Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

That is not some genie wish. There is a condition on asking what we will. For what we ask for must be according to God's will. If we abide with the Lord the Spirit will teach us what to pray for, and not ask amiss. We will be one with the Lord in our desires. The greatest example to me is Nephi, the son of Helaman, in the Book of Mormon. He was given the sealing power. That all things would be done according to his word, BECAUSE the Lord knew he would not ask contrary to His 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 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."
(Helaman 10:4-5)

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"
(1 John 5:14)

"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)

"Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the voice of my Spirit."
(Doctrine and Covenants 112:22)

"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;
And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:64-65)

Day 4136

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:15, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:15, 19
"And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:
Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:"

I'm reading three chapters a day in the Old Testament, so I can finish within a year. As I was reading chapter 16 and 17 it repeated stories of the children of Israel murmuring, chiding and complaining to and about Moses. Granted the problem of no food or water is pretty severe. The story makes it sound like Moses only went to the Lord after the complaining was unbearable. It doesn't mention Moses crying unto the Lord about their issue before that. Was Moses trying to wait on the Lord with faith alone to be uncomplaining, when more was required, to ask? This is a great lesson on the importance of prayer and asking.

Then Jethro, his father-in-law arrives and sees all these people coming to Moses to ask him to inquire of God for them. Yes, there were some issues that only a prophet could speak for God, but the true problem were the smaller issues. The ones that people needed to learn to talk to God and asked for themselves. It made me ponder on what I would have done. I think I would have prayed and asked God what to do about food and water for me and my family. Until that inspiration came I would pray for the prophet to also receive inspiration on how to solve this for everyone. As I was reflecting on this it made me think about food storage and how much prayer and preparation and guidance of the Lord has come from it. How it has taken faith to store it. I'm sure there are some that think when a crises hits the church will provide for them, which simply isn't possible. Once God gave the children of Israel manna to eat, and water from a rock they needed to properly take care of it on a family by family bases. We have resources now, and will be accountable if we think we can go out in the field on a Sunday to gather manna.

Day 3768

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 4:7
"Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen."

I was just having a conversation with my son about what we pray for each mornin. He prays for safety on his way to work, that he will be able to get along with others. He prays for guidance in the day. It was the guidance part that we lingered over. Having the spirit with us to guide us is the most important thing we can ask for. We do not want to be deceived by anyone or anything. There is so much deception in the world right now. I pray for eyes that see and ears that hear, and know and understand. Our prayers have been answered every single day. Truly you can ask and receive and have things opened for you.

Day 3593

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 10:17, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 10:17, 19
"And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

I pondered on "see, hear and know". It sounds like Nephi was expecting to see a vision, a specific vision that his father had. I don't expect to see visions, should I? I reflected on how overpowering it must have been to hear Lehi's vision of the tree of life in person. The spirit must have been incredibly strong. I came to the conclusion that the spirit must have bore witness to Nephi that he needed to ask to see what his father saw. It wasn't because of doubt, it was because he did believe it. It think its a lot like a later Nephi that is given the sealing power, because he would not ask for anything contrary to God's will.

"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."
(Helaman 10: 5)

There is a difference asking to "see" so you can believe, and "seeing" because you believe. Being able to see, hear and know can be just as real by a spiritual manifestation of the Holy Ghost as a physical one. The key is to not ask amiss, ask as the spirit confirms that you should, and not consumed upon your lusts. There was a specific reason Nephi was to ask to see this vision. For he would see more and record it for me to read and believe.

Day 3359

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 1:18, 20, 34, 38

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 1:18, 20, 34, 38

"And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

I wanted to compare the two different answers when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and Mary. Both events required faith to believe in the angel's message. Zacharias ask how he would know this? I can see how that answer shows doubt. At first I couldn't until I compared him to Mary. Gabriel told Zacharias he was an angel sent from the presence of God, and he was sent to speak to him. He told him by what authority he was there. What Zacharias didn't seem to grasp was he was speaking to an angel sent from God. God cannot lie so the message would be true. Seeing that Zacharias served in the temple it made me wonder if he didn't know how to test an angel? Because Zacharias doubted he was made dumb, being unable to speak.

Mary showed her faith by asking how it would be done. As I reflected on this I could see how that showed faith because she didn't doubt it could happen, she just wanted to know how it would take place. The angel then explained it to her.

This reminded me of other stories in the scriptures when God has spoken to his servants, and given them assignments.

"And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.

And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?

And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools."

