Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:27-29

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body."

I reflected on how partaking of the sacrament is a very serious thing. We need to judge ourselves and repent to be worthy. Of course, sins of a serious nature need to be confessed and worked with a Bishop. As I pondered on this I thought about the need for daily repentance. Live your life to always be ready to partake of the sacrament. Then while the sacrament is being passed do more self-examination and self-discernment, so you are ready to renew the covenants with the Lord you have made.

Day 4197

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:2
"And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you."

A member of the church in Corinth was having sexual relations with his father's wife, which would be his step-mother. It was not acceptable in the church and in society outside of the church too. Paul judged the matter and they were to remove this man from the church. For the members he tells them they are puffed up. The reason for this is they thought they would not be affected by having this man around them. Leaving the man in his open sins would only bring them down morally. They should have mourned and helped him on the road to repentance. This is what Paul started for the man.

"Paul advised the Corinthian Saints “not to company with fornicators”. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expounded on this teaching, pointing out that even a good person cannot remain unaffected by unrighteous influences: “Do not company with fornicators—not because you are too good for them but, as C. S. Lewis wrote, because you are not good enough. Remember that bad situations can wear down even good people. Joseph had both good sense and good legs in fleeing from Potiphar’s wife” (“The Stern but Sweet Seventh Commandment,” in Morality [1992], 29).
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 38: 1 Corinthians 1-11")

Day 4191

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:5
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

We are not to judge others, we cannot always see what the Lord sees. I think there are different types of judgment. One that is very wrong is deciding what type of glory or lack of it the person deserves. Judging them wicked to be case down to hell or outer darkness, that we should never do. Only God can judge that. We cannot take away a person's ability to repent.

I have also found over the years that I cannot judge someone righteous either. I've seen some that were righteous go off on the wrong path. So we do have to be careful to not judge someone righteous, and put them on a pedal stool and accept everything they say. I found I have to be careful especially of those online and what they teach. We are to be careful in this regard. It's not calling the teacher evil, but having wisdom that not everything is always 100% correct that someone says. We need to learn, ponder and pray about what we listen to. How grateful I am for living prophets and the guidance their teachings have set as my standard.

Day 4190

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:11-12
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

I often remind myself of this, not only for myself but also for those I would want to judge. It is best to not travel down the road of judgment and just leave things in God's hands. He understands the matter more completely than I ever could. No one will miss their personal accountability before him. All will have an account for themselves.

Day 4184

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 2:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 2:3
"And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?"

Such a good question I need to ask myself when I wish to judge another. How do I know so well their sins? Because more than likely I have the same weakness. When you point one finger at another there are three pointing back at you.

Day 4172

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 9:4-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 9:4-6
"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."

This made me ponder on judgment day when we will face the Lord. Like Saul, there will be no long speeches for justification for our sins and behaviors. It will be an absolute truth if we are found wanting. Thankfully for Saul he had years ahead of him to repent and be forgiven.

Day 4151

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 8:3, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 8:3, 9
"As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:"

Two examples of men that had much to repent of, and they did. They are examples of how you can never write a person off as unredeemable and going to hell. It is not for us to judge. I would have been careful around them, but happy to see them change.

Day 4150

Today's Favorite Verse: John 18:28

Today's Favorite Verse: John 18:28
"Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover."

This is rathering shocking. The Jewish leaders were concerned that they did not defile themselves before the passover, yet they would falsely accuse Jesus to have him put to death. That's giving the appearance of being religious and righteous, but rotten on the inside.

"The hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders was put on display when they led Jesus to Pilate to be judged. They would not enter into the hall of judgment, which was a Gentile structure, because doing so would make them ritually unclean and they desired to eat the Passover meal the next day. Yet at the same time, they were willing to falsely accuse Jesus before Pilate and seek His death
(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 27:John 17-19)

Day 4139

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 13:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 13:1-3
"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

We cannot assume that when bad things happen that it was the judgment of God upon them for being wicked. Good people suffer along with the wicked. I think more disasters and wars are happening due to the overall wickedness of the people today, but those that fall in harms way can be of either persuasion. The Lord will call the righteous to him, and punish the wicked in the same breath. It is not us to judge, but for us to repent.

“To say that particular individuals slain in war, killed in accidents, smitten with disease, stricken by plagues, or shorn of their property by natural calamities, have been singled out from among their fellows as especially deserving of such supposed retribution is wholly unwarranted. It is not man’s prerogative to conclude in individual cases of suffering or accident that such has befallen a person as a just retribution for an ungodly course. … The Lord brings difficulties upon the most righteous of his saints to test and try them; persecution … is the heritage of the faithful.
“The real lesson to be learned from Jesus’ conclusion, ‘Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,’ is that there was no difference in righteousness between the slain and the living, and that unless the living repent they would perish with the dead. … In a broader sense the thought is that as these have perished temporally so shall all perish spiritually unless they repent” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:475–76).
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 17: Luke 9-14")

Day 4110

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 3:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 3:2
"And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him."

I pondered on watching people. They did it so they could find fault and accuse Him.

"They Watched Him", the Greek word translated “watched” implies that the Pharisees were scrutinizing Jesus with malicious intent. They had come to the synagogue not to worship, but to find fault.
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 11: Mark 1-4")

When we watch to find fault we are no better than the Pharisees. I know I have been guilty of this. There is an incredible difference in your spirit and peace when you stop it. There will always be a temptation to judge others. The first step is to realize that is what we are doing.

Day 4084

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 21:28-32

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 21:28-32
"But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him."

