Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 20:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 20:3
"Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you."

It took me back a little when the Lord said "I will not be inquired of by you." That seemed so harsh when they wanted to inquire of the Lord. As I read and pondered I realized these elders of Israel hadn't gone directly to the Lord, they asked Ezekiel to inquire. They were just like the children of Israel at the time of Moses. They lost an opportunity to know the Lord. When Ezekiel inquires of the Lord he is told, He won't listen or speak to them. They have rebelled in the abominations of their fathers. They have not listened or obeyed Him, would they listen now?

All this made me pondered on the recent Sunday class meeting schedule changes. It made me so sad to read the comments on various posts. So many finding fault, suggesting better plans, etc. Seriously, you're going to go into General Conference already finding fault with a new meeting schedule? You haven't even tried it yet. What's so hard about having a 25 min class? You're not capable of getting up from your pew and walking to a classroom in 5 minutes? I use a walker and know it doesn't even take me a minute to walk there. What if this announcement was a test to see how we would react? A test to see if we are ready to receive more?

I remember when Elder Renlund visited our stake. He had two members of the stake come up and bear their testimonies of Jesus Christ. I sat there just broken hearted because neither of them did what they were asked. They couldn't take 5 minutes to tell what the Savior meant to them. I watched Elder Renlund taking notes. I felt like Elder Renlund was taking the heart beat of our stake to see what we were ready to receive. His talk was wonderful, but I still wonder what else he could have told us if our heart beat was a little different.

Based on the majority of comments on the Sunday class meeting changes, I think we already failed that test.

Day 4017

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 59:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 59:21
"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."

I reflected on how my soul feels when I acknowledge anything that is good that happens comes from God. Its not even a forced conversation. I truly feel it in my heart. Even when hard times come I know He is there for me and will make things right. He does not fail in his promises. As I acknowledge His hand in all things the Spirit confirms to me that is true and I feel closer to Him.

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:63-64)

"I do not think that God is insulted when we forget Him. Rather, I think He is deeply disappointed. He knows that we have deprived ourselves of the opportunity to draw closer to Him by remembering Him and His goodness. We then miss out on Him drawing nearer to us and the specific blessings He has promised."
(Dale G. Renlund, "Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God", Apr 2020 General Conference)

Day 3648

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 52:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 52:16
"He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances."

This is the covenant path. Every ordinance and covenant made and kept has us on that path. There have been many wonderful talks on the covenant path, here are a few of my favorites.

"What is the covenant path? It is the one path that leads to the celestial kingdom of God. We embark upon the path at the gate of baptism and then “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men [the two great commandments] … to the end.”
In the course of the covenant path (which, by the way, extends beyond mortality), we receive all the ordinances and covenants pertaining to salvation and exaltation."
"A second unique aspect of the covenant path is our relationship with Deity. The covenants God offers to His children do more than guide us. They bind us to Him, and, bound to Him, we can overcome all things"
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Why the Covenant Path", April 2021 General Conference)

"We enter the covenant path by being baptized and making our first covenant with God.
[To understand the covenant path, it is important to understand that a covenant involves a two-way commitment between God and one of His children. In a covenant, God sets the terms, and we agree to those terms. In exchange, God makes promises to us. Many covenants are accompanied by outward signs—or sacred ordinances—in which we participate with witnesses present. For example, baptism is a sign to the Lord that the person being baptized has made a covenant to keep the commandments of God.] 
Each time we partake of the sacrament, we promise again to take the name of the Savior upon us, to remember Him, and to keep His commandments. In return, God assures us that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us.
Later we make additional covenants in the temple, where we receive even greater promises. Ordinances and covenants give us access to godly power. The covenant path is the only path that leads to exaltation and eternal life."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Power of Spiritual Momentum", April 2022 General Conference)

"The term covenant path refers to a series of covenants whereby we come to Christ and connect to Him. Through this covenant bond, we have access to His eternal power. The path begins with faith in Jesus Christ and repentance, followed by baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ showed us how to enter the path when He was baptized"
"...We become His disciples and represent Him well when we intentionally and incrementally take on ourselves the name of Jesus Christ through covenants. Our covenants give us power to stay on the covenant path because our relationship with Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father is changed. We are connected to Them by a covenantal bond."
"As you walk the covenant path, from baptism to the temple and throughout life, I promise you power to go against the natural worldly flow—power to learn, power to repent and be sanctified, and power to find hope, comfort, and even joy as you face life’s challenges. I promise you and your family protection against the influence of the adversary, especially when you make the temple a major focus in your life."
(Dale G. Renlund, "Accessing God's Power through Covenants", April 2023 General Conference)

Day 3641

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 40:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 40:2
"And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word."

