Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:6

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:6
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

This chapter reminds me of fast offerings, where we skip two meals and give the cost of it to the Lord. Fast offerings are gathered the first Sunday of the month, then distributed to those in need. I truly love to hear of all the ways the church uses our fast offerings. When I was first married I really didn't know how much to give. Was the cost of the two meals a bowl of soup or oatmeal? Sometimes that was what I gave especially when I included all the members of the family. Then I heard a bishop talk on this and he mentioned he used the price of eating out as his guide. I embraced that idea and over time included the cost of better restaurants. What a difference this more generous fast offering has made in our lives. I'm sure it has blessed others, but all I can compare is my life. Between paying tithing and a generous fast offering we have sufficient for our needs.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Day 4211

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: Leviticus 10:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 10:16-17
"And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron which were left alive, saying,
Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?
Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded.
And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?
And when Moses heard that, he was content."

I pondered on how the sacrifices continued right after Aaron's sons were devoured and died before the Lord for offering strange fire. How hard it would be for their father and brothers to carry on their responsibilities. Then again Aaron's sons did not complete the offering by eating the sin offering in the holy place. Aaron then speaks up on why. I can feel them not feeling worthy to go into the holy place to complete the offering. It made me think about how the Lord does take into consideration when we suffer and struggle at times making it hard to fulfill our callings and responsibilities.

"Part of the sin offering was specified for the use of the priest who administered the offering, thus “bearing the iniquity of the congregation” (v. 17); however, Eleazar and Ithamar had burned all of it rather than eating their portion. This was the second time the sons of Aaron had not followed the law. Moses rebuked them, but Aaron withstood the rebuke. “The excuse which Aaron makes for not feasting on the sin-offering according to the law is at once appropriate and dignified; as if he had said: ‘God certainly has commanded me to eat of the sin-offering; but when such things as these have happened unto me, could it be good in the sight of the Lord? Does he not expect that I should feel as a father under such afflicting circumstances?’ With this spirited answer Moses was satisfied; and God, who knew his situation, took no notice of the irregularity which had taken place in the solemn service. To human nature God has given the privilege to weep in times of affliction and distress. In his infinite kindness he has ordained that tears, which are only external evidences of our grief, shall be the outlets to our sorrows, and tend to exhaust the cause from which they flow.” (Clarke, Bible Commentary, 1:539.)"
(Old Testament Student Manual, "Leviticus 1-10: A Law of Performances and Ordinances, Part 1: Sacrifices and Offering")

Day 3779

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 7:30, 32, 34

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 7:30, 32, 34
"His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the LORD.
And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.
For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel."

I was wondering how they made a wave offering. Did they just wave the offering in the air? I found something that explained it, and the heave offering.

"The Lord declared that two portions of the animal would be the priest’s. The first was the heave offering, which was the upper portion of the back leg. The term heave means, in Hebrew, “to lift off or remove.” This portion was given by the offerer to the priest in payment for his assistance. The “wave breast” (v. 34) was the brisket or lower chest. This choice piece of meat, along with the fat and kidneys, was the Lord’s. The brisket was presented to the Lord through the act of waving. To do this the priest placed the offering in the hands of the offerer and then placed his own hands beneath it. They then moved the brisket in a horizontal motion toward the altar (symbolically transferring to the Lord) and then back again, representing God’s acceptance of the offering and its transference to his servant the priest."
(Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel, "Leviticus 1-10: A Law of Performances and Ordinances, Part 1: Sacrifices and Offerings")

Day 3778

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 2:6, 12, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 2:6, 12, 19
"But I, Abraham, and Lot, my brother’s son, prayed unto the Lord, and the Lord appeared unto me, and said unto me: Arise, and take Lot with thee; for I have purposed to take thee away out of Haran, and to make of thee a minister to bear my name in a strange land which I will give unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession, when they hearken to my voice.
Now, after the Lord had withdrawn from speaking to me, and withdrawn his face from me, I said in my heart: Thy servant has sought thee earnestly; now I have found thee;
And the Lord appeared unto me in answer to my prayers, and said unto me: Unto thy seed will I give this land."

The Lord appeared to Abraham at least twice in this chapter. Abraham prayed in Haran and the Lord appeared to him there. Built an altar in the land of Jershon and made offerings and prayed. Came to Sechem in the plains of Moreh and offered sacrifice and called on the Lord devoutly, and the Lord appeared to him. Then between Bethel and Hai he built another altar and called on the Lord. As I was counting all the times Abraham stopped to built an altar, make offerings and prayed it made me think of all the temples that dot the earth right now. We can be like Abraham and seek the Lord earnestly and we will find him.

"Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3739

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:24

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:24
"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."

