Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 6:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 6:4-5
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:"

Reading these verses I wondered how any other baptism than through immersion could be accepted? We are buried under the water in likeness of Jesus' death. Then raise from the water in the likeness of his resurrection. Baptism is a rebirth, we are born again and become alive in Christ, taking upon us His name and follow Him.

Day 4176

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 1:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 1:7

"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

A follower of Jesus Christ is to be called a saint. It is only by the enemies of the church that the name of Christian was given. It is the same with the nickname Mormon and how that came about. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in that relationship I am a saint that lives in these latter-days. I strive to live up to be virtuous, kind and patient. I am not perfect and know I never will be in this life. I need to repent daily, and do so, and strive to be a little better each day.

Day 3206

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 26:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 26:18
"Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine."

I was just thinking about the importance and timing of the prophet emphasizing that the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be used. I recall years ago an interview with a governor after a hurricane had devastated his state. The governor said that much help had come from the LDS Church and the Mormons. He didn't realize they were the same people. He didn't realize that in reality it was a nickname and not "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" that was helping him.

I am seeing so many articles now of all these food pantries and other faith's charities that the church is sending food donations to. I was really struck today on how this is all being done under the correct name of the church and that Jesus Christ is at the head. We are a people willing to bear His name.

I'm preparing for this coming Sabbath to be Fast Sunday. This will be our third fast since things were locked down and church meetings were suspended. Fast Sunday is now in my home. I will fast for two meals and then give a fast offering donation online to the church. Those funds will first be used locally and the surplus the church will use to continue to help those in need. I do not know who it is for but I know they are my brother or sister. What an amazing and humbling process this all is. How many things had to be done over the years line upon line, to bring us to a day that we can stand and bear Christ's name in helping others. I feel this coming fast will be even more holy and special because it's more quiet in its nature.


Day 1855

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 1:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 1:4-5
"Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?"

As I was reading I was drawn to the "more excellent name" and wondered exactly which name of Christ was the one it referred to? I followed the footnotes and read the Bible Dictionary on "Christ, names of". It was a good review. Then I pondered on still what name? Suddenly realizing the greatest was to be called the Son of God. Sure enough the answer was simply in the next verse. I had to chuckle at myself. I'm been sick all week with the flu and my mind isn't the clearest. Then I realized its never a mistake where the spirit leads me while studying the scriptures. Where I went while trying to answer that thought was exactly what my soul needed today. What a fitting thing to pondering on this 1st day of December, the month we celebrate the birth of His Son.

Day 1707

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:2
"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:"

This made me ponder on the name of the church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".  I am a saint, though to say that seems so unreachable. So I pondered on what it means.

First I looked at "sanctified", because to me that also seems so unreachable. I am not pure and holy, though I wish and hope one day to be. So what does that mean? I looked in the footnote and the other topic guide sections referenced. They are also: Consecrate; Consecration; Earth, Destiny of; Hallow; Holiness; Holy Ghost, Baptism of; Jesus Christ, Atonement through; Justification; Man, New, Spiritually Reborn; Purification; Righteousness; Sacred; Separation. I asked myself which of these would describe me? I can see glimmers of some. I realized in doing so that I was at the beginning. Sanctified is a process and one just doesn't jump into it as a whole. So I felt good that I was able to say I'm in the process of becoming sanctified. I think that is what I am suppose to be doing.

So now I looked at "Saint". In the topical guide it says see also: Church Organization; Holy; Sheep.  Yes, I am part of Christ's church organized on the earth today. I am part of the fold and a sheep. I am a Saint in these the latter-days. I read the verses in the topical guide under Saint and it really struck me how many times it is used to name the members of Christ's church. One thought I had is how interesting it is the most religions that are followers of Christ refer to themselves as "Christians", myself included. But, I am told by them because I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that they do not consider me a Christian. (Yes, that totally confuses me given the name of the church.) 

I became curious when the name of Christ's followers as Christians was given. It is found in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon. It wasn't until I read these verses in the Book of Mormon that I realized something. 

