Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 9:20-22, 26

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 9:20-22, 26
"And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,"

I wondered if the Jews today honor Purim as a Jewish Holiday? I was happy to see they still do. They exchange gifts of food and drink, make donations of charity to the poor. They eat a celebratory meal with alcoholic beverages known as mishteh. There is a public reading of the scrolls of Esther. There are additions to the daily prayers. Some also apply henna. Some other customs are to wear masks and costumes with public celebrations and parades. It sounds like a very happy and joyous time.

I wondered when Purim was this year. I found it fell at sunset 13th March and ended nightfall the 14th of March. In 2026 it will fall between sunset 2nd March to nightfall 3rd March.

Day 3888

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 18:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 18:10
"Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them."

I pondered on how Ammon was a son of a king. Granted the Nephite king Mosiah was not as severe as the Lamanite king Lamoni was. The Nephites must have shown respect towards their king. Ammon would have known the greatest way to show respect and honor was to be faithful to the commands of a king. You cannot begin to teach someone if you do not show respect for them. Ammon showed great respect to king Lamoni by teaching him the gospel with an understanding and appreciation of what he already believed. He could then give him more.

Day 3462

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 35:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 35:18-19

"And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you:

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever."

At first I thought of the fifth commandment.

"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

(Exodus 20:12)

Blessings come from keeping the commandments and honoring our parents.

"..the Lord told the Prophet Jeremiah to go into the house of certain men called Rechabites and to invite them into the house of the Lord and give them wine to drink. When wine was placed before them, however, they refused to drink because their father had counseled them never to drink wine  "Thus have we obeyed the voice of . . . our father in all that he hath charged us" they said. After these young men had reaffirmed their steadfastness in following the counsel of their father, the Lord through his prophet pronounced upon them a special blessing. He decreed that members of this family and their seed would always be numbered among the righteous."

(Bishop John V. Vandenberg, "Follow Counsel", Oct 1964 General Conference) 

Day 2939

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 49:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 49:3

"And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."

I pondered on the Lord's second coming and what an honor it will be to counted as His sheep. That because we will be there waiting for our Lord and King it will bring glory to Him. I had never thought of bringing glory to the Lord. How can one be glorified if there is no one there to worship and adore you? After all He has done for us, it will be an honor to show Him how much he means to me. This made me think of the Savior visiting the Nephites after his resurrection, and how they received Him and his joy was full.

"And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears.

And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full.

And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them."

(3 Nephi 17:10, 20-21)

Day 2887

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: 1 Samuel 31:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 31:12-13

"All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.

And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days."

When Saul the king is killed it doesn't say that Israel mourned him. What it does say is they fasted seven days. It made me wonder how Israel felt about Saul. I've only really heard how determined he was to slay David. Saul's three sons including Jonathan are killed. I know at least Jonathan was friend to David. I think no matter what Israel would show respect for their king and fasting was how they did it. Regardless of how we feel for our leaders, the office they held should be honored.

Day 2426

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 21:18-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 21:18-21

"If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.

And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear."

This is the law that gives meaning to the parable of the prodigal son given by Jesus..

"And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."

(Luke 15:13, 20)

The father runs to his son, thus preventing him from being stoned to death. We no longer hold dishonoring parents as a capital crime. Yet the commandment to honor our father and mother has never been revoked by the Lord.

Day 2333

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith: 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith: 12

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

When I look at the Articles of Faith I think this is the one that has been the most abused this year. I reflected on how grateful I am for this one. It has been such a guiding light to me and how I should behave during this whole pandemic and politically upheaval. It has kept me from fighting the wrong battle and losing my way.

Day 2159

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 135:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 135:1

"To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o'clock p.m., by an armed mob - painted black - of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calmly, exclaiming: I am a dead man! Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaiming: O Lord my God! They were both shot after they were dead, in a brutal manner, and both received four balls."

I thought about the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum sealing their testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon with their blood. What a great price they paid to share this with the world. There is so little asked of me in return, to but read both the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. When I do so I am also honoring them.

Day 2138

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 104:80-81

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 104:80-81

"And inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, and exercise the prayer of faith, behold, I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I shall send means unto you for your deliverance.

Therefore write speedily to New York and write according to that which shall be dictated by my Spirit; and I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, that it shall be taken away out of their minds to bring affliction upon you."

When I read this chapter it always stings a little when I read "behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts." I feel bad that I am not out of debt and that I have debts. This time when I read it I saw things just a little differently. Yes, it would be best to be out of debt, but it's the paying of my debts that is at the heart of this. It is good to be honestly working to pay off your debts. The sin isn't in the having of debts, its in the not paying of the debts. As we turn humbly to God in prayer asking for help and deliverance, hearts will be softened and doors will be opened for us to pay our debts. That is a huge blessing! Instead of feeling really guilty about my debts, I sat here so very grateful for the Lord's help in providing a way that I can honorably be paying my debts. I am so blessed.

Day 2107

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 27:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 27:18
"Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured."

This made me think of this.

"Now learn the parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know the summer is near:
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors."
(Mark 13:28-29)

As the time of the Lord's second coming nears I will know by watching the fig tree. I realized I not only need to watch it, I need to tend and keep it. It is in the tending and keeping that I understand what I am seeing. Is that not the same as working in his vineyard. Only when I have been considered a faithful servant will I receive my Father's honor.

