Today's Favorite Verse: Joel 1:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Joel 1:28
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:"

This is the time that we are living in.

When Moroni visited Joseph Smith he quoted this verse in Joel. I have wondered what other explanations and scriptures that couldn't be mentioned were told him? Surely, the instructions have been passed to us in other scriptures and in the temple, but it would have been interesting to know all that was covered that night.

"He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated that the fulness of the Gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture, and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here."
(Joseph Smith-History 1:41)

Day 4036

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 10:8,18, 30

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 10:8,18, 30
"And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.
And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.
And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing."

I have come to the end of the Book of Mormon. I cherish it more each time I read it. Of the 6,607 total verses in the Book of Mormon there are 3,925 references to Jesus Christ's name. It is through the Book of Mormon that one can learn more and have greater faith in Jesus Christ. What stood out to me in this final chapter was the gifts of God. All good gifts come from Christ. It is through our faith in him that miracles and gifts of the Spirit are had among the children of men. I love this reminder from Elder Marvin J. Ashton on recognizing all gifts, even the less-conspicuous ones.

"Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles suggested additional gifts of the Spirit “that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.“Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20)."

As I considered this list I could see in myself and others these gifts listed. I love them all, I want them all. I found this list of the physical effects of the gifts of the Spirit most interesting. I had never heard that before.

"Elder Parley P. Pratt (1807–57) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared several effects of having the gifts of the Spirit in our lives: “The gift of the Holy Spirit adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being” (Key to the Science of Theology [1979], 61).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 56: Moroni 10, "Gifts of the Spirit")

Day 3588

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 9:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 9:20
"And now, my son, I dwell no longer upon this horrible scene. Behold, thou knowest the wickedness of this people; thou knowest that they are without principle, and past feeling; and their wickedness doth exceed that of the Lamanites."

There is a point where you have to step away from the awfulness that you see. You cannot dwell on how things are falling apart. Instead you have to find good works to occupy your mind and efforts. In a lot of ways its like Mormon's letter to his son. You read the headlines, know what is happening, but don't obsess over it.

We are on a course that the judgments of God will fall upon man. Their own wickedness and abominations have paved the way to their own destruction. We are to stand in holy places with a hope and faith in the Lord's second coming. I know the course we are on is of man's own doing, and you do not want to be part of that work.

"And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction."
(Ether 14:25)

Day 3587

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 8:26

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 8:26
"And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God."

I pondered on how this description of what we will become are all Christlike attributes. He set the perfect example. This is how "we shall be like him".

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
(Moroni 7:48)

"As our constant companion, the Holy Ghost gives us additional power or strength to keep our covenants. He also sanctifies us, which means to make us “free from sin, pure, clean, and holy through the atonement of Jesus Christ.” The process of sanctification not only cleanses us, but it also endows us with needed spiritual gifts or divine attributes of the Savior. and changes our very nature, such “that we have no more disposition to do evil.” Each time we receive the Holy Ghost into our lives through faith, repentance, ordinances, Christlike service, and other righteous endeavors, we are changed until step by step, little by little we become like Christ."
(Brian K. Ashton, "The Doctrine of Christ", Oct 2016 General Conference)

Day 3586

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 7:47-48

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 7:47-48
"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

These are the last days, this is when charity is needed more than ever. The world is growing dark, and darkness is falling on charity for others. We cannot afford to set charity aside and follow the world. These are the characteristic of a person with charity. If you are following a person that preaches otherwise then run and run as fast and as far away as you can.

"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (vs 45)

“While we are in the world, we are not of the world. We are expected to overcome the world and to live as becometh saints.”
(Joseph Fielding Smith "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith" Chapter 19, page 241)

"Before the Savior submitted Himself to the agony of Gethsemane and Calvary, He declared to His Apostles, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Subsequently, Jesus entreated each of us to do the same when He said, “I will that ye should overcome the world.
You can overcome the spiritually and emotionally exhausting plagues of the world, including arrogance, pride, anger, immorality, hatred, greed, jealousy, and fear. Despite the distractions and distortions that swirl around us, you can find true rest—meaning relief and peace—even amid your most vexing problems.
As we strive to live the higher laws of Jesus Christ, our hearts and our very natures begin to change. The Savior lifts us above the pull of this fallen world by blessing us with greater charity, humility, generosity, kindness, self-discipline, peace, and rest. ”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3585

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 6:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 6:8
"But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven."

I am so grateful for the gift of repentance. I use this gift every day. I do not want to be found unclean and neglectful of setting right what can so easily be corrected. As I have committed to daily repentance I find I am more mindful of the Lord in my thoughts and actions.

"Wherever we are on our journey through life, as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ we constantly treasure the blessing to repent. Repentance is not punishment; repentance is a redemptive gift from a loving Heavenly Father.
With open arms, our Savior bids us, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28). If you find yourself temporarily facing setbacks, don’t become discouraged; focus on your love of the Savior and His love for you! This year, week by week, we can repent and become better because of Jesus Christ."
(Neil L. Andersen, Facebook post 22 Jan 2025)

Day 3584

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 5:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 5:1
"The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said:"

The next verse is the sacrament prayer on the wine (water). I wondered where is the manner it is to be administered? Then I remembered the part in the Book of Mormon where the Savior himself taught this ordinance to them himself..

