Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 14:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 14:7
"For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a great and a marvelous work among the children of men; a work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other—either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds unto their being brought down into captivity, and also into destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the devil, of which I have spoken."

That time is now. I guess the question is do you feel peace or bondage? Is the focus on worldly or eternal things? I am reminded of a thought I had during the Oct 2023 General Conference. There were quite a few talks on the need for more missionaries. The thought I had is if instead they said "We need 144,000 to preach the gospel for the last time to the world!", that many would jump at the chance to fulfill the need. They would want to be part of something big. Yet, little did they know that something great and marvelous was happening right then.

(Missionaries in New Caledonia relocated 

 following civil unrest - Church News)

Day 3363

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 38:2, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 38:2, 4

"Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt."

I found it interesting that the reason the princes did not like Jeremiah, and wished him dead, was because the prophesies he gave was to leave Jerusalem and not stay and defend it. Politically and militarily he was a problem, in what they perceived was their ability to fight this war. They thought he was hurting the people, when in reality he cared more for their welfare, both spiritually and physically then they did.

It made me ponder on the Jews and how some did not receive Christ, and even had him killed, because they perceived the Messiah would be a might warrior and fight their battles and free them from Rome. When in reality the Lord was there to free them from eternal bondage. It's interesting how the adversary can use political means to turn people from the Lord toward him. I think we have that same mentality happening today. We can get so lost in our own battles that we go beyond the mark and miss the whole purpose and message on what we should be focusing on. I am so grateful for a prophet of God, and the scriptures. They keep me grounded and focused on what really matters.

Day 2942

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 20:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 20:2-3

"At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;"

I wondered if God really wanted a prophet to walk naked? I looked at the footnote for naked and it says, "IE without an upper garment, like a slave or exile." OK, so that was a symbol of slavery or bondage. Then the next verse makes sense because it refers to Egypt and Ethiopia. The verses continue to say they were prisoners and captives. I also found this in the Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi.

What Was Meant by Isaiah Walking “Naked and Barefoot”?

“With the great importance attached to the clothing in the East, where the feelings upon this point are peculiarly sensitive and modest, a person was looked upon as stripped and naked if he had only taken off his upper garment. What Isaiah was directed to do, therefore, was simply opposed to common custom, and not to moral decency. He was to lay aside the dress of a mourner and preacher of repentance, and to have nothing on but his tunic (cetoneth); and in this, as well as barefooted, he was to show himself in public.” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 7:1:372.)

Day 2858

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 22:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 22:5

"But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."

I pondered on how showing our love for God is by diligently heeding all his commandments and ways. Cleaving to Him and serving with all our heart and soul. There is pure allegiance to God and none other god put before Him. That can include not only idols but ideologies and doctrines of men. It would mean we don't justify for our own purposes why His laws do not pertain to us. It's doing His will and not seeking after our own. If that is being in bondage to the one free God then let me have him for my Master.

Day 2368

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 47:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 47:19

"Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate."

I pondered on the famine in Egypt and Canaan. It doesn't appear that the dream of Pharaoh was kept a secret from anyone. The people must have seen Joseph building granaries and storing food for those seven years of plenty. I'm sure some must have thought it was foolishness for him to do this. Then when the famine came the people that thought Joseph foolish came and begged for food. Instead of having put something away to provide for themselves they expected the rulers to take care of them. They gave Joseph all their money, then their cattle, finally their land and then themselves. They put themselves into bondage because they did not heed the words of a prophet. This is a big lesson in being self-reliant and how it keeps us from bondage. This makes me think of a talk by President Russell M. Nelson

"The adversary never stops attacking. So, we can never stop preparing! The more self-reliant we are—temporally, emotionally, and spiritually—the more prepared we are to thwart Satan’s relentless assaults.

I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us. He will “deliver us; yea, insomuch that he [will] speak peace to our souls, and [will] grant unto us great faith, and … cause us that we [can] hope for our deliverance in him.”

(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Day 2206

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 2:10, 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 2:10, 12
"For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off.
Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written."

Many thoughts on this chapter but I don't know if I can express them. I reflected a lot on the condition of this wonderful land I live in and how iniquity is displayed all over the news. If it wasn't for the God-fearing people that still live here, I think we would have been swept off this land. It happened to the Jaredites. It happened to the Nephites. With an everlasting decree it means if we don't meet the condition of serving God in this land then we will be wiped off too. I can't change anyone else, but what I can do is serve God with all my heart. As I pondered on this, I think serving God is the most patriotic thing I could do for my country.

Day 1979

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 43:29

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 43:29

"And now, as Moroni knew the intentions of the Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the land;"

Looking at our news and the take over of six blocks in Seattle I say we have a group of people establishing a kingdom of their own. It is a movement that continually morphs in its demands, and I truly wonder who is hiding in the deep roots behind their agenda. I appreciate Mormon's careful message in this chapter. That being Lamanite was no longer designated by the color of your skin, for there where descendants of the Lamanites and Nephites on both sides now. The deciding factors appears to be bondage and control, seeking power and to rule, and the overthrow of the government.  

I have no answers on how to solve the problems we face as a nation, other than to turn to God. The root of unhappiness is only inspired by the evil one. We shouldn't take our marching orders from him. As I read the war chapters in the Book of Mormon I have no doubt that Mormon saw our day and that is why he included them. It seems the adversary isn't very creative.  

"And the people were divided one against another; and they did separate one from another into tribes, every man according to his family and his kindred and friends, and thus they did destroy the government of the land."

