Today's Favorite Verse: John 17:1

Today's Favorite Verse: John 17:1
"These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:"

Many times in the scriptures it says Jesus went alone to pray. We don't know what he prayed. I wondered who recorded Jesus’ intercessory prayer? Then I realized he was with his apostles when this was given. It was after introducing the sacrament and before he went to the Garden of Gethsemane. How would it have been to be an apostle and heard Him pray for them? At the very beginning of this prayer I am struck with Jesus' humility. He prays that the Father glorify him, so he can glorify the Father. That isn't trying to get praise or credit. That is wanting to complete His mission in a manner than brings glory to the Father.

Day 4138

Today's Favorite Verse: John 3:26, 30

Today's Favorite Verse: John 3:26, 30
"And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
He must increase, but I must decrease."

What absolute humility and wisdom of John the Baptist. He knew he was the forerunner to Christ. He prepared the way and even baptized Jesus. Now he knew he must fad into the background. That men were to follow Christ and not John. There would be no competition on who obtained the greater flock. John was there to prepare the way and point them to Christ.

Day 4124

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:31
"But many that are first shall be last; and the last first."

The Joseph Smith Translation of the verse is interesting. Not sure I ever noticed it before.

"But there are many who make themselves first that shall be last, and the last first."

That is speaking of pride and humility. Earlier in the chapter Jesus spoke of needing to be like a little child.

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
(Mark 10:15)

Day 4091

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 19:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 19:23
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven."

I wondered what would be the hardest thing for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven? I'm thinking it would be having humility. I think it would take a great man that is rich to acknowledge God's hand in their life and submit themselves to Him. Though a poor man can equally have the same problem. I just think having riches makes for a greater trial and struggle.

"But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also."
(2 Nephi 9:30)

"O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!
Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."
(Jacob 2:16-19)

"Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion;
Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich."
(Doctrine & Covenants 6:5-7)

Day 4072

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

Today's Favorite Verse: Obadiah 1:3-4
"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD."

Pride goeth before the fall. Pride is the most basic of tools the adversary possess. He can crack the protective shell around a righteous person by tell them how righteous they are. Now more than ever we need humility and the spirit to guide us, so we are not deceived. These two points remind me of President Oaks recent talk.

"I feel to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued us: that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many. Even active members may sometimes have concerns about some historical, doctrinal, or social issues connected with the Church.
I want to help all our members overcome present or future doubts. Whatever those doubts, the way to overcome them is to get closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. Again and again, He has taught us that He is the way.
III. Four Ways to Draw Closer to Our Savior
I share four impressions that will draw us closer to our Savior:
• First, strengthen our faith in Him.
• Second, increase our humility.
• Third, seek help from others.
• Fourth, be patient.
(Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered this BYU devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4040

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 2:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 2:12
"For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:"

I've been reflecting on pride every since President Oaks speech the other day at the BYU Devotional. I had an interesting thing happen after that speech. I happened to read a post on social media from a friend of mine. We have the same faith, pray to the same God, attend the same church, read the scriptures, attend the temple, and are both trying to be good people. I know they are a good person, yet, they see and feel completely different on social and political matters than me. What I see them posting I just can't understand how they see things that way, and I've tried. As time has gone on their posts have gotten louder and bolder. I am sure they feel they are doing a good thing with their posts. I never reply because I don't feel I need to, or should.

Then I saw their post on President Oaks' talk and the warning about being deceived. From that talk they boldly warned people about listening and watching propaganda, accepting lies as truths. Basically, they took President Oaks warning of being deceived to heart and felt anyone that didn't see things the way they did were the ones being deceived. I found it so interesting because from afar they would be speaking of me.

So, then I had this question come to me, "How can two people trying to take the Holy Ghost as our guide see things do differently?" How can we both be sure we are receiving personal revelation and right? Then the spirit brought to my remembrance that President Oaks spoke about being humble. That is the difference on who truly is listening to the Holy Ghost as their guide. I need to sincerely keep asking that my eyes are open, and that my ears are hearing, and seek for understanding. Then with that understanding I will be guided if I need to change course and direction. If we are not humble and teachable we will be unable to change course or admit we've been deceived. It is the pride of this world that causes man to stumble. Pride is what stops a man from accepting revelation when it is right in front of them, and instead follow the whisperings of their own heart. That was such a powerful lesson from the Holy Ghost, and a confirmation that President Oaks is truly a prophet of God and spoke the word of the Lord. Humility is a shield and protection in the days we live in. I wish I could quote his whole talk but this is what stood out.

