Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 6:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 6:7
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

Not being deceived is why I am so careful to try to always have the spirit to be with me. I thought about the times I have come in contact with those teaching false doctrine. How the spirit would whisper "He is lukewarm, spite him out!", or clearly warned "This is a priestcraft.". The warnings can come powerfully, and at other times its just an impression that something appears off. Since I will sow what I reap I try to be extra careful about who's field I'm in.

Day 4221

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 2:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 2:3-4
"But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:"

JST "Notwithstanding there were some brought in by false brethren unawares, who.."

Titus was a Christian and a Greek, and not compelled to be circumcised. There were some Jewish Christians that felt that all of them needed to be circumcised. The bondage to be forced into was to practice the law of Moses. How hard those early days of the primitive church must have been when then didn't fully grasp what was required of them. We learn so much on their discussions.

It made me reflect on the early days of the restored church and how we needed to learn about revelation and how the spirit manifested itself. In particular I thought about Doctrine and Covenants 28 where Hiram Page professed to be receiving revelation through a stone on the upbuilding of Zion and the order of the church. Several members were deceived by the claims, including Oliver Cowdery. The Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. inquired earnestly of the Lord and received a revelation on the matter.

"But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.
And again, thou shalt take thy brother, Hiram Page, between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone are not of me and that Satan deceiveth him;
For, behold, these things have not been appointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants.
For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.
(Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, 11-13

Day 4217

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:6-7
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

I think I read that in the space of three years the Galatians were falling away. There were some among them that were perverting the gospel of Jesus Christ. It made me reflect on how much quicker we could fall a way, given how quickly things spread with the internet. I wasn't feeling well today and I wanted to just rest and brainlessly watch something on YouTube. It was rather distrubing how many times I found things that were just off, and didn't seem right. At least with the internet I have the ultimate power of just turning it off. No one knows me or cares what I listen to or not. On the other side the same if I wanted to fill myself with perverted doctrine. We do live in a day that we need to have the holy spirit as our guide.

"I feel to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued us: that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4216

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:11-12, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:11-12, 14
"And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,"

The people believed having witnessed Paul healing a man with impotent feet since birth. The problem was they were idol worshippers and accredited it to their gods, and not Jesus Christ. They were ignorant and needed to be taught which Paul did. Then certain Jews persuaded the people to not believe and they stoned Paul and dragged his body out of the city. Thankfully he rose up again. I pondered on how witnessing miracles does not always convert. There must be a change of heart, and a true conversion to Jesus Christ. Repentance and receiving the Holy Ghost as our guide will keep us from being deceived by every wind of doctrine.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
(Ephesians 4:11-14)

Day 4156

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 15:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 15:8-9
"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

I had a few examples of people that came to mind that fit this. Then I thought about how this can apply to more people than I realize. All walks of life are not immune from vain worship. It is something we all have to guard against. I can't see the inside of a person and know what's going on. Now they do at times give themselves away by pride or being hypocrites. The most telling thing is when they teach the doctrines of men. That is also the most dangerous to me. That is why I am continually pondering and learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and his doctrine. I don't want to be deceived.

Day 4068

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 44:16-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 44:16-18
"As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.
But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.
But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine."

It's interesting how they twisted things. They thought because they had stopped burning incense to the queen of heaven that was why the sword and famine came upon them. They had not understood it was because they had sinned against the God of Israel and did not repent that those things happened. They didn't follow all that the prophet had told them to do. You can't be half committed and figure you will have blessings. You are either all-in or all-out. Obviously, they were still committed to the queen of heaven and not the God of Israel.

Day 4006

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 12:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 12:10
"Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness."

Those many pastors are "false prophets". They have destroyed the word of God and carry people far away from Him. No one knowingly follows a false prophet. That is why we need to take care and be watchful all the time. The importance of reading the scriptures and understanding the doctrine of Christ is so important. I remember when I listened to "false prophets", as members they were truly wolves in sheep clothing. I thought what they spoke of was probably in the Old Testament because I was ignorant of what was really there. I had to go search for what they spoke of and found it wasn't in the scriptures or on the Church website. As I searched further I found what they spoke of was an occult practice. I was horrified. I vowed never again to be so deceived. I could have paid a terrible price out of ignorance. Now I pay a greater price to keep from being ignorant and deceived. I want to learn God's words and never fall in that trap again.