(3 Nephi 7:2)

Day 1901

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 24:13-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 24:13-15
"And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

I love this chapter for it has been a light to me on how I was to pass through my afflictions. How the Lord will strengthen us to make our burdens light. That there is still joy in the midst of trial. The greatest thing I learned was patience and how it comes in many layers. Patience only comes when your desire is to do the will of the Lord and know he will deliver you when he knows the time is right. Then miracles can happen and blessings come. This chapter ends with Alma and his people being told the next day they would be delivered from their bondage. In faith they gathered their flocks and grains during the night and then just walked away as the guards where in a profound sleep. 

Day 1853

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 17:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 17:4
"But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken."

I pondered on all the great spiritual writings that occurred because someone was concealed or in bondage at the time. One of the greatest would have to be the Book of Revelations while John the beloved was banished to the isles of Patmos. Then there is Paul's writing while a prisoner in Caesarea. Ether, Mormon and Moroni all wrote while in hiding. Joseph Smith had to seek refuge while translating the Book of Mormon and was in prison when revelations were received. Some of the revelations received while in Liberty Jail are among my most treasured verses.

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murders, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
(Doctrine and Covenants 122:7)

I pondered on how touched I have been on reading the story of Abinadi as recorded by Alma. What an effect all the spiritual writings and revelations have been by these prophets. Now I wonder what will come from the writings in my day? Alma didn't know he was going to be a prophet when he recorded the words of Abinadi. It made me think how important it is to record our spiritual experiences and events as we are going through them. How someday these words may strengthen our posterity in knowing we saw the hand of the Lord in our lives. If He can strengthen someone like me, then surely He will strengthen them.


Day 1846

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 7:17-18, 33

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 7:17-18, 33
"And now, it came to pas on the morrow that king Limhi sent a proclamation among all his people, that thereby they might gather themselves together to the temple, to hear the words which he should speak unto them.
And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many struggles, which have been in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to be made.
But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

I could not help but think of General Conference this past weekend. How President Russell M. Nelson did issue a proclamation. How we were told there would be an end to this pandemic. We were invited to fast this coming Good Friday for the pandemic to be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened and life to normalize. What hope filled my soul listening to these words, I know relief will come soon. That it is only through the hearts of the people worldwide turning to the Lord, that we will be released from our bondage. I can understand how Limhi's people must have felt being under the bondage of the Lamanites and seeing people from Zarahemla arrive. What hope must have filled their hearts.

Day 1836

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 40:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 40:4
"And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go."

I pondered on how Jeremiah's life had been threatened by his own people, yet those that conquered them preserve and protect Jeremiah's life. He was given his freedom even though they were conquered and in bondage to Babylon. Truly his yoke was made light. What this says to me is always trust in the Lord's plan, he always has a better plan. His ways are not our ways. 

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

Day 1360

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 137:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 137:1
"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion."

I pondered on bondage. How God's people can put themselves into bondage by seeking Babylon instead of him. One day, hopefully, they wake up and see how far they have wandered from Him. The awful condition they are in. The need to come unto Christ, and repent.

Yesterday, I was reading a news story. It told of how some were "outsmarting" the system and getting ahead. Instead of being mad over the waste of my tax dollars, I felt sadness for them. They were not getting ahead, instead now they were in bondage. That bondage leads to terrible stress, depression and anxiety, trying to live the lie. Eventually bondage enslaves them with anger, resentment, addictions, and worse things. Bondage is not a good place to be. Wickedness never was happiness. They may think they are free, but in reality they are in terrible bondage. They may think others are the cause of their bondage, but it was only them, having allowed taskmasters over them. Their bondage of Babylon will follow them into the next life. There they will no doubt weep as they remember Zion.

As I remember Zion, I do shed tears for those that have become lost, and have placed themselves into bondage. I weep for what could have been. I love the Lord, may I never find myself sitting in the middle of Babylon weeping for what I used to be.

Day 1190

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 112:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 112:1
"Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments."

I sat and pondered on if I 'delighteth greatly in his commandments". What a long journey I have been in life. One only delights in something if they can keep them. As I have witnessed many things around me I can see the protection and wisdom in all of God's commandments. I do delight in the commandments for they have blessed me. I see the good that comes from them. The peace of mind, and the surety they bring me. The freedom that comes when not in bondage of sin. Oh, that society would see the need for them. I rejoice that one day when the Savior reigns, everyone around me will delight in keeping the commandments. What a wonderful day that will be.

Day 1165

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 5:1, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 5:1, 4
"And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards."

The borrowing of money or mortgaging their lands brought the Jews into bondage. It was a great financial burden. I can understand financial bondage and the tears that come from it. I pondered on the council of the prophets to get out of debt. I must do better with this.


Day 993

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 8:27-28

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 8:27-28

"We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the Lord our God, as he shall command us.

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: entreat for me."

Pharaoh multiple times in this chapter agrees to let the children of Israel go if Moses only takes away the current plague. Then when the pestilence is gone Pharaoh hardens his heart and won't let them go. I realized that all this time Moses has been asking to simply go and worship the Lord and they were coming back afterwards. Then he asks to go three days journey out. Pharaoh answers is that they not go very far. What Pharaoh wanted was to keep them in bondage forever. He was trying to keep them connected to him, and retain power over them. 

What ultimately needed to happen was the total release of the Israelites from the bondage of the Egyptians. This would not be possible unless the children of Israel were completely removed from any connection to Pharaoh. I could see how similar this is to sin. I can't just leave it for a little bit and come back. I can't just break things off for a few days. The break to remove myself from the bondage of sin has to be complete. No connection to the former master must remain. What the children of Israel were given, due to Pharaoh's delayed permission to leave, was the opportunity for a complete release. A greater blessing. Greater blessings come when I remove myself completely from the sin, and never look back.

Day 633