"For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.
And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come."
(Alma 46:14-15)

"And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians."
(Alma 48:10)

The name Christian was given to the followers of Christ by their enemies. Curiously very similar to how Latter-day Saints were given the nickname "Mormons" as a derogatory, and disrespectful name by those not of the faith. It appears in both cases these nicknames were later adopted by Christ's followers, including used as a reference by apostles. In the case of the nickname "Mormon" the prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has emphasized that we need to stop using that name. We need to refer to the full name of the church and that we are latter-day saints. I realize now that to refer to myself as a Christian would be taking the name Christ's enemies gave to his followers. So interesting the name Christian is once again being used in very derogatory ways by society. 

I then went back and looked for the name "Saint" and that is the name Christ gave his followers. I turned to the Doctrine and Covenants.

"... the Doctrine and Covenants is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through His chosen prophets for the restoration of His holy work and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in these days. In the revelations, one hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking anew in the dispensation of the fulness of times; and the work that is initiated herein is preparatory to His Second Coming, in fulfillment of and in concert with the words of all the holy prophets since the world began." 

Never, once does the Lord, Jesus Christ refer to his followers as Christians. We are His saints. If I take upon me the name of Christ then I should refer to myself as a the name he gave his followers, saint. Latter-day Saints is now used, not only because Christ gave us that name, but it shows which dispensation I am in. So as I am pondering this I realize it's totally ok for other Christians to not refer to me as a Christian. Because that is not the name Christ wanted to be used by his followers. I am a latter-day saint, a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of His Restored Church. There is a lot of power in that name.

Day 1636

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7
"And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"

I was struck this time with these words. Paul is recounting his story about persecuting the saints and apostles. Keeping the coats of those that stoned Stephen. I'm not sure when Paul appeared on the scene, but it seems to be after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If he had persecuted Jesus Christ while in the flesh then I would have thought that would be part of his story. Then this scripture verse came to me.

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
(Matthew 25:40)

I thought upon how powerful a thing it is to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. For even to be persecuted for his name sake he takes it so personally as if they persecuted Him. That is an incredibly humbling thought.



Day 1613

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 30:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 30:22
"And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."

When I read this it makes me think of how much my Father in Heaven wants to bless his children. He has always wanted to. It's just us that won't let him. When I think of the full name of the church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". I see my God and his people together. I wonder if that is why the last verse ends with "in the latter days ye shall consider it."

Day 1350

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 11:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 11:10
"These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel."

I'm sitting here reading the list of names of the mighty men and have no idea who they are. At some time someone knew them and it meant something to see their names listed here. David would not have been the king he was if not for the mighty men that surrounded him and strengthened him in the Lord. Someday will I hear each man's story?

As I sat pondered on these men I was reminded of Doctrine and Covenants chapters 15 & 16. The chapters are identical except for the name of the person they were given to. What struck me with that fact is that the Lord knew their names. Blessings might be the same for individuals but the Lord still counts them, knows them, and loves them. I might only know the names of the mighty men, but to the Lord he knows them. These names will be written in the Book of Life. May I live my life to be so worthy to have my name written there too.

Day 924

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 3:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 3:9-10
"Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

As I was reading this familiar story I happened to recall the times I have heard my name called out. And yet, there was no one there. I know I am not alone in having such a thing happen. Our family has at times remarked on such behavior. I have experienced being woken up from a sound sleep, both in the middle of the night and during my afternoon naps, hearing my name called out. Sometimes it has been accompanied by a rapid patting of my foot. Like someone telling me it's time to get up!

I can never fall back to sleep when it happens. Having been left with the impression that someone wants me to get back to work right now. From that I have assumed, but never inquired, that the person calling my name needed their temple work done. I simply get up and get to work on my family history no matter the hour. It was only now I realize I never assumed it was the Lord calling my name. The next time I experience such a thing I will assume it is His voice and say "Speak, Lord for thy servant heareth." Then I will work as he directs me. For I have been very much like Samuel in looking for Eli when my name has been called. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but what if there was more?


Day 814