Really sad to think of what happened to James Covel. However, he wasn't unique in being tested in this manner. We all are. Satan wants nothing more than to destroy our faith. That is how he carefully leads us down to hell.

"And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell."
(2 Nephi 28:21)

The difference is if apathy or trials come knocking we need to take that opportunity for self reflection and determine what needs to change. Those can be life changing moments if we let them. I love this story of Elder Renlund.

“In 1980 we moved as a family across the street from the hospital where I trained and worked. I worked every day, including Sundays. If I finished my Sunday work by 2:00 p.m., I could join my wife and daughter and drive to church for meetings that began at 2:30.
One Sunday late in my first year of training, I knew that I would likely finish by 2:00. I realized, however, that if I stayed in the hospital just a little longer, my wife and daughter would depart without me. I could then walk home and take a needed nap. I regret to say that I did just that. I waited until 2:15, walked home slowly, and lay down on the couch, hoping to nap. But I could not fall asleep. I was disturbed and concerned. I had always loved going to church. I wondered why on this day the fire of testimony and the zeal that I had previously felt were missing.
I did not have to think long. Because of my schedule, I had become casual with my prayers and scripture study. I would get up one morning, say my prayers, and go to work. Often day blended into night and into day again before I would return home late the following evening. I would then be so tired that I would fall asleep before saying a prayer or reading the scriptures. The next morning the process began again. The problem was that I was not doing the basic things I needed to do to keep my mightily changed heart from turning to stone.
I got off the couch, got on my knees, and pleaded with God for forgiveness. I promised my Heavenly Father that I would change. The next day I brought a Book of Mormon to the hospital. On my to-do list that day, and every day since, were two items: praying at least morning and evening and reading in the scriptures. Sometimes midnight would come, and I would have to quickly find a private place to pray. Some days my scripture study was brief. I also promised Heavenly Father that I would always try to get to church, even if I missed part of the meeting. Over the course of a few weeks, the zeal returned and the fire of testimony burned fiercely again. I promised to never again fall into the spiritual death trap of being casual about these seemingly small actions and thereby jeopardizing things of an eternal nature, regardless of circumstances.”
(Dale G. Renlund, “Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change," Oct 2009 General Conference)

Day 3629

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:6-7
"And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;
For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead."

I think these words are simple to understand. We don't command or tell the prophet what to do. He alone receives revelation for the whole church. Yet, I don't understand how people can go into strange paths and feel they know better than a prophet who can see around corners. When the prophet speaks as a prophet we listen. I just love the general conference talks and letters from the First Presidency. I know he is speaking as a prophet. The living prophet is here to guide us in our days.

"In speaking about this proper order of revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves; … if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit or instruction; for the fundamental principles, government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of the kingdom” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 197–98). On a later occasion he declared, “The Presidents or [First] Presidency are over the Church; and revelations of the mind and will of God to the Church, are to come through the Presidency. This is the order of heaven, and the power and privilege of [the Melchizedek] Priesthood. It is also the privilege of any officer in this Church to obtain revelations, so far as relates to his particular calling and duty in the Church” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 197)."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks outlined how this order of revelation continues today in the Church: “Our Heavenly Father’s house is a house of order, where his servants are commanded to ‘act in the office in which [they are] appointed’ (D&C 107:99). This principle applies to revelation. Only the president of the Church receives revelation to guide the entire Church. Only the stake president receives revelation for the special guidance of the stake. The person who receives revelation for the ward is the bishop. For a family, it is the priesthood leadership of the family. Leaders receive revelation for their own stewardships. Individuals can receive revelation to guide their own lives. But when one person purports to receive revelation for another person outside his or her own stewardship—such as a Church member who claims to have revelation to guide the entire Church or a person who claims to have a revelation to guide another person over whom he or she has no presiding authority according to the order of the Church—you can be sure that such revelations are not from the Lord” (“Revelation” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 29, 1981], 7, speeches.byu.edu).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 11: Doctrine and Covenants 26-28)

Elder Renlund gave an excellent general conference talk on receiving revelation within a framework that is setup for our own safety. Otherwise, we could be deceived.

