Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 50:35

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 50:35
"And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni, which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being inspired by his wickedness and his flattering words) that a battle commenced between them, in the which Teancum did slay Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the camp of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi"

In this chapter is another character with traits we have to be aware of. This tells the story of Morianton. In the land of Morianton they started to have warm contentions over part of the land of Lehi. Morianton wanted it. The people of Lehi flee to the camp of Moroni because they were not in the wrong. Morianton put fear into the hearts of the people that the army of Moroni would come after them. They fled to take possession of land that was northward. That's when Morianton, a man with much passion, became angry and beat one of his maid servants. She also fled to the camp of Moroni. There was a concern that if the people of Morianton obtained the land northward they would overthrow their liberty. The army of Moroni and Teancum did meet the people of Morianton there. This is where we see the people of Morianton are stubborn, they are inspired by Morianton wickedness and flattering words. Why would you want to follow someone like that, that only causes trouble? That is an age old question. But, the important lesson is to not follow them in the first place.

Day 3494

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 49:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 49:10-11
"Now, if king Amalickiah had come down out of the land of Nephi, at the head of his army, perhaps he would have caused the Lamanites to have attacked the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah; for behold, he did care not for the blood of his people.
But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to battle. And behold, his chief captains durst not attack the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of affairs among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed in their places of retreat and they could not come upon them."

I noticed Mormon warning on who we are to watch out for in our day. This type of person wants power, but "he did care not for the blood of his people". He also "did not come down himself to battle". In verse 13 it also tells us that "their chief captains came forward and took an oath that they would destroy the people of that city." When they lose Amalickiah is angry, exceeding wroth, and cursed God. He swore with an oath he would drink the blood of Moroni. Amalickiah seeks for revenge. There is a lot more in this chapter and it is a clear warning to not be deceived and fight for the wrong side, and for the wrong things. Moroni on the other hand keeps the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people. How grateful I am for a living prophet that is doing the same.

Day 3493

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 35:8-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 35:8-10
"Now the people of the Zoramites were angry with the people of Ammon who were in Jershon, and the chief ruler of the Zoramites, being a very wicked man, sent over unto the people of Ammon desiring them that they should cast out of their land all those who came over from them into their land.
And he breathed out many threatenings against them. And now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants.
Now this did stir up the Zoramites to anger against the people of Ammon, and they began to mix with the Lamanites and to stir them up also to anger against them."

Whenever I hear about people that are angry and prejudice against immigrants, legal or otherwise, I think about how such displaced people were treated in the Book of Mormon. The Nephites not only accepted the people of Ammon they willingly gave them the land of Jershon for their inheritance. Then when the Zoramites kicked out their poor and those that accepted the words of Alma, the people in Jershon received them. This is how we should treat others coming to our land. Except for a very few, we are all immigrants of one flavor or another. It is a wise purpose of the Lord that people are led here.

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore." ("The New Colossus", written on the Statue of Liberty)

"But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.
Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.
Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever. "
(2 Nephi 1:5-7)

Day 3479

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 27:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 27:1-2
"Now it came to pass that when those Lamanites who had gone to war against the Nephites had found, after their many struggles to destroy them, that it was in vain to seek their destruction, they returned again to the land of Nephi.
And it came to pass that the Amalekites, because of their loss, were exceedingly angry. And when they saw that they could not seek revenge from the Nephites, they began to stir up the people in anger against their brethren, the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi; therefore they began again to destroy them."

I was pondering on why the Amalekites felt they needed to go after the Anti-Nephi-Lehies? The Amalekites wanted to destroy the Nephites but since they couldn't they turned on a group of Lamanites that only wanted to be peaceful. That just didn't make sense. Then I realized there is no sense in what Satan inspires in the hearts of men. When you incite people and stir them up to anger about a group of people the cause doesn't even need to be true. Men's hearts had failed them.

It made me think of the video with President Nelson "Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them".

"If you got a faith you can handle difficulties, with an eternal perspective that all will be well. "...the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear,..." (Luke 21:25-26)
"Men's hearts are failing because they forget their identity and purpose."

The Amalekites were Nephite apostates. They had lost their religion, identity and purpose. Without that eternal guidance they lashed out at anyone they perceived a threat and in particular those that loved God.

