Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 13:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 13:2
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

It seems like in the recent general conference angels were mentioned quit a few times. I decided to go look for all the times it was quoted. Angels were mentioned 23 times.

"I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us—not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples. This is an urgent matter for all of us, lest we ever hear with devastating regret: “I never knew you,” or, as Joseph Smith translated that phrase, “[You] never knew me.”Fortunately, we have help for this task—lots of help. We need to believe in angels and miracles and the promises of the holy priesthood."
(President Jeffrey R. Holland, "Motions of a Hidden Fire", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"I see the faith of many wherever I go who strengthen my own faith.
I see angels all around me.
I see the faith of many who don’t see the Lord physically but recognize Him spiritually, because they know Him intimately."
(Elder Massimo De Feo, "Rise! He Calleth Thee", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"Alma stood as an opponent of the Lord’s Church, leading many astray from the path of righteousness. However, a divine intervention, marked by an angelic visitation, awakened him from his wrongdoings."
(Elder Jose L. Alonso, "Jesus Christ at the Center of Our Lives", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"Many today say that miracles no longer exist, that angels are fictional, and that the heavens are closed. I testify that miracles have not ceased, angels are among us, and the heavens are truly open.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren [and sisters], have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven? …
“… Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.”
"President Russell M. Nelson has taught us to seek and expect miracles. I testify that because the priesthood has been restored, the power and authority of God are upon the earth. Through callings and councils, men and women, young and old, can participate in priesthood work. It is a work of miracles, attended by angels. It is the work of heaven, and it blesses all God’s children."
"Miraculously, everyone else was able to walk away. The baby Lynette was carrying was Tyson. He too was spared any harm and was born the next February. Eight months later, after receiving his earthly body, Tyson returned home to Heavenly Father. He is our guardian angel son. We feel his influence in our family and look forward to being with him again.

Those who lifted the van off of Emily observed that the van seemed to weigh nothing. I knew that heavenly angels had joined with earthly angels to lift the vehicle off of Emily’s body. I also know that Emily was brought back to life by the power of the holy priesthood.

The Lord revealed this truth to His servants: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. ”

I testify that “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God”—the Melchizedek Priesthood—with its keys, authority, and power has been restored to the earth in these latter days. I know that while not all circumstances turn out like we may hope and pray for, God’s miracles will always come according to His will, His timing, and His plan for us.
If you desire the blessings of the priesthood, including miracles and the ministry of angels, I invite you to walk the path of covenants God has made available to each of us. Members and leaders of the Church who love you will help you take the next step.
I testify that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lives and leads His Church through living prophets who hold and exercise priesthood keys. The Holy Ghost is real. The Savior gave His life to heal us, reclaim us, and bring us home.

I witness that miracles have not ceased, angels are among us, and the heavens are open. And oh, how open they are! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
(Elder Shayne M. Bowen, "Miracles, Angels, and Priesthood Power", Apr General Conference)

"I promise that if we “feast upon the words of Christ”31 that lead to salvation, our prophet’s words that guide and encourage us, and our own words that speak of who we are and what we hold dear, the powers of heaven will pour down upon us. “The words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” We are Heavenly Father’s children and He is our God, and He expects us to speak with “the tongue of angels” by the power of the Holy Ghost."
(Elder Ronald A. Rasband, "Words Matter", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"When the time came for the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, God called a prophet, Joseph Smith. We do not know the full content of the angel Moroni’s early instructions to this maturing young prophet."
(President Dallin H. Oaks, "Covenants and Responsibilities", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"On that sacred occasion in the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet prayed that in the Lord’s holy house, the Saints would be armed with the power of God, that the name of Jesus Christ would be upon them, that His angels would have charge over them, and that they would grow up in the Lord and “receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.” These powerful supplications are fulfilled in our lives as we faithfully worship in the house of the Lord.
In the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph prayed that “angels [would] have charge over [His Saints].” Regularly performing ordinances for our ancestors in the temple brings a sweet and sure confirmation that life continues beyond the veil.
Most of our experiences in the house of the Lord bring joyful peace and quiet revelation more than dramatic intervention. But be assured: angels do have charge over us!
My beloved friends, if we are able and have not already increased our attendance at the temple, let us regularly find more time to worship in the house of the Lord. Let us pray for the temples that have been announced, that properties can be purchased, that governments will approve plans, that talented workers will see their gifts magnified, and that the sacred dedications will bring the approval of heaven and the visit of angels.
The temple is literally the house of the Lord. I promise you as you come worthily and prayerfully to His holy house, you will be armed with His power, His name will be upon you, His angels will have charge over you, and you will grow up in the blessing of the Holy Ghost.
In this day of confusion and commotion, I testify that the temple is His holy house and will help preserve us, protect us, and prepare us for the glorious day when, with all His holy angels, our Savior returns in majesty, power, and great glory. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
(Elder Neil L. Andersen, "Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"We are instructed that all who worship in the temple will have the power of God and angels having “charge over them.”  How much does it increase your confidence to know that, as an endowed woman or man armed with the power of God, you do not have to face life alone? What courage does it give you to know that angels really will help you?"
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Rejoice in the Gift of the Priesthood Keys", Apr 2024 General Conference)