"In response, the Lord revealed that “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith … until I shall appoint … another in his stead.” Doctrine, commandments, and revelations for the Church are the prerogative of the living prophet, who receives them from the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the prophet’s runway.'
(Regarding someone looking for additional scriptures to translate)...I told him that he was mistaken, and he implored me to pray about it. I told him I would not. He became verbally abusive and ended the phone call. I did not need to pray about this request for one simple but profound reason: only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation, which belongs on the prophet’s runway."
The Prophet Joseph Smith warned, “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the Spirit of God.”
(Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3617

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 21:20

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 21:20
"For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel;"

I pondered on how God works by natural means. The world thinks it must be spectacular to believe, yet if they see the spectacular that doesn't give them faith that endures. We see that time and time again in the scriptures when miracles are performed, but it does not bring enduring faith. Some would think God will take a sword and wipe the wicked out of his church. What that only shows is they do not know the nature of God. It's by natural means that people take themselves out of the house of Israel. It is through apostasy and embracing false doctrines that they fall away. How different it would be if they were truly humble and repentant, and knew that God was greater than them, and man's wisdom.

"The scriptures teach that the voice of the Holy Ghost is mild and still, like a whisper—not loud or noisy; it is simple, quiet, and plain; it can be piercing and burning; it affects both mind and heart; it brings peace, joy, and hope—not fear, anxiety, and worry; it invites us to do good—not evil; and it is enlightening and delicious—not mystifying."
(Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", footnote #10, Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3544

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 41:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 41:1
"And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures, and have gone far astray because of this thing. And I perceive that thy mind has been worried also concerning this thing. But behold, I will explain it unto thee."

This made me think of people wresting the scriptures. It's such dangerous slippery slope one goes on, that will lead them astray. I have been amazed on how rapid an increase I have been seeing of it of late. I think what makes it worse is people then espouse what they have twisted and feed it to others as gospel truths. One prime example is heavenly mother and some praying to her. The false doctrine reached a point that Elder Dale G. Renlund gave a general conference talk, "Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny" in April 2022 on it. I see the same thing happening with politics and the second coming. I feel like we just need to hush for a moment, be quiet and just listen to the spirit. Stop letting people whip you up into a frenzy. If your mind is worried just take a break and step away. Not away from the church, but away from those pushing agendas. There is peace when you are on the right course. Let God prevail in your life and move forward. Follow the prophet, you won't go astray.

"During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied, Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Let God Prevail", Oct 2020 General Conference)

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

“Bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me.“
And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 10:62-63)

Day 3485

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 17:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 17:11-12
"Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depths, or in the heights above.
But Ahaz said: I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord."

Oddly, I had an experience the other night where someone sent me a message that I didn't read until the following morning. They said that they were impressed that I would have a dream that night and it was really import that I remember all of it and tell them what it was the next morning. I replied in the morning "Hmm, I didn't have any dreams." What I didn't say was if I did have a dream I wouldn't tell you. Then they told me I needed to pray about having a dream and then tell them. I didn't respond, because I absolutely would not do that. I don't ask the Lord for such things to satisfy someone else's curiosity. It's also not appropriate that someone else would be getting impressions about me dreaming things and telling them. I certainly wouldn't let them interpret any of my dreams for me either. Asking for dreams and visions is about as wrong as asking for signs in my book. The Lord knows were to find me when he has something to share.

This all reminded me of a talk by Elder Renlund where he told someone he would not pray about what they were asking either.

"I told him that he was mistaken, and he implored me to pray about it. I told him I would not."

He went on further to explain.

