Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 36:6-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 36:6-8
"This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.
So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.
And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers."

Zelophehad had no sons, only daughters. Those daughters had requested that they also receive an inheritance and it was granted them. Then the concern is what happens when those daughters marry into various other twelve tribes? The law had been that the children of Israel marry within the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They were freely marrying between each other. To do so now that they were given inheritances it would soon be lost from one tribe and claimed by another. This is when instruction is given Moses on how to handle the inheritances that belong to daughters. They are to marry from within their own tribes. Seems like such a simply solution. Then it made me ponder on the importance of marrying within ones own faith, and the raising of children. There is no concern on how those children will be raised and in what faith. Such a simple solution.

Day 3796

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 33:54

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 33:54
"And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man’s inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit."

This made me think of the law of consecration. How they receive their stewardship or inheritance. All this land had been Abraham inheritance, but it was many generations later that it was fulfilled. It made me reflect on lands of inheritances, and how all that will work out in the millennium.

"And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 85:7)

Day 3795

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 30:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 30:2
"If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth."

I searched the footnotes for what a vow was. It took me to the Topical Guide to also see covenants, oath, pledge, promise, swearing. The Bible Dictionary tells me.

"These were of two kinds: (a) dedication—some person or thing was given to the Lord (Lev. 27:1–24); (b) abstinence—a promise made to abstain from some lawful act or enjoyment (Num. 6:3). No unnatural mutilation was permitted (Lev. 19:28; Deut. 14:1, etc.). Nothing already holy to the Lord, or intrinsically unholy, or blemished in the slightest degree, could be offered as a vow (Lev. 22:23; 27:26; Deut. 23:18). Provisions were made for ransoming such offerings when they could not be fitly sacrificed (Lev. 27:11). The vows of dependent women (wives or daughters) did not stand unless ratified explicitly or implicitly by the husband or father (Num. 30:3–16; see also Jer. 44:19). Vows often had an entreating character; they were offered in order to obtain some favor from Jehovah (Gen. 28:20; 2 Sam. 15:7–8)."
(Bible Dictionary: Vows)

This made me reflect on the different covenants I have entered into. None of this can be taken lightly. It also me be think of renewing my covenants, be it during the sacrament when I renew by baptismal covenant, or when I perform proxy ordinances in the House of the Lord for my deceased family members. I feel a strengthening in the covenants I entered into as I remember them by doing so for others.

Day 3794

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 27:20-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 27:20-23
"And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.
And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses."

Moses asked that the Lord set a man over the congregation, so they are not like sheep without a shepherd. The Lord called Joshua the son of Nun. Moses is then instructed to lay his hands upon Joshua and give him some of his honor. Which means a delegation of responsibility. He is also ordained and given authority by the laying on of hands. The congregation is to witness this, that allows them to know who has been called to leadership. I love that the use of the Urim and Thummim is described here.

Day 3793

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 22:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 22:12
"And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed."

I tried to remember who this Balaam was that appears to talk with God, and has an angel appear unto him. I didn't think he was always found favorable. Here is what I found in the Old Testament Student Manual.

The Story of Balaam
"When the two mighty kings of the Amorites were defeated by the irresistible might of Israel, the Moabites, with their Midianite confederates, were filled with such alarm that Balak, their king, sought assistance. It was not from his own god, Baal, who had proven impotent against Israel during the Amorite conflict, that he sought power, however. Instead, he decided to use Israel’s own God, whose power had been marvelously manifest, against them. To this end he sent a delegation bearing presents to Balaam of Pethor, a celebrated prognosticator in upper Mesopotamia, who apparently had a reputation for being able to bless and curse with great effect.
It is difficult to determine from the record whether or not Balaam was a true prophet of God holding the powers of the priesthood authority. He lived in an area known as Aram, probably named after the son of Kemuel and grandson of Nahor, a cousin of Abraham. Haran, the place of Abraham’s first settlement after he left Ur, was a seat for the worship of Jehovah and was also in Aram. Therefore, Balaam could have been one of the few scattered people such as Jethro, who held the priesthood and exercised its power. The Bible suggests that he had a true knowledge of God and was susceptible to revelation from Him. Regardless of their origin, the Lord raises up inspired men to all nations.
It is significant that Balaam is referred to as a soothsayer or diviner, somewhat on the order of Simon of the New Testament (compare Joshua 13:22; Acts 8:9–24). Although he acknowledged Jehovah and professed his dependence on Him, Balaam was willing to go against the Lord’s counsel and accompany the men of Balak. To assure his responsiveness to God’s will, the Lord sent an angel to threaten him with death should he curse Israel.
One of the remarkable things about Balaam’s blessing of Israel is the Messianic promise of Christ."
(Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel, "Numbers 13-36: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 2")