"I feel to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued us: that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many. Even active members may sometimes have concerns about some historical, doctrinal, or social issues connected with the Church.
...increased humility draws us closer to Jesus Christ. This will help us overcome questions about the Lord’s doctrine. When we are humble, we can more clearly hear the Lord’s voice.
President Ezra Taft Benson .. said, “Humility responds to God’s will—to the fear of His judgments and to the needs of those around us.”
President Spencer W. Kimball defined humility as “teachableness.” He explained:
Humility is teachableness—an ability to realize that all virtues and abilities are not concentrated in one’s self. . . .
. . .Humility is never accusing nor contentious. . . .
Humility is repentant and seeks not to justify its follies. It is forgiving others in the realization that there may be errors of the same kind or worse [that we ourselves commit].
. . .Humility makes no bid for popularity and notoriety; demands no honors.
To have humility is one of the powerful commandments we have been given to guide us in our mortal journey. It prepares us for our appointed meeting with our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Take care not to become distracted. Remember His parable of the ten virgins. We want to be among the five humble ones who were admitted to the presence of the Lord."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional, 10 Feb 2026)

Day 3970

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 12:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 12:8
"And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."

The word that came to mind is hypocrite. To try and assist in God's work without humility, love, faith, hope, charity, temperance or care, one would smell of hypocrisy. I thought of those that have fallen away because they found such among men in the church of God. It is a sad thing and much will fall upon their heads when the Lord judges them. None of us are perfect and have much to work on, but to be lacking in all areas they would be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Day 3601

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 3:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 3:4
"For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him."

The made me think of pride and humility. I have often thought that the only tool the adversary has to crack the shell around a righteous man is to tell him he is so righteous. It is the loss of humility that will crumble him. The proud care more about what others think of them than God's judgment. Part of what Joseph needed to learn was spiritual maturity, something that must be experienced first hand to learn from.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
(Proverbs 16:18)

"We are here on earth to gain experience we can obtain in no other way. We are given the opportunity to grow, to develop, and to gain spiritual maturity. To do that, we must learn to apply truth. How we face challenges and resolve difficult problems is crucially important to our happiness."
(Richard G. Scott, "Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayers", Oct 1989 General Conference)

Day 3592

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: Galatians 1:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:7-9

"Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

Due to a recent conversation with someone I pondered all night why some members of the Church or Christians can be so easily deceived, accept false doctrine, and apostatize? Why would someone entertain listening to false doctrine while another will not touch it? Interesting how the scriptures I read later rehearse these same thoughts. The conclusion I came to was due to pride. The one tool Satan has to destroy those that are righteous. The only way he can crack the armor around them, even to the convincing that due to their righteousness they are better or more elect than others. It is pride that will cause a man to seek for doctrines that will put them above others. Why would you follow a false prophet? Because somehow false teachers made you feel special if you do. It is the loss of humility when pride overcomes you. It's hard to describe all my thoughts but I could clearly see the difference in the mindset, on how one person will follow a false prophet over a prophet of God. Last night I decided I would listen to President Benson talk on Pride. This was my opportunity to do so, and so much stood out to me

"Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s.

Another major portion of this very prevalent sin of pride is enmity toward our fellowmen. We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them.

The proud make every man their adversary by pitting their intellects, opinions, works, wealth, talents, or any other worldly measuring device against others. In the words of C. S. Lewis: “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. … It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone.” (Mere Christianity, New York: Macmillan, 1952, pp. 109–10.)

(Ezra Taft Benson, "Beware of Pride", Apr 1989 General Conference)

If President Benson's warning against pride is not enough, we are told in the scriptures how great a fall is coming from the pride of the world.

"And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

(1 Nephi 11:36)

Day 3251

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 14:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 14:10-11

"But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.'

