Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 116:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 116:1
"Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet."

With all the talk of preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ I wonder which appearance they are speaking of? There will be several preliminary appearances before Jesus' final, glorious return.

“Before the Lord Jesus descends openly and publicly in the clouds of glory, attended by all the hosts of heaven; before the great and dreadful day of the Lord sends terror and destruction from one end of the earth to the other; before he stands on Mount Zion, or sets his feet on Olivet, or utters his voice from an American Zion or a Jewish Jerusalem; before all flesh shall see him together; before any of his appearances, which taken together comprise the second coming of the Son of God—before all these, there is to be a secret appearance to selected members of his Church. He will come in private to his prophet and to the apostles then living. Those who have held keys and powers and authorities in all ages from Adam to the present will also be present”
(Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Company, 1985), 578–579.)

I do wonder if Jesus Christ has already made this first appearance. These first two appearances are to prepare us to prepare the world for His Second Coming. The messages of preparation from the prophet and leaders of the church have been more frequent and bolder than I have ever heard in my lifetime.

"So, now a question as I conclude: What if you learned that the Savior had already returned to this earth—that He, as part of His Second Coming, had already met with some of His true followers in several marvelous, large gatherings—gatherings about which the world, including CNN and the blogosphere, knew nothing. If you found out that the Savior was already on the earth, what would you desperately want to do today, and what would you be willing and ready to do tomorrow?"
(Wendy Nelson, "An Evening with President Russell M. Nelson" (devotional, Brigham Young University, Hawaii, January 10, 2016) Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults)

All I know I am listening to the prophet and attending the temple as frequently as possible. It would not surprise me to find that is where he appears to His saints.

Day 3705

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 13:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 13:25-26
And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.
And it shall be made known unto just and holy men, by the mouth of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.

Alma spoke these words 82 years before the coming of Christ. I pondered on how we also wait in our day for news of the Lord's second coming. He will come three times, first at a great council at Adam-ondi-Ahman, second to the Jews, and finally to the world. I used to think all members will be in attendance at Adam-ondi-Ahman. Sadly, I know now this is not the case. President Nelson has said some very interesting things about this great council at Adam-ondi-Ahman. It makes me wonder on the current status of it. Has it happened or are we still waiting?

“Before the Lord Jesus descends openly and publicly in the clouds of glory, attended by all the hosts of heaven; before the great and dreadful day of the Lord sends terror and destruction from one end of the earth to the other; before he stands on Mount Zion, or sets his feet on Olivet, or utters his voice from an American Zion or a Jewish Jerusalem; before all flesh shall see him together; before any of his appearances, which taken together comprise the second coming of the Son of God—before all these, there is to be a secret appearance to selected members of his Church. He will come in private to his prophet and to the apostles then living. Those who have held keys and powers and authorities in all ages from Adam to the present will also be present”
(Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Company, 1985), 578–579.)

"Judgment will be set and all who have held keys will make their reports and deliver their stewardships, as they shall be required. Adam will direct this judgment, and then he will make his report, as the one holding the keys for this earth, to his Superior Officer, Jesus Christ. Our Lord will then assume the reins of government; directions will be given to the Priesthood; and He, whose right it is to rule, will be installed officially by the voice of the Priesthood there assembled. This grand council of Priesthood will be composed, not only of those who are faithful who now dwell on this earth, but also of the prophets and apostles of old, who have had directing authority. Others may also be there, but if so they will be there by appointment, for this is to be an official council called to attend to the most momentous matters concerning the destiny of this earth.
When this gathering is held, the world will not know of it; the members of the church at large will not know of it, yet it shall be preparatory to the coming in the clouds of glory of our Saviour Jesus Christ as the Prophet Joseph Smith has said. The world cannot know of it. The Saints cannot know of it - except those who officially shall be called into this council - for it shall precede the coming of Jesus Christ as a thief in the night, unbeknown to all the world."
(Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1972), 291.)

"Think of this, my dear young brothers and sisters, right now I am preparing for the day when I will be required to give an accounting to the Prophet Joseph Smith, to President Brigham Young, and others—and ultimately to the Lord—about my stewardship as God’s prophet upon the earth today."
(Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, "Hope of Israel" (Worldwide Youth Devotional, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 3, 2018), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

"So, now a question as I conclude: What if you learned that the Savior had already returned to this earth—that He, as part of His Second Coming, had already met with some of His true followers in several marvelous, large gatherings—gatherings about which the world, including CNN and the blogosphere, knew nothing. If you found out that the Savior was already on the earth, what would you desperately want to do today, and what would you be willing and ready to do tomorrow?"
(Russell M. Nelson and Wendy Nelson, "An Evening with President Russell M. Nelson" (devotional, Brigham Young University, Hawaii, January 10, 2016) Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults)

Day 3457

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:27
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"

Nothing feels more damaging then when member of The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints behave badly. There can be millions of good faithful members, but the actions of one that has taken strange paths is plastered all over the place as our unappointed mascot. In our day it's made worse because news can be shared instantly around the world. I was actually reflecting today on the Missouri saints in the early days of the church, and how their pride and haughtiness brought persecution on their own heads. The place of Zion and the New Jerusalem was lost because of it. I am hoping in our exuberance over the recent acquisition of the Kirtland Temple, and other historical sites and documents of the restoration, that we do not offend others. I've heard somethings that make me cringe. The need for temperance comes to mind.

"And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."
(Doctrine and Covenants 12:8)

Day 3263

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 9:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 9:6

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

My mind is still on my Sunday School class today. We discussed Matthew 2, and Luke 2. The teacher put on the board the four witnesses of Christ's birth.

Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)

Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)

Anna (Luke 2:36-28)

Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)

We were divided into four sections and each assigned a part. My group was the wise men. As I was reading I found something I never notice before. All the wise men were into physical things. They sought the sign of the new star. They were prepared to worship the King of the Jews with physical gifts. They did bow down and recognize the two year old child as the promised Messiah. Yet, they did not know the scriptures and had to go to Herod to inquire where to find the King of the Jews. Herod had to ask the chief priests and scribes and then told them Bethlehem. The wise men were worthy to be warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they departed into their own country another way. Which means they didn't share their testimony with others.

As I came home from church thinking about what I had just discovered a thought came to me. The four witnesses of Christ's birth will be like the groups prepared for His return. Christ will appear four times, Adam-ondi-Ahman, New Jerusalem, old Jerusalem, and the world as a whole.

The Shepherds are like the Lord appearing at Adam-ondi-Ahman. Those that were officially called. The Lord will appear to Adam and his righteous posterity. These have been the shepherds through all dispensations that make an accounting of their stewardships and prepare the world for His second coming. (Daniel 7:9-14)

Simeon is like the Lord's appearance at the New Jerusalem. The righteous saints at His temple. (Doctrine and Covenants 57; 84; 97; 136)

Anna is like old Jerusalem. She is very old, I estimate around 106. She is like the Jews that have been waiting for the promised Messiah, those looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

Wise men is the world as a whole. This final appearance is the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Some are seeking signs but not fully spiritually prepared. Herod's reaction of trying to destroy the young child, is now the Lords turn to remove wicked men like him. I also like to think of Joseph being warned in a dream having fled with the young child and Mary before this destruction came. If we are spiritually prepared we should know of the Lord's coming before the rest of the world. I know which group I want to be in.

Day 2847

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 116:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 116:1

"Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet."

This coming event is something I would love to attend. Doesn't matter which side of the veil I am on, as long as I'm number among the hundreds of millions of worthy saints throughout the dispensations in attendance. This event marks when the finally scenes of the last days begins. Those there already know the Lord has come, but not yet to the world at large. I read in Daniel where it speaks of this.

"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom."

(Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 22)

Day 2119

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 88:91-92

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 88:91-92

"And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.

And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him"

This chapter is so instructional and even though it speaks of the second coming it brings peace. That what we will go through is known by Him, and he will prepare us. I reflected on how in these two verses are years of time, it could be decades or even less than that. I don't know, but this is where we are at right now. The world is in commotion, men's hearts are failing them, and the prophets of the Lord are speaking of preparing ourselves for the Bridegroom coming. When I think of the last couple General Conferences there truly has been a "Prepare ye, prepare ye".

Day 2091

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 17:36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 17:36-37
"Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

I know I referenced these verses earlier when writing about Matthew 24:40-41,  but I was just talking to someone the other day about these same verses. I feel I need to share the Joseph Smith Translation (Luke 17:36-40) again, which makes clear where they are taken. This knowledge brings much peace on the matter of preparing for the Savior's second coming and serving in the vineyard until that day. The Lord knows where his saints are.

"And they answered and said unto him, Where Lord, shall they be taken?
And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is gathered; or, in other words, whithersoever the saints are gathered, thither will the eagles be gathered together; or, thither will the remainder be gathered together.
This he spake, signifying the gathering of his saints; and of angels descending and gathering the remainder unto them; the one from the bed, the other from the grinding, and the other from the field, whithersoever he listeth.
For verily there shall be new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
And there shall be no unclean thing; for the earth becoming old, even as a garment, having waxed in corruption, wherefore it vanisheth away, and the footstool remaineth sanctified, cleansed from all sin."
(JST Luke 17:36-40)

Day 1565

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Doctrine and Covenants 116 explains who the Ancient of Days is, and where this event will takes place.
"Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, near Wight's Ferry, at a place called Spring Hill, Daviess County, Missouri, May 19, 1838.
"Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet."

Why is this significant?
“Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing.
And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel.”
(D&C 107:53–54)

Before Adam left this earth he blessed his posterity and predicted what would happen to them unto the last generation. It is recorded in the book of Enoch, which will come forth in due time. The Lord appeared there and will again appear when Ancient of days comes to sit over the council of his saints. There will be an accounting of the keys that have been held in every dispensation. The world at large won't know it, even the Church at large will not know it. Only those who have officially been called to this council will know it. It will proceed the coming of Jesus Christ as a thief in the night, unbeknown to all the world. I would love to be there but highly suspect, even with 100 million in attendance, I am of no significance to be at such a glorious event. For these are the righteous from all dispensations of time. Regardless, I will continue to live my life in a manner to be worthy to go, if I could.

Day 1432

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 116:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 116:1

"Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet."

This is the only verse in the chapter. I just sat and pondered on what it would be like to be in Adam-ondi-Ahman when Adam returns. I had to listen to the hymn "Adam-ondi-Ahman" which was sung at the Kirtland Temple Dedication, as I pondered. All I succeeded in doing was becoming incredibly homesick. I'm not for sure on what, but that is all I can describe it as. The only time I've even been homesick is when I was visiting my daughter in California and missed going to the temple three weeks in a row. I wasn't homesick for my family back in Utah, I talked to them everyday and did scriptures with them over the phone. I was homesick for the House of the Lord. I finally had to simply go to the temple to get better. Funny thing is today I was at the temple, it was a lovely session. So I have no idea what has made me homesick pondering on Adam-ondi-Ahman. Maybe it just made me homesick for heaven. I know in my near-death experience I came to understand how Adam could be called the Ancient of Days. Maybe things are to close to the surface in this verse and song.

Day 535