Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:14

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:14
"Let all your things be done with charity."

Charity has really been standing out to me the past few days. After today's sessions of General Conference I was talking to the family about charity too. We had a discussion on how at the end of the Nephite civilization Mormon and Moroni speak of charity. I think the message was especially important because the people had lost it. I feel like I'm seeing charity die in our society too. All the more for us to obtain it so we can be found worthy when Christ comes again.

Day 4202

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;"

This made me think of a conversation I had a while back. A person was telling me of an interaction that had with someone I knew. They were very disheartened and disappointed because as they said, "They have no compassion." My friend explained how this person lumped everyone from a different culture in a bad light. They also appeared to rejoice in the taking away of benefits that helped support those in need. Reading about charity I see they fit many of the descriptions of someone without it. They were not kind, thought evil of others, and preferred their own. I can see how charity and compassion go hand in hand.

What I had reminded my friend of is the second great commandment "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:39) The Lord did not say only love these people and not those. He said to love our neighbors. The great commandment Jesus was teaching was charity.

Day 4199

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 12:37, 40

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 12:37, 40
"Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."

If the Son of man comes when people don't think He will, then shouldn't we always think that the time is now? I would much rather live each day thinking it could be tomorrow, leaving nothing that needs repenting left undone. There has been a hastening in preparation and signs that we are close, when I heard others say the second coming is years, and years away I wonder if they are the ones prophesied to say He delays his coming.

"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:26)

"And they said, Who then is that faithful and wise servant?
And the Lord said unto them, It is that servant who watcheth, to impart his portion of meat in due season.
Blessed be that servant whom his Lord shall find, when he cometh, so doing."
(JST, Luke 12:50-52)

Day 4109

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 19:9, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 19:9, 11
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.
And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai."

The Lord promised the children of Israel if they sanctified themselves and washed their clothes they would hear and see him. Yet, when the time came they could not stand near and moved away. They were afraid to come in the presence of the Lord. They wanted Moses to speak to Him.

"And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."
(Exodus 20:18-19)

I wondered if I would be afraid? This reminded me of President Nelson's recent general conference talk. I took the time to read it over again. I know that by listening and following a prophet of God I will be prepared to stand before the Lord with confidence.

"When we make and keep covenants with God, we can have confidence that is born of the Spirit.
When I speak of having confidence before God, I am referring to having confidence in approaching God right now! I am referring to praying with confidence that Heavenly Father hears us, that He understands our needs better than we do. I am referring to having confidence that He loves us more than we can comprehend, that He sends angels to be with us and with those we love. I am referring to having confidence that He yearns to help each of us reach our highest potential.
Now, how do we gain such confidence? The Lord answers this question with these words: “Let thy bowels … be full of charity towards all men, … and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God.”
Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Confidence in the Presence of God", Apr 2025 General Conference)

Day 3769

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:45

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:45
"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

This verse reminds of President Nelson's recent general conference talk. It has always stood out to me that at the end of the Nephite civilization some of the greatest talks on charity were given. We cannot understand charity until we have endured the lack of it, or loss of it, in our lives. I could not settle on one quote from President Nelson's talk so here are some of my favorites.

"When we make and keep covenants with God, we can have confidence that is born of the Spirit. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that our confidence can “wax strong in the presence of God.” Imagine the comfort of having confidence in the presence of God!"
“Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions.”
"True charity towards all men is the hallmark of peacemakers! It is imperative that we have charity in our discourse, both public and private. I thank those of you who took my previous counsel to heart. But we can still do better."
"Charity is the foundation of a godly character".
"Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be."
"...time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of His coming. But I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that “great and dreadful day.”
"As we diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill our lives, our confidence in approaching God will increase."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Confidence in the Presence of God", Apr 2025 General Conference)

Day 3710

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 71:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 71:5-6
"Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also;
For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power."

