Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 3:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 3:16
"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."

Malachi has so many good verses in it. For my favorite verse I wanted to look for something I had not considered before. I found it in this verse. It was the part that those that feared the Lord "spake often one to another". Those are the names written in the book of remembrance. I reflected on all the ways we share the gospel and strengthen each other in the gospel. Discussions during Sunday School classes and when ministering to each other. I thought about my family gathered each evening to read the scriptures together and do "Come, Follow Me". All of this is done in natural ways because it's part of our souls.

"May God help us to be in deed and in truth what we have been called to be—Saints of the last days, and then, whether in life or death, we shall be His, we shall enter into His glory and be numbered with His jewels; for the Lord cometh to make up His jewels, and it will be those who have met together often and have spoken often one to another, that will be numbered therein; while all the proud and they that do wickedly, will become as stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."
(Erastus Snow, "Work of God the Same in All Ages", JD 25:68)

Day 4053

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 27:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 27:16
"Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen."

Setteth light = HEB esteems lightly, disgraces
father = Honoring Father and Mother

As I was reading the footnotes to understand the meanings I thought about how this was more than just our behaviors and actions, it includes temple and family history work too. We esteem lightly our ancestors when we ignore or forget them. It is a disgrace to not search for and perform vicious work for our kindred dead. Malachi speaks of a curse if our hearts are not turned to them. The words of Malachi are so important they are found in all the standard works.

"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."
(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."
(3 Nephi 25:5-6)

"And again, he quoted the fifth verse thus: Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."
(Joseph Smith-History 1:38-39)

"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."
(Doctrine and Covenants 2:1-3)

"And also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 27:9)

"After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:
Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—
To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—
Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors."
(Doctrine and Covenants 110:13-16)

"I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times."
(Doctrine and Covenants 128:18)

Day 3805

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 85:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 85:3
"It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God."

This made me wonder where the scripture was that we refer to tithing as being fire insurance? The footnotes to this verse did not take me there. I looked and did find the one I was thinking of.

"Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming."
(Doctrine & Covenants 64:23)

I thought about now I don't pay tithing for fire insurance. That doesn't even cross my mind as a reason to pay it. I wondered why I do? I don't know, I think its because I just want to. It's become part of my celestial bookkeeping. I don't think I could balance my budget and make ends meet with the little that I have if I didn't. I've seen to many blessing.

I also looked at the words of Malachi.

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
(Malachi 3:10)

In the day of burning I think we will all say the Lord poured us out a blessing that there was not room enough to receive it.

Day 3674

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 2:19-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 2:19-22

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

I just finished 3 days of RootsTech and these verses made me think of what amazing growth I have seen in thirteen years. How people all over the world are united in their love of family and telling their stories. This year RootsTech was broadcasted in 240 countries and territories, in 20 languages. No commercial company could have created such a united worldwide effort. It could only be possible through the efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under the direction of apostles and prophets.

I reflected much over the past three days on the words of Malachi that Moroni quoted to Joseph Smith.

"He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."

(Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith-History 1:39)

I thought about how it was only through the world-wide effort to gather family on both sides of the veil that peace will come to this earth. I heard no politics, I heard no racism, or conspiracy theories for these 3 glorious days. All I knew was that I was learning to love my brothers and sisters and value each and every one of them as they are. My heart has been touched, and I hope those not of my faith will carry the light they received within them. These are millennial people. This is a millennial work.

Day 3258

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 4:4 & Endnote

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 4:4 & Endnote

"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.

THE END OF THE PROPHETS"

I just finished reading the Old Testament for the third time in my life. The first time I read it was in seminary which amounted to massive speed reading sessions to complete it in a year. It takes two and a half years to read the Old Testament a chapter a day. Needless to say my first time around I didn't understand very much of it. But I could say I read it. Since I began rotating through all the scriptures this was my second time reading it with understanding. I've learned so much, and there is still so very much to learn.

My favorite verse in this closing chapter of the Old Testament speaks to my heart and my love of family history work. It is a subject so dear to me. Yet, I noticed something at the very end. It says "THE END OF THE PROPHETS". When I read that I said to myself, "No it wasn't, there was much more to come, and still to come." Then as I was pondering on this I noticed the Citation Index had something new in it. A picture taken of the prophet Spencer W. Kimball's scriptures and this very verse. I started to read his notations and then I noticed the statement he made after the endnote "THE END OF THE PROPHETS". It's the word "NO". The Citation Index also reference his conference talk when he spoke on this.

"I believe the Bible. I love the Bible. It stimulates me. It lifts me. It inspires me. And, I never tire reading its pages.

