Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 9:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 9:1-3
"Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.
And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied."

Marrying outside of the faith was against God's law for the children of Israel. This was partly to preserve their faith and not to be lost to false gods other nations worshipped. Ezra is overwhelmed how prevalent this had become and and grieves. It was even among their princes and rulers. Ezra weeps and so do the people.

"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore."
(Ezra 10:1)

They then covenant with God to put away their wives and children born of them. I can see why they would be so broken hearted. Seems in some ways so extreme to break up families. Yet, this was the consequences of their actions. As a people coming back from exile they wanted to be right with the Lord. Now they had to do what it took to repent and make restitution. As I was pondering over this situation in many ways it is exactly what we would face in the next life if we married outside of our faith, and not entered into an eternal covenant of marriage. Husband and wives and children would not have a sealing link to each other. There would also be much heartache over the choices made in this life.

Day 3881

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:16
"And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,"

I pondered on temple dedications today and they are joyful occasions. The building of temples lessen the power of Satah by increasing God's power on the earth and in individuals' lives.

“Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed … lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness.”
(George Q. Cannon, in “The Logan Temple,” Millennial Star, Nov. 12, 1877, 743.)

Day 3880

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 2:59, 62-63

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 2:59, 62-63
"And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:
These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim."

This was interesting. It wasn't a matter of the genealogies being kept or not. The issue was intermarriages with aliens, those without the faith. Those marriages were not recorded. This is how they lost their father's house. They were polluted and put from the priesthood. They needed to stand before a priest who with the Urim and Thummim would be able to determine what house they were from. When I think about how many generations removed from Abraham's family and the tribes of Israel we are, we have the same thing happening today. We go before a patriarch that will declare in our patriarchal blessing which tribe of Israel we belong to.

Day 3879

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 10:1, 3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 10:1, 3

"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law."

I pondered on how hard a thing it was to ask them to put away their wives and children that were not of the covenant. I'm sure they loved them, otherwise they would have not wept so sorely. It does sound harsh and cruel. Then I reflected on how painful sin is, and having to repent of it. If they had followed the Lord's commandments and laws they would have never been in this position. When you become involved in anything against God's laws turning away from it is never easy. Two prime examples are drug and pornography addictions. Once you touch it, give yourself to it, it's not so easy to turn your back on it. There is much pain involved.

Day 2572

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 9:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 9:1-2

"Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass."

It was one thing for the people to intermarry with other nations, but Ezra finds it also the priests and Levites that serve in the temple. The reason the Jews were forbidden by the Lord from marrying into these pagan nations was because it led to idolatry. It had been the downfall of the Israelite nation more than once it can do so again. Children that come from such marriages run the risk of losing the gospel altogether and not passing it onto their posterity.

Day 2571

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 8:21-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 8:21-23

"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us."

I loved how this shows they trusted the Lord would keep his promises to them. He would protect them from their enemies. They fasted and humbled (afflict) themselves and asked for divine assistance and it was given. After we talk of faith in God it would only bring shame to ourselves to show complete lack of trust in him.

Day 2570

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:20-21

"And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house.

And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,"

The big question I had is who is Artaxerxes and why was he so generous in helping the Jews rebuild their temple? The obvious answer is God gave him opportunities that softened his heart to do so.

Artaxerxes king of Persia is the son of Xerxes I and Amestris. Xerxes is identified as king Ahasuerus in the book of Esther. The same Esther that marries king Ahasuerus and becomes queen of Persia, and at great personal risk obtains the reversal of the kings decree to kill the Jews. What a ripple effect and doors that are opened by one woman showing such great courage. We never know what ripple effect we will have on others, for good or bad.

"...who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

(Esther 4:14)

Day 2569

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:7

"Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place."

Darius renews the decree of Cyrus to build the temple. This part of the decree made me think about the role of government in preserving religious liberty and the ability to allow people to worship God according to their own conscience. Which reminded me of the 10th Article of Faith.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

Day 2568

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:1-2, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:1-2, 5

"Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter."

