Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 2:4-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 2:4-8
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"

Prior to reading in Acts I was reading in the Book of Mormon, and it reminded me of this.

"For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding."
(2 Nephi 31:3)

The Lord is doing a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men. He has prepared a way for all to hear the gospel in their own language for their understanding. What a great missionary force is among us. The gift of tongues is spreading the gospel. The Book of Mormon has been translated fully into 115 languages. Selected portions are in an additional 21 languages, with an additional 26 language translations in progress. I love reading and listening to the experiences of the translators of the Book of Mormon.

Day 4144

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 10:8, 34, 45

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 10:8, 34, 45
"And because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold, wicked men have taken them from you.
But behold, here is wisdom, and because I show unto you wisdom, and give you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work of translation.
Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work."

Seventy verses in this chapter and each one of them holds so much to ponder on. It was hard to pick a favorite. What I liked about these verses are they contained things I had not considered before. In verse 10 the Lord said "wicked men" had taken the 116 pages that were lost. He really could have said a women if Martin Harris' wife Lucy was among them. Lucy was affiliated with the Quaker's and on her death bed confirmed again that she had nothing to do with the lost pages. People of faith don't lie on their death beds, especially a Quaker.

In verse 34 I thought about how those that stole the 116 pages probably figured up until they read the Book of Mormon that they were going to prove Joseph was a false prophet by changing what was in those 116 pages. They had no idea that the book of Lehi was not retranslated.

In verse 45 I thought about how the better part is what was given us. How often I have had disappointments and things not go my way, according to my will. Yet, the Lord blesses me more after the trial of my faith. He brings me to something better. It's been a school of hard knocks but I have learn from repeated experience that the Lord knows best.

Day 3599

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 5:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 5:34
"Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee."

The means the Lord provided was a scribe, named Oliver Cowdery. It made me think of how we cannot predeterime how any of the signs of the time will come to past.

Day 3594

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 10:8,18, 30

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 10:8,18, 30
"And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.
And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.
And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing."

I have come to the end of the Book of Mormon. I cherish it more each time I read it. Of the 6,607 total verses in the Book of Mormon there are 3,925 references to Jesus Christ's name. It is through the Book of Mormon that one can learn more and have greater faith in Jesus Christ. What stood out to me in this final chapter was the gifts of God. All good gifts come from Christ. It is through our faith in him that miracles and gifts of the Spirit are had among the children of men. I love this reminder from Elder Marvin J. Ashton on recognizing all gifts, even the less-conspicuous ones.

"Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles suggested additional gifts of the Spirit “that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.“Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20)."

As I considered this list I could see in myself and others these gifts listed. I love them all, I want them all. I found this list of the physical effects of the gifts of the Spirit most interesting. I had never heard that before.

"Elder Parley P. Pratt (1807–57) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared several effects of having the gifts of the Spirit in our lives: “The gift of the Holy Spirit adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being” (Key to the Science of Theology [1979], 61).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 56: Moroni 10, "Gifts of the Spirit")

Day 3588

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 9:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 9:20
"And now, my son, I dwell no longer upon this horrible scene. Behold, thou knowest the wickedness of this people; thou knowest that they are without principle, and past feeling; and their wickedness doth exceed that of the Lamanites."

There is a point where you have to step away from the awfulness that you see. You cannot dwell on how things are falling apart. Instead you have to find good works to occupy your mind and efforts. In a lot of ways its like Mormon's letter to his son. You read the headlines, know what is happening, but don't obsess over it.

We are on a course that the judgments of God will fall upon man. Their own wickedness and abominations have paved the way to their own destruction. We are to stand in holy places with a hope and faith in the Lord's second coming. I know the course we are on is of man's own doing, and you do not want to be part of that work.

"And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction."
(Ether 14:25)

Day 3587

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 8:26

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 8:26
"And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God."

I pondered on how this description of what we will become are all Christlike attributes. He set the perfect example. This is how "we shall be like him".

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
(Moroni 7:48)

"As our constant companion, the Holy Ghost gives us additional power or strength to keep our covenants. He also sanctifies us, which means to make us “free from sin, pure, clean, and holy through the atonement of Jesus Christ.” The process of sanctification not only cleanses us, but it also endows us with needed spiritual gifts or divine attributes of the Savior. and changes our very nature, such “that we have no more disposition to do evil.” Each time we receive the Holy Ghost into our lives through faith, repentance, ordinances, Christlike service, and other righteous endeavors, we are changed until step by step, little by little we become like Christ."
(Brian K. Ashton, "The Doctrine of Christ", Oct 2016 General Conference)

Day 3586

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 7:47-48

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 7:47-48
"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

These are the last days, this is when charity is needed more than ever. The world is growing dark, and darkness is falling on charity for others. We cannot afford to set charity aside and follow the world. These are the characteristic of a person with charity. If you are following a person that preaches otherwise then run and run as fast and as far away as you can.

