Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:10
"As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."

This makes me think of opposites. In particular the reason Eve partook of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden of Eden. She would know from her own experience good from evil, pleasure and pain, sickness and health, trials and hardships and the joy of redemption.

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
(Genesis 2:16-17)

After they were removed from the garden they earned bread by the sweat of their brow, and gave birth to children with all its highs and lows. Through the living of life they came to know you can have sorrow and yet rejoice. You can have nothing but yet have everything. What more can you want then to be redeemed and have eternal life.

"And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.
And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.
And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.
And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters."
(Moses 5:9-12)

Day 4208

Today's Favorite Verse:Mark 14:4-6

Today's Favorite Verse:Mark 14:4-6
"And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. "

As I was reading these verses I remembered an experience I had at a temple open house. I was with someone that wasn't a member of the church. They were getting rather upset while we walked through the temple. In their eyes all they saw was money being wasted on a building when it could have been used to feed the poor. This whole thought bothered them. At this point we were standing in the celestial room. I reminded them that Solomon's temple was covered with gold and precious things. In the House of the Lord we give our very best.

I told them how much it meant to me to come to the temple and sit in peace in such lovely surrounding. The temple is not only a house of the Lord, it's a place for His people to grow closer to Him. I would never have a home furnished as nicely as this, and as quiet as this. The temple fills and nourishes the soul of the poor. The poor also need this. When they thought about this their mood changed and they could see it in a different light. This is where we came to worship God and give our very best. The story of the woman with the alabaster box of spikenard, that was poured on Jesus head, wasn't wasting money that could have gone to the poor. Think about how much it meant to the Savior to be anointed before his burial. She was doing a good work as we do within the walls of His house.

Day 4095

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:20
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Lately, as we listen to the news our family seems to mention calling evil good, and good evil all the time. Examples are getting easier and easier to find. We truly are living in the days that Isaiah prophesied. I noticed that Elder Gilbert mentions the same thing yesterday.

"Elder Gilbert quickly moved from talking about the way to involve the Lord in personal revelation and innovation to talking about the fact that the world is in a time foreseen by prophets throughout history.
"The world is in commotion, and people are struggling. Good is being called evil, and evil is being called good,” he said.The anxiety, stress and polarization that come with living today present opportunities that haven’t been seen before, he said.
“It is much harder in this climate to do things without the Lord, but when you involve Him and make Him your priority, all of those things calm.
”As challenges emerge in the world, Elder Gilbert said the gospel light is able to stand out even more and provide more clarity to those who need and seek it. He credited young adults in the world with being able to see that in increasing numbers.
“Ancient and modern prophets have prophesied of the last days before the return of the Savior that there would be increasing darkness, but it would make the light stand out even more than ever before. And people are flocking to that.”
(Church News, "Elder Gilbert says ‘Christ is always pointing you to something better’ as he accepts apostolic call", 13 Feb 2026)

Day 3971

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

When life is over that is the conclusion. Did we fear, or as I think of it, love God and keep his commandments. God will be the final judge on it. Nothing in our life is hidden from Him. He know all our little secrets, whether they are full of good acts or favorite sins we chose to not wash away.

Day 3966

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:24
"He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:"

I think I have been seeing examples of this. I had a discussion with the son earlier today about it and we were reminded of this scripture.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

"Satan offers a strange mixture of just enough good to disguise the evil along his downward path to destruction,"
(Durrel A. Woolsey, "A Strategy for War", Oct 1995 General Conference)

Having the spirit as our guide is more important than ever. We cannot afford to be deceived.

Day 3960

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 11:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 11:5-6
"And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."

These verses made me think about how at the ending of our world man is developing a common language, that will not restrained by their imaginations. It's interesting how quickly AI is being developed. Like all creations it can be used for good or evil. We have to control how it is used and how much we let it influence us. I do see it as a tool needed in the millennium, as we all work to build a record of humankind and the family tree.

Day 3749

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: Helaman 16:3, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 16:3, 6
"Now when they saw that they could not hit him, there were many more who did believe on his words, insomuch that they went away unto Nephi to be baptized.
But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him."

This made me think of this verse.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

I am reminded of what President Nelson said.
"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But 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)

It would be so sad to witness these mightiest miracles and not recognize them for what they are. Even worse to consider it of the devil. I had not considered that possibility. I hope and pray that I will be worth to have the Holy Ghost with me to bare record of what is from God. That I will not call evil good, or good evil.