(1 Nephi 17:8-10)

"And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me.

And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish.

And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom; and when thou shalt suffer for air thou shalt unstop the hole and receive air. And if it be so that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole, that ye may not perish in the flood."

(Ether 2:18-20)

This shows me that God does not mind if we ask how to do something. He will require at times that we study it out and come back to him with a plan. The important this is to ask if faith.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

(James 1:5)

Day 3133

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 46:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 46:9

"For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.

This verse stood out to me because we read this tonight during family scripture reading.

"Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God."

(Mormon 9:28)

What a contrast to how we should be asking.

"He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh."

(Doctrine and Covenants 46:30)

To "consume it on your lusts" would mean your will and not looking to use it to God's will. Consuming it on your lusts can also show a lack of faith, because the desire is to see a sign in order to believe. Instead of saying "Which of these gifts do I want? It's better to say in faith, "When I need one of these gifts it will be there."

Day 2049

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 65:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 65:24
"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

I remember thinking "Why do I pray for something if it is the Father's will to do it or not?" The thought all but made me want to cease praying, for what was the purpose? What I ask for and what happens doesn't really seem to matter. Then I happened to read in the Book of Mormon how Nephi was given the sealing power.

"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)

As I pondered on this I realized Nephi was given the sealing power because he would not ask for anything that was contrary to the will of the Father. Now I could see why I pray. So I will learn to ask for that which is according to the will of the Father. The Holy Spirit will guide me in what I will ask. The more I pray the more I learn to know what is according to the Father's will. I become one in purpose. It has allowed me to accept his will as I pray for it. Even when that means people are not healed when I wish with all my heart they would be. As I read this verse in Isaiah I see after the second coming I will be in such tune with the Spirit that I ask as it is being given to me. That is because all I want is the Father's will.

Day 1319

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 29:39-40

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 29:39-40
"These things ye shall do unto the Lord in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
And Moses told the children of Israel according to all the Lord commanded Moses."

As I read this long list of offerings, with exact descriptions of how many of this, and how many of that, my brain went numb. To the point I almost felt like I was in a trance. How many days are you doing all this? Really eight days!  No where does it really tell me why your doing this? Did anyone ever ask the question "Why?" Then I saw the why in the very last verse. The children of Israel didn't want to speak personally to the Lord. They had wanted Moses to interact with God on their behalf. Maybe this was continually repeated so they would eventually come to God themselves and ask "Why?" Not a murmuring or challenge why, but a sincere why, because I want to understand.

It made me think of Nephi and his brothers. After their father Lehi's vision of the tree of life only Nephi inquired of the Lord as to its meaning. Then he comes back from this amazing experience, with the vision opened up to him, and he sees his brothers. They are disputing with each other the meaning of their father's vision. (1 Nephi 15)

This is what Nephi acknowledges.

"For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought."

So Nephi simply asks them.

"And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?
And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us."

Then Nephi teaches them.

"Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? - If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you."

So what this makes me think is that the Lord gives us hard things to understand sometimes, simply so I will turn to him and ask. The harder my heart the less likely I am to ask. Asking is exactly what I need in order to understand the mysteries of God. I don't think I've ever read about God saying don't knock or don't ask me, leave me alone. I think its only people that do that. I wonder what I've missed, because I didn't ask?


Day 721

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 7:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 7:1-3

"And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.

And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.

And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shall tarry until I come in my glory, and shall prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people. 

I'm going to quote the header of this chapter too, because I found it very interesting.

"Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried in the flesh or had died. The revelation is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself."

This answered the question that theologians have had for centuries concerning John 21:22-23. Did Jesus promise John the beloved, that he would not taste death? I feel resolved that this section of the Doctrine and Covenants answers the matter. He was permitted to tarry and would remain on the earth until Christ came again. John never died.

What interested me in the header is the mention that this was a translation through the Urim and Thummim, (the same instrument used to translate the Book of Mormon) of a piece of parchment that was written by John and hid up. So I had to wonder how did they get this piece of parchment and where is it now? I don't know. Does it really matter the answer?

What I know is the spirit tells me this chapter and what it contains is true. I have no doubt of it. I would be curious to see this parchment, but I don't need to. The spirit testifies to me what is true, not artifacts. In fact I feel quit sure I'm not suppose to see it. That the time is not yet for it to be revealed. I think its with the rest of John's record that he was to seal up until he would testify again of the end time prophecies given him. I can feel them just waiting. It just feels really close. Its almost like I'm holding my breath.

Day 426