Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:31
"But many that are first shall be last; and the last first."

The Joseph Smith Translation of the verse is interesting. Not sure I ever noticed it before.

"But there are many who make themselves first that shall be last, and the last first."

That is speaking of pride and humility. Earlier in the chapter Jesus spoke of needing to be like a little child.

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
(Mark 10:15)

Day 4091

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 54:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 54:13
"And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

It's to the point that if I had young children I wouldn't want them to hear the news. In fact I don't even want to listen to the news. The world has no peace. The only peace comes from knowing the Lord. Now more than ever children need to be taught of the Lord. The faith and prayers of a child will bring comfort and peace. It's true for them and true for us. "Come, Follow Me in the home has been so inspired.

"I was in Idaho Falls and was the guest in a home of a typical Church family. There were a dedicated set of parents and many children. The oldest was in military duty in the dreaded South Pacific, and the hearts of the family followed him from place to place. They handed me his latest letter from the war zone. I read this:
“There have been times when we were so scared, we would tremble, but the fear was out of our minds with prayer and the knowledge that we were being guided by the Lord.
“Dad, I love my religion and I am proud that I had someone like you and Mother to teach me to pray. Then I also know that you are praying for me each morning and night. …”
Spirituality is born in the home and is nurtured in the home evenings, in the twice-a-day and oftener daily prayers, in the weekly meetings when the family goes en masse. That spirituality as the foundation of one’s life comes to his rescue when emergency strikes.
Security is not born of inexhaustible wealth but of unquenchable faith. And generally that kind of faith is born and nurtured in the home and in childhood.
Prayer is the passport to spiritual power."
(Spencer W. Kimball, "The Family Influence", Apr 1973 General Conference)

Day 3987

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:13
"Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished."

When we stop learning or being willing to change we soon grow foolish. We are to become as a little child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, otherwise we cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 18:4)

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
(Mark 10:15)

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
(Mosiah 3:19)

"Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."
(3 Nephi 9:22)

Day 3964

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 119:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 119:34
"Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart."

This made me pondered on teaching children the gospel. They need understanding before they can make covenants to keep His law. They need to know to love the Lord with all their heart.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
(Proverbs 22:6)

"But behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave save I should leave a blessing upon you; for behold, I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it."
(2 Nephi 4:5)

"And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.
And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord."
(Doctrine and Covenants 68:25, 28)

Day 3942

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 4:3
"And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s:"

Elimelech was Noami's husband. If Boaz was his brother then he was an older man. That was the first I realized Ruth and Boaz were not of the same age. Boaz would have been Ruth's husband's uncle. That makes it more understandable why Boaz mentions she hasn't gone after young men.

"And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
(Ruth 3:10-11)

So if Boaz was closer to Naomi's age why didn't he marry her? It had to do with the Levirate marriage law. It was a question of raising up children. Naomi was a widow but already mentioned she could not have more children. Ruth however as a childless widow could have children and preserve the deceased's family line.

Day 3823

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 4:6-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 4:6-8
"And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign."

As I prayerfully read the scriptures questions will come to my mind. Not questions of doubt, but one of seeking understanding. When I read this verse I wondered when did Moses perform this sign of his hand turning leprous and then being healed? This wasn't something I recall being done in front of Pharaoh. Then the answer came when I read these two verses.

"And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:
And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. "
(Exodus 4:29-30)

This sign wasn't for Pharaoh to believe, it was for the elders of the children of Israel to believe. It makes sense that Moses would be sent to them first, so they would know God's plan for the day of their release from bondage was upon them. God's people needed to understand that Moses, through his brother Aaron spoke for Him.

Day 3764

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 66:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 66:9
"Lay your hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. Return not till I, the Lord, shall send you. Be patient in affliction. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

The part "be patient in affliction" reminded me of the recent Facebook post by President Jeffrey R. Holland. He mentioned how there will be trouble and challenges ahead for all of us, before the millennium. But great will be the peace of our children. They will know no fear or terror, if they are taught of the Lord. How important it is for us to be righteous and teach our children the words of the Lord. Afflictions are coming, but the through the divine attribute of patience and relying on the Lord we will receive His protection and power.

