Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 4:1, 5, 10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 4:1, 5, 10-11
"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry."
So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.
Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:
And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Jonah was called to preach repentance to the people of Ninevah. He first ran away from the calling, but the Lord found him and taught Him a lesson. Jonah entered the city and told the people in 40 days Ninevah would be overthrown if they did not repent. The king and his people believed and put on sack cloth and ashes, and fasted and repented. They did exactly as God asked. They turned from evil and God forgave them. God was not going to destroy them. That is a lesson for the ages. What I find interesting is that after all this Jonah is angry that the people of Ninevah are being spared. He sits outside the city to see what will happen to it. It made me think about how the Lord would feel looking at us, wishing he would come and destroy all the wicked. We should never wish the destruction of people. We should have more feeling for others than for a gourd.

Day 4041

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 10:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 10:16-17
"And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron which were left alive, saying,
Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?
Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded.
And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?
And when Moses heard that, he was content."

I pondered on how the sacrifices continued right after Aaron's sons were devoured and died before the Lord for offering strange fire. How hard it would be for their father and brothers to carry on their responsibilities. Then again Aaron's sons did not complete the offering by eating the sin offering in the holy place. Aaron then speaks up on why. I can feel them not feeling worthy to go into the holy place to complete the offering. It made me think about how the Lord does take into consideration when we suffer and struggle at times making it hard to fulfill our callings and responsibilities.

"Part of the sin offering was specified for the use of the priest who administered the offering, thus “bearing the iniquity of the congregation” (v. 17); however, Eleazar and Ithamar had burned all of it rather than eating their portion. This was the second time the sons of Aaron had not followed the law. Moses rebuked them, but Aaron withstood the rebuke. “The excuse which Aaron makes for not feasting on the sin-offering according to the law is at once appropriate and dignified; as if he had said: ‘God certainly has commanded me to eat of the sin-offering; but when such things as these have happened unto me, could it be good in the sight of the Lord? Does he not expect that I should feel as a father under such afflicting circumstances?’ With this spirited answer Moses was satisfied; and God, who knew his situation, took no notice of the irregularity which had taken place in the solemn service. To human nature God has given the privilege to weep in times of affliction and distress. In his infinite kindness he has ordained that tears, which are only external evidences of our grief, shall be the outlets to our sorrows, and tend to exhaust the cause from which they flow.” (Clarke, Bible Commentary, 1:539.)"
(Old Testament Student Manual, "Leviticus 1-10: A Law of Performances and Ordinances, Part 1: Sacrifices and Offering")

Day 3779

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 107:93-97

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 107:93-97
"And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy;
And the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six;
And these seven presidents are to choose other seventy besides the first seventy to whom they belong, and are to preside over them;
And also other seventy, until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it.
And these seventy are to be traveling ministers, unto the Gentiles first and also unto the Jews."

This is a very long chapter on the priesthood. It explains the order of the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthood. As I was reviewing this I thought about how I see the organization of the church runs like this now. At the time this revelation on the priesthood was received it must of seemed so vast to them. In May of 1835 there were approximately 8,835 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What must they have thought of the traveling Seventy? How there could be seven times seventy of them called, as much a needed. We have now twelve quorums of the Seventy, though they are not all completely full of seventy men.

I have wondered how many have been called over time as the Presidency of the Seventy, Quorum of the Seventies, and Area Seventies. I have watched these faithful men for I do not feel their role is a stretch to be the 144,000 the Lord spoke of.

"And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."
(Revelation 7:4)

"Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel—twelve thousand out of every tribe?
A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn."
(Doctrine and Covenants 77:11)

Day 3696

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 99:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 99:2
"And who receiveth you receiveth me; and you shall have power to declare my word in the demonstration of my Holy Spirit."

I thought about honoring and sustaining the leaders of the church. It made me recall an incident several years ago where I heard others speak against the counsel given us by the Area Presidency. They thought they knew better than them. When leaders are speaking in the capacity of their callings we can't dismiss them. They weren't speaking as a man, they were speaking under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. This was their stewardship and calling, and it was good advice. Getting caught in those types of conversations makes me extremely uncomfortable. It's not my place to call them out, nor do I want to appear to be in agreement by remaining silent. I just have to excuse myself, or try to redirect the discussion. What is foremost in my mind is this temple recommend interview question.

4. Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?
Do you sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators?
Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local leaders of the Church?

Day 3688

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 80:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 80:3
"Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss."

I was reflecting on the "mattereth not" and wondered why missionaries usually receive an exact assignment, but in this case it didn't matter. I went to find a little more on it. I was able to find this interesting quote by Elder Bednar.

"I do not believe that the phrase “it mattereth not” as used by the Lord in this scripture suggests that He does not care where His servants labor. In fact, He cares deeply. But because the work of preaching the gospel is the Lord’s work, He inspires, guides, and directs His authorized servants. As missionaries strive to be ever more worthy and capable instruments in His hands and do their best to fulfill faithfully their duties, then with His help they “cannot go amiss”—wherever they serve. Perhaps one of the lessons the Savior is teaching us in this revelation is that an assignment to labor in a specific place is essential and important but secondary to a call to the work."
(David A. Bednar, "Called to the Work", Apr 2017 General Conference)

Day 3669

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 56:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 56:14
"Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my people—you have many things to do and to repent of; for behold, your sins have come up unto me, and are not pardoned, because you seek to counsel in your own ways."

