Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:19, 22

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:19, 22

"And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.

Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;"

This is what I understand, that before we had bodies we were spirit. Before we were spirit we were intelligences. God took of the intelligences and the one most intelligent he created the first born of spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't know what a intelligence looks like and how God would compare them. But, I can see how he could look upon all the intelligences and say this is the most of all of them. Then he made the noble and great ones, and finally all the spirits.

This made me think of this.

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth."

(Doctrine and Covenants 93:36)

"One of the primary purposes of mortality is to learn—to gain knowledge and intelligence. Doctrine and Covenants 93:36 states, “The glory of God is intelligence.” You might think intelligence means being gifted in academic work, but intelligence also means applying the knowledge we obtain for righteous purposes."

(Elder David A. Bednar, "The Glory of God is Intelligence", Oct 2007 Friend)

I think in a way the glory of God is us, and what we become that honors the purpose he created us for.

"And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

(Doctrine and Covenants 130:19)

Day 2154

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 93:24, 28, 36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 93:24, 28, 36-37

"And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;

He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.

The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

Light and truth forsake that evil one.

This chapter has so much in it and especially speaking of the source of all light is through Jesus Christ. He is the light of the world, and tonight we celebrate his birth. While I was reading this chapter I was especially drawn to truth, light and knowledge. I have come to realize that facing truth does bring light into your life. Seeing truth sets you free. It is through the Savior's atoning sacrifice that we heal when we have to see truth, accept it and change because of it. With truth and knowledge we can look at the past, see things as they were and as they are now, and see a brighter future because of it. As we embrace truth; knowledge and intelligence follow. I think they testify of the path we are on. In the past as I've read this chapter I only thought of it speaking to the pre-existence, mortal life, and the eternities. But I think this chapter also helps us see our mortal existence and put it into the proper perspective through the light of Christ.

Day 2096

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 4:7
"Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding,"

This verse reminded me of this great quote I found by Joseph F. Smith.

What Is Pure Intelligence?
"There is a difference between knowledge and pure intelligence. Satan possesses knowledge, far more than we have, but he has not intelligence or he would render obedience to the principles of truth and right. I know men who have knowledge, who understand the principles of the Gospel, perhaps as well as you do, who are brilliant, but who lack the essential qualification of pure intelligence. They will not accept and render obedience thereto. Pure intelligence comprises not only knowledge, but also the power to properly apply that knowledge." (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p.58)

Wisdom and knowledge are of no use, if the spirit does not enlighten with pure intelligence. The ability to know what to do with the knowledge that was given and apply it correctly.

Day 1207

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 93:36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 93:36-37

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

Light and truth forsake the evil one."

I've heard this saying many times "The glory of God is intelligence". It's inspired me to gain all the knowledge I can. For I know that is what I can take with me. But I sat and pondered on this and I don't think its talking about secular knowledge at all.

I think its telling me to seek the glory of God, and learn more of him. Pure intelligence would lead me to eternal truths. I would understand the will of God in my life, and seek to do it. I would forsake all that is evil and come to Christ, the true source of light and truth. To come to know the Son is only to glorify the Father.

Day 512