"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (vs 45)

“While we are in the world, we are not of the world. We are expected to overcome the world and to live as becometh saints.”
(Joseph Fielding Smith "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith" Chapter 19, page 241)

"Before the Savior submitted Himself to the agony of Gethsemane and Calvary, He declared to His Apostles, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Subsequently, Jesus entreated each of us to do the same when He said, “I will that ye should overcome the world.
You can overcome the spiritually and emotionally exhausting plagues of the world, including arrogance, pride, anger, immorality, hatred, greed, jealousy, and fear. Despite the distractions and distortions that swirl around us, you can find true rest—meaning relief and peace—even amid your most vexing problems.
As we strive to live the higher laws of Jesus Christ, our hearts and our very natures begin to change. The Savior lifts us above the pull of this fallen world by blessing us with greater charity, humility, generosity, kindness, self-discipline, peace, and rest. ”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3585

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 6:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 6:8
"But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven."

I am so grateful for the gift of repentance. I use this gift every day. I do not want to be found unclean and neglectful of setting right what can so easily be corrected. As I have committed to daily repentance I find I am more mindful of the Lord in my thoughts and actions.

"Wherever we are on our journey through life, as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ we constantly treasure the blessing to repent. Repentance is not punishment; repentance is a redemptive gift from a loving Heavenly Father.
With open arms, our Savior bids us, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28). If you find yourself temporarily facing setbacks, don’t become discouraged; focus on your love of the Savior and His love for you! This year, week by week, we can repent and become better because of Jesus Christ."
(Neil L. Andersen, Facebook post 22 Jan 2025)

Day 3584

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 5:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 5:1
"The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said:"

The next verse is the sacrament prayer on the wine (water). I wondered where is the manner it is to be administered? Then I remembered the part in the Book of Mormon where the Savior himself taught this ordinance to them himself..

"And when the Disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the Disciples and commanded that they should eat.
And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the Disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.
And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.
And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his Disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.
And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
And when the Disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you."
(3 Nephi 18:3-11)

Day 3583

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 4:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 4:3
"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

This past Sunday one of our young priests was giving the sacrament prayer. It sounded like it was his first attempt, but I don't know for sure. I didn't look to see who it was because it didn't matter. These ordinances are written out and are to be read with exactness. Three times he had to repeat that prayer. I always love it when mistakes like this are made. It causes me to take greater care in listening. Then when it happened again I was ready to notice the mistake. A member of the bishopric came over to point out the spot he was missing. I hope that young man was not embarrassed, because it was such a meaningful sacrament to me. Sometimes when errors are made they emphasis words we need to ponder on more deeply, and that is exactly what I did.

Day 3582

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 3:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 3:3
"In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest (or if he be a teacher, I ordain you to be a teacher) to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen."

This made me think about the powerful message released today by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, an apostle of God. Where he preached repentance.

"I'm thinking about the precious gift of repentance. Jesus Christ paid a terrible price so that He could offer us this gift. He could atone for our sins and offer us forgiveness and sanctification. I hear from time to time the phrase, "It's never to late to repent". On the other hand I would say it's more accurate to say, "it's not too late to repent". The scriptures tell us it could be too late, or it can become to late, I guess is the way to say it. They tell us not to procrastinate "lest...in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved." (D&C 45:2) So I think everyone who's hearing this message, for any of us, it's not too late. But let's not procrastinate, because someday it could be too late.
I think this is what President Nelson has in mind when he talks about daily repentance. "Please do not fear or delay repenting. The Savior loves us always but especially when we repent. Experience the joy of repenting daily."
Not that we keep repenting of the same thing over and over again, but we make these corrections, usually small course corrections each day as we seek to grow in our discipleship. I say again, what a precious gift is repentance.
(Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "It's Not Too Late to Repent, But Don't Procrastinate", The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint YouTube Channel, 19 Jan 2025)

The message on the video cover really left an impact. Where "Never" was crossed out and the word NOT replaces it. We just don't have much wiggle room any more. Repentance is something to embrace daily, not something to avoid.

"Recently I have found myself drawn to the Lord’s instruction given through the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Say nothing but repentance unto this generation.” This declaration is often repeated throughout scripture. It prompts an obvious question: “Does everyone need to repent?” The answer is yes.
Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. But this feeling of being penalized is engendered by Satan. He tries to block us from looking to Jesus Christ, who stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, forgive, cleanse, strengthen, purify, and sanctify us."
(Russell M. Nelson, "We Can Do Better and Be Better", Apr 2019 General Conference)

Day 3581

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 2:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 2:3
"Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.'

