Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 40:34-38

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 40:34-38
"Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:
But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.
For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys."

I pondering on this physical manifestation of the Lord's presence as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Why do I not see that as I go near the temple? I did reflect on one time my husband and I in the early morning hours witnessed a strange pillar over the temple. I'm sure at times others have seen such a thing, but it's not always there. I reflected on how I may not see things now but I do feel the spirit while in the temple. I have been privilege to know the Lord was there to accept his temple. Then I realized I've not yet noticed in Old Testament them recording feeling the Lord's presence in the tabernacle. It was always they knew by seeing not by feeling. Were they not given the gift of the Holy Ghost to know such things then? I will have to watch for this more closely.

"When they journeyed in the wilderness, God commanded the Children of Israel to build a tabernacle. He gave them a pattern thereof. In that tabernacle the Lord showed forth his power among Israel. It became visible not only on the inside, but on the outside the glory of God was made manifest and rested upon it. By this the Children of Israel knew that God was near unto them. They not only believed, but the testimony manifested before their eyes gave them a knowledge that God was in the midst of their camp; although through their wickedness, unbelief, and darkness of mind God withdrew his immediate presence from the midst of the congregation, and Moses only was permitted to see the and talk to him face to face, yet the display of God's power and glory was so great that the Children of Israel knew that God was near them."
(Orson Pratt, "Temple in Ancient America, Etc.", JD 19:311)

Day 3775

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 34:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 34:1-2
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.
And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount."

The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible reveals more on these verses.

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two other tables of stone like unto the first, and I will write upon them also the words of the law, according as they were written at the first on the tables which thou brakest; but it shall not be according to the first, for I will take away the priesthood out of their midst; therefore, my holy order and the ordinances thereof shall not go before them; for my presence shall not go up in their midst, lest I destroy them.
But I will give unto them the law as at the first, but it shall be after the law of a carnal commandment; for I have sworn in my wrath that they shall not enter into my presence, into my rest, in the days of their pilgrimage. Therefore do as I have commanded thee; and be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto Mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount."
(JST Exodus 34:1-2)

I wondered if the higher Melchizedek priesthood was taken from them did that mean that Moses only had the Aaronic priesthood? Then I read that all prophets have the Melchizedek priesthood and are ordained by God himself. Other than prophets holding the Melchizedek priesthood it wasn't until the Savior chose his twelve apostles and ordained them to the Melchizedek priesthood. After the death of the apostles and the apostasy it was lost until Peter, James and John appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and restored the Melchizedek Priesthood.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith clarified the relationship between the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods: “Answer to the question, Was the Priesthood of Melchizedek taken away when Moses died? All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself.” (Teachings, pp. 180–81.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith also taught, “Although there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchisedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to the Priesthood, and the keys of the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth, and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven” (History of the Church, 4:207; see also D&C 107:14).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, "Section 107, The Organization of Priesthood Quorums")

Day 3774

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 32:30-33

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 32:30-33
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book."

I pondered on what Moses meant by saying perhaps he could make an atonement for their sins. The only one capable of atoning for our sins is the Savior himself. Did Moses think there was someway for him to pay the price for their sins? Or was he going to make an animal sacrifice to cover their sins? I could not come to a conclusion on what this meant. What is clear is the Lord said those that sinned against Him names will be blotted out. They are individually accountable and will face any judgment themselves.

Day 3773

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 29:45

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 29:45
"And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God."

I pondered on how the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is also my God. How as Moses built a tabernacle, so have saints today built houses of the Lord. Every temple has this inscribed, "Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord".

"Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3772

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 25:16, 21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 25:16, 21-22
"And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel."

What is the testimony? I'm thinking the stone tablets are the testimony but needed to look to see if that was correct.

