Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 30:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 30:15-16
"See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;
In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it."

So much cursing is described in these three chapters. It is a warning of what will happen if they choose to leave God and follow the strange gods of the land. I pondered on how we are all given our agency to choose. With that choice comes consequences. The Lord totally spelled it out to them the blessing or curse. It's no different than with us today.

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
(2 Nephi 2:27)

"Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."
(2 Nephi 10:23)

Day 3806

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 4:6
"And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world."

I thought about how comforting it is to know that Satan doesn't know the mind of God. Satan or Lucifer knows parts of the plan of salvation, and knew us in the pre-existence as spirit children of God, but not everything. We ourselves don't even know the mind of God. How trials and difficulties, the road blocks of life caused by others, God will use them for our good. It will direct and move us into paths to further His work and our progression. All while allowing us to choose for ourselves and learn from experience. I often think of the mobs that persecuted the saints. In turn driving them to the rocky mountains where the church could blossom and establish itself and the headquarters of the church. We needed the roots and strength of spirit to flood the earth with his word. God knows his children well. He knows what combination of children won't play nicely in the sandbox together. Any mother can tell you this. On this earth are some of the greatest spirits, and then some of the most wicked. All of them are needed to bring about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. All of us free to decide which side we are on.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."
(Isaiah 55:8)

Day 3733

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:9
"We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied."

This chapter is "a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general". It was adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the church in 1835. As I reviewed each statement of belief this verse seems the most pressing concern for my day. It would be a terrible offense if Christian Nationalism was ever adopted in our land. We cannot force this nation to be Christian. Force does not go with true worship and belief.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (11th Article of Faith)

Day 3723

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 37:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 37:3-4
"And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them.
Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come. Even so. Amen."

The saints in New York and Pennsylvania are called to gather to the Ohio. Yet, they are told to choose for himself. I pondered on agency. Even though the Lord commands we are still free to choose. However there are consequences that come with our choices. I pondered on how the saints in Ohio were greatly blessed with more revelations, a temple, and the Lord himself came to accept it. That wasn't to be their final place to reside, but for a season it would be exactly where a faithful member would want to be, regardless of the persecution that followed them.

Day 3626

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 29:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 29:26-27
"Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land."

King Mosiah is speaking to his people about the dangers of having kings. He reminded them of wicked king Noah and how much damage one unrighteous king can do. He then suggests instead of having kings that they have judges, established by the voice of people. He then gives a warning that this works because it is common for the voice of the people to desire what is right. But if the majority of the people choose iniquity the judgment of God will come upon them. This is a warning for us today. The voice of the people will make their decision in our land this year. In many ways I see this as a question of free agency, and how much we allow others their agency or force them to conform to ours.

I could see this also in the response king Mosiah's people gave to him on enjoying their own rights and privileges.

"And now I desire that this inequality should be no more in this land, especially among this my people; but I desire that this land be a land of liberty, and every man may enjoy his rights and privileges alike, so long as the Lord sees fit that we may live and inherit the land, yea, even as long as any of our posterity remains upon the face of the land.
Therefore they relinquished their desires for a king, and became exceedingly anxious that every man should have an equal chance throughout all the land; yea, and every man expressed a willingness to answer for his own sins." (Mosiah 29:32, 38)

Day 3444

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 4:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 4:6
"Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea."

This made me think of the various times prophets were commanded to control the elements. What they were not controlling was people, taking away their agency to choose. Even with Moses and Pharaoh, God didn't take away Pharaoh's agency to choose if he would release the children of Israel. It was Pharaoh that hardened his heart and would not let them go. It wasn't until that final plague where the first born died that Pharaoh said enough. Up until that very end everyone had the choice to do their will or God's will. We cannot control other people no matter how much at times we would want to.

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
(Matthew 17:20)

"For the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove—and it was removed. And if he had not had faith it would not have moved; wherefore thou workest after men have faith."
(Ether 12:30)

"And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him."
(Moses 7:13)

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.
And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and become smooth, it shall be done."
(Helaman 10:4-5, 9)

"And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by tempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the opening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets."
(3 Nephi 10:14)

Day 3408

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 24:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 24:13-14
"For thou hast said in thy 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."

Isaiah (14:13-14) is being quoted here. He is speaking of Satan and how he sought to set himself above God and have his glory. He was full of pride, and with it desired to destroy the agency of man to obtain all power. The same fight over pride, and power is among us today.

"And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;"
(Moses 4:1, 3

Pride is the only tool the adversary has against the righteous. It is with pride the armor of God can be cracked, even if to say how righteous you are. This is the greatest of sins and must constantly be watched for.

