Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:11-12, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:11-12, 14
"And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,"

The people believed having witnessed Paul healing a man with impotent feet since birth. The problem was they were idol worshippers and accredited it to their gods, and not Jesus Christ. They were ignorant and needed to be taught which Paul did. Then certain Jews persuaded the people to not believe and they stoned Paul and dragged his body out of the city. Thankfully he rose up again. I pondered on how witnessing miracles does not always convert. There must be a change of heart, and a true conversion to Jesus Christ. Repentance and receiving the Holy Ghost as our guide will keep us from being deceived by every wind of doctrine.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
(Ephesians 4:11-14)

Day 4156

Today's Favorite Verse: John 2:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: John 2:7-9
"Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,"

The first miracle spoken of in Jesus' ministry. I'm sure there were others before this otherwise His mother, Mary would not have sought his help with this. What I pondered on was the mention of the servants knowing the water had been made into wine. After-all they had been the ones to fill the pots. It made me think of the miracles Christ's followers will witness today and know the source of them and recognize it them for what they are. Miracles can be happening around us, but we can be totally obvious to them. When we are servants of the Lord we will know and see them.

Day 4123

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 105:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 105:5
"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;"

I pondered on how important it is to remember all the miraculous and marvelous things the Lord has done. It brings us to remembrance on the grace and mercy of God. How he loves His children and will bless those that follow Him. We need to trust Him. I am reminded of one of my most favorite quotes by President Nelson in the first General Conference after he was made prophet. What President Oaks said today is an extension to it.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)

"President Oaks noted that Latter-day Saints around the world will need such spiritual strength in the coming days.
“As we experience Satan’s deadly onslaught on morality and the integrity of families, and as we read the prophecies and feel the signs of the times, we cannot doubt that the future holds great sacrifices and challenges for Latter-day Saints individually and for the divinely prescribed work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said. “The scriptures speak of perilous times, when men’s hearts will fail them. They also speak of worthy disciples escaping these things, of their standing in holy places and not being moved.”
In these holy temples, Latter-day Saints make covenants with God. This, the prophet explained, is “the way the Lord reminds us to stay worthy of His blessings and to translate the knowledge we receive in the temple into service to our fellowmen.”
“Surely,” President Oaks said, “the times ahead will call for us to remember our temple covenants and to rely on the blessings promised in these houses of the Lord here in Burley and throughout the world.”
“This is His house. This is His work. We are His servants,” the prophet concluded."
(President Dallin H. Oaks, Burley Idaho Temple Dedication, 11 Jan 2026, Church Newsroom, "President Oaks Dedicates the Burley Idaho Temple")

Day 3937

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 2:1, 14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 2:1, 14-15
"And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen.
And it came to pass that those Lamanites who had united with the Nephites were numbered among the Nephites;
And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites;"

I pondered on how some people couldn't be astonished to see a group of people with darkened skin all of a sudden become white? How would you explain that away, like they had with the sign of Christ's birth? I remember when a miracle happened when my son was small. I shared it during fast and testimony meeting. This one sister came up to me afterwards not to marvel at the miracle, but question me on why we didn't have medical insurance. It was the most astonishing thing to me, and I felt really sad that all she cared about and focused on was money. Reflecting on that, I suppose they would have looked at someone's skin turning white to mean they had suddenly developed the chronic autoimmune disorder, vitiligo. God works in mysterious ways, and often by using natural means.

Day 3525

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 1:4

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 1:4
"And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people."

This verse reminded me of my favorite quote of President Nelson.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelations for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

We can expect the same miraculous things that happened before the Savior's birth to happen before His Second Coming. Tonight I heard of one during the evening session of our Stake Conference. Elder Hans T. Boom, General Authority Seventy, spoke to us. He spoke of the enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. We can do all things through Christ, there is no limitation if we put our trust in him. He then told us of President Nelson exercising his faith in Jesus Christ. He said, "In our last meeting with him two weeks ago, he walked in without his chair. I thought WOW! and it was not a short walk. He came walking in, President Oaks and Eyring came walking in. I think the three of them thought, "Let's show these guys how it really works." That alone was enough for us. We didn't need anything else because that was relying on the Savior, Jesus Christ."

I had been told in June of this year that President Nelson was not doing well. His body was shutting down, and he was only able to drink water. Up until his 100th birthday in September we did not hear from him. I was actually surprise that he looked as well as he did then. Then I was surprised again to see him at General Conference. Now I know I am not the only one. The preservation of President Nelson is a living miracle in our day.