This made me ponder on times I have seen people full of pride overlook the humble, and when I have done it myself. Such wise counsel to not boast yourself up only to be ready for a fall. I don't know if its my age, or just getting wiser that I have no problem taking a back seat.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."

(Proverbs 16:18-19)

Day 3146

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 14:2-4, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 14:2-4, 11

"And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:

For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:

And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.

And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee."

Judah once again has a righteous king. He removes the worshipping of strange gods from the land and commands them to seek the Lord and keep his commandments. Then when Judah is attacked Asa cried unto the Lord with words of great humility and dependence on Him. He knows where their strength will come from if they are to survive.

What a contrast this is to the words of Mormon I was just reading in the Book of Mormon this morning. This was at the ending of their civilization.

"And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people.

But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.

And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their lives.

And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto me again, and I saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually; for I saw thousands of them hewn down in open rebellion against their God, and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And thus three hundred and forty and four years had passed away."

(Mormon 2:12-15)

I added the following quote from the Book of Mormon Institute Manual to my scriptures regarding "the day of grace was passed with them".

"President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) described how we today might also remove ourselves from the cleansing grace of repentance: “It is true that the great principle of repentance is always available, but for the wicked and rebellious there are serious reservations to this statement. For instance, sin is intensely habit-forming and sometimes moves men to the tragic point of no return. … As the transgressor moves deeper and deeper in his sin, and the error is entrenched more deeply and the will to change is weakened, it becomes increasingly near-hopeless, and he skids down and down until either he does not want to climb back or he has lost the power to do so” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 117).

It reminds of flaxen cords. How by itself its nothing to break, but if one becomes bound in them there is no escape.

"And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever."

(2 Nephi 26:22)

Day 2540

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 9:1-2, 21

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 9:1-2, 21

"Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?"

This chapter starts out with what a choice young man Saul was. But when Samuel begins to speak to Saul, we have Saul seeing himself as someone not of significance or choice. There is a big contrast on what the Lord saw and what Saul saw in himself, and his circumstances. As I reflected on this contrast I realized what Saul had at that time was humility. Something that was strictly lacking later in his life which ultimately led to his down fall. It made me ponder on the difference between pride and humility. With humility the Lord sees great potential in a person no matter his circumstances.

Day 2404

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 6:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 6:5-6

"And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus."

The last time I attended church in our building was March 8, 2020. The last time I was at the temple was two days later on March 10th. By that following Sunday church was canceled worldwide as we became good global citizens and stayed home to help control this virus. I am so grateful to have two priesthood holders in my home that have been able to bless and pass the sacrament to me. We have also had wonderful discussions on the welfare of our souls, and strengthen each other in the gospel. Everyone is participating in their own way, that wouldn't be possible at church. How many times does an adult male get to bless and pass the sacrament? These months at home have truly been a gift.

I haven't gotten out of the habit in the least about going to church, for church is still taking place in our home. When the day comes that we are no longer authorized to do so, I know my heart will long to be with the other saints. For now my heart and soul are being fed in our home, a place of refuge from the storm.

I am reminded of what Alma said to the poor of the Zoramites that were cast out of their places of worship.

"Behold I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God save it be in your synagogues only?

And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not worship God only once in a week?

I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom..."

(Alma 32:10-12)

These are the days where much has been observed and learned.

Day 1998

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 6:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 6:17
"And they were taught to walk humbly before the Lord; and they were also taught from on high.

I have this note in my scriptures.

"As I have pondered these faithful members, I am struck by two qualities they all seem to have. First, regardless of social or economic status or position, their humility leads to submissiveness to the Lord's will. And second, in spite of the difficulties and trials of life, they are able to maintain a sense of gratitude for God's blessings and life's goodness. Humility and gratitude are truly the twin characteristics of happiness...
...In the kingdom of God, greatness begins with humility and submissiveness. These companion virtues are the first critical steps to opening the doors to the blessings of God and the power of the priesthood. It matter not who we are or how lofty our credentials appear. Humility and submissiveness to the Lord, coupled with a grateful heart, are our strength and our hope."
(Bishop Richard C. Edgley, "The Empowerment of Humility", Oct 2003 General Conference

When I read this chapter of how the Jaredites prepared and survived upon the water for nearly a year, and then praised God when they arrived at their promised land, I see profound humility and submissiveness to the Lord's will.