"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."
(Malachi 4:1)

Day 3395

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 2:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 2:7

"To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:"

Patience = the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

I pondered on patience. I know that it is a divine Christlike attribute, and very desirable. I know I have made progress in this area, where once the lack of it was my agony and made me suffer. What has made the difference I wondered? I don't think age has anything to do with it. Then I remembered what President Nelson said to "Think Celestial!" It is looking at things through an eternal perspective. It changes your perspective on everything. How you value things. How you look at trials you face. How you put faith in the Lord to get you through what needs to be endured. How you can appreciate the agency of others, and accept their choice. In the eternities things will be made right.

"Consider the Lord’s response to Joseph Smith when he pleaded for relief in Liberty Jail. The Lord taught the Prophet that his inhumane treatment would give him experience and be for his good. “If thou endure it well,” the Lord promised, “God shall exalt thee on high.” The Lord was teaching Joseph to think celestial and to envision an eternal reward rather than focus on the excruciating difficulties of the day."

"As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial!", Oct 2023 General Conference)

Day 3207

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 16:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 16:20

"Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter,"

I don't like to admit it but when I saw this chapter speaking against the high places and playing the harlot I thought, not again! Boy, did I learn my lesson about what was really, really bothering the Lord. It wasn't anger over them not worshipping Him, it was really all about how this behavior harmed others. They killed children!!! That is the most offense thing a person can do. It was no small matter.

"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

(Matthew 18:6)

When you lose your love of God, and worship other things in his place, the adversary becomes your master. That can lead you down a path that is beyond horrible. The agency of man, the right to choose right from wrong, God protects. When you destroy the innocents ability to make good choices, by teaching them that evil is good and good is evil you are in essence taking away their agency to choose. God looks at the physical and spiritual death of a child at our hands as most abominable. I think that is ultimately when He says enough.

Day 2977

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 4:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 4:3

"Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;"

This reminded me of a video that I saw where Elder David A.Bednar spoke about "free" agency. He explains that there is no "free agency", only moral agency. He also spoke about Heavenly Father's plan and there was only one plan, but Satan rebelled against the Father's plan. It is important to understand that Satan is a rebel. Elder Bednar also explained there was no pre-existence, only pre-mortal existence. What it showed me was it's so important to understand and use the right words when explaining the plan of salvation. When we don't pay attention to the details, we can go off course.

Devotional for Single Adults, November 9, 2019 in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

Day 2147

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 14:25

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 14:25
"And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction."

The way the Lord prepared for the wicked to be destroyed is by their own hands. They do it to themselves. I guess I could say it was prepared by giving man their own free agency. That is one thing the Lord will not interfere with. When you abuse it and no longer worship Him then you begin to destroy yourself. What is worse than a physical destruction is a spiritual one, which is everlasting. The fulness of God's wrath is to leave you to yourself. There is no arm of protection over you. The Jaredites at the end of their civilization must have had a never ending fear and terror around them. I would not want to be left like that.

Day 1991

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 2:22-23, 25

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 2:22-23, 25
"And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

I love this chapter. It has a great explanation of the plan of salvation and the need for the atonement of Jesus Christ in a very clear way. I love how it explains the purpose behind Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and need for opposition in all things and the agency of man.

The other day I saw a comment from someone on Facebook referring to the six days of creation. I look upon the mention of the days of creation as creation periods. Each is called a day but not a literal day according to man. Each day, or creation period is as long as needed. Which would absolutely explain the formation and age of this earth. Once Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden we have no idea how long they remained there until they partook from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. I look forward to the day when all things will be revealed.   

"Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things -
Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end there-of
Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven."
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:32-34)

Day 1787

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 5:3-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 5:3-5
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

I have been studying and pondering on patience for several months now. I have found the best time to study it is when you don't feel you need it. It is so much easier to be instructed when one isn't in the midst of the crises without it. What a marvelous Christlike attribute patience is. It is sanctifying and makes one holy. It is my most desired attribute now. I can see how with patience I gain experience and hope. For one cannot have patience unless they turn to the Lord to help them through that which is overwhelming them. Then hope fills my heart and the Holy Ghost is there to guide and sanctify me. I see patience as such a beautiful thing. In a way it makes the tribulations worth it because it brings one to a totally different plain with Christ. I had come to see enduring to the end not as the beast I once thought it was, because to endure I come to know Christ. Now with patience I see I not only know him, I become like him.

