Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 5:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 5:17
"For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)"

From Adam's fall all men would suffer death. It took one man to give the gift of resurrection to all mankind. That was Jesus Christ. He covered spiritual and physical death through his atonement, sacrifice and resurrection. I had never thought of it starting with one and ending with one.

Day 4175

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 18:27-28

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 18:27-28
"Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die."

Because we sin it does not mean we are eternally doomed. That was the whole purpose behind the Lord, Jesus Christ's atonement. He paid the price so we can live again. All that is asked is for us to repent when we sin. We can repentance every day. It's best not to put it off or feel you are unworthy. Jesus never told us we were unworthy of his atoning sacrifice when we come unto Him.

Day 4016

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 21:1, 3

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 21:1, 3
"Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?

As I read this I wondered if the sins of Saul would really fall on David and his people? Why was the famine not in Saul's time. Why would David have to atone for something Saul did? As I pondered this I read this in the Old Testament Student Manual.

"Did God Require the Sacrifice of Saul’s Sons to Alleviate the Famine in the Land?
“This terrible episode must have been done in [the] days of David’s spiritual deterioration. The law would have not permitted sons to be put to death for the guilt of a father or a forefather. It cannot have been a revelation from the Lord that either required or approved this deed done ‘to avenge the Gibeonites’—some of whom Saul had slain in spite of the ancient promise of Joshua that they might live in Israel.
“It is a pathetic picture to envision the innocent mother of innocent sons guarding their bodies from the birds and beasts; and it is repulsive to read that after all this was done ‘God was entreated for the land.’ This is apostate theology, comparable to that of the Canaanite-Baal religions.
“The text is somewhat corrupted too, and the name Michal must be a mistake for Merab, for it was Merab who married Adriel. If it is indeed Michal, David’s wife and Saul’s daughter, who is meant, this is a very bitter ending to their relationships as man and wife.” (Rasmussen, Introduction to the Old Testament, 2:40.)
(Old Testament Student Manual, "2 Samuel 13-24: The Price of Sin: Tragedy in the House of David")

"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."
(Deuteronomy 24:16)

"So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it."
(Numbers 35:33)

Day 3840

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 32:30-33

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 32:30-33
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book."

I pondered on what Moses meant by saying perhaps he could make an atonement for their sins. The only one capable of atoning for our sins is the Savior himself. Did Moses think there was someway for him to pay the price for their sins? Or was he going to make an animal sacrifice to cover their sins? I could not come to a conclusion on what this meant. What is clear is the Lord said those that sinned against Him names will be blotted out. They are individually accountable and will face any judgment themselves.

Day 3773

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 62:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 62:1
"Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted."

I loved this verse. It tells me that when I am tempted I can turn to the Lord and he will succor me. He will give me the strength to endure, or overcome what hangs over me. I know this is true because I have been there and used this part of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He has strengthened me when I am weak. I now have a verse for it.

"In addition to providing the majestic gift of salvation, the Savior offers us relief and comfort as we face our afflictions, temptations, and weaknesses of mortal life, including the circumstances we have experienced recently in the current pandemic. I can assure you that Christ is ever aware of the adversities we experience in mortality. He understands all of the bitterness, agony, and physical pain as well as the emotional and spiritual challenges we face. The Savior’s bowels are filled with mercy, and He is always ready to succor us. This is possible because He personally experienced and took upon Himself in the flesh the pain of our weakness and infirmities"
(Ulisses Soares, "Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul", April 2021 General Conference)

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

Day 3651

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 4:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 4:12-13
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

I pondered on how trials come to both the wicked and the righteous. As I thought about being a partaker of Christ's suffering I reflected on his atoning sacrifice. That sacrifice was not just for my sins, it was to also succor me in all my pains and grief. To afford me mercy and grace. His glory being revealed is when he carries me through all those fiery darts of the adversary and restores my soul. I am glad, and there is joy.

Day 3314

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 6:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 6:23

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Do I want wages or a gift? Wages you have to work for it, a gift I do not. Then I thought of wages as having a price. If these wages buy me death, or spiritual death, they must come pretty cheaply, because there isn't much value there. It comes from a poor paymaster. It's something everyone could earn. It's like cheap trinkets, or maybe brass tinkling bells?