Day 3995

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 46:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 46:27
"And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God."

I was reading an interesting post today about a group of apostates and how people have been deceived and follow them. I know it's important for me to have discernment to tell if a person is of God or not. Identifying if they are preaching false doctrine or truth. In fact I have had occasion to identify these wolves in sheep clothing. As I read this verse I am also grateful for bishops that protect their flocks. They have been given the gift of discernment in these matters. It is marvelous how the Lord has put these things in place.

Day 3635

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: Alma 1:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 1:5
"And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money."

Priestcraft is among the Nephites as Nehor preaches false doctrine for gain among the people. Two little words "so much" stood out to me. I realized this was one of his tactics. Say it long enough and often enough, even if untrue, and people will believe it. Just because a thing is accepted among many and repeated over and over we cannot assume it is truth. It could be propaganda. This is Satan's tactic. I decided to look for the quote I was thinking of, and found there are many attributed with saying similar things. Then I realized the author is none of them, this evil practice is inspired by the devil himself.

Here is a sampling of quotes with the same meaning.

‘If a lie is only printed often enough, it becomes a quasi-truth, and if such a truth is repeated often enough, it becomes an article of belief, a dogma, and men will die for it." (The Crown of Life, 1869)

"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it." (Joseph Goebbels)

"If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it, and you will even come to believe it yourself. (Joseph Goebbels)

"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed." (Adolf Hitler)

"A lie told often enough becomes the truth." (Vladimir Lenin)

"If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth. If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. If you repeat a lie long enough, it becomes truth. If you repeat a lie many times, people are bound to start believing it.
(The Sack of Rome (2006) by Alexander Stille, p. 14, and also A World Without Walls: Freedom, Development, Free Trade and Global Governance (2003) by Mike Moore, p. 63)

"Actually, Peking has operated, as Moscow has since the days of Lenin, on a number of principles which taken together can be called the technique of the "great lie." Among these are: 1) make it big enough and people will believe part of it; (2) repeat it often enough and you will convince some people; (3) say it in enough different ways, and you will convince others..."
(Great China Danger, 1966)

The ways to overcome being fed lies is to look for truth. I will often feel something is just a little off. That will send me on a hunt for original sources and its context. With doctrine I look up the scriptures and read them in context, then look for what the prophets have said about it.

Day 3445

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 John 1:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 John 1:7-8
"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward."

This made me think of how its only Tuesday and twice now this week I have had friends tell me stories of how they were approached from seemingly "good" members that are delving into really strange things, and tried to make them join too. As I listened all I could think of is how ignorant these individuals were of what lessons are learned from the Old and New Testaments. God warned his people over and over to not get involved in worshipping these false gods. It's littered with needing to destroy their groves were they worshipped. Just like the early church Satan is working overtime to destroy, and we have to be so careful. Ultimately, Satan did win and the apostasy overcame the primitive church. The difference is this time the entire church will not apostatize, but that doesn't mean everyone survives. We have had warnings in our day.

"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 50:7-9)

When someone says they have knowledge to share and it sounds nothing like you've been taught in church you need to do as the Lord advised.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?"
(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

If they have not been called by the proper authority and have stewardship over this, then its best to run.

“Let us beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self-appointed declarers of the doctrines of the Church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the Church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets and who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce. Like Nehor and Korihor in the Book of Mormon, they rely on sophistry to deceive and entice others to their views. …
“Perhaps most damningly, they deny Christ’s Resurrection and Atonement, arguing that no God can save us. They reject the need for a Savior. In short, these detractors attempt to reinterpret the doctrines of the Church to fit their own preconceived views, and in the process deny Christ and His messianic role.”
(M. Russell Ballard, "Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers", Oct 1999 General Conference)

Day 3324

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 1:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 1:3-4
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."

Paul is cautioning Timothy about the need for sound doctrine to be taught. Paul knew that members of the church would eventually apostatize, and the embracing of untruths and false doctrines would lead them astray. How sad it must have been for Paul, knowing what was coming. However, there were good people that served faithfully and Timothy was one of them. I pondered on how the adversary is still trying the same tactics in our day. There are members that fall away, but the church as a whole will not apostatize.