The work on rebuilding the temple had stopped. Darius is now king. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah are raised up to help inspire Zerubbabel in resuming the rebuilding. I thought about how the Lord will put in place the right people at the right time to help move the work along. Road blocks don't stop. The people work through political roadblocks and are called upon to make sacrifices to build the temple. That happens in our day too.

Day 2567

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 4:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 4:4

"Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,"

Weakened = discouraged the people.

In order to stop the rebuilding of the temple, their adversaries first said they wanted to help with it. Then the people around them discouraged them to the point they were afraid to go on building. They took legal means by bribing officials and doing all they could to frustrate their plans. This continued through the reign of Cyrus king of Persia to the reign of Darius king of Persia. I reflected on how Satan uses discouragement to frustrate the work of the Lord.

Day 2566

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 3:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 3:11-12

"And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:"

For seventy years the Jews were in bondage and held captive in Babylon. Cyrus overthrew Babylon and rebuilt Jerusalem. Now they were rebuilding the temple. The joy the people were expressing made me think of how much joy there is when we hear of new temples being built, watch them progress and be dedicated. Thinking of the old men that have seen the first temple weeping at the laying of the foundation of the next temple's foundation really touched me.

Day 2565

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 2:59, 62-63

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 2:59, 62-63

And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

Interesting, that when the Jews returning from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah had no genealogy to declare they were of Israel, they were considered polluted from the priesthood. It seems like the Urim and Thummim was used to declare which tribe they belonged to.

I see the parallels to patriarchal blessings today that declare our lineage. It also shows an importance in preserving our genealogy, not doing so caused them to be polluted. Today, we are also told over and over again the need to work on our family history. It is a protection to us in these latter-days. This made me look up Elder Gong's general conference talk.

"Connecting with our ancestors can change our lives in surprising ways. From their trials and accomplishments, we gain faith and strength. From their love and sacrifices, we learn to forgive and move forward. Our children become resilient. We gain protection and power. Ties with ancestors increase family closeness, gratitude, miracles. Such ties can bring help from the other side of the veil.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven.” The sociality we create here can exist with eternal glory there. Indeed, “we without [our family members] cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect,” that is, in “a whole and complete and perfect union.”

(Gerrit W. Gong, "We Each Have a Story", Apr 2022 General Conference)

Day 2564

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 1:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 1:1-2

"Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah."

Cyrus is not only raised up to fulfill the words of Jeremiah it is also to fulfill the prophesies of Isaiah.

"It was a strange thing that in the days of Isaiah the Lord revealed to him that the greatest of all the nations in the earth should be humbled, and He gave the name of the man, Cyrus, whom the Lord referred to as His anointed, and told Isaiah that Cyrus would overthrow Babylon and rebuild Jerusalem. The prophet had said that Jerusalem would be in bondage seventy years. It was just seventy years when Cyrus gathered together and took back to Jerusalem the Jews who had been taken captive to Babylon. Cyrus took artisans and skilled men  Ezra and the vessels that had been stolen from the temple by those who had lived in Babylon and went back to rebuild Jerusalem."

(George Albert Smith, "And Ye Would Not", Oct 1943 General Conference)

Day 2563

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 10:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 10:1
"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore."

The Jews had taken "strange wives" out of the lands of their captivity. Any time the children of Israel had done that destruction had come upon them. Now they are in a state of repentance and the most heart breaking thing is they needed to put away these heathen wives and the children that came from them. They are breaking up the families they created. That seems so harsh and I sat and pondered on what does that represent for me today?

The first thing I thought of is how much easier it would have been if they never sinned. If they never married against the law to begin with. Then these broke hearts would have never happened. So first thing is to be obedient to God's commandments and laws, for it will protect my heart in the long run.

Then I thought on the repentance process and the confessing of sins. Forsaking of it, and doing it no more is all part of this process. Putting away the heathen wives was necessary part for them. It is like the giving up of worldliness today. No one said it wouldn't be painful if you loved the world to begin with.