There is one phrase that brings me up short as I finish the Book of Malachi. In bold type are these words, "THE END OF THE PROPHETS".  Regardless of what the compilers meant, I do not believe that Malachi was "the end of the prophets." As I finished the New Testament, I found once more in bold letters the words, "THE END" I do not believe that even the Book of Revelation was the end."

(Spencer W. Kimball, "Continuous Revelation", Oct 1966 General Conference)

I loved President Kimball, and every prophet that came after him. I love the living prophet Russell M. Nelson. I know there is still much to come.

"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."

(Article of Faith 1:9)

Day 3088

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 3:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 3:10-11

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts."

I pondered on the blessings that have come to me and my family as we have paid tithing. The blessings come both spiritually and temporarily. The particular blessing that stood out to me was he would "rebuke the devourer for my sake". The blessing of protection against evil. As this world grows darker being protected from evil means so much to me. I do not want to be deceived or devourer by the adversary. I want the blessing of having the spirit always to be with me. I want wisdom to use the blessings God provides me with. I can make do with little, while a rich man can have money flow through his fingers like water. Easy in and easily devoured. In reality he just can't hold onto it. It is devoured upon his lusts. Wealth is no measure of God's blessings falling upon you. It's what you can do with what He has given that shows wealth.

Day 3087

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 2:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 2:8

"But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts."

One of the many dangers of accepting false doctrine, or setting yourself up as a light to others instead of Christ, is you can cause others to stumble and fall. That is something we will be held accountable for.

"But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to judgment.

Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall be reclaimed;

But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world.

Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me."

(Doctrine and Covenants 50:6-9)

Day 3086

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 1:10, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 1:10, 13

"Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD "

The Lord is telling Israel why their offerings were not acceptable. They wouldn't as much as kindle fire for the altar without being paid for it. The offerings they did give were not clean and pure as required. They gave what was of the poorest quality, their rejects. They were going through the motions without thought or feeling, maybe with duty, but not with love. It made me ponder on my attitudes sometimes.

Day 3085

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-History 1:38-39

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-History 1:38-39

"And again, he quoted the fifth verse thus: Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."

I'm reading the Joseph Smith History and this is what the angel Moroni quoted to Joseph Smith on the evening of September 21, 1823. As I read these words from Malachi I could not help but wonder what Joseph and Moroni must both be thinking on the eve of RootsTech Connect 2021. The last count I saw there were 501,203 people registered in over 237 countries and territories around the world. The interest and fascination in finding your roots has never been stronger.

There is no doubt that Elijah did come and the hearts of the children have turned to their fathers. It's almost like I can feel the spirit world collectively holding their breath for what is about to happen. The temples have been closed for almost a year and all work for our deceased ancestors have been on hold. If it wasn't for this pandemic none of that would have ever happened, and neither would RootsTech become a virtual worldwide event. It won't be long before the dam bursts and the temple doors will reopen with a flood that will fill the whole earth.

Day 2158

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: Malachi 3:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 3:16
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name."

I usually think upon family history and record keeping with this verse. Instead it made me think about daily family scripture study. How as a family we pray before and after our study together. Inviting the spirit to be here and to teach us. How after reading a chapter or a number of verses we share what stood out to us and what it means. We are speaking one to another and giving it thought on what we read. I realized that this daily practice is being recorded in the book of remembrance. Our names are in that book.

Day 1503

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 2:7-8, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 2:7-8, 17
"For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.
But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.
Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?"

This made me reflect on some discussions I have read from other faiths. They gathered together to discuss changing their ways to support the times. The problem is calling what was once evil now good. God's laws do not change.

Day 1502

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 1:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 1:13
"Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sic; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord."

I pondered on all the many things I do as an offering to the Lord, and if they were my best. I recalled  a time when Bill was out of work and a family came to our home and dropped off a box of food to us. We were so grateful. In the box was a package of Rice-a-Roni. I knew the box looked old, but didn't check the date on it. I figured there was no harm in using it. It was rice and seasonings, not like canned food. I cooked up a precious pound of ground hamburger and poured in the contents of the box. Then to my horror I saw the bugs. Hundreds of tiny bugs in that box of Rice-a-Roni. It was inedible. What was even worse is that my precious hamburger, that I could have made another dinner with, was gone now too. Seriously I cried. As I searched the box of food I realized all of the items were basically their rejects. Things you would find cleaning out your kitchen cabinet and dump. How could someone do that to us, and proudly stand at our door offering the box to us in their arms? That gift was good for nothing, in fact it caused harm. I can understand how the Lord does not accept flawed offerings either. How he looks upon a person that does so. I learned a lot from that box of Rice-a-Roni.

Day 1501