Day 1230

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 96:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 96:7
"Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength."

When I read this I paused and thought "How can I give glory and strength to the Lord? I have no power to give Him." Which I knew that wasn't what the verse was saying but I had to sit and ponder on that thought. What I came away with it is that I need to acknowledge to others the Lord's glory and strength. As I testify of Him it is strengthening Him in their eyes. I then am giving Him glory, honor and strength.

Day 1149

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 87:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 87:5
"And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her."

I wasn't sure who this was speaking of so I did a little hunting around and found this.

"And then we want to see you operate as one in all things. You fathers of families and you mothers, see to it that you dedicate yourselves and your habitation and everything you have to God, and that you live pure, virtuous, and holy and upright lives. See to it that you are men and women of God - children of the Most High God, and your offspring with you. And I tell you that the time is rolling on when Zion will become the praise and glory of the whole earth. The time is coming and hastening on when, as one of the prophets predicts, people will say such and such a man was born in Zion - that is, the people of Zion will be so honorable, so upright, so virtuous, and so blessed of God, under the auspices of the Almighty, and the government which He will introduce, that they will think it an honor to have been born in Zion. We will fear God, and work righteousness on earth, and when we get through here be transplanted to the heavens until this earth shall be redeemed; for we shall again possess the earth when it shall be celestialized. God bless you all, in the name of Jesus. Amen."
(John Taylor, Why We Gather, Etc.)

I reflected on the Glens Falls branch/ward that I grew up in. How excited we were when new families joined us that came from Utah. We needed their wisdom and leadership skills. I remember being is such awe of them. They were such good, good people. That must have been a taste of what others see when looking at members of the church.

You no longer need to look at LDS members from Utah, for they are scattered all over the earth, doing good from their local stakes in Zion.

Day 1140

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 6:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 6:1
"On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king."

I pondered on how the Lord is always one step ahead of those that seek to destroy his church or people. Haman was seeking to have Mordecai hung on the gallows. It is only because of king Ahasuerus being unable to sleep that he has the chronicles read to him. He is reminded of Mordecai saving his life, and desires to know what honor was given him. Finding none, he then asks Haman what should be done for someone he is delighted to honor. Haman's pride assumes it is himself the king is referring to. Instead all that he suggests is placed on Mordecai. This never could have happened if the king hadn't been able to sleep. I am sure the spirit had troubled him. I don't so much worry when I have nights I can't sleep. I will sit and read my scriptures first, and I always learn something new.


Day 1007

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 24:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 24:5-6
"And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord."

I'm a little confused, how is Saul the Lord's anointed when in 1 Samuel 15:26 it says "And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king over Israel." Would that not void out his anointing?

Right after this Samuel was lead by the Lord to David and anointed him.

"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah." (1 Samuel 16:13)

So if Saul is rejected of the Lord to be king over Israel and David has already been anointed, then why was David told not to stretch his hand against Saul?

As I pondered this over I think the difference is the Lord may have rejected Saul as king of Israel, but the people had not. Wouldn't this be similar to the 10th Article of Faith?
"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

I went back in the scriptures to the time when both Saul and David were anointed by Samuel. The people of Israel had no knowledge of it. The Lord may have chosen, but the people had not yet accepted him. Right now the people did not know David was anointed by Samuel to be the next king. So I think David is in the position of honoring the laws of his land. Saul is still their king. He is honoring his office or position, even if you cannot honor the man.  What does that say about my day when there are people that imply, maybe wish, to kill my president?  You may not love the man, but you must respect the office. To do otherwise, would it not bring you under the condemnation of God?


Day 835

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 21:18, 20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 21:18, 20-21
"If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:
And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice, he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear."

This chapter had some serious punishment. I think this one topped it all for me. To see parents turn their child over to be stoned to death for being rebellious. I thought how could they do that? I also reflected that it is a good thing we don't practice this today, because there is so little respect for parents or people in authority in our society, there wouldn't be many children left. Then I realized this had something to do with the fifth command to honor our father and mother. This commandment has not been done a way with. There is implication today for me in this. Then the story of the prodigal son came to my mind. I sat and read it and then watched "The Prodigal Son" video in the "The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos" by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The part of the son coming to himself and returning home touched my heart.

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)

I understood now why that father had compassion and ran to his son, while he was a great ways off. If he hadn't done that the elders of the city could have stoned him to death. For he was a glutton and a drunkard with his riotous living, and had not honored his mother and father. Under the mosaic law he was worthy of death.

So I reflected on this act of stoning, and turning the child over to the elders of the church. I felt impressed to look at the elders of the church as representing Christ. I have experienced turning a rebellious child over to the Lord, and this fits.  Though my child may have spiritual died, I needed to turn them over to the Lord for his keeping. I have left them in his hands to do as he see's fit. He knows what they must past through in order to "come to themselves".  For I know they will have no desire to see me until they have been made clean. Then I can run to them and throw our arms around them and kiss them, and rejoice. Until that day the Lord has sustained and carried me, and replaced my sorrow with peace in this matter.


Day 749