There are some key things we are to understand. First, is teach the doctrine of Christ and no other doctrine. It's so important that we really know what God's words are because in ignorance we can share what is not true. Especially when we heed fables and endless genealogies. Fables refers to false teachings, heeding endless genealogies refers to the false tradition that salvation came only to those of the chosen seed of Abraham. At the time of Paul the Jews would site long genealogies as a mean to show they were chosen. Yet, these very people rejected the Messiah. As members of the primitive church some thought their genealogies made them above the gentiles that converted. It's like today, just because you come from pioneer heritage you are not automatically saved. All of us need to work at it, everyone can be blessed as the seed of Abraham or adopted in.

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:"
(The Acts 10:34)

Day 3279

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 2:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 2:11
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

I think of this often as I see lies sold as truth and people believe it. This really is a season of strong delusions. The number of people under strong delusions seems to be growing at an unprecedented rate. You can speak truth, giving undeniable facts, and yet they will hold to a lie. Because they reject truth and the testimony of God's servants, strong delusion are sent to them, which causes them to believe a lie all the more. They harden their hearts and lose compassion and charity for others. Money, power and position increases their pride. They become arrogant in feeling they know better than the prophets which leads to spiritual blindness. They become driven and motivated by anger instead of establishing peace. They are embolden to mock and ridicule others. These are the ones that will embrace false doctrine and philosophies of men, establish idols and set men up to be their gods. They seek their will and not God's will. Then when they give the adversary power they will see signs and lying wonders in their life. They have strong delusions on what is real. God sending strong delusions happens because its what they asked for. They want to believe a lie and profit from it. The danger is if you refuse to accept truth long enough you lose the opportunity to receive it.

Day 3277

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 2:21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 2:21-22
"(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

There are somethings we should just not touch, taste and handle as we seek to follow the doctrine of Christ. The doctrine and philosophies of men fall into what we should leave alone. Knowing the difference between what is of God and what is of man is vital to our eternal salvation. When you mingle the two you are in danger of preaching false doctrine. One sure way of keeping things straight is by using the right sources.

On the churchofjesuschrist.org website or app go to Gospel Library and click on "Topics and Questions". Under Contents go to "Seeking Answers to Questions", and then "Consult Reliable Sources". It's best to read this section in its entirety but this one helps the most.

"Become familiar with Church resources. In matters of doctrine and Church policy, the best sources are the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the General Handbook. The Church has also published additional resources to help you better understand some of the most common questions Latter-day Saints have about Church history and culture. You may find these to be useful starting points as you investigate your questions."

This guidance on which resources to use is not only wise when answering questions we may have but also when we are teaching others at church. There are so many wonderful gospel resources the church has provided for us, its vital for us to make sure what we teach is found there.

Day 3268

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: John 6:15

Today's Favorite Verse: John 6:15

"When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone."

I pondered on how not only the scribes and Pharisees had plans for Jesus, it was also the Jews that followed him. They planned to take him by force and make him king. They didn't understand the true role of the Messiah. They expected Him to remove the yoke the Romans had over them. They wanted to be physically rescued not spiritually. This made me ponder on how we can also run the risk of trying to create our own Jesus, and the role we want him to play. That's part of the warning of false Christs. They can be of our own making. That is being deceived by false teachers and false doctrine.

"Therefore, let us beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self-appointed declarers of the doctrines of the Church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the Church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets and who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce. Like Nehor and Korihor in the Book of Mormon, they rely on sophistry to deceive and entice others to their views. They “set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion” (2 Ne. 26:29)."

(M. Russell Ballard, "Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers", Oct 1999 General Conference)

Day 3162

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:7-8

"Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire."

The footnote for "offences" is Sin. This quote describes it with more detail.

"The word "offend" as used by the Master means "to cause to sin or fall." This definition is now almost lost in our modern-day language, but the word was used with this meaning in the days of Christ and even up until a century or two ago.

Jesus also said: "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!"  

