Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 18:24-28

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 18:24-28
"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ."

I love this whole story of Apollos and how God prepared him to receive the gospel. He studied the scriptures and at that point only knew of the baptism of John. Then those that could give him more hear him and teach him. He embraces Jesus Christ and is a powerful missionary to others. I love how people are prepared in advance to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ, then in turn they convert others.

Day 4160

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

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 17:22-23
"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you."

I was interested in the phrase "too superstitious" so I looked at the footnote, "GR most religious, i.e, careful in divine things." That wasn't what I imagined at all. They knew enough that there was a God, but didn't know him. This opened the door for Paul to preach to them of God and Jesus Christ. It reminded me of Ammon and king Lamoni. The importance of meeting the person you are teaching at their level.

"Now when the king had heard these words, he marveled again, for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts; but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto him: Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?
Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not."
And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?
And he answered, and said unto him: I do not know what that meaneth.
And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?
And he said, Yea.
And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again: Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in heaven and in the earth?"
(Alma 18:18-19, 24-28)

Day 4159

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 25:4, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 25:4, 16
"But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents."

I focused on two parables in this chapter, the parable of the ten virgins and of the talents. I looked at them to see if there was a pattern. The wise virgins had oil in their lamps. In my notes I had written they had a testimony and conversion. Those that were foolish may have had a testimony but they were not converted. We cannot share our conversion for it is gained dropped by drop. So I asked myself what would the increase in the talents? Would it be those that received a testimony and were converted and then shared it with others? The increase being more converted followers of Jesus Christ. The servant with one talent just buried it. His testimony didn't grow from usery for himself or for others. Not only must we gain a testimony and be converted, we must in turn share the gospel with others to help them grown.

Day 4078

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 80:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 80:3
"Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss."

I was reflecting on the "mattereth not" and wondered why missionaries usually receive an exact assignment, but in this case it didn't matter. I went to find a little more on it. I was able to find this interesting quote by Elder Bednar.

"I do not believe that the phrase “it mattereth not” as used by the Lord in this scripture suggests that He does not care where His servants labor. In fact, He cares deeply. But because the work of preaching the gospel is the Lord’s work, He inspires, guides, and directs His authorized servants. As missionaries strive to be ever more worthy and capable instruments in His hands and do their best to fulfill faithfully their duties, then with His help they “cannot go amiss”—wherever they serve. Perhaps one of the lessons the Savior is teaching us in this revelation is that an assignment to labor in a specific place is essential and important but secondary to a call to the work."
(David A. Bednar, "Called to the Work", Apr 2017 General Conference)

Day 3669

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 16:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 16:6
"And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen."

I thought about those that I have shared the gospel with and will find such sweet joy to see them in my Father's kingdom. Then I reflected on the sorrow that would be there if I had never shared the gospel with them. How sad to think of those that are lost. I can see how this would be of the most worth to us.

Day 3605

Today's Favorite Verse: 4 Nephi 1:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: 4 Nephi 1:1-2
"And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost.
And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another."

I picture the beginning of the millennium to be like this. Missionary work will be alive and well at the start, until all are converted. Then with all baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost there will be no contention or disputations among them. What a happy time this will be. It took three years for all of this to happen, and that was just on the American continent. When we are talking about the whole world I have no idea how long that will take. I imagine there are far more members of the church today then there was back then.

What is so sad, in the space of one chapter or 300 plus years, we see the path they took to willfully rebel and become exceedingly wicked. At this point there are still disciples of Jesus among them. For the millennium this period will stretch to 1,000 years.

Day 3554

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 27:30-31

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 27:30-31
" And now, behold, my joy is great, even unto fulness, because of you, and also this generation; yea, and even the Father rejoiceth, and also all the holy angels, because of you and this generation; for none of them are lost.
Behold, I would that ye should understand; for I mean them who are now alive of this generation; and none of them are lost; and in them I have fulness of joy."