Day 3305

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 12:2, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 12:2, 6
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

I pondered on how the Lord was intended to feel public shame while on the cross. Yet, he showed true obedience, humility and love for us. It made me see the connection to the Lord chastening those that he loves. How we also learn to show greater obedience, humility and love for the Lord as we endure and learn from it.

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable”
(Elder Orson F. Whitney in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 98).

Day 3304

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 11:6, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 11:6, 13
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

So many stories of faith are listed in this chapter. I pondered on how each of us have our own stories too. Faith requires us to believe without seeing, what is to come. I have my own example of required faith tonight. This was such a great chapter to read.

“Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith—and then the miracle”
(Thomas S. Monson, “The Call to Serve,” Oct 2000 General Conference).

Day 3303

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 10:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 10:16-17
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

This is an amazing covenant and promised blessing. Repentance and that mighty change or heart is priceless.

"And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.
And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.
And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?"
(Alma 5:12-14)

Day 3302

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 9:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 9:13-14
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

This made me think of the red heifers that the Jews are trying to raise unspotted and supposedly needed to cleanse themselves before the third temple is built. I really don't understand it when Jesus Christ already made this sacrifice and the law of Moses is done away.

In this chapter Paul also mentions that Christ would only offer himself once, unlike the high priest that made this offering yearly.

"Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;" (Hebrews 9:25)

"It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the doctrine set forth in the above quotation, and it is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great Sacrifice [i.e., the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus] was offered up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in future; but those who assert this are certainly not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the priesthood, or with the Prophets.
The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior to the law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the Priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings.
Elijah was the last Prophet that held the keys of the Priesthood, and who will, before the last dispensation, restore the authority and deliver the keys of the Priesthood, in order that all the ordinances may be attended to in righteousness. It is true that the Savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing; but the sons of Levi were too prejudiced.”And I will send Elijah the Prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord,” etc., etc. Why send Elijah? Because he holds the keys of the authority to administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood; and without the authority is given, the ordinances could not be administered in righteousness.
It is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were offered were entirely consumed. This was not the case; if you read Leviticus, second chap., second and third verses, you will observe that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the priests; so that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed upon the altar—but the blood is sprinkled, and the fat and certain other portions are consumed.
These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and ever will exist when the powers of the Melchisedek Priesthood are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by the holy Prophets be brought to pass? It is not to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been spoken of by the Prophets; but those things which existed prior to Moses’ day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued.
It may be asked by some, what necessity for sacrifice, since the Great Sacrifice was offered? In answer to which, if repentance, baptism, and faith existed prior to the days of Christ, what necessity for them since that time? The Priesthood has descended in a regular line from father to son, through their succeeding generations."
(Joseph Smith Jr., "History of the Church", 4:211-212)

This quote was after the third temple, the Kirtland temple. was dedicated, and Elijah came to restore these priesthood ordinances keys. We are making offerings and sacrifices in righteousness now.

Day 3301

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 8:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 8:10
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"

I read this in the New Testament Student Manual.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) noted that although Jews in New Testament times generally rejected this new covenant, it would again be offered to them at a later time: “Christ, in the days of His flesh, proposed to make a covenant with them, but they rejected Him and His proposals, and in consequence thereof, they were broken off, and no covenant was made with them at that time. But their unbelief has not rendered the promise of God of none effect: no, for there was another day limited in David, which was the day of His power; and then His people, Israel, should be a willing people;—and He would write His law in their hearts, and print it in their thoughts; their sins and their iniquities He would remember no more” (in History of the Church, 1:313)."

The early saint went into apostasy because they rejected the new covenant. It made me stop and ponder on how much emphasis we had in the past general conference on keeping our covenants. Now I understand those words, and the urgency in it. We must be a people that have written His laws on our hearts and minds, our thoughts and actions.