Day 3792

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 19:9, 20

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 19:9, 20
And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.
But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean."

I have been reflecting on this portion of the law of Moses for a while now. Today is the day that I look to find where it says the Jews or the children of Israel need to make an animal sacrifice again. There is much talk amongst the Jews and others that they need to sacrifice a red heifer and take of its ashes in water to purify themselves. The Lord has said the law of Moses was fulfilled and he will no longer accept of our burnt offerings. The law of Moses pointed to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection fulfilled that law. First, I read what the laws of purification represented.

"Laws of Purification
Anciently, an Israelite who had been in the presence of one who died or had been dead was held to be defiled. This chapter in Numbers describes the way in which such a person was purified. First, a red heifer was slain, burned, and the ashes laid aside. Then the ashes were placed in pure water and the mixture sprinkled upon those who had been defiled. This was known as “the water of separation,” since by it one was separated, or purified, from sin (v. 9). Failure to avail oneself of the cleansing power in this way resulted in being “cut off from among the congregation” (v. 20).
Much vital symbolism can be found in this ordinance. One who defiles himself with sin undergoes a spiritual death and is cut off from God’s presence through the loss of the Holy Spirit. Recovery from spiritual death is obtained by faith in Christ’s Atonement (symbolized by the death of the red heifer), repentance from sin, baptism in water, receiving the Holy Ghost, and obedience to God’s commandments. All who thereafter commit certain serious sins and refuse to repent are likewise “cut off from among the congregation,” that is, excommunicated (v. 20).
(Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel, "Numbers 13-36: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 2")

Jesus Christ represented the red heifer. He atoned for our sins. Baptism by water, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and keeping His commandments are the requirement today.

Then I read where we are told the law of Moses would one day be fulfilled and had been.

"Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall be all fulfilled, every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away."
(Alma 34:13)

"And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings."
(3 Nephi 9:19)

I believe there is confusion over the what type of offering is required now.

"And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not."
(3 Nephi 9:20)

This offering is further confused with the offering the sons of Levi are to make in righteousness in the latter-days. This is the question I have had, does it say anywhere that this offering is an animal sacrifice?

"Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness."
(Doctrine and Covenants 13:1)

"Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name."
(Doctrine and Covenants 124:39)

"Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation."
(Doctrine and Covenants 128:24)

The offering in righteousness is the work that we perform in the holy House of the Lord, with broken hearts and contrite spirits. When we are purified and prepared to receive our Lord.

"But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap.
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years."
(3 Nephi 24:2-4)

"Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses—for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed—"
(Doctrine and Covenants 84:31)

Day 3791

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 16:3, 28, 41

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 16:3, 28, 41
"And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD."

There is a lot of death happening in this chapter. The earth opened and swallowed three families up, fire consumed 250 men, and then plague killed 14,700. I looked for what offense was given that caused God to do this. It appears it started with some that thought they should have the priesthood and leadership roles and were against Moses and Aaron because of it. They also took it upon themselves to perform these priestly roles. They didn't understand it was God's will and not Moses and Aaron. Then the congregation murmured against Moses and Aaron and said they killed the people. Which is again not recognizing the life, death and callings are of God and not that Moses and Aaron could do of their own will. It made me ponder on how I have seen application of this in my day and where spiritual death has happened.