Then I thought of the gift, which is something given to me. The value of this gift is not in the labor required but in the giver. The gift of the Savior's atonement is of inestimable worth, and lasts for the eternities. It was given to me, if I decide to receive it and not throw it away on cheap trinkets. It's interesting that we can slave our lives away on things that hold no value. Then the thing of value we can throw it way. "For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money." (Isaiah 52:3) "Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price." (2 Nephi 9:50 & Isaiah 55:1) "Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price." (2 Nephi 26:25)

Day 3211

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 5:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 5:19

"For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

The one man's disobedience was Adam. We were all made sinners being subject to the law. As the second article of faith says: "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression." Each man's sin is his own. It was only by Adam's fall that we came under the law. It is only little children under the age of accountability that do not sin. It is only through the obedience and perfection of our Savior, Jesus Christ that an infinite atonement could be made for all of us. He is the only one that could walk this earth in complete righteousness. It is through Jesus Christ that we can return back to Heavenly Father's presence where once Adam was cast out.

"President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirmed: “Save for the exception of the very few who defect to perdition, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ” (“The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 20).

(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 36: Romans 4-8, "Much More")

Day 3210

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 4:7

"Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."

I pondered on how that is literally everyone that has and will walk this earth. The atonement Jesus Christ made for sin was for everyone. The only difference is some reject the way. Some do not repent, and so lose the blessing so freely available to them.

Day 3209

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 14:38

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 14:38

"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."

The Savior spoke these words to Peter, James and John at one of the greatest events of this world. At the Garden of Gethsemane where He would make the infinite atonement, for all our sins. He tells them to watch and pray, so they will not fall into temptation. What they did instead was fall asleep. It made me think of a ripple I have been seeing lately. Those that are "taking a break" from church and the gospel. It's interesting how these unconnected people use that same phase "taking a break". They are not just taking a break, they are sleeping. I marvel at how they could even think that's a good idea right now, especially with all that is going on in the world. The signs are greater now, more than ever, that we are in the midst of these winding up scenes. The prophet is warning us that we need to be closer to the spirit more than ever, or we won't survive.

"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)

"The baseless notion that we should “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us” is one of the most absurd lies in the universe."

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

Day 3130

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:27

"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."

This verse is in response to the apostles being astonished that it would be "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (vs. 25)

I love how the Joseph Smith Translation clarifies this.

"And Jesus, looking upon them, said, With men that trust in riches, it is impossible, but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake; for with such, all these things are possible.'

(JST Mark 10:26)

I also pondered on how the wisdom of man or even for your money it will not make you clean to enter the kingdom of heaven. It's only through our faith in Jesus Christ, using the gift of his atonement that He freely gave, that we can be once more with God.

Day 3126

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 2:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 2:2

"And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice."

I pondered on how we all can have our Jonah moments. It is only when our eyes are awakened to our awful situation that we can cry "out of the belly of hell". We can go from the darkness into light when we grasp what Christ's atoning sacrifice means. God will always hear that cry.

Day 3050

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 28:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 28:15

"Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."

I pondered on how that is the nature of man. Only one man has ever walked this earth perfectly, and He was part God. Only Jesus Christ was perfect, and as such he alone could make the infinite atonement for all of us. We can become perfect in Christ, being made clean again as we repent of our sins. It's important to do so every day.

"Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today. The temptations that perhaps partially overcome us today, let them not overcome us so far tomorrow. Thus continue to be a little better day by day; and do not let your life wear away without accomplishing good to others as well as to ourselves."

(Lorenzo Snow, "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow" (2012), 103.) (Improvement Era, July 1901, 714.)

Day 2989

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 42:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 42:8

"I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."

This made me think of the pre-existence when someone else wanted all the power and glory.

"But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.

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 4:2-3)

The Beloved Son came to do the Father's will, and the glory upon Him is not something he can turn aside, and sell for a mess of pottage. It would frustrate the whole entire plan of salvation.

Isaiah's word are a foreshadow of events when Satan would try to tempt the Lord.

"Then Jesus was led up of the Spirit, into the wilderness, to be with God.

(JST, Matthew 4:1)

After having spent 40 days communing with God, I picture the Savior learned of his full role and ministry to come. He knew he would drink the bitter cup, make an infinite atonement and die for our sins.

"Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me."

(Matthew 4:8-9)

What Satan offered was a way for the Lord to bypass the infinite atonement he was to make, and take an easier way out. It was all lies and empty promises. The Lord would not give up his glory and worship an empty god. He came to do the will of the Father and be our Savior. How grateful I am for the choice that He willingly made.