Day 3471

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 31:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 31:13
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel."

We may follow the Lord with full purpose of heart, have real intent that we will always do so, but it is part of the plan that we will still slip and fall. The difference is we know it, and won't hide it. We will repent and try again. This is how we learn and grow, it truly shows our real intent to follow Him.

I learned this week that you can lose patience and get angry, mess things up and watch things go out of control. Yet, there was still a purpose for all that happened. Things moved quickly in a direction for my family's greater good than I could have ever realized. Yes, I needed to repent of my part, because I could have done better, even though the ultimate outcome wouldn't have changed. There is a reason why my slower plan wouldn't work, because it wasn't His. The Lord is letting me stumble and grow, and watching out for me at the same time. I marvel at how as I sincerely repented and grieved how he revealed things regarding the situation I had no insight on before hand. He brought confirmation and peace to my soul. As the greater picture has taken shape I stand so amazed on how protected we have been all this time.

Day 3402

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 28:19-22

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 28:19-22
"For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish;
For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance."

This is absolutely a message for our day. What stands out to me is people being stirred up to anger, rage in their hearts, and anger against what is good. This is a careful descent that Satan leads them. They don't even realize they are fighting against what is good. Once Satan's chains are on them there is no deliverance. Yes, the Lord's arms are always stretched out towards us, but will they care or even realize the need for repentance until it is to late? I can see why President Nelson counsel over and over again is to not be contentious, to be peacemakers. You cannot serve two masters in this matter. If you are driven by anger and make choices based on it, you are not on the Lord's side. The spirit has fled and its a long, long road home, if you can find it again.

Day 3399

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 4:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 4:4

"Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?"

It's interesting to see that Jonah was angry with God for showing mercy to the people of Nineveh when they repented. Yet, the Lord could have just as well left Jonah in the belly of the fish for his sins. He wanted to see others punished for their sins, but forgot the mercy God had shown Him. Does it do well to be angry? No, because you lose sight of what is important and don't see things that you should see.

Day 3052

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 14:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 14:17

"He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated."

I have sure learned over the years to not make any decisions in anger. That's my red flag that I need to step away and cool off. The spirit has left me and I'm now left to my own devices, which doesn't turn out good.

Day 2801

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 122:1, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 122:1, 9

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good."

Been a really hard week, with things I simply could not settle because I had no control over them. Yet, I was feeling angry at those causing the issue. I knew it wasn't right and I couldn't get out of these chains that held me bound. What I needed was divine intervention and that meant going to the house of the Lord. I decided to go at my very favorite time, and do my very favorite ordinance. I felt like I had come home.

The very first thing I did was put the names of those at the root of the issue on the prayer roll. It seemed the moment I did that I left the problem at the door. Now I could pray that all our hearts would be softened and resolution could come. I was so glad I went to temple, where hope and peace could be restored to me, and greater insight could be gained. I didn't know how resolutions would come but I knew that they would.

I wasn't home more than an hour and the mail came. I opened a thick envelopment to find an accident insurance claim check inside. I had never counted on seeing that money. Now that I had it in hand I had the means to offer it to solve one outstanding issue. I told the party I would worry about being paid back later, but at least we could have this part resolved.

Then another party told me they received a phone call and in that call some decisions were made that showed mercy to another. That meant two issues were now starting to find resolutions. I can't be greedy and expect all issues solved within a day, even though I know God could do it. Everyone still has their free agency and regardless of promptings and needs they can choose to be difficult. What I do know is I go to bed tonight being grateful I went to the house of the Lord today. I poured my heart out to God, and He opened the doors to bring some relief.

Day 2759

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 103:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 103:8

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy."

I thought about how grateful I am these are attributes of God. The slow to anger truly does show how gracious and merciful He is. He has given me time to realize my mistakes and repent of them.

Day 2740

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 4:1, 7-8, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 4:1, 7-8, 11

"But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.

But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,

And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.

And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease."

I was interested in the tactics of the adversary in stopping the Lord's work. In this case it was those trying to stop the Jews from rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. It got so bad they had to work with a tool in one hand and weapon in another. Very similar to how the saints had to protect themselves while building the Kirtland and later the Nauvoo temple.

