Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:9

"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."

Door = Colossians 4:3

"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:"

Effectual = GR energetic, efficient

I pondered on how when the mysteries of Christ are spoken, or the prophets speak, that adversaries will gather. Satan was doing all that he could to destroy this primitive Church of Christ. Satan is doing all he can to destroy it today. As I pondered over this chapter I see that Paul has the same counsel that President Nelson gives us today. He wants them to accepting, conduct in peace, be watchful, stand fast in faith, be strong, have charity, help and to labor.

Day 3237

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 49:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 49:5
"And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength."

The thought that came to me was failing at the mission given me.

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"
(Doctrine and Covenants 18:15)

What happens if you labor all your days and don't bring any soul unto Christ? I think with God its not the results, it's the desire of my heart and actions I took to do what was pleasing to him. In the very end I have no ability to control the agency of another. All I could do was give them the chance to be converted.

I've also experienced failure after following the guidance of the spirit. Only to find that the failure was the lesson I need to learn all along. The Lord always has a better plan. Nothing is lost, if in the end my eyes are facing towards Christ. There is even purpose in my sins, for now I know I needed a redeemer. 

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord."
(Matthew 25:21)

There is no need to cry when failure happens after all I could do. For it is my obedience and faithfulness through the trial, that my Savior will look upon.

Day 1303

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 2:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 2:11
"Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, I was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun."

Reminds me of the saying "You can't take it with you." Unless I labor for the Lord I have nothing of worth to bring home with me. My testimony of the gospel and faith in Christ is the only thing I can take with me.

Day 1236

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 53: 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 53: 6

"Behold, these are the first ordinances which you shall receive; and the residue shall be made known in a time to come, according to your labor in my vineyard."

I'm beginning to appreciate more and more that the Lord only gives me what I am ready for. His timing is far better than my own. I could read the scriptures, and talks from the prophet and apostles all day long and I would only become very weird. Unless, I actually apply the application of my learning. True knowledge comes from living the gospel. Applying truths in my life help me grasp what the Spirit tells me. Only then I am ready to learn and grow. 

Day 472