The thought that came to me is we don't always hear everything, or know all that goes on in the background. What we can trust is that the Lord's disciples #HearHim. They know what in turn we need to know. Right now they are saying to prepare for the second coming of the Lord.

"As the prophet Isaiah prophesied, and as memorialized in Handel’s Messiah, when Jesus Christ returns, ‘the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.’
“Now is the time for you, and for me, to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority.
“Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be ‘swallowed up in the joy of Christ’ [Alma 31:38].
The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again!” — President Russell M. Nelson" ("The Lord Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)
("Post from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", YouTube 15 Jan 2025)

Day 3580

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 1:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 1:4
"Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord."

Though Moroni's writing had a much greater purpose than mine, I thought of my personal and scripture journals. How what I write may some day be of worth to my posterity or family relations. How I would love to read the journals of my ancestors. Even more so to hear of their conversion to the gospel and their faith promoting spiritual experiences.

Day 3579

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 15:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 15:2-3
"He saw that there had been slain by the sword already nearly two millions of his people, and he began to sorrow in his heart; yea, there had been slain two millions of mighty men, and also their wives and their children.
He began to repent of the evil which he had done; he began to remember the words which had been spoken by the mouth of all the prophets, and he saw them that they were fulfilled thus far, every whit; and his soul mourned and refused to be comforted."

Sadly, it may take massive destruction for people to "awaken to a sense of your awful situation". (Ether 8:24) Coriantumr had such a moment and grieved over what they had done. He writes an epistle to Shiz offering to give up his kingdom for the sake of the lives of the people. Shiz in turn wants Coriantumr to give himself up so he can slay him. Something Coriantumr was unable to do, either mentally, or because his people and the people of Shiz in their anger wanted the war to continue. With the knowledge of Ether's prophesy Coriantumr would be the last Jaredite standing, living to witness others inherit this promised land. This is such an incredibly sad story. It is a message for us in our day.

There is hope for there will be people waiting to receive our Lord and Savior when He comes again. Now is the great time of gathering and embracing those that have suffered and are wounded, and through this have turned their hearts back to God. The Lord is always waiting with his arms stretched out still, and so should we.

"The Savior is calling us to leave behind the wickedness of the world and gather to Him. He wants His sheep to be a light that shines brightly, setting a standard for the rest of the world by reflecting how true disciples live, including how they experience true joy as they focus their lives on the Savior.
May we be ever grateful for the privilege and trust the Lord has bestowed upon us as we gather to the Savior, gather with the Saints, and gather in His service."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Grateful to Gather", Liahona magazine, Jan 2025)

Day 3578

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 14:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 14:24
"Nevertheless, Shiz did not cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether that Coriantumr should not fall by the sword."

Vengeance and seeking to prove the Lord wrong is what lead to the entire destruction of the Jaredite nation. They had lost all reasoning and are going from bloodshed to bloodshed, even unable to stop to bury their dead. It is a horrible scene and such an important reminder that we have to step back and look at ourselves and where anger will lead us. The Nephites that had the record of the Jaredites repeated this history themselves. I wish I could say man will learn from this and not repeat history again.

"And now, because of this great thing which my people, the Nephites, had done, they began to boast in their own strength, and began to swear before the heavens that they would avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren who had been slain by their enemies.
And when they had sworn by all that had been forbidden them by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that they would go up unto their enemies to battle, and avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren, behold the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying:
Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because this people repented not after I had delivered them, behold, they shall be cut off from the face of the earth."
(Mormon 3:9,14-15)

Day 3577

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 13:3, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 13:3, 6
"And that it was the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord.
And that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type."

I'm confused is the New Jerusalem something that comes down from heaven, or are we suppose to build it? I found this by Joseph Fielding Smith.

“In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on this the American continent” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 2:103–4).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 52: Ether 11-15, "New Jerusalem")

Is it referring to three separate places?

"The place where the Saints will gather and Christ will personally reign with them during the Millennium. Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent, and the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory (A of F 1:10). It also refers to a holy city that will come down out of heaven at the beginning of the Millennium."
(Guide to the Scriptures, New Jerusalem)

Then I found this.

"Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:4)

I looked at the words "built by the gathering of the saints" a little differently. Maybe its not something we are building with our hands, but instead by unity as a Zion people. One thing is sure this is a very deep subject and I am to tired tonight to figure it out. What I do know is preparing myself for the Second Coming is more important that knowing every detail.

"Jesus Christ will govern from both old Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem “built upon the American continent.” From these two centers, He will direct the affairs of His Church.
In that day the Lord will be known as “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” Those who are with Him will be “called, and chosen, and faithful.
”Brothers and sisters, now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3576

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 12:26

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 12:26
"And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;"

Reading "fools mock, but they shall mourn" made me immediately recalled the experience I had during the early days of the pandemic. This is what I recorded in my journal.

