Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith 1:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith 1:9
"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."

I love change, and I always have. I reflected on all the changes made in the church that I have seen over the years. The first I can recall was during the 70's oil crises. Our ward was given permission to have a continuous 3 hour church block. Prior to that you went to Sunday School and classes with an afternoon break, and come back in the evening for sacrament. We used to go to Primary during the weekday but that all changed with the 3 hour block.

I remember the first set of personal scriptures that I had. It came with a paper insert of Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead. First, it went into the Pearl of Great Price and later it became section 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It didn't seem to long after that the new scriptures came out with cross references between the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. They truly became one in thine hand.

Then came the exciting day when it was announced that all worthy males could receive the priesthood. We had speculated on how that blessing would come to all, and when it did we heard the news on TV. That taught me that we never know how revelation comes about.

I remember having fund raising projects to build our ward chapel and then one day we no longer had to pay the building fund. The church was able to financially handle it because we were paying our tithing. Speaking of tithing I was so excited when we could pay tithing and fast offerings online. Who would have guessed how important that was when Covid hit. I've seen the change from 3 hour church down to 2 hours, with the home study, church supported "Come, Follow Me".

I love seeing changes happen in the church. I love all the many changes in the temple and lots more of them popping up. I embrace it all. Yet, I know more is to come. The restoration is ongoing. I thought the church was fully restored, but it wasn't until President Nelson became prophet that we knew that was just the beginning. I don't know what's ahead, but I already love it, because I love change.

"As the Restoration continues, I know that God will continue to reveal many great and important things pertaining to His kingdom here on earth. That kingdom is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Go Forward in Faith", Apr 2020 General Conference)

"Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us—Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he received priesthood keys, the Church was organized. In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes “all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,” and the “many great and important things” that “He will yet reveal.” Brethren, the exciting developments of today are part of that long-foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This is one of the most remarkable periods of the world’s history! Ancient prophets yearned to see our day."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?", Apr 2014 General Conference)

"Elder James E. Talmage wrote: “The canon of scripture is still open; many lines, many precepts, are yet to be added; revelation, surpassing in importance and glorious fulness any that has been recorded, is yet to be given to the Church and declared to the world” (Articles of Faith, 311).
(Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, "Articles of Faith 1:5-13")

Day 3745

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: Philippians 4:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

This reminds me of the 13th Article of Faith.

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
(Articles of Faith 1:13)

It was also my inspiration for a mission statement on Facebook.
"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek after these things"

I wrote it because I wanted to remind myself of who I am, and be a better person. I didn't want to add to the contention and strife in the world and feed on it. Working really hard at it, it is now part of me. It has greatly added to my peace. Seek the good, and pass on the bad. The unvirtuous can have its own day and own way somewhere else, but not in me.

Day 3266

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:1

"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations."

All I can think of when I read this is "keep your mouth shut". If what you want to contribute is not edifying, helpful, or matters in the scheme of the eternities, then keep your mouth shut. If someone is trying to live the gospel but doing somethings wrong, does it really need to be you to correct them? If what you are doing causes another to contend or take offense, then leave it alone. Instead of picking your battles is it better to simply lay down your weapons of war? As President Nelson has said "be a peacemaker".

Several years ago I had to temper myself on Facebook and other social media channels. Inspired by the thirteenth Article of Faith, I took this as my mission statement.

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek after these things."

Day 3219

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 16:10-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 16:10-12

"And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?

Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law;

And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:"

This made me think of what Jesus said to the Pharisees.

"Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;"

(Luke 11:47-50)

I believe the second Article of Faith.

"We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression."

So why where the people of Jeremiah's time and during the Savior's earthly ministry punished for their father's sins? It's because they embrace the false teaching of their fathers. They became even more corrupt. Not only where the Pharisees false priests in their day. They were worst than the priest of Baal and idol worshippers that sacrificed prophets and innocent children. These were people in Jesus' time that would crucify the very Son of God.

Day 2920

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 11:12

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 11:12

"And he brought forth the king’s son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king."

I'm not British but I have heard people from the UK say "God save the queen", and previously it was "God save the king". It's part of their national anthem now. When I read this verse I thought that must be where the phrase originated from. I always find it interesting to see things like that.

I reflected on the 12th Article of Faith

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

Day 2483

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 27:1, 10, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 27:1, 10, 14

"And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.

Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.

And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,"

The Lord commanded Moses on what they were to do when they passed over Jordan into the promised land. They were to set up great stones and plaster them. Then to write on them all the words of the law that he had received. Afterwards the Levites were to speak in a loud voice all the words of the law, and the people were to obey all the commandments and statutes.

It was the word statutes that caught by eye. I had to look up what exactly was a statute.

Here are some things I learned.

-Typically, statutes command or prohibit something or declare policy. 

-Statutory law within the legal order can appear in three different forms: (1) written formal law, (2) law for the community and (3) non-public law.

-Statute is (legal) (common law) legislated rule of society which has been given the force of law by those it governs.

The statutes appear to be the laws of the community or society, which makes sense because what is laid out in the rest of the chapter are exactly that. For example: "Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark." These statues are telling them more plainly how to live the commandments in consideration for their society.