Day 3300

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 7:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 7:3
"For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."

How could Mechisdec be without father or mother. The Joseph Smith Translations explains this.

"For this Melchisedec was ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life; and all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually."
(JST Hebrews 7:3)

It is the Mechizedek priesthood that is without father or mother, meaning it's not inherited.

"This phrasing indicates that, unlike the Levitical or Aaronic order in ancient times, the Melchizedek Priesthood is not conferred based on lineage alone. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles further explained: “The right to this higher priesthood was not inherited in the same way as was the case with the Levites and sons of Aaron. Righteousness was an absolute requisite for the conferral of the higher priesthood” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 478).
(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 49: Hebrews 7-13)

Day 3299

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 6:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 6:15
"And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."

Two of my most favorite combinations of words, patience and enduring. They were once feared. But, now I see them as my favorite part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must endure to the end, but it's only possible through Christ. This is when we are yoked together, for enduring well is not done alone. This is how we come to know Jesus Christ as our redeemer. Patience is a divine Christ-like attribute and can only be obtained again through Him. It is when we submit ourselves according to His will. We give up trying to take control and having things done our way. We understand He has a plan for our lives and we will work through this together. All that we pass through is for our good, for we become more like Him. The promise is eternal life.

"You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you. The tempering effect of patience is required. Some blessings will be delivered here in this life; others will come beyond the veil. The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not. When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you."
(Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life", Apr 1996 General Conference)

"In your patience possess ye your souls."
(Luke 21: 19)

Day 3298

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 5:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 5:8
"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;"

I wondered "Have I learned obedience by the things I have suffered?" The answer would have to be yes. The only way I have come through my trials and suffering is to turn to the Father and the Son. For His grace and mercy have strengthened me. When you experience that, and come to know Him, you want to follow him. That does bring a desire for greater obedience to His will. To love Him is to follow Him.

Day 3297

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 4:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 4:12
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

I always wondered about that two edge sword, it just seemed so violent. It can cut going in and coming out. Then I thought on how it is used to divide the soul and spirit, and it can discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. I had a memory come back to me of when I was young and we would harvest our chickens. My father would rock the chicken asleep by placing its head under its wing. Then he would stretch out its neck on the chopping block, and with a quick wack of the axe he would chop its head off. He would then throw the chicken and us kids had to chase after them. They would run all over the yard and into the fields without their heads. One time we had a chicken bounce up the ladder and onto the roof. I also remember helping my mother pluck the chickens. We would dip them in boiling hot water and then pluck the feathers out. I can remember sitting there and looking at the little dismembered chicken heads. They would blink their eyes and open and close their beaks. These chickens had no idea they were already dead. They ran around really fast with no heads, and opened and closed their eyes and beaks with no heart attached. Then once slaughtered and defeathered my father would finish dressing the chickens. As he removed the inners he would explain the process and the importance of the order. He always took great care in removing the bile duct. Seeing the inside of the crop and gizzard and what it contained was always so fascinating to me. We saw everything and knew that chicken inside and out by the time the harvest was done.

I pondered on how all this applies to spiritual death. The separation of soul and spirit. When you're spiritually dead you can be running around here and there, to and fro, and not even realize you are already dead. Even though the person may appear alive by blinking their eyes and moving their mouths its a lie. There is no way to hide the truth from someone that has eyes that see and knows and understands. The master knows you intimately inside and out. He knows the thoughts and intents of your heart. It is the power of discernment.

How did they get into this condition? Because they turned away from the word of God, his commandments, and kept not their covenants. They lost their souls. The division is so quick and powerful you don't realize that its happened. You cannot hide your condition from the man of the harvest. His house is a house or order, and no unclean thing can live there.

Day 3296

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 3:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 3:18-19
" And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."

More is told of this in the Doctrine and Covenants.

"Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory."
(Doctrine and Covenants 84:23-24)

I feel like this general conference had multiple talks that tried to teach plainly like Moses how to behold the face of God and enter into his rest. Through faith, obedience, honoring our covenants, and serving in the house of the Lord, it will strengthen us to do so. This theme was repeated over and over again. I can't wait to get the transcripts of the general conference talks and find all those quotes.

“The ancient prophets speak of ‘entering into God’s rest’; what does it mean? To my mind, it means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else, we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive. … The man who has reached that degree of faith in God that all doubt and fear have been cast from him, he has entered into ‘God’s rest.’ … I pray that we may all enter into God’s rest—rest from doubt, from fear, from apprehension of danger, rest from the religious turmoil of the world”
(Joseph F. Smith, "Gospel Doctrine", 5th ed. [1939], 58).