After ascending up to heaven Jesus continues to appear to the Nephite apostles as needed. In this chapter the apostles were united in mighty prayer and fasting. After being rejected by the Jews, what joy Christ must have felt to be received by the Nephites. His apostles were teaching and converting with great success. What a contrast this period of time is to all other times in history. I pondered on how Christ will be received in his second coming. How much missionary work will be required to convert the good and righteous people remaining on this earth, that had never heard of Christ. None will be lost because they will come to a knowledge of the truth.

Day 3550

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 17:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 17:11
"And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

I reflected on the importance of being a good example of a follower of Jesus Christ, before trying to preach. Those are the best of sermons. The sons of Mosiah were masters at this. They served. It is no wonder the missionaries today do much service for others. This morning while sick in bed I watched a lot of reaction videos, from those not of our faith listening to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. These are all volunteers and their service through song has touched so many hearts. Beautiful sermons and testimonies. I looked at my note on this verse and found this quote. It's another story of being an example for good, and naturally opening doors to the gospel.

"Elder L. Tom Perry illustrated how our example can lead others to draw nearer to the Lord:
“A nineteen-year-old missionary … would never forget his first day in the mission field, for it taught him a great lesson about using his talents to teach the gospel.
“He and his senior companion were assigned to open a new city some distance from the mission headquarters. As they arrived in this new city and walked down the street, they passed a church with a minister standing at the front door. As they walked by the church, the minister went in and called to his whole congregation to follow him out into the street. There they followed the missionaries and started calling them names; then they became more violent and started to throw rocks at them.
“The young elder was excited about this experience—his first day in the mission field and already he was being stoned, he thought. Then, a big rock suddenly hit him squarely in the middle of the back, and his feeling changed to anger. Before entering the mission field he had been quite a baseball pitcher; and in the flush of anger he wheeled around, grabbed the first rock he could find on the ground, reared back in his famous pitching pose, and was just ready to let the rock fly at the crowd when suddenly he realized why he was there. He had not been sent all the way to Brazil to throw rocks at people; he was there to teach them the gospel. But what was he to do with the rock in his hand? If he dropped it to the ground, they would think it a sign of weakness and probably continue to throw rocks at them. Yet he could not throw it at the crowd. Then he saw a telephone post some distance away. That was the way to save face! He reared back and let the rock fly directly at the telephone post, hitting it squarely in the middle.
“The people in the crowd took a couple of steps back. They suddenly realized that that rock probably could have hit any one of them right between the eyes. Their mood changed; instead of throwing rocks at the missionaries, they began to throw them at the telephone post. After this incident, every time the elder went down that street he was challenged to a rock-throwing contest. The rock-throwing contests led to discussions of the gospel, which led to conversions, which led to the establishment of a branch of the Church in that community” (“Prophecies, Visions, and Dreams,” in 1979 Devotional Speeches of the Year [1980], 3)."
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 27: Alma 17-22, "Show Forth Good Examples")

Maybe I will go watch "The Fighting Preacher" video, another wonderful story of serving and opening the gospel doors to others.

Day 3461

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: Colossians 4:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 4:5-6
"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

Those that are without are not members of the church. We have to be so careful how we speak and act around others. Sadly, people judge a group by the worst members among them. I know there are times I have been a bad example of a member of the church. I've said things I should not have said. I had one friend in elementary school that I loved and I really enjoyed visiting her over the summers. She had a wonderful mom that I loved talking to. We had great gospel discussion even though they were not members of my faith. My heart still aches over the words I said to her when we were in Jr. High. We had different friends at school and she didn't fit in with mine. I basically told her we couldn't be friends anymore. We never spoke again. When my guilt and remorse finally got to much I went to find her and apologize, only to discover her family had moved away. Half a decade later I still wish I could ask for her forgiveness. I hope and pray in life she encountered another member of the church, that was a far better example than I was.

Day 3270

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 16:6-7, 9

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 16:6-7, 9

"Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us."

