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: 2 Nephi 9:34, 47

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 9:34, 47
"Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell.
But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should awake you to an awful reality of these things? Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the plainness of the truth if ye were freed from sin?"

My mind has pondered much on liars lately. In fact I woke early the other day with new understanding on the matter. My mind recalled this scripture.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

It takes a liar to call evil good, and good evil.

"Satan does rage in the hearts of some. Many he will lull away into carnal security; others he flattereth, or he says there is no hell. He has lured and enlisted many followers with enticements of fame, riches, and power. He forges a Rembrandt-quality representation by calling evil good and good evil. He has confused many people, even nations and leaders, to the point of an immoral approach to moral issues."
(Durrell A. Woolsey, "A Strategy for War", Oct 1995 General Conference)

As I pondered on this I recalled an aged man who appeared to be sleeping, but woke every time he heard a lie. I felt it was saying "Wake up to your awful situation."

"Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.
For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning."
(Ether 8:24-25)

I reflected then on age and how that is not to be feared over a man of lies. My mind then recalled stories of our prophets and how as they aged they would awaken when the call was needed.

"The call of a man to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the responsibility and prerogative of the president of the Church....During the months preceding [Apr 1983] conference, President Spencer W. Kimball’s health had become increasingly frail and his memory spotty.
Then on January 11, 1984, a year to the day after the passing of Elder Richards, Elder Mark E. Petersen passed away... President Kimball’s health had deteriorated even further, and his mind was less dependable. To make matters worse, those privy to the situation knew President Kimball was in no condition to receive the revelation to extend such calls.
One of those persons was Dr. Nelson. The week before the April 1984 general conference, Russell’s surgical nurse, Jan Curtis, mentioned how excited she was for the upcoming conference because two new apostles would be called. Russell tried to gently tell her that it wasn’t going to happen. “I was his doctor, and I knew it wasn’t feasible, that President Kimball was not well or coherent enough to do it. I explained to her that calling an apostle is the prerogative of the president of the Church and that President Kimball was simply in no condition to do that.
For months, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the only healthy member of the First Presidency at the time (President Marion G. Romney’s health had also deteriorated), had left standing instructions with President Kimball’s caregivers that if the prophet’s mind ever cleared, they were to call him immediately, regardless of the hour. Month after month passed with no call. From time to time, President Hinckley looked in on President Kimball, but an opportunity to discuss such a spiritually sensitive topic as calls to the Twelve never presented itself.
Then, at about 2:30 a.m. on the Wednesday morning prior to the April 1984 general conference, the phone rang at President Hinckley’s home. President Kimball was alert and wanted to talk to him. President Hinckley rushed downtown to President Kimball’s suite in the Hotel Utah, where the issue of vacancies in the Twelve was raised. President Kimball said simply, “Call Nelson and Oaks to the Quorum of the Twelve, in that order.”
(Sheri L. Dew, "The Miracle Behind President Nelson's Call as an Apostle" LDSLiving, 5 Oct 2019)

My mind was settled on the subject I will not fear an aged man that can recognize lies, if that is my choice today. Yet, overall the greater message is "awake to a sense of your awful situation". Since this experience I have only seen things grow even darker for us. Yet, I feel incredible peace that I can move forward in faith come what may.

Day 3380

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 12:32

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 12:32

"And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment."

I wondered what it meant to have an "understanding of the times". There is a footnote.

"Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:"

(Esther 1:13)

Sounds like they had experience in law and judgment in whatever way that education is achieved. Such knowledge is invaluable and something the Lord can draw upon. It made me think of President Dallin H. Oaks and all he has been prepared for. I'm sure he came to mind because I spoke of him today when I learned about a ruling that just happened. President Oaks is a man that would have been prepared to make sure things were setup correctly, having been a former BYU President, and a judge. He has an understanding of the times.

Day 2509

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 25:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 25:5-6

"If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her.

And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel."

This is the levirte (husband's brother) law of marriage. The custom insured security to a widow and that the first son born to the widow would inherit the dead husband's property. The Sadducees used this law to try and trap Jesus in saying who's wife she would be in the resurrection. A rather interesting question given that the Sadducees didn't believe in a resurrection, angels or spirits. They did not believe in immortality.