Day 1983

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 62:40-41

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 62:40-41

"And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; neverthless for the righteous' sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared.

But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility."

The chapter tells the end of the war for now between the Nephites, Lamanites, freeman, and kingman. It is through the prayers of the righteous that the Nephites were spared. Now the people had to recover from what they went through. Did the experience they passed through soften or harden their hearts?  This is totally a personal matter on how they individually withstood all that they went through. It is much like us right now. Are our hearts softening or hardening?  Have we humbled ourselves and turned to the Lord or turned away? Our battle is only months old, so recognizing what path we are on could allow a very important course correction before we spiral out of control. Inquiring, "Lord is it I?", is a very good place to start. 

Day 1920

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 25:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 25:14
"Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain."

So many of these verses had imagery I could just picture what it was saying. How many storms have I seen where its dark and windy and for sure I think a huge storm is coming. Then nothing, no rain at all. It just blows past. I could just picture a boastful man doing the same thing. I think what its telling me is that everyone else can see it too. Your not fooling anyone when you claim to a gift or ability and are unable to produce.

Day 1228

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 17:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 17:11
"When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid."

This is the familiar bible story of David and Goliath. What struck me this time was seeing the root of Israel's problem. It wasn't how big and strong Goliath was, it was that they had come to fear man and not the Lord. Saul had lost the spirit, and when the spirit leaves you are left with fear. Fear is a powerful crippling tool of the adversary. It is just as dangerous as pride. If Saul had been full of pride instead, he would have also been defeated in battle against Goliath. What was needed more than anything was fear of the Lord, and the humility to be lead by the spirit. That is exactly what David did. He knew he was a shepherd boy, and the tools he had God would make great in his sight. That is how a sling and rock brought down the mighty Goliath in battle. I should never fear the tools at my disposal, when the Lord can use them for his good. The Lord will always make what I have good enough to accomplish what needs to be done. I just need to move forward in faith.


Day 828

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 12:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 12:1
"And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire."

As I read this chapter, which in the end 42,000 Ephraimites are killed, and wondered why?  It all started in this first verse. The men of Ephraim were offended that they were not invited to join in battle against the children of Ammon. Which actually they were asked but they didn't answer the call when it came. Which may explain some guilt going on too. For the perceived offense they think they have a right to threaten to burn the Gildeadites homes. How do you even get to the point to think that is ok?

I sat and pondered on how serious a thing it is to take offense, because of the actions of another. Once you are offended you can take things totally out of control. So I pondered on when I have been offended and what caused it. It was sadly really easy for me to do, because it happened the other day. I realized the times I have been offended is when I am full of pride. When I am in a more humble state I don't become offended by others actions. So even before I get to the state of being offended I have to loose my humility, and go into the realm of pride. When I am offended there far more serious things going on in the background. I have a constant battle with my pride. It is extremely important for me to setup checkpoints to monitor myself and catch it at the loosing humility stage where the slippery slop downward all begins.


Day 798

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 9:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 9:4
"Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee."

I pondered what they were doing wrong. To think I deserve anything because of my righteousness, would take incredible pride and an absolute lack of humility. Sorta like when you think your humble, and that shows your immediately not any more. I pictured in my mind a totally holier than thou attitude. I can be as righteous as I want and that doesn't force anyone to lose their place. Losing your place, land or possession was totally the doing of the wickedness of the people there. The attitude that was needed was God is in charge and I am just an instrument in his hands.

One of the most important reasons they were to possess this land was because God had promised it to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I think what God is telling them is have a humble heart and turn to me. In all things acknowledge my hand in preserving your life, and having you prosper. God will have a tried and tested people, he can just as well take you out of where he just put you. This made me think about Job.

This also made me think of Elder Renlund's talk "Our Good Shepherd" in LDS General Conference on Saturday. He related the story of the Pharisee and the publican. This scripture stuck out to me.

"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18:14)

There is much to be careful about when a person thinks they are more righteous than another. All kinds of alarms should go off that I'm in dangerous territory.


Day 736