"I did not need to pray about this request for one simple but profound reason: only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation, which belongs on the prophet’s runway.
Personal revelation rightly belongs to individuals. You can receive revelation, for example, about where to live, what career path to follow, or whom to marry. Church leaders may teach doctrine and share inspired counsel, but the responsibility for these decisions rests with you. That is your revelation to receive; that is your runway.
The promise of personal revelation through the Holy Ghost is awe-inspiring, much like an airplane in flight. And like airplane pilots, we need to understand the framework within which the Holy Ghost functions to provide personal revelation. When we operate within the framework, the Holy Ghost can unleash astonishing insight, direction, and comfort. Outside of that framework, no matter our brilliance or talent, we can be deceived and crash and burn.
...The scriptures also teach us how to receive personal revelation. And we ask for what is right and good and not for what is contrary to God’s will. We do not “ask amiss,” with improper motives to promote our own agenda or to fulfill our own pleasure. Above all, we are to ask Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, believing that we will receive.
...A second element of the framework is that we receive personal revelation only within our purview and not within the prerogative of others."
(Elder Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3388

Today's Favorite Verse: Philemon 1:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Philemon 1:6
"That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

I pondered on how one way that I bear my testimony to others in a living way is acknowledging everything that is good comes from God. It is not by my own strength, it is by being strengthened by the spirit and blessed of the Lord.

"By acknowledging that every good thing comes from Jesus Christ, we will communicate our faith more effectively to others. We will have courage when confronted with seemingly impossible tasks and circumstances. We will strengthen our resolve to keep the covenants we have made to follow the Savior. We will be filled with the love of God, want to help those in need without being judgmental, love our children and raise them in righteousness, retain a remission of our sins, and always rejoice. These are the remarkable fruits of remembering God’s goodness and mercy.In contrast, the Savior warned, “In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.” I do not think that God is insulted when we forget Him. Rather, I think He is deeply disappointed. He knows that we have deprived ourselves of the opportunity to draw closer to Him by remembering Him and His goodness. We then miss out on Him drawing nearer to us and the specific blessings He has promised."
(Dale G. Renlund, "Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God", Apr 2020 General Conference)

Day 3292

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15

"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

Paul was warning the saint in Corinth that false teachers and apostles would come among them. This warning is just as specific for our day. The one difference is Paul knew there would be a complete apostasy of the church. In our day we know the Church will remain when Jesus Christ returns. Though not everyone remains faithful to the end, some will be deceived and fall away. One thing Paul emphases is that false teachers are teaching another gospel and a different Christ. It tells me absolutely that we must have a true and firm testimony of the gospel so we can tell when someone is teaching incorrect doctrine. Christ warned us of these deceivers in our day.

"But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to judgment.

Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall be reclaimed;

But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world.

Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me."

(Doctrine and Covenants 50: 6-9)

This is such an important question we are to ask when someone teaches us a doctrine that is not known.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?"

(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

Elder Renlund gave an excellent General Conference talk that really helped to clarify things.

"only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation, which belongs on the prophet’s runway.

"When we ask for revelation about something for which God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear."

"The Prophet Joseph Smith warned, “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the Spirit of God.”

"Joseph learned, as the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob taught: “Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For … he counseleth in wisdom.” Jacob cautioned that unfortunate things happen when we ask for things we should not. He foretold that the people in Jerusalem would seek “for things that they could not understand,” look “beyond the mark,” and completely overlook the Savior of the world. They stumbled because they asked for things they would not and could not understand.

(Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3248

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 4:11, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 4:11, 14

"Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."

The interpretation of the olive tree and candlestick is given. It is the two anointed. More is given in Revelations on the roll of these two special witnesses.

"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth."

(Revelation 11:3-4)

These two witnesses will be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days. They will prophesy and be given the sealing power of the priesthood. They will be able to shut the heavens, have power to turn water into blood, and smith the earth with all plagues. Eventually they will be killed and their bodies will lie in the streets for three and a half days. The people of the earth will rejoice over their deaths and give gifts to one another. Then a great voice will be heard saying "Come up hither" and these two witnesses will ascended up to heaven. This will be the end times prior to the Savior's second coming.

What amazes me as I review this part of Revelations is that the people of the earth rejoice over their deaths. It seems pretty clear on what is happening when you see these two witnesses and the signs that are given. How could you mistake who they are? Why is it not a wake up call as they witness them using their priesthood power? I suppose its pretty strong delusions that make you believe a lie. Looking around our world right now I can see how that's possible.

Then I remember Elder Renlund's BYU Education Week talk this year. How we cannot always believe what our eyes see, we need to use reason and faith.

“Observation, reason and faith facilitate revelation and enable the Holy Ghost to be a reliable, trustworthy and beloved companion.”