"And when the Disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the Disciples and commanded that they should eat.
And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the Disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.
And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.
And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his Disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.
And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
And when the Disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you."
(3 Nephi 18:3-11)

Day 3583

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 4:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 4:3
"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

This past Sunday one of our young priests was giving the sacrament prayer. It sounded like it was his first attempt, but I don't know for sure. I didn't look to see who it was because it didn't matter. These ordinances are written out and are to be read with exactness. Three times he had to repeat that prayer. I always love it when mistakes like this are made. It causes me to take greater care in listening. Then when it happened again I was ready to notice the mistake. A member of the bishopric came over to point out the spot he was missing. I hope that young man was not embarrassed, because it was such a meaningful sacrament to me. Sometimes when errors are made they emphasis words we need to ponder on more deeply, and that is exactly what I did.

Day 3582

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 3:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 3:3
"In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest (or if he be a teacher, I ordain you to be a teacher) to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen."

This made me think about the powerful message released today by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, an apostle of God. Where he preached repentance.

"I'm thinking about the precious gift of repentance. Jesus Christ paid a terrible price so that He could offer us this gift. He could atone for our sins and offer us forgiveness and sanctification. I hear from time to time the phrase, "It's never to late to repent". On the other hand I would say it's more accurate to say, "it's not too late to repent". The scriptures tell us it could be too late, or it can become to late, I guess is the way to say it. They tell us not to procrastinate "lest...in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved." (D&C 45:2) So I think everyone who's hearing this message, for any of us, it's not too late. But let's not procrastinate, because someday it could be too late.
I think this is what President Nelson has in mind when he talks about daily repentance. "Please do not fear or delay repenting. The Savior loves us always but especially when we repent. Experience the joy of repenting daily."
Not that we keep repenting of the same thing over and over again, but we make these corrections, usually small course corrections each day as we seek to grow in our discipleship. I say again, what a precious gift is repentance.
(Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "It's Not Too Late to Repent, But Don't Procrastinate", The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint YouTube Channel, 19 Jan 2025)

The message on the video cover really left an impact. Where "Never" was crossed out and the word NOT replaces it. We just don't have much wiggle room any more. Repentance is something to embrace daily, not something to avoid.

"Recently I have found myself drawn to the Lord’s instruction given through the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Say nothing but repentance unto this generation.” This declaration is often repeated throughout scripture. It prompts an obvious question: “Does everyone need to repent?” The answer is yes.
Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. But this feeling of being penalized is engendered by Satan. He tries to block us from looking to Jesus Christ, who stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, forgive, cleanse, strengthen, purify, and sanctify us."
(Russell M. Nelson, "We Can Do Better and Be Better", Apr 2019 General Conference)

Day 3581

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 2:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 2:3
"Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.'

The thought that came to me is we don't always hear everything, or know all that goes on in the background. What we can trust is that the Lord's disciples #HearHim. They know what in turn we need to know. Right now they are saying to prepare for the second coming of the Lord.

"As the prophet Isaiah prophesied, and as memorialized in Handel’s Messiah, when Jesus Christ returns, ‘the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.’
“Now is the time for you, and for me, to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority.
“Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be ‘swallowed up in the joy of Christ’ [Alma 31:38].
The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again!” — President Russell M. Nelson" ("The Lord Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)
("Post from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", YouTube 15 Jan 2025)

Day 3580

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 1:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 1:4
"Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord."

Though Moroni's writing had a much greater purpose than mine, I thought of my personal and scripture journals. How what I write may some day be of worth to my posterity or family relations. How I would love to read the journals of my ancestors. Even more so to hear of their conversion to the gospel and their faith promoting spiritual experiences.

Day 3579

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 49:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 49:10-11
"Now, if king Amalickiah had come down out of the land of Nephi, at the head of his army, perhaps he would have caused the Lamanites to have attacked the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah; for behold, he did care not for the blood of his people.
But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to battle. And behold, his chief captains durst not attack the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of affairs among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed in their places of retreat and they could not come upon them."

I noticed Mormon warning on who we are to watch out for in our day. This type of person wants power, but "he did care not for the blood of his people". He also "did not come down himself to battle". In verse 13 it also tells us that "their chief captains came forward and took an oath that they would destroy the people of that city." When they lose Amalickiah is angry, exceeding wroth, and cursed God. He swore with an oath he would drink the blood of Moroni. Amalickiah seeks for revenge. There is a lot more in this chapter and it is a clear warning to not be deceived and fight for the wrong side, and for the wrong things. Moroni on the other hand keeps the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people. How grateful I am for a living prophet that is doing the same.

Day 3493

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 48:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 48:7
"Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God."