Day 3790

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 15:38-39

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 15:38-39
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:"

This made me think of the reason we wear garments today. I also thought about a video that spoke of sacred clothing of various religions.

What Were the Fringes on the Garment?
A symbol is one thing that represents another. One use of symbols is to remind us of our important commitments. For example, the bread and water of the sacrament are symbols that remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice for us and of our covenants with Him. Israel practiced the law of sacrifice for a similar reason.
Similarly, the Lord commanded wandering Israel to fringe the borders of their garments so that when they looked upon the fringes they would be reminded of the commandments of the Lord (see v. 39).
Clothing is used to cover, protect, and beautify. To put fringes on an article of clothing symbolized that an individual is clothed, or covered, with the commandments of God.
The ribbon of blue also symbolically suggested concepts of deep importance. Blue signifies the heavens and so symbolizes the spiritual realm or godliness (see Fallows, Bible Encyclopedia, s.v. “colors,” 1:440).
“The zizith [tassel] on the sky-blue thread was to serve as a memorial sign to the Israelites, to remind them of the commandments of God, that they might have them constantly before their eyes and follow them, and not direct their heart and eyes to the things of this world, which turn away from the word of God, and lead astray to idolatry.” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 1:3:104.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel, "Numbers 13-36: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 2")

Day 3789

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 11:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 11:1
"And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.
And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them."

I wondered what this fire was. Was it a fire like a fever, or fire like burning flames? I had not thought this pondering on fire would lead me to the fire that would devour the whole earth in the last days.

When therefore, we read that the earth was once depopulated, except a few individuals, who were saved in the ark, why should it be thought a thing incredible that the Lord should again depopulate our globe, not by a flood, but by devouring fire. It may be said that we cannot see how a universal fire can prevail over all the face of the earth. There are various ways by which this could be accomplished. How did the Lord cause fire in ancient times to break out among the children of Israel, when they transgressed his holy laws, and when they murmured and complained against God? Fire was sent forth from his presence we are told, and rested upon the tabernacle; he was in the tabernacle, and his cloud was over the tabernacle; and fire went forth from this center, or the place where the Lord chose to manifest and show forth his glory, and it destroyed many of the people. You may say, “But this was a supernatural fire that proceeded from the presence of God, from the tabernacle, consuming thousands of transgressors.” I would ask, cannot the same Being who was able to produce this destruction by fire upon a few thousand individuals cause it to be more extensive and more universal in its operation? Has he not the same power to produce a supernatural fire over all the earth; even to the consuming of “all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly;” burning them up literally, their bodies becoming as “ashes,” as a farmer would set fire to and burn up the stubble of his fields? Well, you say, “If we admit that the first was supernatural, that God did actually burn the transgressors among Israel by fire, we are willing to admit that the same Being that could do this upon a small scale, could perform a similar work on a universal scale.” That is very reasonable to admit. But then, perhaps the Lord may not see proper to do this work of burning in the latter days altogether upon a supernatural principle; he may, perhaps, bring it about by certain physical forces or laws, by certain changes that may be wrought upon our elements; for the Lord holds in his own hands all the elements, and not only those of this little globe of 
ours, but all the elements that compose the universe; they are in his hands, he can give instructions and they are made subservient in the accomplishing of his great and wise purposes. Now, there is in the very air which we breathe, and which all animated beings, more or less, breathe, and by which they live—a principle of heat; and when this heat in its latent form is evolved, or comes forth from the constituents of the atmosphere, would there not be a sufficient amount to produce this revolution upon the earth? Is there not sufficient heat not only to burn up the wicked and the proud, but to cause the very elements of our globe to melt by its intensity? Thus fulfilling another prophecy which says, “The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord;” and yet another prophecy, which says, the mountains shall flow down at His presence like melted substance; run like rivers, in consequence of the intensity of the heat, connected with the elements of which our atmosphere and mountains are composed."
(Orson Pratt, "Interpretation of Scriptures, Etc.", JD 20.8)

Day 3788

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 9:21-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 9:21-23
"And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses."