Twice Paul is told to not preach in a specific location and he listened. He instead when into Troas, (Turkey) and into Europe. He has success but also suffers being put in prison. Even that trial had a purpose for the keeper of the prison and his family are converted. Following the spirit literally opened doors for them in sharing the gospel.

"Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled to various branches, strengthening the Saints in their faith (see Acts 16:4–5). The Spirit forbade them from preaching the gospel in Asia at that time, so they journeyed to Troas, which was located on the western coast of Asia (modern Turkey). This 500-mile (800-kilometer) journey would have taken the missionaries about six weeks to travel on foot (see Acts 16:6–8). From Troas, the missionaries crossed for the first time into Europe and began ministering in areas of present-day Greece (see the map accompanying the commentary for Acts 16:1–2). In Acts 16:6–10, we see the Lord directing His servants to where they were needed. This journey into Europe was a turning point in the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, for the missionaries were soon able to preach with power among people who listened to them.

Modern Apostles have had similar experiences that came from following the guidance of the Spirit. While serving a mission in England in 1840, President Wilford Woodruff (1807–98), then one of the Twelve Apostles, was prompted by the Spirit to go to the south of England. Through his efforts and the efforts of others serving with him, about 2,000 people were converted in the area of Herefordshire, Worcester, and Gloucester. Reflecting on this extraordinary period of his life, President Woodruff wrote: “The whole history of this Herefordshire mission shows the importance of listening to the still small voice of God and the revelations of the Holy Ghost. The Lord had a people there prepared for the Gospel. They were praying for light and truth, and the Lord sent me to them” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff [2004], 91).

(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 33:Acts 16-20, "The Spirit led Paul to Europe")

Day 3193

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 39:7, 21

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 39:7, 21

"So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them."

I was drawn to the mention of the heathens in this chapter. They that survive this great last battle of Gog in the land of Magog. Seven months the people are burying their dead. For seven years they burn the weapons of war for fuel. They all know who God is. When I looked at the footnote on the heathen I see it says "Conversion, Convert". These must be the good people of the earth that never knew God. The preaching of the gospel and gathering of Israel will continue into the Millennium. For all will be converted.

At the Savior's first visitation to the America's after his resurrection it took 2-3 years for everyone to be converted. Who knows how long it will take everyone remaining after the Savior's seconding coming to be converted.

"And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost.

And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another."

(4 Nephi 1:1-2)

Joseph Fielding Smith on the subject, "Some members of the Church have an erroneous idea that when the millennium comes all of the people are going to be swept off the earth except righteous members of the Church. That is not so. There will be millions of people, Catholics, Protestants, agnostics, Mohammedans, people of all classes, and of all beliefs, still permitted to remain upon the face of the earth, but they will be those who have lived clean lives, those who have been free from wickedness and corruption. All who belong, by virtue of their good lives, to the terrestrial order, as well as those who have kept the celestial law, will remain upon the face of the earth during the millennium. Eventually, however, the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters do the sea."

(Doctrines of Salvation, 1:86)

Day 3000

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 8:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 8:20

"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved."

Such a simple verse with repercussions that last an eternity. The harvest, the time for gathering people into the fold is over. Summer has ended and now comes death. If you were not saved before this period ends, there will spiritual death that lasts the eternities.

"And again I say, hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you; in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved."

(Doctrine and Covenants 45:2)

"Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!"

(Doctrine and Covenants 56:16)

“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!

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!”

(Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16)

"It is written in the eternity of our God that every soul must progress that does not retrograde. Therefore, make good use of the time you have. Now is the time of your probation, now is the time of harvest, now is the summer of your days. Let it not be said, the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved. But let us bear in mind that now is the probation that God has given us. Let us make use of it by doing the works of righteousness, by keeping the commandments of God, by having our eye on the mark of our high calling in Christ Jesus; which may God grant in the name of Jesus. Amen.

(George Q. Cannon, "Spirits in Prison", JD 26:77)

Day 2912

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 3:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 3:14-15

"Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."

