Today's Favorite Verse: John 6:48, 51, 53, 56

Today's Favorite Verse: John 6:48, 51, 53, 56
"I am that bread of life.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him."

As I am reading this chapter I kept hearing in my mind the hymn "Bread of Life, Living Water". We need to internalize all that the Savior is. That is the eating of the bread of life and living water.

“To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ was and is to believe in and accept Him as the literal Son of God and Savior of the world, and to obey His commandments. By these means only may the Spirit of God become an abiding part of man’s individual being, even as the substance of the food he eats is assimilated with the tissues of his body.
“… The figure used by Jesus—that of eating His flesh and drinking His blood as typical of unqualified and absolute acceptance of Himself as the Savior of men—is of superlative import; for thereby are affirmed the divinity of His Person, and the fact of His preexistent and eternal Godship. The sacrament of the Lord’s supper, established by the Savior on the night of His betrayal, perpetuates the symbolism of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, by the partaking of bread and wine in remembrance of Him. Acceptance of Jesus as the Christ implies obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel.”
(James E. Talmage, "Jesus the Christ", 342–43)

Bread of Life, Living Water
In the Garden, Jesus suffered
Ev’ry sin and ev’ry woe—
Bleeding drops from ev’ry pore,
That we might forgiveness know.
Bread of Life, Living Water,
Feed my soul, fill my heart.
Lord, give me new life in Thee
And make me whole—complete and holy—
Bound to Thee eternally.

Jesus sacrificed His body
On the cross in bitter pain—
Freely gave His life for us
So that we would live again.
Bread of Life, Living Water,
Feed my soul, fill my heart.
Lord, give me new life in Thee
And make me whole—complete and holy—
Bound to Thee eternally.

Now I come before the altar,
Off’ring Him my broken heart,
Seeking for the precious gifts
His Atonement can impart.
Bread of Life, Living Water,
Feed my soul, fill my heart.
Lord, give me new life in Thee
And make me whole—complete and holy—
Bound to Thee eternally.

Day 4127

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 42:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 42:10
"Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof."

Right before I read my scriptures I was listening to the new hymns that came out today. There were three of them that really touched me, "Long Ago, Within a Garden", "The Power of the Holy Ghost", and "This is My Father's World". When I saw this verse I thought I have to share one of those new hymns. The song that fits this verse the most is "This is My Father's World". It really does make my heart happy.

This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning ears,
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world;
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—
The wonders God has wrought.

This is my Father’s world.
The birds their carols raise;
The morning light, the starry night
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world;
He shines in all that’s fair.
In rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me ev’rywhere.

This is my Father’s world.
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world;
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let heaven ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

Day 3983

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 25:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 25:9
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

I sat an pondered on that scene. I had a couple of thoughts, mainly about songs. One was the song "I Can Only Imagine". The other was "When He Comes Again". I couldn't decide which I loved best, just like I couldn't decide if I will dance, be still, stand, fall on my knees, or sing hallelujah. As I was listening to these song I was reminded of a new one called "When the Savior Comes Again". All of them are powerful and peaceful in their own way. The only thing I do know for sure is there will be tears.

Day 3978

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 149:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 149:1
"Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. "

This made me think of the new hymns that are being released. I have a faith one right now called "Jesus is the Way". I cannot wait to sing it at church. Once again I love being called saints.

Jesus is the Way
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has said,
“Come in, oh, come ye in through me.”
By other paths we are misled;
Through Him we are made free.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world.

God’s servants, teaching in His name,
Will live His gospel strong and true,
For did not Jesus do the same?
He taught and lived it too.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.
Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world.

Our Savior is the precious tree
That bears the fruit so sweet and pure.
His truth that makes us ever free
Unchanging will endure.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.
Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world

Day 3952

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 59:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 59:16-17
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy."

This made me think of my favorite hymn that I have been listening to almost every day since Oct 2025 General Conference. It's called "Jesus is the Way". I will even wake in the morning hearing it playing in my head.

Jesus is the Way
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has said,
“Come in, oh, come ye in through me.”
By other paths we are misled;
Through Him we are made free.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world.

God’s servants, teaching in His name,
Will live His gospel strong and true,
For did not Jesus do the same?
He taught and lived it too.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.
Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world.

Our Savior is the precious tree
That bears the fruit so sweet and pure.
His truth that makes us ever free
Unchanging will endure.

Come in through Him,
Into the fold of God.
Our Savior, Jesus, is the Way—
The Savior of the world.

