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: Matthew 4:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 4:23
"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people."

I was pondering on how I would have loved to be there, to hear Jesus preaching. Then I thought about how I already do hear His words. I'm reading this is the scriptures. I also hear His words when I listen to the prophet, especially during general conference. As I was reflecting on this and wondered why I would have loved to be there, right then. It wasn't just because it was Jesus. It was the time of the end of the law of Moses and learning how to live a higher and holier way. I realized it was because I love change. I love being in the middle of change. I thought about how the restoration is still on going. There are lots of changes still to come. If I live to see the millennium I will see tremendous changes. That is all very exciting.

Day 4057

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: 2 Nephi 18:16-17, 19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 18:16-17, 19-20
"Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
"And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter—should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?
To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

I pondered on the contrast of two different groups of people. One will have obtained a testimony, wait upon the Lord and look for Him. These would be the people preparing and found ready at Christ's Second Coming.

The other group are following the ways of the world. I think of them as people that seek conspiracies and run in fear. The world will heal me and I don't need a prophet. Ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth. It's not surprising how much culture is referencing the occult and devil worship. It seems harmless, its just a movie or a book, but there is no light there. If you follow darkness and let it entertain you long enough the things of God seem boring and don't hold purpose or value anymore. Then you are deceived.

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
(2 Timothy 3:7

"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
(2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Day 3389

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 14:5

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 14:5
"And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defence."

I feel like this is what we are working towards with our home-centered, church supported gospel learning. I went back and reviewed President Nelson's opening remarks in General Conference, where he announced "Come, Follow Me".

"For many years, Church leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship. Our efforts over these recent years to hallow the Sabbath—to make it a delight and a personal sign to God of our love for Him—will be augmented by the adjustments we will now introduce.
This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Opening Remarks", Oct 2018 General Conference)

I know reading the scriptures every day with my family, and the discussions that take place afterwards, are the highlight of my day. It has brought such a feeling of peace and unity among us that nothing else could bring. It truly does strengthen families and individuals.

After church we decided to drive around the boundaries of our stake. We wanted to see all the construction that will bring an estimated 3,000 people into our stake boundaries in the next few months. We were in awe of the five story apartment buildings. It was just massive. As we drove I did not see any new chapels. I remembered how in the past every time there was a new development going in there would also be a new chapel near by. I wondered where are we going to put all these people? Will the sharing of our existing chapels in the stake require us to attend church in the evening now? Or will we one day go to sacrament only and truly leave the greater responsibility of learning the gospel on the saints?

"And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents."
(Doctrine and Covenants 68:25)

Day 3385

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 12:2, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 12:2, 6
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

I pondered on how the Lord was intended to feel public shame while on the cross. Yet, he showed true obedience, humility and love for us. It made me see the connection to the Lord chastening those that he loves. How we also learn to show greater obedience, humility and love for the Lord as we endure and learn from it.

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable”
(Elder Orson F. Whitney in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 98).

Day 3304

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 3:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 3:7
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

What would they be learning that never brings them to truth? It has to be the wisdom of man, even if sold by mingling the scriptures in with it. It's Satan's deceptions. I was pondering the other day on a supposed quote by Joseph Smith. That the constitution would hang by a thread and it would be the "boys from the mountains" or the "elders of Israel" that would save it. He actually didn't say that but it keeps getting thrown around.

This is what Orson Hyde said regarding it.
"It is said that brother Joseph in his lifetime declared that the Elders of this Church should step forth at a particular time when the Constitution should be in danger, and rescue it, and save it. This may be so; but I do not recollect that he said exactly so. I believe he said something like this—that the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and said he, If the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language, as nearly as I can recollect it"
(Orson Hyde, "Self-Government, etc.", Journal of Discourses 6:152 (Jan. 3, 1858)

As I was pondering on these differences I thought upon what is the role of the Elders of this church, to fight and be at war, or to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ? So many times I've discussed with others that the world has grown so wicked only the gospel of Jesus Christ would save it. Only this can soften and change hearts. Look what the gospel of Jesus Christ did for the Lamanites when the sons of Mosiah preached to them. Politics does not save people, its the gospel of Jesus Christ that will. What is needful to continually be learning are the words of Christ, that will bring man to truth. It's the changing of hearts that changes agenda, and not by force either.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (Article of Faith 11)

If you're waiting to be called to be a "boy from the mountain" or an "elder of Israel" to save the constitution, you might just be missing the boat. President Nelson already called for the Lord's battalion to take the gospel to the world. We know what hour it is, and we need to be on the right side of things. Prophets see around corners.

