now he was needed in Nauvoo. He needed the opportunity to be next to the prophet to learn from him. This was a period of preparation. I thought how interesting it is when I have periods of peace in my life,  I am actually being given the opportunity to learn, in preparation for what is to come. Maybe that's why the Lord encourages us to always be learning. It makes us ready for what is to come.

Day 545

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 125:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 125:3

"Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite the city of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it."

Zarahemla was an ancient capital city of the Nephites in the Book of Mormon. The Lord said land opposite from the Nauvoo temple was to be given this same name. This would be across the Mississippi and into Iowa. I remember over a year ago, maybe two, hearing about Wayne May, a member of the LDS Church and publisher of the Ancient American Magazine having found what looked like a ancient temple site on the land the prophet was told to call Zarahemla. Could that be the real Zarahemla?  I know they secured the purchase of that land and were going to begin archaeological excavation of the site.  If it proved to be THE Zarahemla temple site it would be one of the biggest archaeologic finds in history. I have no idea how that project is going and any outcomes they are seeing. 

What I sat and pondered on was how it really doesn't matter to me the outcome. I already know the Book of Mormon is true. That the Prophet Joseph Smith did indeed translate it from ancient records. What bares witness to me of this fact is the Spirit, not any physical evidence. Confirmation by the Spirit is all I need.  

Day 544

For those that are curious you can follow this link for information on the Zarahemla, Iowa Archeological Excavation.

http://www.bookofmormonevidence.org/feature.php?id=29

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 124:31 & 33

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 124:31 & 33

"But I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me; and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me; and during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me,

For verily I say unto you, that after you have had sufficient time to build a house to me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing for the dead belongeth, and for which the same was instituted from before the foundation of the world, your baptisms for your dead cannot be acceptable unto me;"

When the ordinance of baptism for the dead was restored, the saints standing as proxy for their deceased family members, were baptized in the Mississippi River. This was only allowed in their poverty. They were to build another temple, in which would be a baptismal font for the performing of this ordinance and others. What I pondered on was how they were told they would have sufficient time to do this. Little did they know how literal that was. The Prophet Joseph Smith was murdered before the Nauvoo Temple was completed. The saints continued their labor to complete the temple. They needed all the saving ordinances prior to being driven west by the mobs. The Nauvoo temple ran around the clock performing these saving ordinances as the saints began to leave. 

I went through many thoughts. I have a project I am working on that I feel no panic over. I know I will have sufficient time to get it done, if I am diligent at working at it. I feel no concern that I need to run faster than I am able. In fact as I was reflecting on this the thought came, that if I ever did need to pick up the pace, I'm sure the Lord would tell me. Now I see that is exactly what he did to the saints before they needed to complete what was asked of them. I cannot know the future. I cannot think my project of the same sense of urgency. What I can know is when the Lord says you have sufficient time he means it.  If I ever need to pick up the pace I'm sure he will make me strong enough to do so. 

Day 543

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 123:1, 10, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 123:1, 10, 17

"And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State;

Which dark and blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder, and to stand aghast and pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble and palsy.

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, 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."

The early saints of the church suffered so much persecution, death and loss of property and this chapter describes some of it. Then they are told to gather statements and affidavits from those effected by these crimes. Search out the names of those that committed them if they can. Gather all the libelous publications, etc. and then present them to the heads of the government. This would be our last effort which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and completely claim the promise that he would call them forth from their hiding places. I take that to mean do all we can legally, and when that fails it is left in the hands of the Lord. I wouldn't want to be left in the Lord's hands to be punished. That punishment would be far worse than anything a government can do. I wonder if that is why they did ultimately fail in this matter for redress. The punishment the devilish deserved was held in reserve by the Lord.

I had so many thoughts reading this chapter. I knew the LDS Church has the largest collection of anti-Mormon literature in the world. Literature written with the intent to persecute and destroy the Church. It's stored in the Church History Library. I had thought that rather odd when I first learned of it. This material is exactly what I've been counseled not to read. This chapter explains that we are to gather this material up, giving the type and how, basically from every source. So not only have we been commanded to keep a history of the Church, we are to also keep a history of those that persecute the Church. I think I know which collection I would want my name to be in. 

After all the persecution they are told to be cheerful in doing all in their power. I would think that a council of protection so their hearts do not become bitter. That can happen when you see those that committed crimes against you appear to go unpunished. After doing all, they are to stand still, I would think let the matter drop and know with assurance God will take care of the matter. I know what was asked had to be extremely hard, but I cannot help but think how easy it could be for a righteous person to lose their exaltation through bitterness and the desire for revenge. We need to leave matters in God's hands because his judgments are just. We are given this council to not canker our own souls. If Satan cannot destroy you one way, he can certainly try to destroy you in another. We just cannot afford to have him win any type of victory over us. Learning to stand still and leaving things to the Lord will bless our souls.

Day 542