This chapter is full of so many wonderful things to quote. So hard to pick a favorite. I picked the one that I am a part of. My work is family history. I am helping my family and other people's families to put together this book of humankind. One branch, one twig at a time. Some day all those that enter the house of the Lord will be pure and we shall see His face there. I feel this work is so great that many will weep and mourn when they realize what they missed out on during the winding up scenes of this earth, and preparation for the Lord's second coming. The Lord is hastening his work, we have to choose our priorities wisely.

“Like partaking of the sacrament, attending meetings, reading the scriptures, and saying personal prayers, doing family history and temple work should be a regular part of our personal worship. The response of our youth and others to prophetic invitations has been inspiring and proves this work can and should be done by all members at any age.
“… Doing the work now is much easier and limited only by the number of members who make this a priority. The work still takes time and sacrifice, but all can do it, and with relative ease compared to just a few years ago.
“To assist members, the Church has gathered records and provided tools so that much of the work can be done in our own homes or in the ward buildings and the temple. Most obstacles have been removed. Whatever your past perception, it is different now!
“However, there is one obstacle the Church cannot remove. It is an individual’s hesitation to do the work. All it requires is a decision and a little effort. It does not require a large block of time. Just a little time on a consistent basis will yield the joy of the work. Make the decision to take a step, to learn and ask others to help you. They will! The names you find and take to the temple will become the records for ‘the book’ [D&C 128:24]”
(Elder Allen F. Packer, “The Book", Oct. 2014 General Conference)

"Sister Susa Young Gates once asked her father, Brigham Young, how it would ever be possible to accomplish the great amount of temple work that must be done, if all are given a full opportunity for exaltation. He told her there would be many inventors of labor saving devices, so that our daily duties could be performed in a short time, leaving us more and more time for temple work. The inventions have come, and are still coming, but many simply divert the time gained to other channels, and not for the purpose intended by the Lord."
(Archibald F. Bennett, Improvement Era, Oct. 1952, p. 720)
Brigham Young died in 1877

"A universal system of intelligent cooperation will bring together on one record sheet every fact in existence regarding a particular family. This wealth of data will insure accuracy and banish error. Expensive and time-consuming duplication in research and repetitions in ordinances will be eliminated. No sooner will a new fact be uncovered in any part of the world by a researcher than it will be communicated to the Archives center and be assigned to its proper place, on some family record.
The process of 'facsimile transmission' as an application of the principle of television will make this possible."
(Archibald F. Bennett, Secretary Genealogical Society of Utah. Church News, December 20, 1947, pg 90)

Day 3717

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 126:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 126:1
"Dear and well-beloved brother, Brigham Young, verily thus saith the Lord unto you: My servant Brigham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable to me."

What a warm and loving greeting the Lord addresses Brigham Young. How he must have felt to be told his offering was acceptable to the Lord. As the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young would become the successor of Joseph Smith after the martyrdom. I pondered on how important these next three years would be for Brigham Young. To be so close to Joseph Smith, and personally tutored with an understanding how things were to be setup. Joseph Smith knew that the saints would eventually flee to the rocky mountains. That wasn't just an idea of Brigham Young. How I wish I could have listened to their conversations.

Day 3715

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 9:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 9:13-14
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

This made me think of the red heifers that the Jews are trying to raise unspotted and supposedly needed to cleanse themselves before the third temple is built. I really don't understand it when Jesus Christ already made this sacrifice and the law of Moses is done away.

In this chapter Paul also mentions that Christ would only offer himself once, unlike the high priest that made this offering yearly.

"Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;" (Hebrews 9:25)

"It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the doctrine set forth in the above quotation, and it is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great Sacrifice [i.e., the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus] was offered up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in future; but those who assert this are certainly not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the priesthood, or with the Prophets.
The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior to the law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the Priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings.
Elijah was the last Prophet that held the keys of the Priesthood, and who will, before the last dispensation, restore the authority and deliver the keys of the Priesthood, in order that all the ordinances may be attended to in righteousness. It is true that the Savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing; but the sons of Levi were too prejudiced.”And I will send Elijah the Prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord,” etc., etc. Why send Elijah? Because he holds the keys of the authority to administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood; and without the authority is given, the ordinances could not be administered in righteousness.
It is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were offered were entirely consumed. This was not the case; if you read Leviticus, second chap., second and third verses, you will observe that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the priests; so that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed upon the altar—but the blood is sprinkled, and the fat and certain other portions are consumed.
These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and ever will exist when the powers of the Melchisedek Priesthood are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by the holy Prophets be brought to pass? It is not to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been spoken of by the Prophets; but those things which existed prior to Moses’ day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued.
It may be asked by some, what necessity for sacrifice, since the Great Sacrifice was offered? In answer to which, if repentance, baptism, and faith existed prior to the days of Christ, what necessity for them since that time? The Priesthood has descended in a regular line from father to son, through their succeeding generations."
(Joseph Smith Jr., "History of the Church", 4:211-212)

This quote was after the third temple, the Kirtland temple. was dedicated, and Elijah came to restore these priesthood ordinances keys. We are making offerings and sacrifices in righteousness now.