This is really good counsel, to not counsel the Lord, and to take the counsel given. The Lord's house is a house of order and if man just disregarded or disobeyed counsel it would be anything but a house of order. Now is man perfect? No, and neither do we expect others are either. We are all learning, growing and in need of repentance. The road to repentance is better than the road to apostasy. The other day someone was talking to me and mentioned something questionable that a former bishop was doing. It wasn't really grievous. It was more they were expecting perfection. They couldn't believe this man had been a bishop. I tried to turn the conversation around and began with describing the mantle of a bishop. How I've seen changes in men that are called, and they are stronger and able to carry the load when that mantle in upon them. Then when they eventually are released it is no longer there. I would not question the Lord's choice for he qualifies and strengthen his servants. It has no bearing on the person's actions today. This lead us to a wonderful conversation on how we have witness this change that comes upon those called and serving. We don't need to question the Lord's ways.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts”
(Isaiah 55:8-9)

"Some actually question God’s capacity, this in the face of His assurance to us: “I am able to do my own work.” Therefore, murmuring can be another form of mocking God’s plan of salvation. Yes, such individuals say, God has an overall general plan, but we don’t care for His specific timing. Yet the scriptures specifically advise us that “all things must come to pass in their time.
"Yes, such individuals may acknowledge God, but they criticize His ways. We want things to be done in our ways, even though our ways are much lower ways. "
(Neal A. Maxwell, "Murmur Not", Oct 1989 General Conference)

Day 3645

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 6:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 6:1
"And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church."

There is no doubt who is the leader of a branch, ward or stake in Zion. There is no doubt on who is the Prophet of the Church, and those that are apostles. The Lord's house is a house of order.

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."
(Article of Faith, 5)

"No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 20:65)

"Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion."
(Doctrine and Covenants 132:8)

Day 3450

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 4:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 4:20
"And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy."

This made me think of the prophet and apostles and how they have given up successful careers when their calls came to serve as apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. I thought about President Dallin H. Oaks and how he was a justice of the Utah Supreme Court when his call came. They leave their careers and come, follow Him.

Day 3448

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 17:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 17:14
"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."

I liked the part where we are with Him. The righteous are not waging war against the inhabitants of the earth. Oh, the world may war against us but, but the Lamb will overcome them. Those that are called, chosen and faithful we will stand on the side that wins. We can't lose faith in that.

Day 3343

Today's Favorite Verse: John 12:28-30

Today's Favorite Verse: John 12:28-30

"Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes."

I am glad I thought to ponder on these verses, for I found some wonderful quotes connected to them. This was at the time God spoke and acknowledged Brigham Young as his prophet.

"In the month of February, 1848, the Twelve Apostles met at Hyde Park, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, where a small Branch of the Church was established; and I must say that I feel not a little proud of the circumstance, and also very thankful, on account of its happening in my own little retired and sequestered hamlet, bearing my own name. We were in prayer and council, communing together; and what took place on that occasion? The voice of God came from on high, and spake to the Council. Every latent feeling was aroused, and every heart melted. What did it say unto us? “Let my servant Brigham step forth and receive the full power of the presiding Priesthood in my Church and kingdom.” This was the voice of the Almighty unto us at Council Bluffs, before I removed to what was called Kanesville. It has been said by some that Brigham was appointed by the people, and not by the voice of God. I do not know that this testimony has often, if ever, been given to the masses of the people before; but I am one that was present, and there are others here that were also present on that occasion, and did hear and feel the voice from heaven, and we were filled with the power of God. This is my testimony; these are my declarations unto the Saints—unto the members of the kingdom of God in the last days, and to all people.

We said nothing about the matter in those times, but kept it still. [After seating myself in the stand, I was reminded of one circumstance that occurred, which I omitted in my discourse. Men, women, and children came running together where we were, and asked us what was the matter. They said that their houses shook, and the ground trembled, and they did not know but that there was an earthquake. We told them that there was nothing the matter—not to be alarmed; the Lord was only whispering to us a little, and that he was probably not very far off. We felt no shaking of the earth or of the house, but were filled with the exceeding power and goodness of God. We knew and realized that we had the testimony of God within us. On the 6th day of April following, at our Annual Conference, held in the Log Tabernacle at Kanesville, the propriety of choosing a man to preside over the Church was investigated. In a very few minutes it was agreed to, and Brigham Young was chosen to fill that place without a dissenting voice, the people not knowing that there had been any revelation touching the matter. They ignorantly seconded the voice of the Lord from on high in his appointment. (Voice from the stand: “That is Vox Dei, vox populi.”) Yes, the voice of God was the voice of the people. Brigham went right ahead, silently, to do the work of the Lord, and to feed his sheep, and take care of them like a faithful shepherd, leaving all vain aspirants to quarrel and contend about lineal descent, right, power, and authority."