Day 3922

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:7
"So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight."

This reminded me of something I read the other day on the creation of the musical scale. It wasn't until the 11th century when Guido of Arezzo, an Italian monk, developed the solfège system (ut-re-mi-fa-sol-la). It was using the syllables from a Latin hymn, which made it easier to learn and teach music. (Now we use Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti) He also introduced the four-line staff, which made pitches clearer and more standardized. Before that it took a lifetime to learn to play and sing hymns. In David's time they truly needed to be cunning and instructed to play the songs of the Lord. What a difference it is to open up a hymnbook and learn a new hymn now.

Day 3865

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:20-21
"Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.
And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent."

There is a purpose in sin when we repent. When we feel God's mercy, forgiveness and redeeming love our hearts are forever bound to Him. We are willing to submit to His will, and be an instrument for good in bringing others to Him. We rejoice in His amazing grace.

Day 3470

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 22:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 22:2
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation."

This made me think of the hymn "The Lord is My Light". I had to find it and listen to it. So many times hymns say much better what I feel.

The Lord is My Light
The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night his presence is near.
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;
This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring.
[Chorus]
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night
He leads, he leads me along.
The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise,
Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies
Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign.
Then how can I ever in darkness remain?
[Chorus]
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night
He leads, he leads me along.
The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength.
I know in his might I’ll conquer at length.
My weakness in mercy he covers with pow’r,
And, walking by faith, I am blest ev’ry hour.
[Chorus]
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night
He leads, he leads me along.
The Lord is my light, my all and in all.
There is in his sight no darkness at all.
He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King.
With Saints and with angels his praises I’ll sing.
[Chorus]
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night
He leads, he leads me along.

Day 3393

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 14:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 14:1
"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads."

I pondered on the 144,000 and how it would be good to be one of them. I could do the part of having the Father's name written in my forehead. Yet, I know more has been revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith on them.

"Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel—twelve thousand out of every tribe?
A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn."
(Doctrine and Covenants 77:11)

If the number is to be High Priests and not just Elders then that isn't our missionary force. Where is there a big force of high priest? Then I though of the ever growing number of General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies. There are 12 quorums of seventies. They certainly cover every nation, kindred, tongue and people. The Lord didn't say the 144,000 had to all go out at once. Nor do I know if the number is symbolic or literal. I have no idea how many Seventies have been called since the church was restored.

There is one thing that is curious about our missionaries. If it possibly included them the last stats I saw there were 72,000 of them, and the numbers are growing. Double 72,000 and in one turn over you get 144,000 who have served.

When President Nelson was first called as prophet in 2018 he held a Worldwide Youth Devotional. He invited the youth ages 12-18 to enlist in the Lord's battalion. That was 6 years ago. This year the youngest of the youth at that event are now able to enlist. I wonder how many missionaries have served in these past 6 years?

“Would you like to be a big part of the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on the earth today?” President Nelson asked. “Would you like to gather Israel during these precious latter days? Would you, who are the elect, be willing to help find the elect who have not heard the message of the restored gospel?”
“My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time — this most crucial time in the history of the world — to help gather Israel,” he said. “There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. … This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.”
“Those noble spirits — those finest players, those heroes — are you!” he said. “I testify that the gathering is now, and it is real.”
“So now, I am inviting every young woman and every young man between the ages of 12 and 18 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "President Nelson invites youth to enlist in the Lord's battalion by doing 5 things", Church News, Worldwide Youth Devotional, 3 June 2018)

When you think of all that the Lord's church is doing on the earth right now to find scattered Israel it doesn't take much to feel this is literally being fulfilled today.

Hmmm, (Revelation 14:3) now exactly when are those new hymns coming out?

Day 3340

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:28

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:28

"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup."

Each Sunday I have the opportunity to renew my covenants and partake of the sacrament. The times I have felt the spirit strongest during the sacrament is when I have deeply examined myself and prepared for it during the week. Examining myself is such an important part of that preparation. What sins are weighing me down that I need to resolve before I take the sacrament? For I need to take it worthily. Do I always remember the Savior, and live to have the spirit to be with me? Asking myself that helps me understand if I a drifting and where correction is needed. I love the sacrament hymns and how they prepare me to quietly reflect on the Lord. That is one moment I can tell how close or far away from Him that I am, by how deeply those words mean to me.

