Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 124:51-53, 83

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 124:51-53, 83
"Therefore, for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in Jackson county, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the Lord your God.
And I will answer judgment, wrath, and indignation, wailing, and anguish, and gnashing of teeth upon their heads, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord your God.
And this I make an example unto you, for your consolation concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work and have been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, saith the Lord your God.
If he will do my will let him not take his family unto the eastern lands, even unto Kirtland; nevertheless, I, the Lord, will build up Kirtland, but I, the Lord, have a scourge prepared for the inhabitants thereof."

This chapter was received January 19, 1841. The saints had been drive out by mobs from Kirtland and Missouri at this point. Including an extermination order issued by Lilburn W. Boggs, governor of Missouri. Twice when they were asked to build a temple the saints received opposition from those around them. The adversary did not want a House of the Lord where saints could receive power from on high. In this chapter the saints are now in Nauvoo and once again commanded to build a House of the Lord. They will build this temple and then be drive out soon after it is dedicated. The ordinances of the temple are established here. The ordinance of baptism for the dead is restored. First, they are given permission to perform these baptisms by proxy in the river. Once the temple is built the Lord would no longer accept this ordinance outside of the temple.

What I focused on was what happened in Missouri and Kirtland. Missouri suffered during the Civil War.
"Elder B. H. Roberts published a reported prophecy of Joseph Smith to Alexander Doniphan, his lawyer in Missouri. According to Doniphan’s brother-in-law, writing the incident over seventy years after it occurred, Joseph Smith warned Doniphan that “‘God’s wrath hangs over Jackson County … and you will live to see the day when it will be visited by fire and sword. The fields and farms and houses will be destroyed, and only the chimneys will be left to mark the desolation.’ 
“General Doniphan said to me,” his brother-in-law continued, “that the devastation of Jackson county [during the Civil War] forcibly reminded him of this remarkable prediction.” Elder Roberts cites additional descriptions of Jackson County’s role during the Civil War as fulfillment of this prophecy. (Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:538–59)

As for Kirtland I do not know all that it has passed through. However, I do remember that in 1979 when Ezra Taft Benson, then president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, during a groundbreaking dedication for a chapel there removed that curse.

"By October 1979, the last part of Karl’s plan to lift the curse was in place: they broke ground in Kirtland for a new LDS chapel that would become a stake center. Ezra Taft Benson attended the ceremony. “The curse that the Lord placed on Kirtland,” he told the congregation during his speech, “is being lifted today.” And during his prayer, he formally lifted the scourge that was on Kirtland. Latter-day Saints saw this as a redemptive process of remaking Kirtland."
(Dialogue Journal, "The Kirtland Temple as a Shared Space: A Conversation with David J. Howlett" by Hugo N. Olaiz, Volume 47, No. 1)

"President Hinckley called local resident Karl Andersen to the podium, thanking him for his decades of persistence in seeing the project through to completion. Andersen, a former LDS stake president in the area, said Ezra Taft Benson, later an LDS Church president, had come to Kirtland years ago as an LDS apostle and declared that the "curse" pronounced by one early church leader on the city had been lifted. He quoted Joseph Smith as saying, upon leaving the city, that "Kirtland will yet see great and glorious days.
"Andersen believes those days have finally arrived."
(Deseret News, "Pres. Hinckley lauds rebirth of Kirtland", 18 May 2003)

Day 3713

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:16
"And again, verily I say unto you, let all my servants in the land of Kirtland remember the Lord their God, and mine house also, to keep and preserve it holy, and to overthrow the moneychangers in mine own due time, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen."

This made me think about the Kirtland temple and how after it fell out of the church's hands the RLDS church (later Community of Christ) was able to purchase it. They did a marvelous job keeping and preserving it. However, it was sad to see donations for tours there. After all these years in March 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was able to purchase and gain stewardship back from them. I do wish I could travel there and tour it now. I understand the story of the most sacred event of the Savior, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appearances is part of the tour.

Day 3706

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 9:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 9:13-14
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

This made me think of the red heifers that the Jews are trying to raise unspotted and supposedly needed to cleanse themselves before the third temple is built. I really don't understand it when Jesus Christ already made this sacrifice and the law of Moses is done away.

In this chapter Paul also mentions that Christ would only offer himself once, unlike the high priest that made this offering yearly.

"Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;" (Hebrews 9:25)

"It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the doctrine set forth in the above quotation, and it is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great Sacrifice [i.e., the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus] was offered up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in future; but those who assert this are certainly not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the priesthood, or with the Prophets.
The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior to the law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the Priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings.
Elijah was the last Prophet that held the keys of the Priesthood, and who will, before the last dispensation, restore the authority and deliver the keys of the Priesthood, in order that all the ordinances may be attended to in righteousness. It is true that the Savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing; but the sons of Levi were too prejudiced.”And I will send Elijah the Prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord,” etc., etc. Why send Elijah? Because he holds the keys of the authority to administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood; and without the authority is given, the ordinances could not be administered in righteousness.
It is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were offered were entirely consumed. This was not the case; if you read Leviticus, second chap., second and third verses, you will observe that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the priests; so that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed upon the altar—but the blood is sprinkled, and the fat and certain other portions are consumed.
These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and ever will exist when the powers of the Melchisedek Priesthood are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by the holy Prophets be brought to pass? It is not to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been spoken of by the Prophets; but those things which existed prior to Moses’ day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued.
It may be asked by some, what necessity for sacrifice, since the Great Sacrifice was offered? In answer to which, if repentance, baptism, and faith existed prior to the days of Christ, what necessity for them since that time? The Priesthood has descended in a regular line from father to son, through their succeeding generations."
(Joseph Smith Jr., "History of the Church", 4:211-212)

This quote was after the third temple, the Kirtland temple. was dedicated, and Elijah came to restore these priesthood ordinances keys. We are making offerings and sacrifices in righteousness now.