"And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:38)

"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."
(Doctrine and Covenants 67:13)

The reason patience was so aloof for me was because I was trying to make things work according to my will and timing. How often does one say when they lack patience, "If only they would do this!". I have learned that without patience my desire was to take away the agency of others and control them according to my will. No wonder with the lack of patience we feel so out of control. Trying to control and in a way force Satan's plan, by taking away the agency of another. This is not the Father's plan. With patience I learn to trust the Lord's timing and will in the matter. Patience is the greatest of Christlike attributes that I could obtain. To have patience I possess my soul, for I have over come the natural man. Now I can see there is a better way. I am not perfect in having patience, but I have opened the door to the beauty of it, and am being instructed in a better way. To have patience is to have faith, trust in the Lord, and hope of eternal life.

Day 1624

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 7:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 7:2
"The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net."

As I was reading the news this morning I thought about the privacy of the people in the stories. Some I was down right sad to see the sport over their situations. When I read this part of the verse, "they hunt every man his brother with a net" it made me think of the people being chased in order to sell sensational news stories. Mercy and forgiveness are foreign concepts now.

Then I reflected on my childhood and my attempts to catch little white butterflies with a net. The butterflies fluttered all over in an attempt to avoid being caught in my net. It was exhausting and I was often frustrated in my attempts. When one was finally caught it was placed in a jar with air holes poked into the top. Then I would sit quietly and watch the butterfly. The butterflies never lasted long once confined in that jar. I was always trying to find new ways to make the butterfly last. In my attempts I added all types of twigs and leaves for it to feed on. Basically dead food. But I never found something to make them last. Sadly those butterflies were my experiments, for nothing equaled them living free as they should have.

What is the net? It is a device used to take away the freedom or agency of another. They can be used against those that have given away their agency by their actions, or the innocent that are captured for the pleasure or gain of another. What it all boils down to is wanting to take away the agency of man. There are many means by which man has devised to capture his brother in a net. 

Day 1475

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 53:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 53:1
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good."

Had an interesting conversation with my family during scripture reading this week. We got onto the subject of apostasy and destroying another's faith. Who would be at fault, the one that lead the person away, or the one lead away? Honestly I have no idea on a person's heart or knowledge that they had prior to being lead away, but I think both are accountable for their actions. I hope I never stand in the shoes of either individual. All I can work on is myself and my personal relationship with my Savior.

This scripture makes me ponder on that again. For I think the heart of the matter is corruption had to be in both places. I have my agency, and no one can take from me my faith, unless I let them. If I stop working on my testimony or let pride or sin overcome me, then I am ripe for corruption. I am one of the five foolish virgins without oil in my lamp. 

Day 1106

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 30:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 30:10
"Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper."

This made me think of an October 2017 General Conference talk by President Uchtdorf, "A Yearning for Home".

"No one else is responsible for your personal journey. The Savior will help you and prepare the way before you, but the commitment to follow Him and keep His commandments must come from you. That is your sole burden, your sole privilege."

If I don't seek the Lord or ask for his help then he cannot show mercy upon me. He will never take away my agency to follow Him or not. That is my choice. What a difference it has made when I admitted I needed a Savior and he carries me. If I need help He is the very best help to have.

Day 1083

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 21:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 21:7-9
"Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?
Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.
Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them."

Job admits that the wicked sometimes do prosper in this life. I can wholeheartedly agree. Is that unfair? When I think of how brief a moment this earth life is, in the scheme of the eternities, then what the wicked experience in life will be incredibly brief and the only version of "happiness" they have. If anything that makes me incredibly sad for them.

I reflected on the words of Alma to his son Corianton on mercy, justice and restoration. What agency would there be, for man to be punished immediately after he commits a sin. He would learn to not sin simply out of fear of punishment, and not out of a desire to keep God's commandments or to love Him.

"Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds.
If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God."
(Alma 42:27-28)


Day 1032

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 16:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 16:28
"And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my eyes."

I do believe Samson was conditionally given the gift of great physical strength. I feel really bad that he instead chose to use this gift to his own devices. If he had served the Lord instead of himself the outcome would have been so different. The downfall of Samson was his uncontrollable lust for undesirable women. Women that betrayed him for a price. His story demonstrates the penalty of breaking the law of chastity, and where it leads you.

I know this verse has Samson calling on the Lord to give him strength one last time. I don't think the Lord did it to avenge the loss of Samson's eyes though. In away I feel Samson took his own life, the ultimate defiance of God's will for his life. With his suicide he also took out 3,000 Philistines. I think defeating the Philistines was God's purpose for his life. The problem is Samson did things his way and not the Lord's way. If Samson had worked with the Lord maybe he could have lead a great army against the Philistines, and killed those same 3,000. I am sure the Lord would have given him strength to have been victorious over them. He could have been a marvelous example of the power of the Lord. I wondered if he could have been another Ammon (Alma 17). Samson's story is a great example of predestination, yet still having our agency to choose.


Day 802