Day 3523

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 28:19-22

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 28:19-22
"For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish;
For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
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.
And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance."

This is absolutely a message for our day. What stands out to me is people being stirred up to anger, rage in their hearts, and anger against what is good. This is a careful descent that Satan leads them. They don't even realize they are fighting against what is good. Once Satan's chains are on them there is no deliverance. Yes, the Lord's arms are always stretched out towards us, but will they care or even realize the need for repentance until it is to late? I can see why President Nelson counsel over and over again is to not be contentious, to be peacemakers. You cannot serve two masters in this matter. If you are driven by anger and make choices based on it, you are not on the Lord's side. The spirit has fled and its a long, long road home, if you can find it again.

Day 3399

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 9:34, 47

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 9:34, 47
"Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell.
But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should awake you to an awful reality of these things? Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the plainness of the truth if ye were freed from sin?"

My mind has pondered much on liars lately. In fact I woke early the other day with new understanding on the matter. My mind recalled this scripture.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

It takes a liar to call evil good, and good evil.

"Satan does rage in the hearts of some. Many he will lull away into carnal security; others he flattereth, or he says there is no hell. He has lured and enlisted many followers with enticements of fame, riches, and power. He forges a Rembrandt-quality representation by calling evil good and good evil. He has confused many people, even nations and leaders, to the point of an immoral approach to moral issues."
(Durrell A. Woolsey, "A Strategy for War", Oct 1995 General Conference)

As I pondered on this I recalled an aged man who appeared to be sleeping, but woke every time he heard a lie. I felt it was saying "Wake up to your awful situation."

"Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.
For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning."
(Ether 8:24-25)

I reflected then on age and how that is not to be feared over a man of lies. My mind then recalled stories of our prophets and how as they aged they would awaken when the call was needed.

"The call of a man to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the responsibility and prerogative of the president of the Church....During the months preceding [Apr 1983] conference, President Spencer W. Kimball’s health had become increasingly frail and his memory spotty.
Then on January 11, 1984, a year to the day after the passing of Elder Richards, Elder Mark E. Petersen passed away... President Kimball’s health had deteriorated even further, and his mind was less dependable. To make matters worse, those privy to the situation knew President Kimball was in no condition to receive the revelation to extend such calls.
One of those persons was Dr. Nelson. The week before the April 1984 general conference, Russell’s surgical nurse, Jan Curtis, mentioned how excited she was for the upcoming conference because two new apostles would be called. Russell tried to gently tell her that it wasn’t going to happen. “I was his doctor, and I knew it wasn’t feasible, that President Kimball was not well or coherent enough to do it. I explained to her that calling an apostle is the prerogative of the president of the Church and that President Kimball was simply in no condition to do that.
For months, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the only healthy member of the First Presidency at the time (President Marion G. Romney’s health had also deteriorated), had left standing instructions with President Kimball’s caregivers that if the prophet’s mind ever cleared, they were to call him immediately, regardless of the hour. Month after month passed with no call. From time to time, President Hinckley looked in on President Kimball, but an opportunity to discuss such a spiritually sensitive topic as calls to the Twelve never presented itself.
Then, at about 2:30 a.m. on the Wednesday morning prior to the April 1984 general conference, the phone rang at President Hinckley’s home. President Kimball was alert and wanted to talk to him. President Hinckley rushed downtown to President Kimball’s suite in the Hotel Utah, where the issue of vacancies in the Twelve was raised. President Kimball said simply, “Call Nelson and Oaks to the Quorum of the Twelve, in that order.”
(Sheri L. Dew, "The Miracle Behind President Nelson's Call as an Apostle" LDSLiving, 5 Oct 2019)

My mind was settled on the subject I will not fear an aged man that can recognize lies, if that is my choice today. Yet, overall the greater message is "awake to a sense of your awful situation". Since this experience I have only seen things grow even darker for us. Yet, I feel incredible peace that I can move forward in faith come what may.

Day 3380

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

This reminds me of the 13th Article of Faith.

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
(Articles of Faith 1:13)

It was also my inspiration for a mission statement on Facebook.
"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek after these things"

I wrote it because I wanted to remind myself of who I am, and be a better person. I didn't want to add to the contention and strife in the world and feed on it. Working really hard at it, it is now part of me. It has greatly added to my peace. Seek the good, and pass on the bad. The unvirtuous can have its own day and own way somewhere else, but not in me.

