Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 21:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 21:34
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares."

It was the word "surfeiting" that caught my attention. Jesus is speaking of the signs to precede His Second Coming. Being distracted while surfing the internet is definitively something I can relate to. I have to say the incessant doomscrolling is something I'm continually analyzing and metering my usage of. One thing that has helped me is having a playlist on YouTube of all my favorite hymns. When I catch myself endlessly scrolling for something to watch I stop and turn that on. It has really help me feel the spirit and bring peace to me. I have also found sometimes I need to just unplug and sit in silence.

"When you look around on this cruise ship called earth, you might see other people sitting in lounge chairs drinking, gambling in casinos, wearing clothing that is too revealing, scrolling endlessly on cell phones, and wasting too much time playing electronic games. But instead of wondering, “Why can’t I do that?,” you can remember that you are not an ordinary passenger. You are a member of the crew. You have responsibilities that passengers do not have. As Sister Ardeth Kapp once said, “You can’t be a life[guard] if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach."
(Bradley R. Wilcox, "O Youth of the Noble Birthright", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Recently, in a worldwide youth devotional, President Russell M. Nelson invited the youth to step back from the world, disengaging from social media by holding a seven-day fast. And just last evening, he made a similar invitation to the sisters as part of the women’s session of conference. He then asked the youth to notice any differences in how they feel, what they think, or even how they think. He then invited them “to do a thorough life assessment with the Lord … to ensure that your feet are firmly planted on the covenant path.” He encouraged them that if there were things in their lives that needed changing, “today is the perfect time to change.” (Russell M. Nelson, "Hope of Israel", Worldwide Youth Devotional, June 3, 2018 Conference Center, Salt Lake City, Utah)
(Jack N. Gerard, "Now is the Time", Oct 2018 General Conference)

"There are certain patterns of online engagement that predict negative outcomes: cyberbullying, sexting, and doomscrolling, for example. (”Doomscrolling,” by the way—for those of you who, like me, have never heard of it—refers to spending long periods of time on one’s phone or computer focusing on negative news stories. Apparently, for some, that habit is compulsive and somehow darkly comforting.) Passive uses of social media—that is, spending time reviewing social media content aimlessly—increases feelings of inferiority and negative comparison, while active or purposeful social media use (such as posting, commenting, and connecting) does not have the same negative associations."
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Trust in God", S&I Annual Broadcast, Jan 2024)

"The scriptures teach us to use judgment and be wise in all things. The internet can be used in a positive way or a destructive way.Both long-term members and those newly studying the gospel need to be intentional about what they view. Do not entertain immoral, dishonest, or unrighteous material. If you do, algorithms can lead you down a path that destroys faith and impairs your eternal progression. You can be acted upon positively or negatively. Seek righteousness and avoid dark internet rabbit holes and doomscrolling. Fill your life with positive, righteous ideas; be joyful; have fun but avoid foolishness. There is a difference. The thirteenth article of faith is a marvelous guide. Above all, immerse yourself regularly in the Book of Mormon, which will draw the Spirit into your life and help you discern truth from error."
(Quentin L. Cook, "Sacred Scriptures - the Foundations of Faith", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 4118

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:31

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:31

"And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away."

Today, I read and listened to two contrasting things. The world's message is being driven by anger, pride, contention and seeking after revenge. Then an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, reminded us to seek peace and be not of the world. Which words will be enduring for all time? It doesn't take much imagination to see where both extremes will lead us.

"We know that world peace and harmony are not prevalent in our world today.

We are bombarded with angry, contentious language and provocative, devastating actions that destroy peace and tranquility. In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility in our society.

Luckily, one of the most cherished titles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Ultimately His kingdom will be established including peace and love.

For us, personal peace—found in and through the Prince of Peace—can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and division that blight and corrupt our world today. It has never been more important to seek personal peace than now.

Gently the Savior reminds us, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23)."

(Quentin L. Cook, Facebook, 1 Feb 2024)

Day 3228

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 20:16, 19, 21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 20:16, 19, 21-22

"Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?

The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king."

This wise woman found out what the problem was. Because she was a peaceable and faithful mother in Israel she could understand the problem. Joab was after Sheba that was fighting against king David. In her wisdom she had the solution and saved not only her city but an insurrection. She is what we should strive to be, a peacemaker.

"To have peaceful relationships, the lesson is clear: we should be willing to compromise and eliminate strife with respect to matters that do not involve righteousness. As King Benjamin taught, “Ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably.” But on conduct relating to righteousness and doctrinal imperatives, we need to remain firm and steadfast. If we want to have the peace which is the reward of the works of righteousness, we will not pitch our tents toward the world. We will pitch our tents toward the temple."

(Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Personal Peace in Challenging Times", Oct 2021 General Conference)

Day 2446

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 18:8-9, 12, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 18:8-9, 12, 14

And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.