Day 3301

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"

I always thought that in addition to keeping the commandments there was a connection between having sufficient for your needs and paying tithes and offerings with a true heart. Now I find a scripture showing that it is. When you have sufficient for your needs your soul is satisfied with what you have. Windows are opened to acquire what is needful. That is far better than having all the money in the world, for a soul that is not satisfied will never be satisfied no matter how much material wealth or items they acquire.

Day 3246

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 1:10, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 1:10, 13

"Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD "

The Lord is telling Israel why their offerings were not acceptable. They wouldn't as much as kindle fire for the altar without being paid for it. The offerings they did give were not clean and pure as required. They gave what was of the poorest quality, their rejects. They were going through the motions without thought or feeling, maybe with duty, but not with love. It made me ponder on my attitudes sometimes.

Day 3085

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 46:9, 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 46:9, 12

"But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.

Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, one shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate."

The mention of going from the north to the south gate reminded me of how many times in the scriptures people neither turn to the right or the left but march ahead with exactness. This is to prevent them from being surrounded and overtaken by their enemies.

"Now they durst not turn to the right nor to the left lest they should be surrounded; neither would I turn to the right nor to the left lest they should overtake me, and we could not stand against them, but be slain, and they would make their escape; and thus we did flee all that day into the wilderness, even until it was dark."

(Alma 56:40)

Then it mentions only looking towards the east when you have the peace offering. It made me ponder on how when you are voluntarily doing the Lord's work the way will open up for you. It's interesting that the offering is a peace offering. Something President Nelson has been stressing to us.

Day 3007

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 42:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 42:13

"Then said he unto me, The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they be holy chambers, where the priests that approach unto the LORD shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy."

I was pondering again on this never built temple seen in vision. How if it was in the future it could have meat offerings? I do not believe that the sons of Levi future offering will be an animal sacrifice. I believe that offering will be a book, worthy of all acceptation, containing a record of the temple ordinances performed for the dead.

"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)

As I reflected on the difference between what Ezekiel said would be offered. That the priests would "eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy." All of these were symbolic in their day that have reference to things fulfilled in Christ's atonement and sacrifice for us. When the Lord purifies the sons of Levi, it will be us laying on the table all our sins, purging and refining us to be acceptable before Him. This offering will be swallowed up in Christ.

Day 3003

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 63:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 63:1-3

"Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment."

This made me wonder about all the places that mention the Savior coming in red apparel.

"Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass’s colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk."

(Genesis 49:11-12)

"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."

(Revelation 19:13-15)

"When he shall deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father, spotless, saying: I have overcome and have trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God."

(Doctrine and Covenants 76:107)

"And it shall be said: Who is this that cometh down from God in heaven with dyed garments; yea, from the regions which are not known, clothed in his glorious apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength?47 And he shall say: I am he who spake in righteousness, mighty to save.48 And the Lord shall be red in his apparel, and his garments like him that treadeth in the wine-vat."

(Doctrine and Covenants 133:46-48)

After all this searching on Christ coming in red apparel I read something about the red heifer.

"This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:

And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face:

And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times:"

(Numbers 19:2-4)

I know there are those that think the Jews need to make an offering with a red heifer before Christ comes. The law of Moses is done away with so that has never made sense to me. As I read about the red heifer and sprinkling the blood, it sure seems like the Savior treading the winepress and staining his garments red.

Day 2901

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 58:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 58:8-9

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;"

The blessing of a true, heartfelt fast. This chapter tells of what is not acceptable in fasting, and basically its when it's just for show or going through the motions. It takes time to learn the blessings given to those that fast and give offerings to the Lord.

Day 2896

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 41:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 41:1-2

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies."

I pondered on how I consider the poor, which made me think of Fast Sunday and making fast offerings. Once a month I fast two meals and donate the cost of those meals to bless the lives of those in need. I had never looked on fast offerings as a blessing for me too. The act of fasting yes, but not the offering. What a rich promise to be delivered in time of trouble, preserved and kept alive and blessed, and not be delivered to the will of my enemies. The blessings far out way any donation I could make.

Day 2678

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 10:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 10:34

" And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:"

The wood offering, until now I had never thought about needing wood for the burnt offerings. Someone had to furnish it. It would be similar to someone needing to bring the bread for the sacrament. I thought about what a small thing it may seem, but what a really important thing both are. No offering is to small when it helps to further the Lord's work.

Day 2582