Day 3266

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 6:37, 43

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 6:37, 43

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

I have been reflecting on judgment lately. I do ask myself "Am I understanding and seeing this situation right?" For I know how important it is to judge wisely. I do not want to call evil good or good evil, it is so clear that sides are being driven now, and I must make some judgments. I do not want to pick wrongly.

"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

(President Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018)

What brings me comfort is being able to tell them by their fruits. Fruits do not lie, at least for long. You can fake being good and kind, and doing good works, but if you watch and observe their true colors will come out. There are some things good fruit simply won't do.

"Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged."

(Moroni 7:14-15, 18)

Day 3138

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 15:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 15:13-14

"And they cried out again, Crucify him.

Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him."

I pondered on how the people just called for Pilate to crucify Jesus, when they couldn't even explain what the evil was he had done. He hadn't done evil, only good among the people, so there was nothing for them to tell. Yet, they were driven by the chief priests to ask for Jesus to be crucified and Barabbas to be let go.

This keeps making me think of this scripture.

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

(Matthew 7:20)

It's so important to look at the fruit of a person. You may have to look deep at times because some people can try to pass themselves as good but are rotten to the core.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!'

(Isaiah 5:20)

Day 3131

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 5:20

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

I don't think it's my imagination, but at an increasing speed I have seen this prophecy being fulfilled. Things I could have never imagined being touted for good, and things that are good are looked at as bad. If one didn't have the spirit as your guide you would certainly be lost in what direction to go.

"But 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)

Day 2843

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:1

"We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society."

There are twelve verses in this chapter and each verse begins "We believe". It reminded me of the thirteen Articles of Faith that we have. The difference is this is "a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general." The first among them is governments create laws for the good and safety of society. I find it interesting that there are those that challenge this proper role of government as outlined by Joseph Smith today, and still profess to call themselves saints. I think Joseph would be much displeased with those that rebel and use the excuse of "free agency" in order to disobey the law. The prophet today, Russell M. Nelson, continues as his predecessor to continually encourage us to be good citizens and obey the laws.

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

(Article of Faith 1:12)

Day 2137

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:5, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:5, 9

"If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;

Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

The part of passing through tribulation stood out to me tonight because of a quote by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf today.

"In the coming days, weeks and months - as stretching and hard as they may become - I invite you to trust God's love and the Spirit. They will enable you to be an angel of light to those around your."

Which also reminded me of President Russell M. Nelson's August Facebook post which said “the road ahead may be bumpy, but our destination is serene and secure. So, fasten your seatbelt, hang on through the bumps, and do what’s right.”

We discussed these during family scripture study tonight and I am of the mind I do not know what is coming. I cannot guess because I have found I am never right. It is always something I never expected. Yet, when I am listening to the counsel of the Lord through his prophet I am protected and can weather what comes. I know what comes only makes me stronger. This quote from verse 7 of this chapter is fitting to leave with.

"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

Day 2125

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 15:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 15:13
"Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst."

This was something I had noted on this verse.

No wonder our nation is headed to socialism. When you have no knowledge of the Lord bondage sounds appealing.

I think the saddest of things is seeing some latter-day saints consider the words of the prophets as a thing of not. Ezra Taft Benson warned us of this day and the very man they foolishly support was in college at that time joining the socialist party. He is what President Benson warned us about. They are fools thinking they know better, and are believing lies that the socialism of today is not the same as it was during the cold war. The man they favor has never strayed from his message or support of the evil that will destroy our nation. It tears my heart to think that some that would call themselves saints have sold themselves for a mess of pottage and seek captivity.

"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in the own sight!"
(2 Nephi 15:20-21) 

Day 1800

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 18:15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 18:15-16
"And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; where, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.
Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions."

I see in this chapter the differences in how Nephi and his brothers approach the Lord. Nephi prays and praises God all the day long. His brothers only turn to God when the crises hits them. I can remember doing that. I would get really religious when the crises hit. Then when things were calm I would drift. One day I recognized this pattern and decided to change what I was doing. Troubles and trials still come, but the difference is I know the Lord while going through them. He is right there by my side all the way. I know it will all work out for my good.

Day 1781

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."

Acknowledging God's hand in my life helps me recognize it and be grateful for it. So many times as I express this I learn more about what he has truly done for me.

Day 1706

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 2:7-8, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 2:7-8, 17
"For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.
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.
Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?"

This made me reflect on some discussions I have read from other faiths. They gathered together to discuss changing their ways to support the times. The problem is calling what was once evil now good. God's laws do not change.

Day 1502