I pondered on the great messages during general conference. There was a theme of the parable of the ten virgins. I need to make a study of this parable. The prophet also spoke of charity. I reminded me of the last words of Mormon, that his son Moroni records in the Book of Mormon. He spoke on charity, and their desperate need to have charity, right when their civilization was being destroyed. That is exactly what we were counseled to obtain. I know these words were wisdom for us right now. I need understanding and to put it into practice.

Day 3660

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 12:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 12:8
"And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."

The word that came to mind is hypocrite. To try and assist in God's work without humility, love, faith, hope, charity, temperance or care, one would smell of hypocrisy. I thought of those that have fallen away because they found such among men in the church of God. It is a sad thing and much will fall upon their heads when the Lord judges them. None of us are perfect and have much to work on, but to be lacking in all areas they would be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Day 3601

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: 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: Revelation 12:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 12:10-11
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

I pondered on how the same battle Satan and his angels waged in the pre-existence is being waged here on earth. It's a battle of words, accusations, opinions and contention. The attacks are relentless now. However, the counsel is given on how to over come it. We are to hold fast to the word of God and our testimonies. We are to reply of the power of Christ to the end. It makes me think of President Nelson counsel to be peacemakers.

"The Savior’s Atonement made it possible for us to overcome all evil—including contention. Make no mistake about it: contention is evil! Jesus Christ declared that those who have “the spirit of contention” are not of Him but are “of the devil, who is the father of contention, and [the devil] stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” Those who foster contention are taking a page out of Satan’s playbook, whether they realize it or not. “No man can serve two masters.” We cannot support Satan with our verbal assaults and then think that we can still serve God.
Contention drives away the Spirit—every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.
Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker.
You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers. "
(Russell M. Nelson "Peacemakers Needed", Apr 2023 General Conference)

Day 3338

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 5:22

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 5:22
"Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure."

I really liked this quote from John Taylor. Basically, I don't withhold relief from those that suffer because I don't like the flavor of their sins. Helping someone doesn't mean I partake in their sins, or they tainted me in anyway because I showed them charity and compassion.

"Treat all men kindly, no matter who they may be—whether they are insiders or outsiders, or apostates, or anybody else—treat everybody kindly. But do not be partakers of the practices of the wicked. Do not mix up with the corrupt and evil. If they are hungry, feed them; if they are naked clothe them; if they are sick, administer to them; but do not associate with them in their abominations and their corruptions. Come out from the world and be ye separate, ye that bear the vessels of the Lord, and let “Holiness to the Lord" be written in every heart; and let us all feel that we are for Zion and for God and His Kingdom, and for those principles that will elevate us in time and throughout the eternities that are to come."
(John Taylor, "The Gathering", JD 26:66)

Day 3283

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:9

"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."

Door = Colossians 4:3

"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:"

Effectual = GR energetic, efficient

I pondered on how when the mysteries of Christ are spoken, or the prophets speak, that adversaries will gather. Satan was doing all that he could to destroy this primitive Church of Christ. Satan is doing all he can to destroy it today. As I pondered over this chapter I see that Paul has the same counsel that President Nelson gives us today. He wants them to accepting, conduct in peace, be watchful, stand fast in faith, be strong, have charity, help and to labor.

Day 3237

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:8

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:8

"Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."

I asked myself "How could prophecies fail?" Maybe I'm tired but it took some thinking on this to realized that what was prophesized didn't fail. A prophesy of God is a prophesy and will come to pass. Its speaking of the ability for someone to prophesy if they have not charity. Same with the gift of tongues or knowledge. If we lose our ability to have charity those gifts will fail, or cease to work when they once did. Paul knew that these gifts would also end either through apostasy or eternal glory. The one man lost by unworthiness, the other being in a glorified state. The saint has no need for these gifts for they will know all things, past, present and future. The one constant through all ages and through eternity is charity, the pure love of Christ.

Day 3234

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 8:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 8:16-17

"These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD."

Paul said it so clearly, "Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;" (1 Corinthians 13:6) This is truly having charity.

"Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." (1 Corinthians 13:8)

Without charity all the gifts of the spirit will vanish away. In turn so does society, for they lose their love one for another. Charity is the very last thing Moroni and Mormon wrote about as their civilization was ending. Why? because it was the most basic element that hold it together. This is the most basic thing we can gain and hold onto in our day.

"And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope."

(Moroni 10:21)

"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."

(Moroni 7:47)

Day 3078

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 47:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 47:22

"And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.

And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD."

In this chapter I usually focus on the waters to swim in. This time something else jumped out at me because I had just finished reading Alma 35.

"Now the people of the Zoramites were angry with the people of Ammon who were in Jershon, and the chief ruler of the Zoramites, being a very wicked man, sent over unto the people of Ammon desiring them that they should cast out of their land all those who came over from them into their land.

And he breathed out many threatenings against them. And now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants."

(Alma 35:8-9)

It really struck me with how compassionate the people of Ammon were, and now I see the Lord's counsel to the tribes of Israel towards the stranger among them. It made me really sad to reflect on the anger and hostility I have seen towards the stranger among us, and the refugees that need assistance. We have lost our compassion as a nation. We could never get to the waters to swim in if charity and compassion is not in our hearts. Then I looked at pictures and saw not everyone feels that way. This is the pure love of Christ.

Day 3008

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 16:2, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 16:2, 5

"I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.

But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should assuage your grief."

The contrast between Job and his friends is striking. On one hand his friends are miserable comforters, on the other hand Job would strengthen others with his words. Assuage is to lessen the intensity of their distress and make better. I know at times I have been a miserable comforter. Such behavior brings no comfort to your own soul. It is amazing how daily scripture reading and prayer can tame that wild beast. It is something that has to be nurtured and desired and sought after.

"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."

(Luke 6:35)

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,"

(1 Corinthians 13:4)

"And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."

(Alma 7:24)

"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."

(Colossians 3:14)

"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."

(Moroni 7:47)

Day 2611

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 4:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 4:9

"And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?"

The footnote for brother's keeper takes me here.

"And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope."

(Moroni 10:21)

Cain killed his brother Abel and the root of it was because he had lost faith, hope and charity. This is because he listened to Satan and loved him more than God. As I pondered on this I can see how the loss of humanity happens when we lose all three, but especially charity. I have always found it interesting that at the end of the Book of Mormon both Mormon and Moroni speak of the need to have charity. Even when those around them sought their lives. A civilization grows dark when it no longer sees the value in each person. They forget their identity as a child of God and their purpose here on earth. When we forget who we are, we will no longer see others as children of God either. We will lose our love for our fellow man. Charity comes from love, a Christlike love for others.

"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."

(Moroni 7:47)

Day 2163

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:13, 45

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:13, 45

"Also because their hearts are corrupted, and the things which they are willing to bring upon others, and love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves to the very uttermost;

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

I was struck with the contrast in where a person's focus and heart is between these two verses. We receive the blessing or cursings that we are willing to bestow upon others.

It made me wonder if the Lord said this to Joseph because he first asked:

"Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with they sword avenge us of our wrongs." (vs 5)

The saints were suffering terrible things, the prophet had already spent several months in the dungeon of Liberty Jail. Of course, they wanted to be avenged of their enemies. The Lord is reminding them that they must never lose their charity towards others. To do so would poison you. I think that is why one of the most beautiful chapters in the Book of Mormon is Moroni 7. It is given at the end of the Nephite civilization and it reminds us to have faith, hope and charity towards others. It is an important message for our day. We will not survive spiritually the days ahead if we lose our faith, hope and charity. In fact to have it, is to endure what comes. Revenge is not ours to ask.

Day 2124

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 12:6, 8

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 12:6, 8

"Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."

I just listened to two days worth of General Conference talks that had this as its theme. My heart is so absolutely full that I don't even have words.

Day 2015