Earlier Sanballat and others in the surrounding area laughed the Jews to scorn and despised them for saying they were going to rebuild. Now as they witnessed it happening they were wroth and had great indignation. In comparing it to my day I would say angry and took offense. After that they wanted to stop the work from happening so they conspired together to fight against and to hinder the work. The Jews at that point would not stop their work of rebuilding, they pressed on ever watchful, but armed themselves as they worked for protection. This last general conference I think we were given tools to protect ourselves as we work. That tool was to be peacemakers. To watch and guard ourselves from contention, to hold our peace. It will work for a season, but greater persecution will come. We must prepare spiritually in order to endure.

Day 2576

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-8
"And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their voices concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges.
And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people.
Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those who were not in his favor."

No good comes when an election is decided and the opposing side does not agree with it. Then those that lost try to remove the person from office. In this chapter we see it led to blood shed. In our nation we were on that path, but its seems to have taken a pandemic to distract us from it. Either way it's a loss of lives. Now I see anger happening among the people and that is never the way to do things. I think some very hard lessons are coming our way because of it.

Day 1860

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:14
"And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord."

This chapter does a good job explaining why the Lamanites had such a hatred of the Nephites. How because of the false traditions of their fathers they felt wronged by the Nephites, first when being made to flee Jerusalem and wronged in the wilderness, then while crossing the sea, then when they landed in the new world. All this because they felt they had a right to lead the people, even when Nephi was favored of the Lord. Why was Nephi favored? Because he was obedient and faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord. The stunning thing to me is all of them passed through the same experiences. The difference is who they turned to and trusted in time of need.

From this feeling of being wronged they became wroth with the Nephites. Why?  Because they did not understand the dealings of the Lord. Four times it described how they were wroth. From this the emotions turn to feeling robbed to hate, murder, robbing and plunder. Becoming cunning, lying, craftiness, deceiving and seek to destroy. It is amazing to me how after knowing the goodness of the Lord that a heart can harden when they turn away from God. Not only do the people turn from the Lord it turns against His people for generations. That anger and hatred can become all consuming. The ability to prosper leaves them because all they seek is to live off of the work of others. The ingratitude and feeling of entitlement then sweeps over them. Then they seek to take the Lord's people into bondage and over power them. I think there are a great number of Lamanites in our land.

Day 1839

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 5:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 5:2-3
"But behold, their anger did increase against me, insomuch that they did seek to take away my life.
Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people."

It's an election year and I could not help but ponder on the state of our nation while reading this. Every four years the church as a whole studies the Book of Mormon, and I think it no coincidence it happens to fall during the year of a presidential election. Reading the Book of Mormon is a good reminder of the covenant and promises placed upon this land. If we are righteous we will prosper. It is the prayers of the righteous that save this nation.

The condition I noticed with the separation of Nephi and his older brothers is that it was caused by anger and the assumption on who had the right to rule the people. The one the Lord had chosen was not accepted by those that thought it was their right to rule. I don't know what's coming this year but I sure hope people will accept who is determined by an honest election to be our president. How much damage has been done to our nation by those that would not accept the outcome of the last one. I pray their anger does not rise to the point they will kill or bring destruction upon our heads.

"Yea, well did Mosiah say, who was our last king, when he was about to deliver up the kingdom, having no one to confer it upon, causing that this people should be governed by their own voices - yea, well did he say that if the time should come that the voice of this people should choose iniquity, that is, if the time should come that this people should fall into transgression, they would be ripe for destruction."
(Alma 10:19)

I revere the Constitution of the United States as a divinely inspired document. It breaks my heart to think that the voice of the people are on the verge of socialism, which stands against everything the Lord set as a condition upon this great land. It is so striking in this chapter how the Nephites became industrious and prospered. I see this as supporting capitalism. The description of the Lamanites instead would point towards socialism.

"And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey." (2 Nephi 5:24)

An idle people that live off their prey. That's not just hunting for animals to eat. It can represent the feeling of entitlement to feed off the industry and hard work of others. My prayer is as a nation we do not head deeper down this path.