This made me think about the gathering of Israel. How not everyone in a city, or family accepts the gospel when they hear it. It's really interesting to see who was prepared to receive it and does. In a couple weeks the prophet will be speaking and some are now waiting to be feed spiritually with knowledge and understanding. There are others that just turn away. This is called free agency and the ability to choose. The difference is the eternal reward or consequences that follows.

Day 2907

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 11:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 11:1

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."

We never know the effect we have on others. Plant little seeds or cast bread upon the waters, along the way it will find a home. One day it goes full circle and the influence we had in bringing others to Christ will be shown to us. If not in this life than in the next.

Day 2829

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 97:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 97:1

"The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof."

I pondered on the Millennium. How it will be a time for the whole earth to rejoice when the Lord is King and reigns over the whole earth. How only those that are good will remain, those that can abide a celestial and terrestrial glory. They will come from all walks of life, and all faiths. Peace will reign because those that are wicked, or only able to abide a telestial glory, will be consumed at the Lord's coming.

Then I read a little section in Gospel Topics on the Millennium and something struck me.

"During the Millennium, all people on the earth will be good and just, but many will not have received the fulness of the gospel. Consequently, members of the Church will participate in missionary work.

Members of the Church will also participate in temple work during the Millennium. The Saints will continue to build temples and receive ordinances in behalf of their kindred dead. Guided by revelation, they will prepare records of their ancestors all the way back to Adam and Eve."

(Gospel Topics, "Millennium")

The two activities that will be of importance are missionary work and temple work. Interestingly, these are the very same activities being stressed so strongly to us today in preparing for the Lord's Second Coming. That should give any member pause that isn't involved in either activity today.

The other thought I had was about temples. We will be building temples during the Millennium! I don't really know why I thought announcing a temple and the years it took to complete it, meant it was at least x number of years before the second coming? That isn't the case. It's amazing to think that temples potentially announced in the upcoming General Conference, may not be finished before the Millennium begins.

Day 2734

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 4:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 4:14

"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

That phrase "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" made me think of how each person can ask themselves this same question. We may not personally have influence over nations or a large number of people, but our presence at this time on the earth is for a divine purpose for those that cross our path.

It also made me think of President Nelson and President M. Russell Ballard's recent General Conference talks and our responsibility to serve and share the gospel.

"Every person who has made covenants with God has promised to care about others and serve those in need. We can demonstrate faith in God and always be ready to respond to those who ask about “the hope that is in [us].” Each of us has a role to play in the gathering of Israel.

Today I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility. You young men have been reserved for this time when the promised gathering of Israel is taking place. As you serve missions, you play a pivotal role in this unprecedented event!"

(President Russell M. Nelson, "Preaching the Gospel of Peace", Apr 2022, General Conference)

I remember when I heard these words I had a new thought come to me about the 144,000 that would be called one last time to cover the earth and gather the elect of God.

"Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel—twelve thousand out of every tribe?

A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn."

(Doctrine and Covenants 77:1-12)

I thought, What if the 144,000 didn't all go out at once, but over a period of time? What if it was happening now? I wondered how many would service missions if it had been said over the pulpit "This is the last call?" Well for many of them to be found it is the last call for them, before it grows to late.

Day 2589

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 17:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 17:9-10

"And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat."

After taking away the high places and groves (idolatry) out of Judah, king Jehoshaphat sent out missionaries to teach the people. Actually he called princes, Levites and priests, sixteen individuals in totaled are named. They teach in the cities of Judah. This reminds of the sons of Mosiah, and the small group they had selected, and how they went to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. The only thing that can change hearts is to first turn that heart to God.

"Now it came to pass that after the sons of Mosiah had done all these things, they took a small number with them and returned to their father, the king, and desired of him that he would grant unto them that they might, with these whom they had selected, go up to the land of Nephi that they might preach the things which they had heard, and that they might impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites—

That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they might become friendly to one another, and that there should be no more contentions in all the land which the Lord their God had given them."

(Mosiah 28:1-2)

Day 2543