Day 988

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 9:4, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 9:4, 13
"Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.
And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;"

I could just picture Ezra is such a state of shock, having learned of the children of Israel's trespasses, that he just sits motionless for hours. Then to realize that God has punished them far less than they deserved. It made me think of the great mercy and compassion God has for all his children. He will not save me in my sins, but he gives me every opportunity and chance, even if I don't deserve it. He lifts the broken enough to let them know of his love and desire for them to return back to him. Heaven help me if I don't take the chance when its given.


Day 987

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 8:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 8:21
"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance."

The word afflict didn't sound right to me, because to appear afflicted would not be what the Lord would have me show while fasting.

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
(Matthew 6:16)

Thankfully there was a footnote on the word afflict - OR humble. Now that made sense to me. Fasting and humbling myself before God is exactly what I try so hard to do on at such a special day. I am so grateful for Fast Sundays. How they fill my soul. For I rarely fast for something I need or anyone else needs. We have been blessed to not have the need. Instead I fast for the joy of the gospel and gratitude for all God has done for me. I am grateful for the spirit showing me a better way. As I fast in gratitude and joy my basket runneth over with more and I am filled.


Day 986

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:27
"Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem:"

I have had some quiet reflection of the last few days events in the news. I'm seeing the president of my nation recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I don't know all that it means, but I know it means something. Just like in these past few chapters God is putting it into the heart of kings and now a president to do something for His people. Will I see in my lifetime the house of the Lord once again in Jerusalem? The timing is all the Lord's, I do not know, but I am waiting and observing, knowing someday everything will click. I just plan on keeping the course of reading and pondering the scriptures daily in my heart, because at some point I know my heart will understand.


Day 985

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 6:10
"That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons."

The search was made for Cyrus' decree and the roll was found. What an amazing gift Cyrus gave to help the Jews to rebuild the temple. I wondered why Cyrus and then Darius did this, other than being moved upon by the spirit. What was in it for them?  Then I read this verse, it was so they would pray for the life of the king and his sons. That is a testament of his heart and love of God. It touches my heart. God bless these kings.


Day 984

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:17
"Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter."

The Jews once again begin to build the temple in Jerusalem, but the Samaritans challenge their right to do so. They want to know who commanded it to be built and their names. With that a letter is sent to king Darius inquiring on the matter. A search is made for Cyrus' decree. The need for this record is very important for them.

What I find interesting is the emphasis on keeping records and documenting transactions with others. For the last two days I have had discussions with others on the importance of keeping records, and explained my record keeping methods. I also kept records on the resolutions of some matters in case the process is every questioned later. I pondered on how this chapter is an example of how the scriptures help in every day life. Document what is happening, it will be a protection to you later.


Day 983

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 4:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 4:5
"And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia."

The chapter header describes what happened pretty well. "The Samaritans offer help, then hinder the work - The building of the temple and of the walls of Jerusalem ceases."

It appears because the "child of the captivity" (Judah and Benjamin) didn't agree to let the Samaritans help to build the temple that it caused the Samaritans to stop the work from happening. I reflected on if they should have let them help. Then I thought about the temples today. Would we let another group of people help build it?  I don't think so. Why? because then they would also want to use it. The temple is sacred and only those worthy of a temple recommend can enter. So were the Samaritans "unclean"?

I read in the Bible Dictionary about the Samaritans, they were a mixed population partly Israelite and partly gentile. Their reaction in not being allowed to help in the rebuilding of the temple shows me they were not worthy to be in the temple. So, it must have been the right thing for Judah to do.

It is interesting that the same tactics to stop any good work is used today. The counsellors then are like our lawyers and politicians, putting up road blocks at every turn. Just like Judah would not get their temple for many years because of this, we as a nation can't seem to get any good work done either with all the infighting. Who wins in all of this? No one, to dig a pit for your brother is to fall into it yourself.


Day 982