"It's a prophecy about the last days. It's a prophecy about Zion and what will yet be established. And it talks about strong stakes, lengthen your cords, and the nice imagery of stakes and how you put up a tent - how you put up a tabernacle in their case. When we have trouble and we're in mortality - and this is not the celestial kingdom, if you thought it was, you took a wrong turn down there, but we're in mortality first - and there are going to be troubles. There's going to be difficulty. There's going to be personal challenges. There's going to be family challenges. There's going to be neighborhood and state and national challenges."
"In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.
For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee."
(3 Nephi 22:8, 10-14)
"What a terrific, quick series. That's only verse 8 through verse 14. What a marvelous series of reassurances: mercy and kindness, and a covenant of peace, and a strong Zion structure, and our children blessed. And in righteousness they'll be far from fear, and they'll be far from terror. And none of those shall come near us."
(Jeffrey R. Holland, Facebook and Instagram post 27 Mar 2025)

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Day 3655 

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 55:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 55:4
"And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oliver Cowdery to do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me."

Schools in Zion have fascinated me since home schooling my children. These first schools for children were not just religious training like "Come, Follow Me", for Sunday School and Primary as we have now. These schools were for the complete education including, reading, writing, arithmetic, science and history. These were church sponsored schools but now there are only the universities. I have felt that BYU Pathways is moving us along this path once again. I cannot imagine as the world grows darker that textbooks and curriculums for children are not coming. For now we are learning the basics of teaching our children in the home with "Come, Follow Me". I will continue to watch and see what develops with interest.

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."
(3 Nephi 22:13)

"Behold, I say unto you, concerning the school in Zion, I, the Lord, am well pleased that there should be a school in Zion, and also with my servant Parley P. Pratt, for he abideth in me."
(Doctrine and Covenants 97:3)

Day 3644

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 5:16, 18

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 5:16, 18
"For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind.
But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they."

I pondered on how the "spirit ceased to strive with their fathers". When the parent has no faith to give to the next generation there is no foundation to build on. It is so important that we pass our faith on to our children. It is greater than all the money in the world. Without that anchor in their lives they were absolutely led by Satan. We cannot force faith on our children, but we do need to teach of Christ to them. Give them and anchor to build on.

"President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) explained that the wicked people of Mormon’s time had lost not only the Holy Ghost, but the Spirit of Christ from their lives: “Mormon described some people, his people, from whom the spirit of the Lord had departed, and when I read that … it seems clear to me that what he was talking about was not merely the inability to have the companionship of or the gift of the Holy Ghost, but he was talking of that light of truth to which every one born into the world is entitled and will never cease to strive with the individual unless he loses it through his own sinning” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1956, 108).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "The Spirit "Ceased to Strive with Their Fathers", Chapter 48: Mormon 1-6)

Day 3559

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 22:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 22:13
"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

I used to think of these scriptures when I read this verse.

"Behold, I say unto you, concerning the school in Zion, I, the Lord, am well pleased that there should be a school in Zion, and also with my servant Parley P. Pratt, for he abideth in me."
(Doctrine and Covenants 97:3)

"And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oliver Cowdery to do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me."
(Doctrine and Covenants 55:4)

When I heard of BYU Pathways I thought of the eventual schools the church may have for our children. That may or may not happen, but now I think of something else. I think of having "Come, Follow Me" in our homes with our children. The home is the greatest place to teach our children the gospel of Jesus Christ in purity. I know there is greater peace in our home since we began reading the scriptures together as a family.

"Our homes are fortresses against the evils of the world. In our homes we come unto Christ by learning to follow His commandments, by studying the scriptures and praying together, and by helping one another stay on the covenant path. The new emphasis on personal and family study in the home through the curriculum Come, Follow Me is designed “to deepen our conversion and help us become more like Jesus Christ.” In so doing we will become what Paul called “new creature[s]” with our hearts and souls in tune with God. We need that strength to face and deflect the assaults of the adversary."
(Ronald A. Rasband, "Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection", Apr 2019 General Conference)

Day 3545

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 17:23-25

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 17:23-25
"And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.
And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.
And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every man for himself; and they were in number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children."

I have always love the stories of Jesus and the little children. As a child these stories were so comforting to me. I knew He loved me. As an adult I still remember the feelings I had as a child, but now as a parent I feel the other side, of seeing children surrounding Jesus and angels ministering to them. It makes me cry.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
(3 John 1:4)

"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence."
(Matthew 19:13-15)

Day 3540

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 14:5

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 14:5
"And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defence."