Year = HEB an extended period of time

It was the mention of a year that stood out to me. The children of Israel wandered when the Lord commanded them. They rested when He commanded them. That means they were perpetually prepared to leave at anytime, day or night. They were learning to follow Him literally, but it didn't always transfer over spiritually. It reminded me of President Nelson telling us to never stop preparing.

"Principle Number Three: Never Stop Preparing
Even when things went well, Captain Moroni continued to prepare his people. He never stopped. He never became complacent.
The adversary never stops attacking. So, we can never stop preparing! The more self-reliant we are—temporally, emotionally, and spiritually—the more prepared we are to thwart Satan’s relentless assaults.
I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us. He will “deliver us; yea, insomuch that he [will] speak peace to our souls, and [will] grant unto us great faith, and … cause us that we [can] hope for our deliverance in him.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Day 3787

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 5:14-15, 21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 5:14-15, 21-22
"And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:
Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, The LORD make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the LORD doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell;
And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen."

As I was reading about the jealousy offering, when a husband basically accuses his wife of adultery, I had two thoughts. First, could this women get sick and die from the cursed water and be innocent? Then I remembered who was giving these instructions. The Lord would do what he says to both the innocent and guilty. It required faith on the woman that drank it in innocence. Then I thought about how the test was only for women and not for men. Then I read some really good points on these verses. The one I had not considered is a women could ask that the other women suspected of committing adultery with her husband be given the trial of jealousy. If found guilty both parties would die, one by cursed waters, the other by stoning.

"Several points should be noted.
Although this ritual focused on the woman, it in no way implied that men who committed adultery were to be excused, for the law clearly stated that adulterers of both sexes were to be stoned (see Leviticus 20:10).
In a way, the law provided protection of two different kinds for a woman. First, without this law it is possible that a husband could unjustly accuse his wife of infidelity. If his word alone were sufficient to convict her, she would be in a terrible state indeed. Putting the determination of guilt or innocence into the hands of God rather than into the hands of her husband, or even other men, ensured that she could vindicate herself if she were innocent.
The second positive benefit is more subtle but probably is of even greater value. If a husband suspected his wife of adultery, one result would be a terrible strain in the husband-wife relationship. In today’s legal system, with no witnesses to prove her guilt, the court would probably declare her not guilty. But the basis for her acquittal would be a lack of positive evidence of her guilt rather than proof of her innocence. Such a legal declaration, therefore, would do little to alleviate the doubts of the husband and the estrangement would likely continue. Neighbors and friends also would probably harbor lingering suspicions about her innocence. With the trial of jealousy, however, dramatic proof of God’s declaration of her innocence would be irrefutable. The reputation of the woman would be saved and a marriage relationship healed. Thus, true justice and mercy were assured, and the whole matter would be laid promptly to rest.
Those who ask why there was no parallel test a woman could ask of her husband should remember that if the accused woman refused to undergo the trial by drinking the water, her action was considered a confession of guilt. Thus, she and her partner in the evil act would be put to death (see Leviticus 20:10). If she attempted to lie and pass the test, but brought the curses upon herself, this result too was considered proof of the guilt of her male partner. It is possible that a wife who believed her husband guilty of infidelity could ask that his suspected partner be put to the trial of jealousy. The outcome would immediately establish the guilt or innocence of her husband as well as that of the other woman.
Thus, in a world where the rights of women were often abused, the Lord provided a means for protecting their rights as well as seeing that evil was put away and justice done."
(Old Testament Student Manual, "Numbers 1-12: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 1")

Day 3786

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 3:40-41

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 3:40-41
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.."

The Lord had Moses number all the children of Israel by tribes, except the Levites. They were to count all the males 20 years and upward, and able to go to war. Then he counted all the Levites separately, a month old and upward . Finally he did a second counted of the other tribes, this time all the firstborn males a month or older. The counts were compared and the Levites the Lord claimed as his instead of the firstborn of all the tribes. The count of Levites were a little less so redemption money was given for the difference.

