Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 13:8-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 13:8-10
"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

Over the years I've seen so many conspiracies and speculations on what 666 means. I think in many respects in this chapter it's a deflection on worldly things and not the true focus for a saint. I again asked "where am I in this chapter, or where are the righteous". I found they have their names written in the book of life of the Lamb of God. They have patience and faith. If I can develop and obtain all of these things I don't even need to begin to worry about what 666 means. I find it interesting needing to have "ears to hear" about those that lead others into captivity, or kill with the sword, which can be both physical and mental. They will have the same done to them. Then there is this connection to saints having faith and patience. It makes me think of the people that conspire to dig a pit for someone and then they fall into it. It's like it's saying don't fall into this worldly practice of trying to mislead, corrupt or overcome others. Don't join in their contentions, infighting and stand separate.

I reflected on what I recently learned about patience. It truly is a god-like attribute. I learned that patience requires forgiveness not only with yourself but with others. The One that had the greatest capacity to forgive also demonstrated godly patience. As I have worked on forgiveness of others, I found being able to forgive as they are doing wrong to me, not waiting until after, changes the way I react and speak to them. It brings a level of godly patience towards them into the whole situation. There is a protection that envelopes your spirit when you combine patience and forgiveness together.

Day 3339

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 112:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 112:7

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD."

This reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend of mine this week. They were telling me about an issue they had on the outside of their house. They saw a neighbor had the same issue so they went to speak to them. The neighbor put their hands to their ears and said "I wish you hadn't told me, I don't want to hear things like this, because I cannot afford to fix it." My friend thought that such odd behavior, why wouldn't someone want to know about an issue that should be fixed? "You cannot put your head in the sand and make it go away." Then as the story progresses my friend tells me this neighbor mentioned they were getting assistance from the church for food, and pay their utility bills. My friend didn't understand why this neighbor couldn't work they were perfectly healthy. Yes, this was totally gossiping and I was a little taken back on what to say. Finally, the words came. I suggested that their neighbor maybe able to physically work, but not mentally able to do so. Finally, the lights came on and they realized having observed other signs that would indicate this was the case. They then sheepishly said to me, "I guess I will need to be really careful about what I say to them." I just smiled.

I know when we are mentally and emotionally stressed it's so hard to hear bad news, or evil tidings. I have also found in those moments that trusting in the Lord will help us get through it. The more we practice this the time will come when our heart knows He is there for us, and there is no need to fear.

Day 2749

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 15:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 15:1
"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God."

I have done a lot of thinking about the plagues of the last days. Yes, I do think it could be new pandemic diseases or even old ones that could bring massive death. But, what I have been pondering on is how some of these plagues could be of the mind. I have pondered on how after the law of Moses much now is inward. God looks upon our hearts. Why couldn't the plagues be inward as well? I see around me a growing epidemic of mental illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, teens, and young adults ages 10-24. It's the third leading cause of death for children 5-14. Those numbers are heart breaking. Why is society causing children to lose hope? It has to be what we are feeding them spiritually, physically and mentality. Why is any adult in their right mind telling a child the world will end before they can grow up?? And, they don't leave it there either, they are teaching them there is no God. Satan's most productive tool is confusion.

"And now, behold, this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his saints, that they should assemble themselves together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth pestilence."
(Doctrine and Covenants 63:24)

The saints were warned not to assemble in haste. I think of being panicked and not prepared. What that can cause is confusion. That is a tool of the adversary that we allow to creep in. When confusion reigns we are told it brings pestilence. Yes, it could be disease, but it can be the type of the mind too. Panic, fear, disappointment, despair, hopelessness, anger, depression, etc., etc. When confusion reigns everything can spiral out of control. Pestilence and plagues go hand in hand. One diseased mind, especially in a collective group think, can affect another. 

Following the word of God, having the Holy Spirit as my guide brings light and guidance. You don't need to have all the answers but faith in Christ and my trust in his plan for me brings hope and peace. That is what I need to seek. Not man's confusion, but inner peace that comes from God. The spiritual preparation is needed long before confusion reigns.

Day 1755