Day 3301

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:27
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"

Nothing feels more damaging then when member of The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints behave badly. There can be millions of good faithful members, but the actions of one that has taken strange paths is plastered all over the place as our unappointed mascot. In our day it's made worse because news can be shared instantly around the world. I was actually reflecting today on the Missouri saints in the early days of the church, and how their pride and haughtiness brought persecution on their own heads. The place of Zion and the New Jerusalem was lost because of it. I am hoping in our exuberance over the recent acquisition of the Kirtland Temple, and other historical sites and documents of the restoration, that we do not offend others. I've heard somethings that make me cringe. The need for temperance comes to mind.

"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."
(Doctrine and Covenants 12:8)

Day 3263

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 43:2, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 43:2, 7

"And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places."

I thought about the "soles of my feet" and how important that is. Moses was told to remove the shoes from his feet because he walked on holy ground. Christ when he returns and the soles of his feet touch the earth will cause such an earthquake it will shake the whole earth. That when Christ has visited the earth since his resurrection he has stood upon a paved work of pure gold. How the sound of his voice is like the noise of many waters. The coming of Jesus Christ to this dispensations first temple in Kirtland has some similarities to Ezekiel vision.

"We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:"

(Doctrine and Covenants 110:2-3)

Day 3004

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 94:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 94:2

"And behold, it must be done according to the pattern which I have given unto you."

This chapter is a revelation on building the first temple of this dispensation. The pattern to be used was given to Joseph Smith through revelation. The last temple on the earth was destroyed in 70 A.D. so no one knew the pattern. I find it interesting that the temple built in Kirtland, Ohio is unlike the ones built since then. I'm sure it was unlike the one destroy in 70 A.D. Yet, this temple served its purpose and when completed and dedicated it was accepted by the Lord and the heaven's opened.

Day 2097

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 4:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 4:5-6
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."

Today, I finish the Old Testament. A project that has taken me over two and a half years to complete. The last time I read it from cover to cover I was a teenager. I have read parts of the Old Testament many times. In fact these last two verses I have them memorized. They are my heart, and why I love family history and the temple so much. These verses on the importance of the coming of Elijah are found in every set of scriptures my faith has. It was quoted to Joseph Smith by the angel Moroni, before he was told where the gold plates where hidden and were to be translated. They are found in the Book of Mormon as Christ himself gave the words of Malachi to them. These verses have a lot of meaning.

What I pondered on is how miraculous it is to know that Elijah has already come, and the world at large does not even know it. April 3, 1836 while the saints were gathered that Easter Sunday in the Kirtland Temple the Jews were in their homes celebrating the Passover, having set an empty plate at their table to welcome Elijah's return. Elijah came not to the house of a Jew, but to the House of the Lord. Doctrine and Covenants 110 tells of the amazing events. The heavens are opened and the saints are being gathered on both sides of the veil. I am involved in this work. There is still so much work to be done. As this world is growing darker I see the need for hearts to be turned to the fathers and the children taking on even greater significance. It has the ability to heal and not curse this earth.

My reading of the Old Testament each day maybe done, but I cannot wait to return. I know having read the Old Testament I will find greater understanding and meaning in the other scriptures as I ponder them.

Day 1504

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 110:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 110:7

"For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house."

On June 7, 2015 the Payson Temple was dedicated. Two days later on June 9, 2015 it opened for the performing of ordinances. I went to the second endowment session held there that day. I didn't realize there was a special session right before mine. While in that session a feeling swept over me and I knew my Savior Jesus Christ was in His House. That all His ordinances were taking place and he accepted the operation of His temple. I knew His spirit emanated from a particular point inside the temple. If I could have followed that spiritual impression, I knew I could have walked the halls until I found the door he was standing behind. The only thing that kept me from doing that very thing was honor. I was in His House, doing redeeming work for the dead, and I would not leave in the middle of it. For he was accepting the operation of the very thing I was doing. I didn't need to see Him, I already knew he was there. It was witness enough.

Afterwards I marveled at the experience. I had assumed the Lord would have come to accept his temple at the dedication of it. I wondered was there doctrine of his coming to the temple shortly after its dedication, to accept the operation of it? My heart reasoned, that to accept it he needed to witness the running of it, in a manner pleasing to him. There had been quiet confusion the whole time I was there that day. The temple workers were new and didn't know little details, like assigning lockers, directing seating, or where to put temple cards. The ordinance I went through prior to the endowment session was done by a new temple worker. She needed to say the few words exactly and it was nearly an impossible task for her. She had a sister by her side helping with her training. Literally she attempted to say those words 20 times. Each time making a single mistake, only to start over again. The more it happened the greater the spirit grew in our little room. She was trying with all her heart to do it right. We could wait. It was an amazing experience I cherish to this day. 

I knew from my experience the Lord did not expect perfection on our first tries. He accepted our hearts willing to be perfect and trying until it was right. Yes, I could understand why He found acceptable what these inexperienced temple workers and new patrons were doing. The ordinances were correct in the end, their hearts were pure. All they wanted to do was act in a manner pleasing to him.

As I pondered over where to find the doctrine of the Lord coming to accept the operation of His temple, this verse was it. The Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836, and he came to accept it days later on April 3, 1836.

Day 529