The downfall of Saul is pride, his inner peace is destroyed, and in turn he seeks to destroy David. He's eyeing him and trying to set him up. He sends him on an impossible mission to fight the Philistines because he wants him dead. It's interesting that as you seek to destroy someone else, you only destroy yourself. In this chapter is says four times that David behaved himself wisely. As I read this I thought of how the light of Christ guided his actions. I think of someone that acts wisely as someone that models their life after Christ, and has inner peace. This also made me think about how we need to become the peacemakers, and not the ones full of contention. This is how we invite others to partake of the light of Christ in their lives.

"Notwithstanding this vision of the millennial reign, we know that world peace and harmony are not prevalent in our day. In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility. We are bombarded with angry, contentious language and provocative, devastating actions that destroy peace and tranquility.

Peace in the world is not promised or assured until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Savior instructed His Apostles that His earthly mission would not achieve universal peace. He taught, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth.” Universal peace was not part of the Savior’s initial mortal ministry. Universal peace does not exist today.

However, personal peace can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and division that blight and corrupt our world today. It has never been more important to seek personal peace.

Agency was a principal issue in the premortal Council in Heaven and the conflict between those who chose to follow Christ and the followers of Satan. Letting go of pride and control and choosing the Savior would allow us to have His light and His peace. But personal peace would be challenged when people exercised their agency in harmful and hurtful ways.

The Savior can provide protection and peace to guide you ultimately to safety and shelter from life’s storms."

(Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Personal Peace in Challenging Times", Oct 2021 General Conference)

Day 2413

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 44:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 44:34

"For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father."

I actually was pondering on a different verse in this chapter and as I went to look something up I stubbled upon this story relayed by Elder Quentin L. Cook. I had forgotten all about it, and in return relayed it to my son. We had just had a lovely discussion during family scripture reading about failed missions, that really are not failures. They take us where the Lord wants us to be. In pondering all this now I think I will change what verse I was originally pondering on and relay the story about the missionaries that missed traveling home on the Titanic.

"When Alma was a young man, he had a friend named Fred who was less active in the Church. They had numerous discussions about serving a mission, and eventually Alma Sonne convinced Fred to prepare and serve. They were both called to the British Mission. At the conclusion of their missions, Elder Sonne, the mission secretary, made the travel arrangements for their return to the United States. He booked passage on the Titanic for himself, Fred, and four other missionaries who had also completed their missions.

When it came time to travel, for some reason Fred was delayed. Elder Sonne canceled all six bookings to sail on the new luxury liner on its maiden voyage and booked passage on a ship that sailed the next day. The four missionaries, who were excited about traveling on the Titanic, expressed their disappointment. Elder Sonne’s answer paraphrased the account of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt recorded in Genesis: “How can we return to our families and the lad be not with us? He explained to his companions that they all came to England together and they all should return home together. Elder Sonne subsequently learned of the Titanic’s sinking and gratefully said to his friend Fred, “You saved my life.” Fred replied, “No, by getting me on this mission, you saved my life.” All of the missionaries thanked the Lord for preserving them."

(Quentin L. Cook, "The Songs They Could Not Sing", Oct 2011, General Conference)

I have come to have so much more peace in my life as I don't stress what seems to be failure. I have learned that when I place it in the Lord's hands, miracles, mercy and grace will take me where I need to be.

Day 2203

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 31:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 31:28
"And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the Lord"

This is my comfort. For as hard as the winding up scene will be before the coming of the Lord, he will watch over his people. A great work will be taking place to receive our Lord and King

It reminds me of what I read in the Doctrine and Covenants today.

"And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;"
(Doctrine and covenants 1:14)

To be "cut off" references Alma 50:20 & Doctrine and Covenants 50:8, being cut off from the presence of the Lord, and overcome by the world. It made me think of Elder Cook's statement. How important it is to follow the council of the Lord, given through his prophets.

"He spoke about some of the history of the areas. However, a common theme to the members was that those who follow the new prophetic home-centered teaching will be blessed. He prophesied that 20 years from now those families that have listened to the prophet will weather the coming storms."
("The 'powerful witness of the Savior' that Elder Cook gave Church members in Europe"; Deseret News, Church News, 19 Nov 2018)

Something is being planted now. This is where the Lord wants his people to be. If we fail to do it we will be overcome by the world and cut off.

Day 1351

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 21:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 21:1-2
"The word which came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseaiah the priest, saying,
Inquire, I pray thee, of the Lord for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the Lord will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.

Interesting how earlier they didn't want to listen to the Lord. Now that king Nebuchadrezzar is coming against them they want to hear the council of the Lord. At least they are pretending well by trying to flatter Him. The Lord knows their hearts and it will not go well for them.

This made me think of something I recently read in the Church News "The 'powerful witness of the Savior' that Elder Cook gave Church members in Europe", 19 Nov 2018

"He spoke about some of the history of the areas. However, a common theme to the members was that those who follow the new prophetic home-centered teaching will be blessed. He prophesied that 20 years from now those families that have listened to the prophet will weather the coming storms.”

In 20 years will members run to hear the prophet's council after ignoring or mocking it all that time, just to be given safety from the storms? If history repeats itself they will left as virgins without oil in their lamps, unprepared for when the bridegroom comes, and no time left to prepare.

Day 1341