(Orson Hyde, "Testimonies of the Truth, Etc." JD 8:232)

"Brother Hyde, in his remarks, spoke about the voice of God at a certain time. I could tell many incidents relating to that circumstance, which he did not take time to relate. We were in his house, which was some ten or twelve feet square. The houses in the neighborhood shook, or, if they did not, the people thought they did, for they ran together and inquired whether there had been an earthquake. We told them that the voice of God had reached the earth—that they need not be afraid; it was the power of God. This and other events have transpired to satisfy the people—you, and all who belong to the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth."

(Brigham Young, "Persecution - The Kingdom of God, Etc." JD 8:194)

Day 3168

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 1:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 1:17

"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."

The words "to become" stood out to me. When Jesus called Simon and Andrew they were not already fishers of men. They had no experience in the work they were called to. But, Jesus saw their potential. They were simply told to "come after me", that is to follow Jesus. They would learn from observing and following Him. What a master class they would receive walking with the Savior. There were times they fell short, but what I have learned from their experiences. I pondered on how much harder this walk with Christ would be, if all he chose from the beginning were perfect men. There is hope for me.

Day 3117

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 24:5, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 24:5, 19

"Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and the sons of Ithamar.

These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the Lord, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him."

The Lord's House is a house of order. I thought about callings and how there is order there. Everyone is to learn and know their duty. How this helps to build the Lord's kingdom and strengthen the saints.

Day 2521

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 23:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 23:13

"The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever."

This chapter has the descendants of Levi, that were priests and served in the house of the Lord. There was a footnote for the word "separated". It was interesting to see it meant "setting apart". Setting apart I do understand. Not sure why I had never looked at setting apart as the same as being separated.

Setting Apart

"To be selected and consecrated for holy purposes. This appointment is to a specific service within the Church organization by the laying on of hands by someone who has the proper authority. Only those who preside over priesthood quorums receive keys when they are set apart. People set apart to positions other than presidents of priesthood quorums may receive a priesthood blessing, but no keys are given with that blessing."

There is another place in the scriptures where separate is used for setting apart.

"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."

(Acts 13:2-3)

Day 2520

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 18:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 18:1

"And the Lord said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father’s house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood."

I had to look up what it meant to "bear the iniquity of the sanctuary", and the "iniquity of your priesthood." I couldn't see how there would be iniquity in either. The footnote is "IE bear any guilt incurred in failure to bear the full responsibility thereof." So the iniquity comes when you don't live up to what you were called to do.

Day 2294

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:13

"Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord."

I love seeing how the Lord looks upon our failures, as we are serving Him. It's not the success or the increase, it is the sacrifice and what we put into it that matters. Above all He wants us to learn and to grow. I also looked back at the purposes in failures. Some assignments He knows will fail, after all the saints weren't meant to remain in that area. The important thing was they try and what they became because of that effort.

Day 2120

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 47:1, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 47:1, 4

"Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant John should write and keep a regular history, and assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all things which shall be given you, until he is called to further duties. 

Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen."

What I noticed is that callings are not necessarily forever. We serve the Lord until he calls us to something else. If we are faithful in that calling the Spirit will direct and guide us in it. I think sometimes the Spirit will let us know in advance when the calling is ending. The inspiration doesn't come as quickly, as least that is what I have observed. Maybe it's to help us accept the fact it's time for another calling to serve in. It's always a little sad because just when you think you have a certain rhythm or way of doing certain calling it's time to move to something else. 

Day 2050

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 9:3-4, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 9:3-4, 14

"Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.

Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph.

Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen."

Oliver Cowdery was acting as scribe for Joseph Smith as he translated the Book of Mormon. He desired to translate and the Lord let him, but he was unable to do so. Then he is told what his calling is. The thing that I noticed is the Lord looks at all callings as important. One is not great than another. For if done well, we are showing we are seeking to do His will, not ours. Eternal life is not limited to those of a particular calling or position. It is obtainable for all. For "God is no respecter of persons". (Act 10:34)

Day 2012

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 4
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God."

I pondered on my prayers for the prophet and leaders of this church. I was watching a video the other day on President Nelson and he acknowledged that people come to see them because they honor the office that they hold. That is a very important distinction. I know they are elect, being called of God.

Day 1685

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:22
"Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"

I am thinking work refers to calling or where I am to serve in the Lord's vineyard. I should take joy in it, and not wish for someone else's calling. When my assignment is done I am not to still hold onto it, and judge others that follow. I have experienced seeing all my supposed great efforts go to not after being released. It has taken years to realize there is purpose in all things. The way that calling is assigned is what both the person and the people need at that time. People are not following me, they are to follow the will of the Lord. If someone fails short in their calling then so be it. There is purpose in that experience for all of us. It is for our learning and growth.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:"
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Day 1237

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 26:12, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 26:12, 17
"Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the Lord.
Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.
At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar."

A porter took charge of the doors or gates of the temple. I could immediately see this in my day. There is a temple recommend desk at every entry of the temple. I must pass by them in order to enter. I love seeing how the temple has been restored in my day. The only difference is the law of Moses is not longer practiced because it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice.


Day 939