"Last night I had such an unusual experience. I was reading all these memes about the virus and saving them and passing them on to my siblings. I was laughing the whole time. Everything was hitting me so funny. I had not felt so much laughter over this whole thing. Then in an instant I had this great soberness come over me and the spirit warned me not to laugh at this. That what I was doing was "loud laughter", and those that laugh will mourn. What an absolute wake-up call. 
I then read my scriptures and there it talked about destruction before the second coming. My frame of mind on this virus and its meaning completely changed. The Lord's hand is in all this and obedience is important. I have a feeling of much sorrow for those that are effected by this. When we did our family scripture reading I told them my experience and the other impressions that I had. We laid some ground rules for ourselves."

That experience was a life changing moment for me. I am so careful about what I choose to laugh at. As I was watching the reports on the devastating fires in California, I felt like I was seeing the fulfillment of the times of the Gentiles. When we go from a warning voice to destruction. I turned to Doctrine and Covenants 45 for I knew it spoke of this, and also fire, and moon turning to blood. This stood out to me.

"And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.
But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:30-32)

I feel like the early pandemic was just a dress rehearsal of what is to come. Sadly, some learned to mock it and put their trust in the arm of flesh, and ignore the counsel of a living prophet. They have set themselves up to feel justified in mocking any news of a desolating sickness. When the next one comes they may not take it serious soon enough. I believe in prophesies and all of them will be fulfilled. I am just very, very cautious on what I laugh and mock at, especially the suffering of others. It is no wonder that Moroni also speaks on the need for charity in this chapter.

“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of [putting others down] repulsive.
“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other” (Elder Marvin J. Ashton, "The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword", Apr 1992 General Conference).

Day 3575

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 11:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 11:7-8
"And they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord, because of their wicked combinations; wherefore, there began to be wars and contentions in all the land, and also many famines and pestilences, insomuch that there was a great destruction, such an one as never had been known upon the face of the earth; and all this came to pass in the days of Shiblom.
And the people began to repent of their iniquity; and inasmuch as they did the Lord did have mercy on them."

I wondered what the great destruction was? They already had wars, contentions, famines and pestilences going on. Was it an earthquake or consuming fire? Regardless, there was absolute chaos happening around them. This was the voice of the Lord to wake up to their awful situation. The Lord follows natural laws to awaken us, after that they are left to themselves, which doesn't end well unless they repent.

"We read that as a result of the wars, famines, pestilences, and destructions, the people began to repent of their iniquity. President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) helped us understand that sometimes the Lord uses natural disasters to bring about repentance in the lives of His children:
“The Latter-day Saints, though they themselves tremble because of their own wickedness and sins, believe that great judgments are coming upon the world because of iniquity; they firmly believe in the statements of the Holy Scriptures, that calamities will befall the nations as signs of the coming of Christ to judgment. They believe that God rules in the fire, the earthquake, the tidal wave, the volcanic eruption, and the storm. Him they recognize as the Master and Ruler of nature and her laws, and freely acknowledge his hand in all things. We believe that his judgments are poured out to bring mankind to a sense of his power and his purposes, that they may repent of their sins and prepare themselves for the second coming of Christ to reign in righteousness upon the earth. …
“We believe that these severe, natural calamities are visited upon men by the Lord for the good of his children, to quicken their devotion to others, and to bring out their better natures, that they may love and serve him” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 55; for additional references to the Lord using the elements of nature to speak to people who refuse to repent, see Helaman 12:3; D&C 43:21–25; 88:88–91).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 52: Ether 11-15, "Natural Disasters Can Lead to Repentance")

Day 3574

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 10:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 10:2
"And it came to pass that Shez did remember the destruction of his fathers, and he did build up a righteous kingdom; for he remembered what the Lord had done in bringing Jared and his brother across the deep; and he did walk in the ways of the Lord; and he begat sons and daughters."

I pondered on the importance of history, especially our forbearers. There is much to learn from the past otherwise it will repeat itself. We would learn that being righteous, and not a wicked people would bring prosperity and happiness.

Day 3573

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 9:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 9:4-5
"And it came to pass that Jared was anointed king over the people, by the hand of wickedness; and he gave unto Akish his daughter to wife.
And it came to pass that Akish sought the life of his father-in-law; and he applied unto those whom he had sworn by the oath of the ancients, and they obtained the head of his father-in-law, as he sat upon his throne, giving audience to his people."

This story always make me think of this verse.

"But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."
(Mormon 4:5)

Jared sought the head of his father the king and he sent Akish to do it. Once Jared is king his now son-in-law Akish in turn kills him. The wicked will destroy the wicked. Sometimes I feel like an outsider looking in, as I watch this very thing happening in our world.

Day 3572