"The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:

Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.

And last of all the woman died also.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine."

(Matthew 22:23-33)

The Savior is not tricked by the Sadducees and gets to the real root of their issue. They don't understand the scriptures and the resurrection. The levirate law of marriage was a custom for this life and not for the next. This reminded me of President Dallin H. Oaks, general conference talk where he speaks of a church leader's counsel to those more worried about the living arrangements in the next life, than if they will make it there at all.

“You are worried about the wrong things. You should be worried about whether you will get to those places. Concentrate on that. If you get there, all of it will be more wonderful than you can imagine.”

(President Dallin H. Oaks, "Trust in the Lord", Oct 2019 General Conference)

Day 2337

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 13:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 13:1-3

"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

My thought turned to those that teach false doctrine and have and are leading people astray. I thought about the groups that promoted conferences, podcasts, and books highly vested in the last days, extreme prepping and things like energy healings. There are people claiming visions and dreams and people lapping it all up. They have polluted the gospel under the disguise of giving further light and knowledge. They deceive while using terms like "Come, Follow Me", and "The Doctrine of Christ", to draw unsuspecting people in saying they are faithful members of the church. In particular I thought about the Daybells. The devil will cheat your soul if you listen to false prophets.

I thought about President Dallin H. Oaks counsel in a recent General Conference talk.

"Many members of the Church have had visions or other inspirations to inform them about how things operate or are organized in the spirit world, but these personal spiritual experiences are not to be understood or taught as the official doctrine of the Church. And, of course, there is abundant speculation by members and others in published sources like books on near-death experiences......

We can all wonder privately about circumstances in the spirit world or even discuss these or other unanswered questions in family or other intimate settings. But let us not teach or use as official doctrine what does not meet the standards of official doctrine. To do so does not further the work of the Lord and may even discourage individuals from seeking their own comfort or edification through the personal revelation the Lord’s plan provides for each of us. Excessive reliance on personal teachings or speculations may even draw us aside from concentrating on learning and efforts that will further our understanding and help us go forward on the covenant path."

(Dallin H. Oaks, "Trust in the Lord", Oct 2019 General Conference)

In light of today's verse I see the importance of studying and pondering the scriptures. I must know what doesn't meet the "standards of official doctrine". I cannot leave the understanding of the gospel in other people's hands. I must know of myself what is true and right. Nothing can take the place of personal scripture study through the guidance of the spirit. The tests will come, for God will prove us and see if we will remain faithful, or run after other gods and serve them. If I love God with all my heart and soul I would not leave him.

Day 2325

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 21:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 21:13-14

"And he shall take a wife in her virginity. A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife."

This is speaking of "he that is the high priest among his brethren". It made me think of how President Russell M. Nelson and President Dallin H. Oaks having both been widowed each remarried women that had been single and never married previously. I don't know if they have been counseled to do that, because President Howard W. Hunter remarried someone that was divorced. I have thought it a lovely idea that these wonderful faithful sisters having waited so long to marry, finally marry apostles of the Lord.

Day 2270

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:19-20

"Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do."

Moses' father-in-law Jethro counsels him in how to keep from wearing himself and the people out. Moses could not handle all the issues day and night brought to him by the people alone. He was to teach them ordinances and laws and set good men over them to help bear the burden and judge over the smaller matters. Then Moses could represent the people before God and the others will be his spokesman. This made me think of the organization of the church and how it is still run this way even now.

"I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves."

(Joseph Smith, Jr.

As President Dallin H. Oaks said about this scripture: "In other words, Israelites who followed Moses should be taught not to bring every question to that priesthood leader. They should understand the commandments and seek inspiration to work out most problems for themselves."

(Dallin H. Oaks, "Two Lines of Communication", Oct 2010 General Conference)

Day 2227

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 106:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 106:6

"And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my scepter, and separated himself from the crafts of men;"

This verse stood out to me tonight because as I watched the chaos unfold today I had peace, and did not feel part of this world. I guess you would say I feel "separated...from the crafts of men".

"I have given them they word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

I prayer not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

(John 17:14-16)

There is peace when you know where to put your trust and where to stand. That is with the Lord. We had a marvelous general conference talk "Love Your Enemies" this past October 2020 by President Dallin H. Oaks. I could see the days he prepared us for. Who would have thought it would turn out like this.