Day 3524

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 16:3, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 16:3, 6
"Now when they saw that they could not hit him, there were many more who did believe on his words, insomuch that they went away unto Nephi to be baptized.
But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him."

This made me think of this verse.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

I am reminded of what President Nelson said.
"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

It would be so sad to witness these mightiest miracles and not recognize them for what they are. Even worse to consider it of the devil. I had not considered that possibility. I hope and pray that I will be worth to have the Holy Ghost with me to bare record of what is from God. That I will not call evil good, or good evil.

Day 3523

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 5:47-48

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 5:47-48
"Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.
And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them."

Helamen's sons Lehi and Nephi went to the land of Nephi to preach to the Lamanites. They were cast into prison and then a miraculous event takes place. They were encircled as if by fire and it hurt them not. The Lamanites were fearful to touch them. Then the earth shook and a cloud of darkness overshadowed the Lamanites and Nephite dissenters. A voice speaks from over the cloud of darkness. They are called to repentance. It was of perfect mildness and pierced their souls. Then a Nephite from birth tells them to turn around and look at Lehi and Nephite, their faces were glowing and talking with angels. The people see this and are told to repent and cry unto the voice until they have faith in Christ, which they did. The cloud disperses and they are all encircled by a pillar of fire and filled with joy. This is when God the Father speaks to all of them. There are only a few times we hear His voice in scriptures and this is one of them. Then angels came down and ministered to them. What a marvelous event took place. The 300 people that witness this go and declare what they saw and heard and minister to those around them.

"Insomuch that the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the evidence which they had received." (verse 50)

Events like this are what I think of when I heard President Nelson say this.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018)

Day 3512

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 24:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 24:16
"And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage."

I pondered on how sometimes we do not how we will be delivered from a situation we find ourselves in. Especially ones that are caused by others and beyond our control. Having faith and patience, with much prayer, is when the Lord will work miracles in our behalf. This is exactly what happened to the people of Alma.

Day 3439

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 11:6, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 11:6, 13
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

So many stories of faith are listed in this chapter. I pondered on how each of us have our own stories too. Faith requires us to believe without seeing, what is to come. I have my own example of required faith tonight. This was such a great chapter to read.

“Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith—and then the miracle”
(Thomas S. Monson, “The Call to Serve,” Oct 2000 General Conference).

Day 3303

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 5:5, 9-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 5:5, 9-11

"And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.'

This is the story of Ananias and Sapphira that lied to Peter on the price of the sale of land. They were not just lying to Peter, they lied to the Lord. Yet the Lord knew and both of them dropped dead. This reminds me of something that happened this week. A Turkish MP was speaking to Parliament and proclaimed Israel would face "the wrath of Allah". Then his heart stopped and he collapsed to the floor. Someone performed CPR and he was revived and taken to the hospital. He remained in critical condition until he died.

Now I don't know for sure if it was an act of God, but I sure wouldn't want to mess with it. God can choose who he wants to make an example, just like he did with Ananias and Sapphira. Don't mess with God's people. It also reminded me of President Nelson's quote and makes me wonder what mighty works are to come.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation fro the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 3182

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 8:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 8:34

"And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."

It's rather shocking to think that after all these wonderful miracles performed by Jesus the whole city came out and asked him to leave. How could they do that? I sat in a stupor thinking upon such a thing. Then I thought of people that have witnessed miracles in their lives, yet still loose their faith and leave the church. They give up on God, and reject him. It's so sad to think of all those people in that city, and the people today, and what they missed by rejecting Christ. It wasn't just a temporal moment, it was an eternal moment.

Day 3096

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 38:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 38:8

"Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down."

When President Nelson said even greater manifestations and miracles are to come, I though of the miracle of the sun going back ten degrees. This is one of many mighty miracles the Lord has done. Knowing that even greater things than these will happen gives me so much peace about whatever troubles lay ahead.

"But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,”1 He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 2876

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 114:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 114:6

"Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?"

This made me wonder how many times in the scriptures we have record of mountains being moved out of their place? I found two places, both mentioned in the Book of Mormon. One with the brother of Jared and the other with Enoch.

"For the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove—and it was removed. And if he had not had faith it would not have moved; wherefore thou workest after men have faith."

(Ether 12:30)

"And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him."

(Moses 7:13)

I saw several places where it mentions faith can move mountains.