This made me ponder on two men in our day. One is trying to obtain power by fraud and deceit, the other is trying to prepare his people to be faithful to the Lord. The latter is Russell M. Nelson, a prophet of God. It's interesting that President Nelson even gave a general conference talk on Moroni.

"In that regard, we can learn a lot from Captain Moroni. As commander of the Nephite armies, he faced opposing forces that were stronger, greater in number, and meaner. So, Moroni prepared his people in three essential ways.
First, he helped them create areas where they would be safe—“places of security” he called them. Second, he prepared “the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord.” And third, he never stopped preparing his people—physically or spiritually. Let us consider these three principles.
Principle Number One: Create Places of Security
Principle Number Two: Prepare Your Mind to Be Faithful to God
Principle Number Three: Never Stop Preparing"
(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Day 3492

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 45:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 45:14
"But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great and dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and shall become like unto them, all, save it be a few who shall be called the disciples of the Lord; and them shall the Lamanites pursue even until they shall become extinct. And now, because of iniquity, this prophecy shall be fulfilled."

Alma is speaking to his son Helaman. First, its like a temple recommend interview. Alma makes sure the Helaman will be faithful and keep the commandments. Then he gives him a prophesy that Helaman is to record but not make known to the people. They are to be kept until the prophecy is fulfilled. He prophesied for what would happen 400 hundred years from then, when the Nephites would be destroyed. All destroyed except a few called the disciples of the Lord. Alma saw Moroni, he was the last prophet to record in the gold plates before hiding them up to the Lord. But, Moroni was not alone. There were three Nephite disciples that Jesus Christ blessed to remain on the earth, just like John the Beloved. I hadn't thought about that connection until now. Those disciples of the Lord remained until the wickedness of the people became to great.

"And there are none that do know the true God save it be the disciples of Jesus, who did tarry in the land until the wickedness of the people was so great that the Lord would not suffer them to remain with the people; and whether they be upon the face of the land no man knoweth.
But behold, my father and I have seen them, and they have ministered unto us.
And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you."
(Mormon 8:10-12)

Day 3489

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 2:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 2:6
"Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

To be "testifed in due time" made me think of all those that have sealed their testimony with their blood. The Savior paid the ransom, and martyrs including the early apostles and latter-day prophets, including Joseph and Hyrum Smith, sealed their testimonies of Jesus Christ with their blood.

"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."
(Hebrews 9:16-17)

"When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME—HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.”—The same morning, after Hyrum had made ready to go—shall it be said to the slaughter? yes, for so it was—he read the following paragraph, near the close of the twelfth chapter of Ether, in the Book of Mormon, and turned down the leaf upon it:
And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I . . . bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood. The testators are now dead, and their testament is in force"
(Doctrine and Covenants 135:4-5)

Moroni further told us we would stand at the judgment bar of God and know of his witness.

"And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?"
(Moroni 10:27)

Jesus Christ made himself a ransom for our sins, and no man will escape the truth of that fact. Every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is the Christ.

"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear."
(Isaiah 45:23)

"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
(Romans 14:11)

"Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.'
(Mosiah 27:31)

"And this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth—for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying: Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment is come."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:104)

Day 3280

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: Isaiah 24:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5

"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant."

I pondered on how this is not only talking about the apostasy of Israel, and the early Christian Church, but also about individual apostasy. It made me think of those in the restored church of Jesus Christ today that wish to have laws and ordinances, and even the everlasting covenant changed to fit their agendas. Apostasy will always be an issue until the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is why in general conference there has been so much emphasis on us keeping our covenants. It reminds me of a thought I had the other day while reading Moroni 8. Mormon was instructing his son Moroni regarding the false doctrine that had crept into the church on the need for infant baptism.

"For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism.

Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish except they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.

Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of his mercy."

(Moroni 8:15-16, 19)

It made me think of how false doctrine had crept into the church of God at the end of the Nephite civilization. This caused them to be ripe for destruction. The perversion of doctrine maybe different today, but the concept is the same. We are ripening for destruction when we desire to changed God's law to fit our will.

Day 2862

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 18:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 18:3

"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."

Tonight I was reading in Joseph Smith-History about Moroni's visit to Joseph Smith this verse stood out to me.

"He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated that the fulness of the Gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture, and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here."

(Joseph Smith - History 1:41)

It struck me how on September 21, 1823 the fullness of the Gentiles was soon to begin. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and temples dotting the earth today has lifted up an ensign to the nations. This year will be the 200th anniversary of this event. It's only been since President Nelson has been prophet that I understand that the restoration is an ongoing process and not completed. It makes me wonder what more is to come, and what will I live to see? One thing is for sure I will do my best to #HearHim.

Day 2856

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: Doctrine & Covenants 27:5

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 27:5

"Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim;"

I had never thought of there being keys to the gold plates or stick of Ephraim, that became the Book of Mormon. I knew Moroni revealed it to Joseph Smith and took them back from him. He would still hold the keys to them because he still has them. At some point it will be Moroni then reveals them to the prophet that will translate the seal portion, the remaining two-thirds of the Book of Mormon. I hope I live long enough to see that day.

Day 2030