Day 2880

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:20

"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not."

I remember when I was 8 years old and baptized. I had it in my head that I would be perfect and do nothing wrong after it. I wanted to stay clean. The day wasn't even over and I already got in trouble. I was devastated and thought I blew it. It took time to grow and mature and realize I can never be perfect by myself. This is why the Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth and atoned for my sins. It was a infinite and eternal atonement. One that covered all sins, and helps carry my burdens. I am so grateful for the gift given by my Savior Jesus Christ. Seems such a fitting night to reflect on this.

Day 2825

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 7:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 7:6

"And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen."

As I read about Haman being afraid after being exposed it made me think of a greater King. When we will individually stand before the Lord in final judgment and account for our deeds. I pondered on the Christ's atonement and what a difference it will make if I have used that precious gift to stand clean before Him.

Day 2592

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 18:33

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 18:33

"And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!"

After all that David's son Absalom had done, David mourns for him. It feels even deeper than a parent mourning for their child. It's a grief of knowing where his rebellious son is going in death, with the inability to repent. It could have also been an inconsolable grief as David looks back at what he could have done differently in this family tragedy. Any parent would wish they could have died in their child's place so they would not suffer pain for the eternities. That doesn't mean they would go to hell for them, but that they would have suffered in their place to atone for them. It made me ponder of how that's exactly what the Savior, Jesus Christ did for us, but with Him there was no sin.

Day 2444

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 4:3, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 4:3, 11

"And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.

And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain."

Israel goes to battle against the Philistines and it went badly for them. When four thousand Israelites are slain they called for the ark of the covenant to go back into battle with. They were beaten and slain, the sons of Eli killed, and the ark of the covenant is captured. The problem, it does not say they turned to the Lord to help them in battle. God did not tell them to use the ark of the covenant. They called for the ark it appears because they thought it would save them. They abused its power and turned it into almost an idol. You can't take religious items and treat them as if they have more power than God. It made me ponder on how important it has been to be corrected in how I refer to the "atonement". The reference is Christ's atonement or the atonement of Jesus Christ, the power is in Jesus Christ. The atonement has no power in of itself. Referring to the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ incorrectly would be no different then taking the ark of the covenant and using it without acknowledge the power in it came from God.

"It is doctrinally incomplete to speak of the Lord’s atoning sacrifice by shortcut phrases, such as “the Atonement” or “the enabling power of the Atonement” or “applying the Atonement” or “being strengthened by the Atonement.” These expressions present a real risk of misdirecting faith by treating the event as if it had living existence and capabilities independent of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

There is no amorphous entity called “the Atonement” upon which we may call for succor, healing, forgiveness, or power. Jesus Christ is the source. Sacred terms such as Atonement and Resurrection described what the Savior did, according to the Father’s plan, so that we may live with hope in this life and gain eternal life in the world to come. The Savior’s atoning sacrifice—the central act of all human history—is best understood and appreciated when we expressly and clearly connect it to Him."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives", Apr 2017 General Conference)

Day 2399

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 15:27-28

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 15:27-28

"And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.

And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the Lord, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him."

It made me happy to read this. I learned this concept before I fully understood it. I had worried about the sins I had committed in ignorance or had forgotten to repent of and learned there is a way prepared to repent of them. How merciful God is to us. The Savior's atonement covers them. Repentance is best done daily, so we don't forget, and that we learn from them.

I remember feeling the desire to repent of all my sins even the ones that I had long forgotten. It really concerned me. I went a whole week with this pressing on my mind. Trying to figure out what I should do about it. What if I couldn't think of them all? So, I prayed about it.

The impression I received was to ask during the sacrament that ALL my sins would be forgiven me, even those I had forgotten. So, I did. It was an experience I will never forget. I felt the spirit strongly as I took the bread, but as I drank the water I felt as if a wave of cool water just washed over me from my head to my toes. It was like I was baptized all over again. Well, I had been hadn't I? The taking of the sacrament is the renewal of my baptismal covenants.

As wonderful as that experience was to be forgiven of all my sins, it is more wonderful to not let the sins build up in the first place. How blessed we are to have the ability to ask forgiveness in daily prayer, and while partaking of the sacrament. Now as I pray daily to ask to be forgiven of my sins there are times I'm not sure what I did wrong. I could only think to ask forgiveness for the sins committed out of ignorance and that felt right. Now I see that is not amiss to ask for that.

Day 2291