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

(Matthew 17:20)

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."

(Matthew 21:21)

"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."

(Mark 11:23)

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee."

(Isaiah 54:10 & 3 Nephi 22:10)

"Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea."

(Jacob 4:6)

"And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and become smooth, it shall be done."

(Helaman 10:9)

"Behold, if he say unto this mountain—Be thou raised up, and come over and fall upon that city, that it be buried up—behold it is done."

(Helaman 12:17)

I also read President Nelson's talk on moving mountains. This was about moving the mountains in our lives.

"Moving your mountains may require a miracle. Learn about miracles. Miracles come according to your faith in the Lord. Central to that faith is trusting His will and timetable—how and when He will bless you with the miraculous help you desire. Only your unbelief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains", April 2021, General Conference)

Yet, I do wonder if mountains being moved are some of the "mightiest works" and "greatest manifestations of the Savior's power" we are suppose to see in the coming days.

(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference; "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 2751

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 113:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 113:2

"Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore."

What caught my eye was "from this time forth". It reminded me of my favorite quote of President Nelson and how he rephrased it this past general conference. I had to go back and compare them.

"But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,”1 He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 2750

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 13:4-6

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 13:4-6

" And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.

The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.

And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Entreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored him again, and became as it was before."

There are others scriptures that speak of men that seek for a sign. The sign given is on them. The story of Alma and Korihor comes to mind.

" Now Alma said unto him: This will I give unto thee for a sign, that thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my words; and I say, that in the name of God, ye shall be struck dumb, that ye shall no more have utterance.

Now when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck dumb, that he could not have utterance, according to the words of Alma."

(Akna 39:49, 50)

There is another story of Joseph Smith, Jr. and a Campbellite preacher and what he taught him about signs.

When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was first founded, you could see persons rise up and ask, “What sign will you show us that we may be made to believe?” I recollect a Campbellite preacher who came to Joseph Smith, I think his name was Hayden. He came in and made himself known to Joseph, and said that he had come a considerable distance to be convinced of the truth. “Why,” said he, “Mr. Smith, I want to know the truth, and when I am convinced, I will spend all my talents and time in defending and spreading the doctrines of your religion, and I will give you to understand that to convince me is equivalent to convincing all my society, amounting to several hundreds.”

Well, Joseph commenced laying before him the coming forth of the work, and the first principles of the Gospel, when Mr. Hayden exclaimed, “O this is not the evidence I want, the evidence that I wish to have is a notable miracle; I want to see some powerful manifestation of the power of God, I want to see a notable miracle performed; and if you perform such a one, then I will believe with all my heart and soul, and will exert all my power and all my extensive influence to convince others; and if you will not perform a miracle of this kind, then I am your worst and bitterest enemy.”

“Well,” said Joseph, “what will you have done? Will you be struck blind, or dumb? Will you be paralyzed, or will you have one hand withered? Take your choice, choose which you please, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ it shall be done.” “That is not the kind of miracle I want,” said the preacher. “Then, sir,” replied Joseph, “I can perform none, I am not going to bring any trouble upon anybody else, sir, to convince you.

I will tell you what you make me think of—the very first person who asked a sign of the Savior, for it is written, in the New Testament, that Satan came to the Savior in the desert, when he was hungry with forty days' fasting,” and said, “If you be the Son of God, command these stones to be made bread.” “And now,” said Joseph, “the children of the devil and his servants have been asking for signs ever since; and when the people in that day continued asking him for signs to prove the truth of the Gospel which he preached, the Savior replied, “It is a wicked and an adulterous generation that seeketh a sign,”.

But the poor preacher had so much faith in the power of the Prophet that he daren't risk being struck blind, lame, dumb, or having one hand withered, or anything of the kind." 

(George A. Smith, "Arguments of Modern Christian Sects, Etc.", JD 2:323)

Day 2463

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 10:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 10:12-13

"Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day."

When I think about mighty miracle like Moses parting the red sea, and Joshua calling for the sun to stand still, it makes me think of President Nelson's words.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018, General Conference)

I already see how spiritual survival is dependent upon our ability to listen and be guided by the spirit. I'm sure Joshua didn't command the sun to stand still because it was according to his will. It was because it was impressed on him by the spirit it was God's will. What miraculous works will I see in my day that can top even these? I am so grateful that a living prophet is upon the earth today, especially during these trying times.

Day 2356