Obeying statutes would also be in keeping with the 12th Article of Faith: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

I pondered on how the Lord doesn't just give laws, he gives counsel to the prophet on how best to run His Church, and for his people to live together. This now has me wondering if the First Presidency letter of August 12, 2021 could be considered a statute? We were given specific things we could do to fight the war on this pandemic. It was written and sent to all the members, and then read again over the pulpits of our churches. We do not need to be commanded in all things but we are told by the Lord to obey his statutes, and that should not be dismissed.

Day 2339

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith: 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith: 12

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

When I look at the Articles of Faith I think this is the one that has been the most abused this year. I reflected on how grateful I am for this one. It has been such a guiding light to me and how I should behave during this whole pandemic and politically upheaval. It has kept me from fighting the wrong battle and losing my way.

Day 2159

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 3:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 3:1
"Put them in mind to subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"

This reminds me of the 12th Article of Faith.
"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

Day 1705

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 11:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 11:24
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

This is where I call the 8th Article of Faith into play.
"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

I believe there is a very important qualifier to this verse in Mark, where the meaning would have been very plain and precious. Without it Satan will often quote it and twist it. It grieves my heart to know of people that use this to follow the occult practice of the law of attraction. This is not God's law. Anything you desire will not come to you. The qualifier is "which is right", which means the will of God. Even the Savior himself prayed, "Thy will be done."

"And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.
(3 Nephi 18:20)

"And, as it is written - Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive."
(Doctrine and Covenants 29:6)

"And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which is pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive."
(Doctrine and Covenants 11:14)

Even Nephi, the son of Helaman, who was given the sealing power had this qualifier on why it was given him. "For thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."

"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 has 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."
(Helaman 10:4-5)

If this is not understood than one of two things can happen. 1. People could loose faith when their desires are not answered. 2. Satan could answer that desire. Forever, that qualifier needs to be there, that it is according to God's will. In time, through the spirit, we will know how to not ask amiss. It's important to remember the Savior was speaking to his apostles in this verse, and not to all that followed after him. Ask with faith, always but be believing that if it is according to God's will it will be answered.

Day 1543

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 27:9-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 27:9-11
"Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:
For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.
But the nations that bring their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the Lord; and they shall till it, and dwell therein."

The Lord is saying there are people telling you lies that you are not to serve the king of Babylon. He reminds them in verse 5

"I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me."

The Lord has a purpose in who rules a nation. Mostly because its exactly what we deserve. I am reminded of the 12th Article of Faith

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

This reminds me today of people that call themselves sovereign citizens. Thinking they do not need to pay taxes and obey the laws of the lands. They see the constitution giving them rights that they cling to, but don't understand how they have been changed. We need to obey the laws that we have. Because of lies they see themselves as patriots, are imprisoned, loose their lands, and put themselves into bondage. This is not the Lord's way. For such actions stop them from serving the Lord. To preserve the land the Lord has given you, we must obey the ruler and laws set over it. There is a big difference between bringing my neck under the yoke of Babylon, and giving my heart to it. It is only when those laws prevent us from worshiping the Lord and serving him, that he will step in and free us.

Day 1347

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 19:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 19:9
"And the evil spirit from the Lord  [which was not of the Lord] was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand."

Multiple times I have read in Samuel the words "and the evil spirit from the Lord".  Each time it just didn't sit right with me. I would turn to the footnote and see the JST (Joseph Smith Translation). It read's instead " the evil spirit which was not of the Lord".  In my heart I know the JST is correct. It is not possible for an evil spirit to come from the Lord. The spirit of God can withdraw from a person, and in its place an evil spirit will reside. It is the person himself that opened himself up to this condition. The Holy Spirit will not reside with the unclean. If the spirit won't reside there then an evil spirit will take up residence. Saul throughout these chapters is full of an evil spirit and he seeks to kill David. That is not of the Lord.

This reminds me of the 8th Articles of Faith
"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."


Day 830

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 24:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 24:16
"The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin."

This made me think of the 2nd Article of Faith.
"We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression."

I thought about how everyone is accountable for their own sins at judgment day. That is such a relief, I would not want to be accountable for another person's sins. I have enough of my own to account for. I am grateful that the Savior's atonement overcame original sin so I could be born into this world and not be punished for Adam's transgression. I was born innocent and can act for myself, and be cursed or redeemed depending on my choices and adhering to God's commandments. I alone am responsible for my actions.  I pondered on how a loving and just God would set things up this way.


Day 752

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith 1

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith 1

"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."

I am at the end of the Pearl of Great Price. Tomorrow I will start on the Old Testament. When Joseph Smith was asked to define the Latter-day Saint religion he wrote out 13 basic beliefs of our faith. As I read through them I asked myself which is the most important? Which means the most to me? They all do. Yet to go back and review, the very first one is a vital key. That the Godhead is made up of three distinct individuals. God the Eternal Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

The Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith in the sacred grove as he humbly asked which church to join. The thought that the Father and Son were separate beings was no longer known among men. Joseph was persecuted as a young 14 year old boy for saying it. This testimony he could never deny. I have been raised on this belief of a loving Heavenly Father, that sent his only begotten Son to die for me. That the Holy Spirit can confirm all the words of Christ, and personally tutor and direct me in my life. Knowing they are separate beings, but one in purpose, means so very much to me. It is so part of every fiber of my being. I cannot read the scriptures and not think of them any other way. To take that from me I would be lost. For this is a mystery of God, that is now clear to the understanding of men, because a young boy thought to pray.

Day 575