I feel like this is what we are working towards with our home-centered, church supported gospel learning. I went back and reviewed President Nelson's opening remarks in General Conference, where he announced "Come, Follow Me".

"For many years, Church leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship. Our efforts over these recent years to hallow the Sabbath—to make it a delight and a personal sign to God of our love for Him—will be augmented by the adjustments we will now introduce.
This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Opening Remarks", Oct 2018 General Conference)

I know reading the scriptures every day with my family, and the discussions that take place afterwards, are the highlight of my day. It has brought such a feeling of peace and unity among us that nothing else could bring. It truly does strengthen families and individuals.

After church we decided to drive around the boundaries of our stake. We wanted to see all the construction that will bring an estimated 3,000 people into our stake boundaries in the next few months. We were in awe of the five story apartment buildings. It was just massive. As we drove I did not see any new chapels. I remembered how in the past every time there was a new development going in there would also be a new chapel near by. I wondered where are we going to put all these people? Will the sharing of our existing chapels in the stake require us to attend church in the evening now? Or will we one day go to sacrament only and truly leave the greater responsibility of learning the gospel on the saints?

"And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents."
(Doctrine and Covenants 68:25)

Day 3385

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 John 1:4

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 John 1:4
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

No greater joy is when a lamb that has been lost returns home again. It's been 20 years but miracles do happen. God will bring our children home if we let Him. Children in their teens and twenties maybe leaving the church in droves, but in their mid 30's and 40's they are coming home. Walk with them as many days in the Lord as you can, and they will know where home is.

"Years ago, while I was serving as a young bishop, an older gentleman asked to meet with me. He described his departure from the Church and the righteous traditions of his parents when he was in his youth. He described in detail the heartache he experienced during his life while vainly seeking lasting joy amidst the momentary happiness the world has to offer. Now, in his later years of life, he experienced the tender, sometimes nagging whispering sensations of the Spirit of God guiding him back to the lessons, practices, feelings, and spiritual safety of his youth. He expressed gratitude for the traditions of his parents, and in modern-day words, he echoed the proclamation of Enos: “Blessed be the name of my God for it.
”In my experience, this dear man’s return to the gospel is characteristic of many and is repeated often among God’s children who leave for a time, only to return to the teachings and practices of their youth. In those moments, we witness the wisdom of the writer of the proverb, who exhorts parents, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
(Steve R. Bangerter, "Laying the Foundation of a Great Work", Oct 2018 General Conference)

Day 3325

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 4:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 4:27

"For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband."

I always find it interesting when scriptures are repeated. In this case Paul appears to be quoting from Isaiah to them.

"Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD."

(Isaiah 54:1)

Isaiah is also quoted by the Savior in the Book of Mormon.

"And then shall that which is written come to pass: Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child; for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord."

(3 Nephi 22:1)

I looked for these verses of Isaiah to be quoted in the Doctrine and Covenants or Peal of Great Price but could not find it. Somehow, I think it's there, with a little variation like Paul did. I cannot read these verses and not think of the faithful good women that long for children and are barren in my day. I know that all that we have lost or denied a blessing of will one day receive fulfillment as promised.

Day 3254

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:14

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:14

"Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

It seems so obvious to practice what you preach. I thought about the most important people that need to see that example. That is our children. They of all people would know if we truly are living the gospel or not. That influence will be felt for generations.

President Joseph F. Smith urged parents, “Teach to your children these things, in spirit and power, sustained and strengthened by personal practice. Let them see that you are earnest, and practice what you preach” (“Worship in the Home,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1903, p. 138).

Day 3230

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 19:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 19:14

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

This verse made me think of this.

"And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.

For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.

And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands."

