Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 8:5-7

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 8:5-7
"And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.
And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."

Samuel's son were not righteous, but that isn't the only reason the people rejected them. They wanted to be like other nations, that had kings. They wanted to reject the theocracy, and being given direction from God. Samuel warns them about the dangers of kings, but they didn't care. The Lord counsels Samuel to give them what they want, a king, because they have rejected Him. I pondered on how rejecting the government that the Lord setup is a sign of their complete apostasy.

"Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you.
For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!
And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood.
For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God;
And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness. "
(Mosiah 29:16-17, 21-23)

Day 3826

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:9
"We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied."

This chapter is "a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general". It was adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the church in 1835. As I reviewed each statement of belief this verse seems the most pressing concern for my day. It would be a terrible offense if Christian Nationalism was ever adopted in our land. We cannot force this nation to be Christian. Force does not go with true worship and belief.

"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." (11th Article of Faith)

Day 3723

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 6:39-40

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 6:39-40
" And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government, insomuch that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers of God.
And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction."

If we see the poor, meek and humble followers of God being trampled we will know we are ripe for destruction. It feels like we are ripe and ready for this to fall on us in the "space of not many years". I keep thinking of the weeping, and wailing and gnashing of teeth". Yes, persecution will be dreadful, but with God you can have peace in the storm. What I would not want, is to be in the shoes of those that sanctioned it, and brought it upon others. That realization of what they had done would be a terrible grief to bare. I feel sorrow for them.

"Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.
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."
(Ether 8:23-24)

Day 3513

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 46:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 46:3-4, 10 "Now the leader of those who were wroth against their brethren was a large and a strong man; and his name was Amalickiah. And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people who were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they were the greater part of them the lower judges of the land, and they were seeking for power. Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake."

I've reached the part of the Book of Mormon that seems to be a play by play for our day. As I've study this I feel a compilation of those in the Book of Mormon, like Noah, Amlici and Amalickiah to name a few, point to who we need to identify in our day and be mindful and careful of. They are deceptive and draw good people to their side that ultimate destroys them. One very basic thing that draws them is anger. In their anger they desire to support these traitors and give them full reign and power. They think they are just, but they don't realize who they are defending, in time it will break people down into tribes and lose their form of government. We also see an interesting flip where the Lamanites will become more righteous than the Nephites.

"And the Amlicites were distinguished from the Nephites, for they had marked themselves with red in their foreheads after the manner of the Lamanites; nevertheless they had not shorn their heads like unto the Lamanites.
Now we will return again to the Amlicites, for they also had a mark set upon them; yea, they set the mark upon themselves, yea, even a mark of red upon their foreheads.
Now the Amlicites knew not that they were fulfilling the words of God when they began to mark themselves in their foreheads; nevertheless they had come out in open rebellion against God; therefore it was expedient that the curse should fall upon them."
(Alma 3:4, 13, 18)

Day 3490

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 19:7-8, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 19:7-8, 11
"And now the king cried out in the anguish of his soul, saying: Gideon, spare me, for the Lamanites are upon us, and they will destroy us; yea, they will destroy my people.
And now the king was not so much concerned about his people as he was about his own life; nevertheless, Gideon did spare his life.
Now it came to pass that the king commanded them that all the men should leave their wives and their children, and flee before the Lamanites."

I pondered on how the example of a wicked leader is shown us with king Noah. When first introduced to him we are told he did not keep the commandments of God, and walked in the desire of his own heart. He was morally bankrupt, spending time with his wives and concubines. He was vain, and spoke flattering words. He was a wine-bibber. He built many elegant and spacious buildings and covered them in gold and other precious things. He also encouraged his people to sin. He removed priests consecrated by his father and setup new ones lifted up in the pride of their hearts. They became idolatrous. King Noah's heart was so hardened he would not listen to a prophet and instead killed him.

This chapter shows how he only cared about preserving his life and not his people. He cared nothing about the women and children and commanded the men to leave and flee without them. Some men, like his son Limhi, loved their wives and children and would not abandon them to the Lamanites. The love of family preserved all of their lives. However, the men that at first fled with king Noah and his priests became angry when commanded not to return to their families. In that anger they fulfilled Abinadi's prophesy and king Noah suffered death by fire. Sadly, justice did not come to the priests because they had escaped. There are many important lessons from watching a king Limhi. It's best that they are never supported to begin with.

"For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!
And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood. "
(Mosiah 29:17, 21)

Day 3434

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 3:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 3:9

"And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable."

Saw this verse in a different light this time. What stood out to me was the oppression wasn't from the government or those in power or authority, which I would think the honourable are. Instead the oppression comes directly from the people. One person against another. People against those trying to retain order and peace. This is a total break down of society, and anarchy. This is where we are.

Day 2841

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: Helaman 2:4-5, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 2:4-5, 13

"For there was one Gadianton, who was exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery; therefore he became the leader of the band of Kishkumen.

Therefore he did flatter them, and also Kishumen, that if they would place him in the judgment-seat he would grant unto those who belonged to his band that they should be placed in power and authority among the people; therefore Kishkumen sought to destroy Helaman.

And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi."

The object of the followers of Gadianton is to murder, rob, and gain power. It doesn't take much imagination to feel we have Gadianton robbers inside our government. Helaman as chief-judge did try to root them out, and execute them according to law, but they escaped into the wilderness. This was just the beginning of their secret band. First, it was the very wicked that joined them. Eventually, they were able to overthrow the government because those that were once righteous were seduced into going along with them. As I participated in my annual 4th of July tradition of watching "A More Perfect Union" today, I thought about how much we have strayed. I think the righteous have been seduced by "what's in it for me".