"The ark of the covenant was a chest, or box, of shittim wood overlaid with gold. It was approximately three feet nine inches long, two feet three inches wide, and two feet three inches high. Staves, or poles, on both sides allowed the priests to carry it without actually touching the ark itself. Inside, the tablets of the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai were placed (see v. 16). Hence, it was called the ark of the testimony or ark of the covenant. Later, a pot of manna and Aaron’s rod, which miraculously bloomed, were also placed inside the ark (see Hebrews 9:4). The ark was placed inside the inner room of the tabernacle known as the most holy place, or Holy of Holies. The ark was viewed with the greatest reverence by the Israelites, and prayers were recited before it was moved or placed in position"
(Old Testament Student Manual, "Exodus 25-30; 35-40: The House of the Lord in the Wilderness")

"There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt."
(1 Kings 8:9)

"Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;"
(Hebrews 9:4)

I guess I'm just hung up on why you would call the stone tablets containing the ten commandments a testimony. I always thought of it as the ark of the covenant. I had to ponder on this. I thought about being in court and having to give a testimony of something I witnessed. While I am speaking it is being recorded and written down. It can be referred to later. Pondering on this I can see how God's word was written down in those stone tablets. It was his testimony. Those laws hold the covenant that God has made with Israel. I think of all the thou shalt nots, but really they are promises that God will protect us if we live by them. We will be able to be in His presence.

Day 3771

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 24:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 24:9-10
"Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."

Even though the children of Israel lost the privilege of seeing God, there were some found worthy. I had not noticed the seventy elders before. That must be where the calling of Seventy comes from. Just like the twelve apostles stood for the twelve tribes of Israel.

"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."
(Luke 10:1, 17)

"The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.
The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews—"
(Doctrine and Covenants 107:25, 34)

I do wonder on the difference of the pre-mortal Christ appearing on a paved work of sapphire, clear as the heavens. Then after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple he stood on a paved work of pure gold, like amber.

"We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber."
(Doctrine and Covenants 110:2)

Then I read Ezekiel's vision and realized sapphire can be amber, I was thinking blue.

"And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about."
(Ezekiel 1:26-27)

Day 3770

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3769

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:15, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:15, 19
"And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:
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:"

I'm reading three chapters a day in the Old Testament, so I can finish within a year. As I was reading chapter 16 and 17 it repeated stories of the children of Israel murmuring, chiding and complaining to and about Moses. Granted the problem of no food or water is pretty severe. The story makes it sound like Moses only went to the Lord after the complaining was unbearable. It doesn't mention Moses crying unto the Lord about their issue before that. Was Moses trying to wait on the Lord with faith alone to be uncomplaining, when more was required, to ask? This is a great lesson on the importance of prayer and asking.

Then Jethro, his father-in-law arrives and sees all these people coming to Moses to ask him to inquire of God for them. Yes, there were some issues that only a prophet could speak for God, but the true problem were the smaller issues. The ones that people needed to learn to talk to God and asked for themselves. It made me ponder on what I would have done. I think I would have prayed and asked God what to do about food and water for me and my family. Until that inspiration came I would pray for the prophet to also receive inspiration on how to solve this for everyone. As I was reflecting on this it made me think about food storage and how much prayer and preparation and guidance of the Lord has come from it. How it has taken faith to store it. I'm sure there are some that think when a crises hits the church will provide for them, which simply isn't possible. Once God gave the children of Israel manna to eat, and water from a rock they needed to properly take care of it on a family by family bases. We have resources now, and will be accountable if we think we can go out in the field on a Sunday to gather manna.

Day 3768

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 15:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 15:16
"Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased."

I pondered on being purchased and bought with a price.

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
(1 Corinthians 6:20)

"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men."
(1 Corinthians 7:23)

The Lord redeemed Israel by delivering them from Egypt. They were bought with a price. As are all of us, for the Lord has truly redeemed us from the fall. We will be released from the bondage of death. We can never pay Him back, the price it to great. It was bought with His precious blood. What is asked is to honor the gift by honoring and obeying Him, repenting and keeping his commandments.

Day 3767

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 10:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 10:13-14
"And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.
And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such."

I pondered on how the Lord uses the laws of nature for his mighty works. Are they any less miraculous because it could be a natural phenomenon? What I cannot doubt is the timing of all these things. Nor how selective some of these plagues were. It made me reflect on being thankful in all things.

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."
(Doctrine and Covenants 59:7)

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."
(Doctrine and Covenants 78:19)

Receiving all things in thankfulness doesn't exclude the bad that happens. I had a new understanding of this verse last week. I saw thankfulness in all things as recognizing no matter what the Lord is with me. He will be by my side come rain, hail or sunshine. If locust are devouring the earth I am thankful the Lord is with me as I pass through it. I am never alone. Receiving a hundred fold doesn't mean I will be rich in material things, but instead in spirit. I will come to know the Lord as I walk beside him.

Day 3766

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 9:19-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 9:19-21
"Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.
He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field."