(Doctrine and Covenants 68:25-27)

I've been reflecting on the state of families, and how I can hardly find a member family now without a child that has wandered. Taking entire generations with them. As a parent you grieve and wonder what more could I have done? If we raised them in the gospel, saw them baptized, watched them go on missions, marry in the temple, we got them to the point they needed to be. If they fall away after that then it is by their own choice. Sometimes you don't even get as far as seeing them serve the mission or marry in the temple. There is no way you can make a stubborn teenager go to church and like it, once they have rebelled. Love of the gospel had to come when they were a child. What is the requirement for parents? It is to teach them the gospel before the age of eight and to be baptized. The Lord said to forbid them not, to come unto me. Forbid = refuse someone entry, is the same as not bringing them there in the first place.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

(Proverbs 22:6)

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

(3 Nephi 22:13)

“The Prophet Joseph Smith declared—and he never taught a more comforting doctrine—that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving father’s heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God”

(Orson F. Whitney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1929, 110).

(Joseph Smith, Jr., "Hope for Parents of Wayward Children", Ensign, Sept 2002)

Much has changed for the worse in the 31 years since Elder Boyd K. Packer said this.

“The measure of our success as parents, however, will not rest solely on how our children turn out. That judgment would be just only if we could raise our families in a perfectly moral environment, and that now is not possible.

It is not uncommon for responsible parents to lose one of their children, for a time, to influences over which they have no control. They agonize over rebellious sons or daughters. They are puzzled over why they are so helpless when they have tried so hard to do what they should.

It is my conviction that those wicked influences one day will be overruled. …

We cannot overemphasize the value of temple marriage, the binding ties of the sealing ordinance, and the standards of worthiness required of them. When parents keep the covenants they have made at the altar of the temple, their children will be forever bound to them”

(Elder Boyd K. Packer, “Our Moral Environment," April 1992 General Conference)

Day 3107

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:7-8

"Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire."

The footnote for "offences" is Sin. This quote describes it with more detail.

"The word "offend" as used by the Master means "to cause to sin or fall." This definition is now almost lost in our modern-day language, but the word was used with this meaning in the days of Christ and even up until a century or two ago.

Jesus also said: "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!"  

Willful wrong teaching, wrong example, wrong utterance, wrong action by those of influence are offenses to any youth, and the retribution follows as night the day that "no man ever did a designed injury to another, but at the same time he did a greater to himself" (Henry Home, "Injury," The New Dictionary of Thoughts)."

(John H. Vandenberg, "Beware of the Leaven", April 1965 General Conference)

President Spencer W. Kimball gives even more details.

"In our own Society, the murderer who kills the body is hunted, imprisoned, and executed, but the character who kills the soul by implanting doubt and shattering faith is permitted not only to go free but also is often retained in high places. The body which is killed will rise again in the resurrection with little damage to its eternal welfare, but he whose faith has been shattered may suffer long ages before complete restoration of spiritual stature can be had, if at all.

And Jesus said: Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!  (Matt. 18:7)

Far better to take from a man his flocks or herds, his lands or wealth, even his sight or limbs, than to be responsible for the loss of his faith. The Son of God put it this way:

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt and maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast It from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire  (Matt. 18:8-9)

And so we admonish the leaders in stakes, wards, and missions to be ever vigilant to see that no incorrect doctrines are promulgated in their classes or congregations. Wolves will come in sheep's clothing and will deceive the very elect, if that were possible. And we warn again those who write or preach or otherwise teach subversive doctrines, that their punishment is sure for their "worm dieth not"

(Spencer W. Kimball, "Build or Destroy", April 1948 General Conference)

In this chapter the Lord tells us to be like little children. Then he speaks of anyone offending little children, how it would be better for them to have a millstone hanged around his neck and drowned in the dept of the sea. This makes me realize the Lord isn't just talking about physically hurting a child. It's leading any child of God astray. That would be you or me! The damage for causing another person to lose their faith or to sin is the severest of penalties.

Paul speaks of the parts of the body and how they are the church. How every member of the body is needed. Now I understand how cutting off the hand or foot that offends in this chapter is speaking of removing of the member of the church that offends, and teaches incorrect doctrine, that cause others to sin and fall.

Day 3106

Today's Favorite Verse: Nahum 3:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Nahum 3:4

"Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts."

It's one thing if you corrupt yourself and turn to evil. It's another when you sell it, preach it, and lead others astray. That is what it means by "selleth nations through her whoredoms". It is something we see in our day. Those that call evil good and good evil, that use power and influence to encourage others to accept sin and embrace it. I think the most evil among them are those that confuse and lead innocent children astray, and destroy the family.

Day 3062