Willful wrong teaching, wrong example, wrong utterance, wrong action by those of influence are offenses to any youth, and the retribution follows as night the day that "no man ever did a designed injury to another, but at the same time he did a greater to himself" (Henry Home, "Injury," The New Dictionary of Thoughts)."

(John H. Vandenberg, "Beware of the Leaven", April 1965 General Conference)

President Spencer W. Kimball gives even more details.

"In our own Society, the murderer who kills the body is hunted, imprisoned, and executed, but the character who kills the soul by implanting doubt and shattering faith is permitted not only to go free but also is often retained in high places. The body which is killed will rise again in the resurrection with little damage to its eternal welfare, but he whose faith has been shattered may suffer long ages before complete restoration of spiritual stature can be had, if at all.

And Jesus said: Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!  (Matt. 18:7)

Far better to take from a man his flocks or herds, his lands or wealth, even his sight or limbs, than to be responsible for the loss of his faith. The Son of God put it this way:

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt and maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast It from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire  (Matt. 18:8-9)

And so we admonish the leaders in stakes, wards, and missions to be ever vigilant to see that no incorrect doctrines are promulgated in their classes or congregations. Wolves will come in sheep's clothing and will deceive the very elect, if that were possible. And we warn again those who write or preach or otherwise teach subversive doctrines, that their punishment is sure for their "worm dieth not"

(Spencer W. Kimball, "Build or Destroy", April 1948 General Conference)

In this chapter the Lord tells us to be like little children. Then he speaks of anyone offending little children, how it would be better for them to have a millstone hanged around his neck and drowned in the dept of the sea. This makes me realize the Lord isn't just talking about physically hurting a child. It's leading any child of God astray. That would be you or me! The damage for causing another person to lose their faith or to sin is the severest of penalties.

Paul speaks of the parts of the body and how they are the church. How every member of the body is needed. Now I understand how cutting off the hand or foot that offends in this chapter is speaking of removing of the member of the church that offends, and teaches incorrect doctrine, that cause others to sin and fall.

Day 3106

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 2:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 2:8

"But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts."

One of the many dangers of accepting false doctrine, or setting yourself up as a light to others instead of Christ, is you can cause others to stumble and fall. That is something we will be held accountable for.

"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)

Day 3086

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 10:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 10:2

"For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd."

The other day I can't recall what I was listening to, but the person was talking about dreams, and I didn't agree that all dreams come from God. That you have to be just as careful to not be deceived by a dream, for it can come from the wrong source. This was my chance to study that thought further and find scriptures about it.

"Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord."

(Jeremiah 23:32)

"For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed."

(Jeremiah 29:8)

The other area we have to be careful is listening to the dreams of others. It's important to know who the shepherd is over the flock.

“As I say, it never ceases to amaze me how gullible some of our Church members are in broadcasting these sensational stories, or dreams, or visions, some alleged to have been given to Church leaders, past or present, supposedly from one person’s private diary, without first verifying the report with proper Church authorities.

“If our people want to be safely guided during these troublous times of deceit and false rumors, they must follow their leaders and seek for the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord in order to avoid falling prey to clever manipulators who, with cunning sophistry, seek to draw attention and gain a following to serve their own notions and sometimes sinister motives.” (Harold B. Lee, Oct 1972 General Conference)

“When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift or inspiration conveys something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come, by revelation, through the head. All faithful members are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for themselves, their families, and for those over whom they are appointed and ordained to preside. But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. In secular as well as spiritual affairs, Saints may receive Divine guidance and revelation affecting themselves, but this does not convey authority to direct others, and is not to be accepted when contrary to Church covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, proven truths, or good common sense. No person has the right to induce his fellow members of the Church to engage in speculations or take stock in ventures of any kind on the specious claim of Divine revelation or vision or dream, especially when it is in opposition to the voice of recognized authority, local or general. The Lord’s Church ‘is a house of order.’ It is not governed by individual gifts or manifestations, but by the order and power of the Holy Priesthood as sustained by the voice and vote of the Church in its appointed conferences."

(First Presidency Letter [Pres. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose] "A Warning Voice", 1913)

(Harold B. Lee, "To the Defenders of the Faith," April 1970 General Conference.)

There is a lot more on this subject, but I will let it suffice for tonight.

Day 3080