Day 3232

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 149:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 149:1-2

"Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King."

This reminded me of the primary sacrament program we had this past Sunday at church. I wanted to find that last song the children sang. It was new to me and really touched my heart. I think I've found it. If not it sure moves me anyways. It's called "I Will Walk With Jesus".

It makes me think of this scripture.

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

(Isaiah 54:13)

Day 2786

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 137:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 137:4

"How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?"

As I pondered on that question I thought "but we do!" We are asked to be light upon the hill a beacon to all people.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

(Matthew 5:14-16

This made me think of one of my favorite hymns.

Brightly Beams Our Fathers Mercy

Brightly beams our Fathers mercy

From his lighthouse evermore,

But to us he gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

Let the lower lights be burning;

Send a gleam across the wave.

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

Dark the night of sin has settled;

Loud the angry billows roar.

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore.

Let the lower lights be burning;

Send a gleam across the wave.

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother;

Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,

Trying now to make the harbor,

In the darkness may be lost.

Let the lower lights be burning;

Send a gleam across the wave.

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

Day 2774

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 69:30

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 69:30

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving."

I reflected on my favorite hymns and the gospel truths found in them. I spent time listening to them on YouTube. I had to find the version of "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" where the dear brother has tears streaming down his face as he sang. Watching him just moves me, because that's how I feel. Then I looked for the hymn "What Is This Thing That Men Call Death?" that President Gordan B. Hinckley wrote, and Janice Kapp Perry set to music. It was sung at his funeral. This in turn made me find the hymn written by Bruce R. McConkie. This version has Bruce R. McConkie's last testimony with him speaking the words to "I Believe in Christ" while the Tabernacle Choir sings. You know he knows the Lord.

Next, I had to find the hymn our dear prophet Russell M. Nelson wrote "Our Prayer to Thee". To finish, I selected the hymn from this last General Conference, that touched my heart deeply, "It is Well with My Soul". How I love the hymns. I have so many favorites. They fill my soul.

Day 2706

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 37:39

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 37:39

"But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble."

That strength never fails me as I look towards the Lord. I pondered on how many times He has carried my grief, heartache and pain, and in return allowed me to have His spirit to be with me. Then I can receive the impressions needed to resolve the problems at hand.

Day 2674

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 31:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 31:23

"O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer."

I was just talking about this today, on having to be obedient and walking in faith. Hoping to be preserved by divine protection when you have to do something you don't totally feel is in your best interest and safe.

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

(Mosiah 2:41)

"If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation."

(Doctrine and Covenants 6:13)

"And inasmuch as they are faithful they shall be preserved, and I, the Lord, will be with them."

(Doctrine and Covenants 61:10)

This made me think of the pioneers having the cross the plains. That act also took obedience and faith. I cannot help but think of the hymn "Come, Come Ye Saints". The last verse showing it matters not if you live or die for all will be well.

"And should we die before our journey’s through,

Happy day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

With the just we shall dwell!

But if our lives are spared again

To see the Saints their rest obtain,

Oh, how we’ll make this chorus swell—

All is well! All is well!"

Day 2668

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 25:3

"Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD."

I wondered, "How do you prophesy with a harp?" Then I thought of all the beautiful inspirational hymns. I then remembered this morning as I was listening to general conference talks I had the desire to listen to the song "Peace in Christ". I got so busy in my day that I didn't have a chance to look it up and listen to it. I found it and did so now. As I sat and absorbed the words I could see all that is promised and that is prophesy.

Day 2522

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 7:3, 12

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 7:3, 12

"And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us."

I love the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and that is what this last verse reminds me of. This time I listened to the song thinking about Israel putting away their strange gods and turning back to the Lord, where he rescued them from danger."

Day 2402

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 5:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 5:3

"Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel."

I reflected on my favorite hymns. Oh, how they fill my soul. I had to go back and listen to my very favorite which is "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". The one version I particularly looked for was when a member of the Tabernacle Choir tears flowed. It's interesting how strong the spirit is when these hymns are sung during General Conference. I am so excited to hear a live Tabernacle Choir during General Conference this coming weekend.

Day 2375

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

I love the hymns. I especially love it when I wake up in the morning hearing a hymn playing inside my head. As I have been listening to the General Conference talks they seem so different when the hymns are not played before or after them. Hymns are sermons unto themselves. I feel like I'm bearing my testimony when I sing a hymn. Maybe that's why they are like prayers to God.

Day 2028