I'm a little confused on how in an earlier plague the cattle were destroyed, and then they are told the hail and fire will destroy them again. Did the Egyptians somehow take the children of Israel's cattle that were not destroyed? One thing is for sure the servants of Pharaoh that believed Moses moved their cattle into the houses. It made me ponder on faith. Even though Pharaoh hardened his heart his people were having their heart's softened. It made me think of the earlier chapter where the children of Israel were told on leaving to ask of their neighbors, the Egyptians, for their gold, silver, jewels and raiment. The reason they gave it willingly was because their hearts were softened. They knew there was a powerful God with Moses.

Day 3765

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: Exodus 3:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 3:22
"But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians."

Borrow = to ask

"And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians."
(Exodus 12:36)

I pondered on why the children of Israel were to ask of the Egyptians jewels of silver and gold and raiment? You would think with leaving Egypt there would be more important things to take like food, water and provisions? Even Lehi in the Book of Mormon was told to leave his riches behind.

"And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."
(1 Nephi 2:4)

Then I thought about how those riches left behind were used in trying to obtain the plates of brass from Laban. The attempt failed and they had to leave their riches behind a second time. But there was a purpose, if they had taken them into the wilderness they wouldn't have brought them back to Jerusalem when trying to obtain the brass plates. Then I thought about why the children of Israel may have needed the gold and silver and raiment. At first they failed by making a golden calf with some. Later they did need them in worshiping God. They were used in the building of the tabernacle. I imagine it would have been extremely difficult to find such things while wandering in the wilderness. God had also promised Abraham that this descendants would serve others for 400 years, yet come out with great substance. The Lord keeps his word.

"And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.."
(Genesis 15:14)

Day 3763

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 6:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 6:5
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts."

Before I was reading this I was reading in Exodus 9 and 10 and noticed the footnotes. Every time it said "And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh" in the footnote it is corrected and says "And Pharaoh hardened his heart". At one point Moses is told "for he hath hardened his heart, and the hearts of his servants, therefore I will show these my signs before him;" (JST Ex. 10:1) The Lord God does not harden his heart against his children. His arms of mercy are always extended towards us if we will repent. It is man that will harden his heart against God. Pharaoh was given every opportunity to repent and soften his heart. Sometimes we pass through hard things before we are humble enough to do it.

Day 3410

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 40:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 40:12-13

"And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office."

This made me look for a the video the Church made that explains "Sacred Temple Clothing".

Day 2249

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 39:43

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 39:43

"And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them."

The tabernacle is completed as the Lord asked of them. I can only imagine the joy they must have felt at that moment. I can imagine the blessing Moses gave them was no different than when we receive an apostolic blessing. It is something to be cherished, and observed.

I wanted to see a picture of what the tabernacle may have looked like and found a lovely video that the church created explaining what the different parts of it meant.

Day 2248

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 38:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 38:8

"And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."

The footnote for lookingglasses is mirrors.

The mention of mirrors made me think about the temple mirrors of eternity. They are found in today's temple to symbolize the past, present and eternity. When I thought about how these women's mirrors made of brass, were used to create the laver (wash basin) it made me think of the broken china added to the Kirtland Temple plaster to make it sparkle. It's lovely to think of the women's contributions in both past and present temples.

Draper Temple Sealing Room

Day 2247

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 37:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 37:17

"And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:"

I thought about the candlestick that holds up light. How it was made of gold that was beaten. Sometimes the most beautiful things come out of what has been tried and tested.

Day 2246

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 36:13, 29

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 36:13, 29

"And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle.

And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in both the corners."

As I am reading this chapter my mind wanders and I wonder, "Why do I need to know how to build a tabernacle?", "How does it apply to my day?" No sooner do I ask that, then I noticed the word "coupled". In fact that word is used eight times in this chapter. What are they coupling together? The parts of the tabernacle that the wise hearted craftsmen have made. What does that remind me of today? The article I recently read that the church is looking into making prefabricated modular temples. It's not a stretch of the imagination then to think of them coupling these prefabricated modular units together to become one "temple".

Day 2245

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 35:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 35:21

"And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments."

This reminded me of one thing I loved to see when I was at the temple. The coming and going of people. As people left, others would be coming in to take their place. They came because their "heart stirred them up" to be there. It wasn't required of them, it was what they did with a willing heart. Not only for themselves but for others.

Day 2244