You know what this reminded me of? The Law of Consecration, and how the saints in the beginning consecrated all that they had, and then receive a stewardship. This helped the poor among them, and build Zion. Later they practiced the law of tithing. The Lord established his order for the good of his covenant people in both cases. The Law of Consecration, bears similarities to the Levites being "redeemed" for the other tribes. Both involve the setting apart or dedication of individuals or resources for a sacred purpose, ultimately in service of God and the community. 

Day 3785

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 24:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 24:24

"They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn."

Chapter header: "Murderers, adulterers, those who oppress the poor, and wicked people in general often go unpunished for a little while."

These are the footnotes:

Little while: "For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

(Psalms 37:10-11)

Low: "And when these things have passed away a speedy destruction cometh unto my people; for, notwithstanding the pains of my soul, I have seen it; wherefore, I know that it shall come to pass; and they sell themselves for naught; for, for the reward of their pride and their foolishness they shall reap destruction; for because they yield unto the devil and choose works of darkness rather than light, therefore they must go down to hell."

(2 Nephi 26:10)

Tops: HEB heads of grains

Which made me think of the sifting of the wheat and tares.

"Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat."

(3 Nephi 18:18)

"Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be;

While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire."

(Doctrine and Covenants 101:65-66)

"Therefore, let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned."

(Doctrine and Covenants 86:7)

As I pondered on these verses I thought about how the wheat will be gathered first, and how important it was to stay within the main stream of the church. Then I realized I was thinking majority and that may not even be quit right. What if the main stream or majority went astray? Then I pictured that stream being full of living water and standing in the full course of it. It wouldn't be determined by numbers it would be those that #HearHim and remain true.

Day 2619

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 21:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 21:1-2

"And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it."

Why was it wrong for David to number Israel? Moses was commanded to do so. The book of Numbers deals with counting people.

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them."

(Exodus 30:11-12)

Besides the difference of the Lord commanding a census, and in the other He did not, the one difference I can see is why the censuses were taken. When the Lord commanded it was during the construction of the tabernacle and to pay a ransom for the souls of people. It also happened in the dividing of inheritances for the different tribes. The censuses were to bless and redeem people. The purpose it appears for David to take a census was to see how powerful he was in the midst of battles with his enemies. Was the offense being that he was measuring his strength against other men, and not measuring their strength in relying upon the Lord to deliver them?

The Lord tells the seer Gad to go to David and have him choose between three different penalties.

"Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me."

(1 Chronicles 21:12)

All of them would punish the people and take lives. This is a very strong lesson to show David and even Israel, that their strength doesn't come from people, but the power of God to preserve them.

Day 2518

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 36:5, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 36:5, 7

"And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.

So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers."

Once again I think of the order that comes when we listen to the instructions of the Lord. I also thought about how it is good to bring concerns before the Lord, it shows much thought had gone into this issue of inheritances. It also shows how God was into the details of their lives.

Day 2312

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 35:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 35:6

"And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities."

As I read about the cities for refuge, a place the manslayer could flee to, it made me think about sanctuary cities. There was much discussion a while back about them, it sounds like even God set them up for Israel. I do not know all the rules about sanctuary cities but it's worth keeping an open mind about them.

Day 2311

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 34:13, 18

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 34:13, 18

"And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:

And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land by inheritance."

It made me think again of this verse.

"Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion."

(Doctrine and Covenants 132:8)

Day 2310

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 33:55-56

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 33:55-56

"But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them."

I thought about the risk that goes with mingling man's philosophy and God's doctrine together. We have to be careful about embracing false doctrine and false gods. In Moses day they were to drive the people out. In my day even thought there are honestly precepts of man that prick my eyes, are a thorn in my side, and vex our land, I have to peacefully live among them. The only driving out I have control over is not letting it take center stage in my mind or heart. The only room there is to worship the true and living God.

Day 2309

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 32:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 32:23

"But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out."

I thought about how "your sin will find you out". If they are not exposed in this life, they surely will be in the next if left unrepented.

Day 2308