Day 1790

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 15:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 15:1
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

I know this is so true, but its so hard for me to do. I have to laugh at an argument my son and I had. He does not like any change, and there is only a small window of opportunity in which you can make any. That window of opportunity opened while doing repairs in his room. However, he said he would make this other change later. Well after 12 years of him saying that to my suggestion I finally insisted. We got to yelling at each other, until we were screaming at each other. As if volume somehow made our point clearer. Then we looked at each other and realized that wouldn't solve anything. So we sat at the end of his bed and calmly discussed the reasons and benefits of the change. He finally saw it. So we made a very simple change and it worked. He tells me often how grateful he is for this change, how much better it is in his room. We laugh each times he says that, remembering how heated the argument had become. We both learned a great lesson that day. Now if I can just continue to do it.

Day 1218

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 21:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 21:6
"And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger."

As I began to read this verse it was very familiar, because several other kings had done the same thing. I was reading it rather quickly until I spotted those last few words "to provoke him to anger". Manasseh, Hezekiah's son what taught what was right from his father. Yet, he on purpose did what was wrong in the sight of God, to provoke him. He mocked God. He built up every evil thing and practice to provoke him.

I could picture people today that do that same thing. Mockingly saying "God will strike them dead with lightening", or something along those lines, for their crimes. This put a whole new level on the evil Manasseh was capable of, because he hated God enough to provoke him. I wonder if he "played" with things he shouldn't have because he didn't think they had any value either. Could it be like the foolish child that plays with a ouija board out of curiosity, or the adult that uses taro cards or fortune tellers, thinking it's just for entertainment? When God says don't touch such things there is a reason and warning for it. Mocking God never comes to a good end.


Day 909

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 13:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 13:3-4
"And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazel king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael, all their days.
And Jehoahaz besought the Lord, and the Lord hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them."

I pondered on the anger of the Lord and how he just didn't help Israel. Their enemies were allowed to come upon them. That is how they were delivered into their hands. He didn't bring it against the people, truly they brought it upon themselves. All it took was them to turn back to God and the means to deliver themselves from oppression was given them. I pondered on how I cannot curse God when bad things happen. There is a reason why we suffer, and mostly it so I will turn my heart back to him.


Day 901

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 16:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 16:13
"For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the Lord God of Israel to anger with their vanities."

There are several similar verse like this one throughout this chapter. Once again many kings are named and none follow the Lord. The thing I pondered on is now God's anger is kindled when the leader causes the people to sin. I could see why that would be. If of myself I want to sin that is between me and God. But, if I was to start to destroy others with my sins and cause others to sin then that is something God would have to stop. That is greater than any sin of my own I could commit, for it would make another loose their way.


Day 882

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 22:48-49

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 22:48-49
"It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me,
And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man."

That brought back memories that probably should be painful, but are not. I only grieve for the "violent man". How much have they lost because of their actions? How much have I gained because the Lord strengthened me? For me I would not change a thing.


Day 864

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 4:3, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 4:3, 5

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

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell."

When I was reading Moses chapter 5 a couple weeks ago I pondered on Cain's offering and why it was offensive to God. As I read this story again this time I noticed the path to apostasy. No one jumps from righteousness to wickedness over night. It takes a "process of time" for Satan to "carefully lead us down to hell".  Eventually the desire to please the Lord is completely removed from us. It can even turn to mocking. Then when it's pointed out to us that what we are doing is not acceptable to the Lord, anger comes and the spirit is completely gone from that man. 

So there are signs to watch out for. First is where my heart is, and who I am trying to please. I'm sure there are not many wicked people that would say they are trying to please Satan. What they think they are trying to please is themselves. That is the very lie Satan would have them believe. For to please themselves is to please only Satan. To please the Lord and do his will, the master I am serving is clear. So as soon as I stop trying to please the Lord I know I am in dangerous territory. 

The next sign is anger at any type of reproof or correction. At that point I would have lost the ability to be humble and teachable like a little child. If the desire is to please myself and get ahead, I wouldn't want anyone to deviating me from that path. The wicked do take the truth to be hard. The very fact of that is the anger that comes from them. 

Of course I know where all this lead Cain. But, no one is beyond becoming a Cain even me, if the desire of my heart is no longer to please God, but only myself. 

Day 579