Day 3287

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 1:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 1:9
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

This made me think of how this applies to all callings in the church. The Lord doesn't always call the brightest and most capable. He has his own purposes, which includes for our personal growth. I remember once a stake president telling me that the Lord will call a bishop because he is either a great spiritual leader or he has a lot to learn. Sometimes we are there to help others learn. Understanding that has helped me be more patient when I see people faultier. God's grace will be upon us as we truly strive to serve him.

Day 3285 (9th anniversary)

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."

I've had occasion a couple times recently to want to relate a story I read years ago in some type of question and answer page for members. This one sister related how they heard a wonderful talk given by a young man in sacrament meeting. They felt the spirit so strong. Yet, while driving home from church they were surprised to see this same young man walking home smoking a cigarette. They were so confused as to how they could have felt the spirit as he spoke while he was obviously breaking the word of wisdom. Whomever answered explained that regardless of the messenger, the message they heard was spiritual truth and the spirit bore witness to them of it. What they needed to focus on was their own worthiness to receive the spirit. I wish I could find that article again, its probably 30 years old now.

My father years ago told me to not base my testimony on others, and that has withstood the test of time, and not shaken it by the actions of others. I can feel disappointed or sadden for them, but we will never know their full story, and it isn't ours to judge. I've had those that have left the church tell me they left because so and so did this or that, thinking that because of their calling they should have known or done better. Totally forgetting the fact we are all being tried and tested. Just because they are called a leader doesn't mean they are perfect. Even though we wish they were. I remember a wise stake president once telling me that bishops are called for two reasons. One, is they are great spiritual leaders, the other is because they have a lot to learn. My stake president then asked me to help my bishop learn. Doesn't matter what calling a person has or not, we are all here to learn. The purposes will reveal themselves in time. Nothing is hidden from the Lord.

Day 3225

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 8:30-31, 34-35

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 8:30-31, 34-35

"And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."

I pondered on how these verses show how to read the scriptures. That its important to read even if we don't understand. It is through the spirit we will be guided on what they mean. The spirit brought Philip to the eunuch so he could be taught.

"And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."

(Mosiah 23:14)

Philip was an apostle. He had the authority to interpret the scriptures and teach them. Yes, the spirit can teach us and so can other faithful members. But, the importance here was making sure we understand true doctrine. Turn to the right resource to make sure your understanding is clear. There are many times I turn to the prophets and apostles words to understand what the scriptures are saying. We are so blessed to have so many resources at our fingertips to search what prophets and apostles have already said. One of my most favorite resources is the Scripture Citation Index. It is full of general conference talks, quotes from the Journal of Discourses and Scriptural Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I also love the Institute Manuals found on the church website, along with church magazines and other lesson books.

Another important element is to play attention to questions that come to mind. Questions that are not filled with doubt, but a desire to learn and know, are inspired by the spirit. It is these questions that we need to search the answers for. I learn so much but listening to what verse stands out to me and then I dig a little deeper to understand it.

Day 3185

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 15:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 15:14

"The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness."

Again, there were so many great wise sayings in this chapter. This one made me think of various sources of news. How careful we need to be. If you are foolish you can feed on foolish sources. It isn't long before these things can build on each other until you believe a lie. This can not only happen in health, medicine, political and educational areas, it also happens in religion too. I am very strict with myself on sources of my knowledge. The law of witnesses is very important in not being lead astray. A good rule of thumb is looking towards the scriptures, and the words of a living prophet when they were prophet, then the apostles. I also know the materials found on the church website are safe for my instruction. Everything else needs to be monitored, sadly because I have seen good people go astray from the doctrine of Christ. When a teacher sets themselves up as a light to be followed instead of Christ, then you have to stay away.

Day 2802

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 53:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 53:2

"God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God."

When I think of God looking at me I want to be found as one that understands and seeks Him. That won't happen without a valiant effort on my part to do both. This is a lifetime pursuit. In all the history of man I marvel at all the tools available to me to do this. Not only is there instruction at church and through temple attendance, there are so many scriptures to read. In addition to the Bible there is the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. They all help me in this quest. Then I have all the General Conference talks and reference materials on the church website to come to a knowledge of truth. The problem isn't finding ways to understand, the problem is not seeking.

I remember when I went to school for accounting and I struggled to understand my accounting textbook. I went to DI and bought a different college accounting textbook, so I could gain a different perspective on the concepts I was struggling with. As I read from both books I came to what was common between them and could grasp the concepts. Reading the scriptures is a lot like that. You need all the scriptures and their perspectives to come to an understanding about God and his laws. Reading builds precept upon precept, its an investment that pays off over time. God didn't say we needed a perfect understanding. He will take us wherever we are on the path of understanding and seeking Him. Simply as long as we are on that path.

Day 2690

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 44:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 44:21

"Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."

I needed this counsel to ponder on tonight, as I pray for someone I love and the hard lessons they are going through.