As I reflected on this I thought there will be some surprised people at the beginning of the millennium. Seeing who remains and who does not. The Lord loves those that repent, it up to use to forgive and not judge them.

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained the meaning of this parable:
“The Father of the sons is God himself who offers employment in his earthly vineyard to all his children. The first son, who initially refused to labor in his Father’s vineyard but later repented and served him, is symbolical of the publicans and harlots who repented of their early sins and became faithful servants in their Father’s cause. …
“The second son, who willingly accepted an assignment in the vineyard but then failed to render the appointed labors, is symbolical of the Jewish leaders who professed to be about their Father’s business but were in fact letting the vineyard degenerate. …
“[In Matthew 21:31, Jesus] … teaches in forceful and plain language that repentance is a living, abiding principle which actually works. ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ (1 Tim. 1:15.) What, publicans and harlots in the kingdom of God! Yes, and even the chief priests, scribes, and elders—if they also repent and keep the commandments” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:589–90)."
(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 7: Matthew 19-23, "The Parable of the Two Sons")

Day 4074

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:12-13
"Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.
When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it."

This reminded me of the day I was praying about a sin that happened long ago. I could not be resolved of it. The Lord spoke clearly to my mind, "I love you for who you are today. You need to forgive that 17 year old girl." I learned something so profound that day. You cannot store up righteousness or wickedness and have one overcome the other. Judgment day isn't a tally that is counted up to see which side you are on. The Lord looks at who we are today. Do you stand righteous today or wicked? Have you repented of your sins and are clean? He knows us, just like we know ourselves. Judgment will not be a shock, for we already know where our heart stands.

Day 4021

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 122:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 122:8-9
"For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good."

I pondered on how my heart has changed since I became more diligent in attending the House of the Lord. My heart has softened and I can see others as children of God no matter how they walk in life.

Day 3943

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 98:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 98:9
"Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity."

The only fair way to judge is with equity. No one is above another. The Lord is no respector of persons.

"For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion."
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:35)

"Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it."
(Deuteronomy 1:17)

"For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:"
(Deuteronomy 10:17)

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:"
(Acts 10:34)

"But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."
(Colossians 3:25)

"And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need."
(Alma 1:30)

"And as many as would hear their words, unto them they did impart the word of God, without any respect of persons, continually."
(Alma 16:14)

"And for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons."
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:16)

Day 3935

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 96:11-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 96:11-13
"Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth."

I pondered on how the rejoicing and joy came before the Lord comes. That as terrible as the world is becoming, and Satan is truly in his great day of power, that should not overcome us. That the focus and joy is we are all the closer to the Lord's second coming. I haven't reached the point that I am praying day and night for His return, but I'm getting close to it. I just have peace that this is all in His hands. "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."

Day 3934

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 66:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 66:18
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:"

We cannot hide the intent of our heart. The outward appearance and our words can be deceptive but the Lord truly knows who we are. If iniquity has residence in our heart the spirit cannot reside there too.

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
(1 Samuel 16:7)

"Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart."
(Doctrine and Covenants 6:16)

"And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning."
(Alma 18:32)

Day 3924

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 22:3,5, 21-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 22:3,5, 21-23
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

Eliphaz the Temanite words to Job are rather shocking. Here Job is suffering the loss of children, and his great wealth and being told how wicked he is. That God doesn't take pleasure in our being righteous. Then he is told he needs to acquaint himself with God and his laws. Pray, read the scriptures, and put away iniquity. Talk about being judged unrighteously. I loved how in the next chapters Job is humble, and doesn't point at the wrong judgment being placed on him, but builds on what is true. For we can always do more to be acquainted with God. Prayer and repentance are a daily thing.

Day 3896

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:1
"And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran."

I read that and this was all I could think of while I read three chapters in the Old Testament. Samuel the prophet dies, and the day I read it I learn President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, seer and revelator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has passed away. I wait to know when his funeral is. Will it be before General Conference this Saturday and Sunday or after? It was shocking, but not shocking, President Nelson was 101 years old. I wish my heart was allowed to just mourn the passing of such a wonderful prophet. Instead it is marred by the horrific events in Michigan, at a shooting and fire at one of our chapels. People died. It hurts my heart. Of course we don't know all the details, not sure if I really want to know all the details. All I can feel is a prophet that taught me so much about being a peacemaker is gone. I feel like the world rejected his message and God has sent us a judge in President Oaks. There has been a shift and change, though I expect the message on what I need to do during these latter-days will remain the same. I am so grateful that General Conference is this coming weekend. I need to sit at the feet of the prophets and hear their messages of peace.

Day 3832

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 32:30-33

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 32:30-33
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book."

I pondered on what Moses meant by saying perhaps he could make an atonement for their sins. The only one capable of atoning for our sins is the Savior himself. Did Moses think there was someway for him to pay the price for their sins? Or was he going to make an animal sacrifice to cover their sins? I could not come to a conclusion on what this meant. What is clear is the Lord said those that sinned against Him names will be blotted out. They are individually accountable and will face any judgment themselves.

Day 3773

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 7:65-66

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 7:65-66
"And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years;
But before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men’s hearts failing them, looking forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God, which should come upon the wicked."

I thought about if I look with fear for the judgments of God. I honestly don't, but I think I would if I wasn't praying for forgiveness every day. When I used to bottle things up and repent when I was all weighted down it was a different story. I am so grateful I learned repentance is needed every day. Not to let things come to a head before I set my life in order. Correction is so much easier when its done in small increments and not when thrown completely off track. I'm also grateful for being able to take the sacrament each Sunday. I think these things bring peace into your life no matter what is swirling around you.

"Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
(Luke 21:26)

Day 3736