Day 1923

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 54:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 54:17

"For behold, your fathers did wrong their brethren, insomuch that they did rob them of their right to the government when it rightly belonged unto them."

Ammoron and Moroni are writing to exchange prisoners. I reviewed who was who in this chapter. Ammoron is the brother of Amalickiah that was slain. Amalickiah was a defector of the Nephites after trying to conspire to be a king. He went over to the Lamanites and there by treachery, intrigue and murder was able to become the Lamanite king. He then incited the Lamanites to go to war against the Nephites. Ammoron says he is trying to revenge his brother's death. Now in this verse I see he wants the right to the government. 

This is the first time I realize he's not really talking on behalf of the Lamanites. For they have kings and are not ruled by a government. He is talking about as the right of a kingmen he should rule the Nephites. He wanted to see the Nephite government changed and his brother Amalickiah as their king. Now that his brother is dead he feels he should have that right now too. For the Nephite government is the only possibility for him to feel he has been wronged. It is amazing how when a wicked group of people lose an election by the voice of the people, how they do everything in their power to now destroy that government. The lesson is not lost on me on why Mormon included that warning for our day.

Day 1912

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 43:29

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 43:29

"And now, as Moroni knew the intentions of the Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the land;"

Looking at our news and the take over of six blocks in Seattle I say we have a group of people establishing a kingdom of their own. It is a movement that continually morphs in its demands, and I truly wonder who is hiding in the deep roots behind their agenda. I appreciate Mormon's careful message in this chapter. That being Lamanite was no longer designated by the color of your skin, for there where descendants of the Lamanites and Nephites on both sides now. The deciding factors appears to be bondage and control, seeking power and to rule, and the overthrow of the government.  

I have no answers on how to solve the problems we face as a nation, other than to turn to God. The root of unhappiness is only inspired by the evil one. We shouldn't take our marching orders from him. As I read the war chapters in the Book of Mormon I have no doubt that Mormon saw our day and that is why he included them. It seems the adversary isn't very creative.  

"And the people were divided one against another; and they did separate one from another into tribes, every man according to his family and his kindred and friends, and thus they did destroy the government of the land."

(3 Nephi 7:2)

Day 1901

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 13:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 13:15
"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."

As I have been watching the development of Artificial Intelligence and the advances that it is making, I do wonder what the Lord will use it for, and what Satan will do with it? For that seems to be the element behind technology. It can be used for good or evil. If machines can learn to speak and interact with humans, and they have no heart or soul, I wonder if that is part of the miracles Satan will use to control them? I cannot help but think that because Satan and his angel could not obtain a body, why they would not want to create them for themselves.

There is much we don't have an answer for. I know whenever I imagine how prophesy could be fulfilled it doesn't appear that way once it has. But, for now I am watching where this technology is going and how it is being used. It troubles my soul to think of the "social credit" system being adapted by governments in different parts of the world. There are people that are being penalized by systems determining among other things what they can buy or sell. It is pure evil to allow a system to decide if you have value and worth. 

Day 1753

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 5:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 5:2
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel."

The prophesy of where Jesus would be born, even down to Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem to be there. How must they have felt when they realized they needed to travel to Bethlehem due to being taxed? That this was according to prophecy. I pondered on how governments and nations can put things in place that fulfill prophesy without even realizing it. Sadly, even to fulfill end time prophecy. I should not fear any of it for God's hand it over it all. No one can frustrate his work. Door will open as they need to. 

Day 1473

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 134:7, 10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:7, 10

"We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizen of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.

We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies; provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world's goods, or to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, or to inflict any physical punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their society, and withdraw from them their fellowship."

I don't know where this chapter has been hidden from me all these years. I read as if experiencing it for the very first time. Even though I have read the Doctrine and Covenants many times before. The header says it is "a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general, adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church." The declaration was given the following preamble: "That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, our opinion concerning the same." This would have been the last chapter in the Doctrine & Covenants, but sadly the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith did not make that happen. They paid the ultimate cost of religious persecution, in which this chapter could have prevented. The Doctrine & Covenants will continue for several chapters because God has never stopped talking to us. 

As I read this chapter I felt an absolute feeling of agreement on the position spoken. Some verses even put into alignment the things I had been pondering over. It even helped me understand why I had a trouble with a religious sect in particular, but knew they had just as much right to practice their religion as did I. Now I see the trouble is when a religion justifies sedition or conspiracy among its members. It should never use physical punishment, the loss of limb, or property and even life. None of these improper punishments would bring a person willingly to God. In fact a bad element could corrupt an otherwise peaceful religion with these tactics. The punishment for disorderly conduct for any religion should be dis-fellowship or excommunication. People should be able to leave of their own free-will.

I am grateful to know where the line is.  As a government we can set laws to prevent atrocities from happening within a religion. At the same time allowing a religion the right to worship and practice its religion to the enjoyment of its people. There are acceptable bounds the Lord has set. I do wonder if in Joseph's time they had any idea of what a particular religious sect would be attempting to do in my day. 

Day 553

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 132:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 132:8

"Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion."

I had to ponder on the running of Christ's Church on the earth and the running of government by man. What a stark contrast that is. We have confusion in a proportion I have never witnessed before in my life. All I can say is the way man is acting is not of God. How grateful I am to belong to His church and how it anchors my soul for the order that is found there. My heart feels for people that have no God or church in their life. I cannot comprehend how it must feel to have no order but only feel confusion at this time. I do not know what I would do if I could not stand in Holy Places.

Day 551