Day 3295

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 2:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 2:1
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip."

Well that's a fitting verse to ponder on after listening to general conference the past two days. So many wonderful, inspiring talks that I can't wait to just pour over and study them. All the study in the world is meaningless if not applied. It really is about the changes I make to do better. If I don't change or progress then I'm slipping in the wrong direction.

Day 3294

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 1:2, 10

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 1:2, 10
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:"

The Savior created the worlds under the direction of the Father. What stands out to me is worlds plural. There are more worlds than this one. Each has its own purpose.

"And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.
And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many."
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:33-34)

Day 3293

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 13:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 13:4
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."

I pondered on how society's opinions on marriage have changed over the years. There once was a feeling of shame for not living God's laws. Now, there is no shame and it is boastful. It is a curious thing to see the changes taking place. Yet, God's laws haven't changed. Sometimes I think of God just weeping for what he sees happening. For he told us what He expects and will judge us on, and yet we walk our own paths. The thought makes me feel pretty sad.

Day 1719

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 12:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 12:1
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"

I was drawn to the phrase "run with patience". I have made a study on the word patience, for that is one of the lessons I am learning right now. I have thought a lot on patience, as in sitting and waiting for the Lord's will. I had not thought about running with patience? One thing that the footnote does refer me to is Perseverance, along with Patience, Patient and Patiently. I could not find anything that gave me more understanding on "run with patience". So I pondered on it. 

So what would I be running from or to in this verse?  It appears I am running from sin. That I am taking the great weight of sin and removing it. To remove sin I would need to run to the Savior. The rest of the chapter speak of enduring and not to despise chastening. So maybe what I need is patience with myself as I run this race of life. For I will endure chastening for my profit and learning. Maybe I'm not so much running, but enduring. Probably why it also referred me to perseverance. One that runs must learn to pace themselves to endure the race. It is building spiritual stamina, through dedication, perseverance and self-discipline, everything a runner would need. They also run "the race that is set before us". Meaning they don't define the course themselves. They run the race the officials have set out. So I am running and enduring the course the Lord has set out for me.

Day 1718

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 11:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 11:1
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Not only do I love this verse, I love the whole chapter and the examples of faith that came before them. I love how Elder Andersen explains it too.

"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not something ethereal, floating loosely in the air. Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. It is, as the scriptures say, “substance … , the evidence of things not seen. Faith emits a spiritual light, and that light is discernible. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker. Faith is a principle of power, important not only in this life but also in our progression beyond the veil. By the grace of Christ, we will one day be saved through faith on His name. The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice."
(Neil L. Andersen, "Faith is Not by Chance, but by Choice", Oct 2015 General Conference)

As I pondered on faith, I thought of how having to live by faith is a perfect test for all of us. For either you have faith or you don't. For even when evidence is given as signs to people they don't always believe what they have seen or loose their belief over time. Faith when spiritually enlightened has staying power if we hold onto it.

Day 1717

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 10:1-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 10:1-4
"For the law having shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins.
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."

I wasn't until Christ's atonement and sacrifice that man's sins could be forgiven. For then the law of Moses was fulfilled. What I pondered on is the quilt man would have carried, for every year he had to make sacrifice for his sins again. I know the hardest thing now is learning to forgive myself after repenting of my sins. It sounds like under the law of Moses one would have a continual feeling of not being completely forgiven. I'm not sure how it worked but once again I am glad for the time that I live.

Day 1716

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 9:15-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 9:15-17
"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."

This made me ponder on probates and wills. I had never put this verses together with a "last will and testament". How it's not in effect until the testator dies. Then those that will inherit have a right to the estate. Christ needed to die before we could be blessed to inherit all that the Father has. His atonement and resurrection really are a new testament.

Day 1715

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 8:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 8:10-11
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest."

I love living at a time where God's laws are written into my mind and heart. I think it would have been so much harder to love God as I do while practicing the law of Moses. Maybe because they didn't always seem to understand what it was a similitude of, at least by the Old Testament. I cannot wait for the day when all around me will be able to say that they "Know the Lord". What a very different world we will live in at that time.

Day 1714

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 7:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 7:26-27
"For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."

The great high priest is Jesus Christ, he held the order of Mechisedec forever. He made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. On reflecting on this I thought of the video that was in the Come, Follow Me materials. The video starts a little geeky but I love how it teaches about the ancient temple sacrifice representing the Savior, and the sacrament today.


Day 1713