"If your faults are not made known to you, how can you refrain from them and overcome them? You cannot. But if your faults are made manifest, you have the privilege of forsaking them and cleaving unto that which is good. The design of the Gospel is to 

reveal the secrets of the hearts of the children of men."

(Brigham Young, Faith, Etc., JD 3:43)

Day 2681

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:13

"Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord."

I love seeing how the Lord looks upon our failures, as we are serving Him. It's not the success or the increase, it is the sacrifice and what we put into it that matters. Above all He wants us to learn and to grow. I also looked back at the purposes in failures. Some assignments He knows will fail, after all the saints weren't meant to remain in that area. The important thing was they try and what they became because of that effort.

Day 2120

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 99:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 99:3

"And who receiveth you as a little child, receiveth my kingdom; and blessed are they, for they shall obtain mercy."

I pondered on the characteristic of being a little child. I think above all is being teachable. There are blessing that come to those that are teachable, willing to learn, and accepting of change.

Day 2102

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 98:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 98:3

"Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."

This makes me think of the blessings I have seen from this pandemic, and the hope of even greater things to come out of it. I know the year is almost over and when I weigh all that has happened it has been a good year. I have learned so much and my faith is stronger from it.

Day 2101

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 54:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 54:10

"And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."

I've done a lot of reflection on this pandemic and how with any trial there are lessons to be learned. I say lessons because its always been more than one thing I have learned from a trial. I think patience and obedience have been some of the greatest lessons I've come to appreciate. As I was reflecting on this the other day I realized not everyone chooses to learn a lesson from their trials. The trial can be over and they gained nothing positive from the experience. The Lord then will humble them in other ways. That's probably why in the last days we will pass through so many different types of disasters and plagues as the voice of warning. Giving all of God's children the opportunity to learn lessons from them and turn their hearts to Him.

When the Lord says he comes quickly, I thought about how it could mean there won't be a final warning. When something comes quickly there is no chance to prepare, it's just upon you. All the other warnings were ignored or people became numb to them. I can see why those that sought the Lord early will have inside them the peace to their souls ready to face the Lord. There is no time of preparation when the event is upon you. The time to learn and prepare is now.

Day 2057

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 6:14

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 6:14

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time."

Before I read my scriptures I pray that the Spirit will let me know what it is I should learn. For each time I read its an open book and the Spirit will let me know what it is I should ponder on. I have never been disappointed in that prayer. There is always a new thought or insight that comes as I prayerful ponder what I read.

As I sat and reflected on this I recalled that for years there was an issue with reading scriptures. I could barely read and comprehend because of my illness. But over the years and slowly healing I have never been disappointed. One thing I am realizing tonight is that I did not always pray before reading my scriptures. I don't even know when it changed. It makes me wonder now if things would have been different when I started, when my brain was not yet well? Then I realized the Spirit teaches and when I was ready to learn, then the desire to pray became part of it. I am so grateful that I have come to place that am now.

Day 2009

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 32:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 32:9
"I will also vex the hearts of many people, when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known."

I thought of the ripple effect of one nations' downfall upon another. For destruction never comes alone. There are damages on both sides. There was always someone that felt the effects of corruption, oppression, tyranny and bloodshed that brought about its downfall. Wouldn't it be wonderful if people and nations could learn from past and experiences of others and not go down the wrong paths.

Day 1409

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 17:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 17:22-23
"Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.
But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction."

Today is Saturday, and Saturday is a special day. Once again I find myself singing the Primary song while involved in preparations. This has been ingrained in me since my childhood from goodly parents.

Saturday is a special day.
It's the day we get ready for Sunday:
We clean the house, and we shop at the store,
So we won't have to work until Monday.
We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes,
And we call it our get-the-work-done day.
Then we trim our nails, and we shampoo our hair,
So we can be ready for Sunday!

I found a quote I was looking for with scripture references on why I honor the Sabbath Day on Sunday, the first day of the week and not on the last.

"Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognize Sunday as the Sabbath in commemoration of the fact that Christ came forth from the grave on Sunday, and the Apostles commenced meeting thereafter on the first day of the week."
(Earl C. Tingey, April 1996 General Conference talk "The Sabbath Day and Sunday Shopping")
(see John 20:1-6, Luke 24:1, Mark 16:1, Matt 28:1, Acts 20:7)

Of the many things I love about the Sabbath it is what I will learn this day that excites me the most. Be it at church worshiping with my brothers and sisters, or home personally studying the scriptures or with my family, the spirit seems the strongest on this day to give me instruction. This is a tender mercy of the Lord to open my eyes and ears especially on His Holy Day. I totally get it when the Lord says that to not honor the Sabbath day you will not hear or receive instruction. I think that is the little sign God gives back to me if I am honoring His day or not.

Day 1337