“These elements will be key factors in producing ‘spiritual momentum in our lives,’ helping us move ‘forward amid … fear and uncertainty.’”

Day 3074

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 28:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 28:2-3

"Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.

Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD’s house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon:"

After Jeremiah prophesied of Israel would be put under the yoke of Babylon and not return for 70 years Hananiah makes his prophesy.

Jeremiah is sent by the Lord to declare Hananiah a false prophet.

"Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie."

(Jeremiah 28:15)

This reminded me of Elder Renlund general conference talk where he gave example of misguided individuals that thought they had received revelation counter to what the Lord had already spoken through his servants the prophets.

"I did not need to pray about this request for one simple but profound reason: only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation, which belongs on the prophet’s runway."

(Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Of course Hananiah prophesy did not come to pass. Instead it was Hananiah himself that passed away within the year, as Jeremiah was told to prophesy because of his rebellion.

Day 2932

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 7:9, 18

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 7:9, 18

"Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger."

I pondered on the danger of creating or worshipping a god you know not. This made me think of Elder Renlund's excellent General Conference talk where he spoke of the fabrication some have created of praying to and worshipping a heavenly mother. I have read some of their stuff and they are most intense about what they think they know. I do not share their ranting's and feel it is most dangerous. I feel it is not a coincidence that many false gods mentioned in the scriptures have been feminine. There is a reason why we are to leave this alone.

"Very little has been revealed about Mother in Heaven, but what we do know is summarized in a gospel topic found in our Gospel Library application. Once you have read what is there, you will know everything that I know about the subject. I wish I knew more. You too may still have questions and want to find more answers. Seeking greater understanding is an important part of our spiritual development, but please be cautious. Reason cannot replace revelation.

Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.

We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.

prophets...authorized to speak on His behalf...do no pronounce doctrines fabricated "of [their] own mind or teach what has not been revealed...Demanding revelation from God is both arrogant and unproductive."

(Dale G. Renlund, "Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny", Apr 2022, General Conference)

Day 2911

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 145:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 145:18

"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."

I wondered how you could not call upon the Lord in truth? Then I thought of Elder Renlund's General Conference talk, and in particular this part.

"A third element of the framework is that personal revelation will be in harmony with the commandments of God and the covenants we have made with Him. Consider a prayer that goes something like this: “Heavenly Father, Church services are boring. May I worship Thee on the Sabbath in the mountains or on the beach? May I be excused from going to church and partaking of the sacrament but still have the promised blessings of keeping the Sabbath day holy?” In response to such a prayer, we can anticipate God’s response: “My child, I have already revealed my will regarding the Sabbath day.”

When we ask for revelation about something for which God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear. A man once told me about his struggles to stabilize his family’s financial situation. He had the idea to embezzle funds as a solution, prayed about it, and felt he had received affirmative revelation to do so. I knew he had been deceived because he sought revelation contrary to a commandment of God. The Prophet Joseph Smith warned, “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the Spirit of God.”

(Elder Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 2782

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 42:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 42:12-13

"So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

He had also seven sons and three daughters."

The Lord blesses Job and he is given double what he had at the beginning.

"And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east."

(Job 1:2-3)

Why did he receive the same number of children then? It is because the first group of children were not completely lost. They had died and would be his in the next life. Then with all his children around him he would have double. Material wealth and belongings are only for this life. That is what he could not take with him. It is also simply the how and when the Lord granted him.

I cannot help but ponder on how the Lord allowed all these loses and trials to come upon Job, not only so He could reveal himself to him, but also that He could bless him even greater. It may have seen unfair at first, but it was a blessing in the end.

"If we let Him, Jesus Christ will consecrate the unfairness for our gain. He will not just console us and restore what was lost; He will use the unfairness for our benefit. When it comes to how and when, we need to recognize and accept, as did Alma, that “it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case.”

"We can try to hold our questions about how and when for later and focus on developing faith in Jesus Christ, that He has both the power to make everything right and yearns to do so. For us to insist on knowing how or when is unproductive and, after all, myopic."

(Elder Dale G. Renlund, "Infuriating Unfairness", April 2021, General Conference)

Some of Job's unfairness is restored doubled in this life. The others he realizes the increase in the next.

Day 2637