Day 2109

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:6
"They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The Lord saith: and the Lord hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word."

Divination = Superstitions

This made me think of an ad I saw for a book from a "modern religious group". It had the names of some celebrities listed with it. Now from the book's title I already knew without a doubt that this was a priestcraft. I followed the website link, not to buy the book, but to get a better look at the people endorsing it. There were pages of celebrities from all professions shouting its praise.

This was exactly what President Dallin H. Oaks warned about in his Oct 2018 General Conference talk "Truth and the Plan"

"We live in a time of greatly expanded and disseminated information. But not all of this information is true. We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. We should not consider secular prominence or authority as qualified sources of truth. We should be cautious about relying on information or advice offered by entertainment stars, prominent athletes, or anonymous internet sources. Expertise in one field should not be taken as expertise on truth in other subjects.
We should also be cautious about the motivation of the one who provides information. That is why the scriptures warn us against priestcraft (see 2 Nephi 26:29). If the source is anonymous or unknown, the information may also be suspect."

"He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion."
(2 Nephi 26:29).

Truly what Ezekiel had happening in his day, is happening in mine. Just because "celebrities" or people we look up to endorse something, doesn't make it true. Truth only comes from the Lord, and through His anointed prophets, seers and revelators.

Day 1390

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 47:8, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 47:8, 13
"Therefore hear not this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
Thou are wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee."

I have many examples of where I have seen these false things being taught by misguided individuals. Satan will package them up and make them seem good, even quoting scriptures to make the person seem learned and wise. I appreciated President Dallin H. Oaks Oct 2018 General Conference Talk "Truth and the Plan". He even addressed priestcrafts and being cautious of who we get "truth" from.

I can see how important it is to have the spirit as my guide now more than ever. I will never forget the experience of attending an event that on the outside seemed like a great opportunity to hear some speakers on church related topics, though not sanctioned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In one lecture it was standing room only. I was trapped inside of a row and had no way out. Boy did I ever want out when I heard what this speaker was saying. My husband never saw me so agitated and upset. We were forced to sit and listen to a man that I considered teaching and selling a priestcraft. It made me so ill to watch people afterwards flock in droves to his booth to buy up his book. I never went back to any of this groups events after that. Sadly this man was not the only one I was concerned about. The event had become polluted.

I mentioned this experience to a good friend and she asked the name of the lecturer. I didn't want to say, because all I had was my opinion, though I didn't know him personally. What if I was wrong? What if he found the error of his way and had changed? But, her repeated requests to know gave me pause, and the spirit told me "Tell her!" When I said his name she gasped, he was in her ward. She told me I was right to feel concerned about him. He was being watched, and had been spoken to several times. They had been told to never leave him alone with the youth. He was teaching false doctrine. I was in awe of the chance of actually saying his name to someone that could confirm as a witness what the spirit had already told me.

This happened about three years ago. My friend has since told me this man was excommunicated a few months ago for priestcraft. There was serious enough damage being done that the stake president had to tell them this specifically over the pulpit at stake conference. Warning those that were following him that this is where these false teachings lead. My oh my, it is both terrible and great things the spirit can tell us. I am grateful for the warning, but I am sorry for what I have seen. I'm sorry for those that are deceived and lead away into crooked paths. For but by the grace of God it could have been me.

Milky Way Stars over Pine Valley, Utah
Photography by Joseph Cowdell

Day 1300

Will This Generation Fail the Test?

I was reading the Oct 2017 conference talk by Dallin H. Oaks "The Plan and the Proclamation" and found this:

"Forty years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson taught that "every generation has its tests and its chance to stand and prove itself." I believe our attitude toward and use of the family proclamation is one of those tests for this generation. I pray for all Latter-day Saints to stand firm in that test."

I believe my generation for the most part failed the test given us by Ezra Taft Benson, that mothers stay in the home, and today I see the results of that failure and the bondage our daughters are in. For we moved the standard from one income supporting a household to two and most mothers are now forced to work. As a mother in Zion I implore the mothers today to not fail in the test for your generation. Teach your children the family proclamation. The coming generation will need it, or they to will find themselves left in bondage by their mothers.

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