Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 18:1, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 18:1, 4
"And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.
And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord."

Nephi's brothers helped build the ship and when completed they saw that it was good. Then they humbled themselves before the Lord. I pondered on how important it is to recognize God's hand in helping us to accomplish things we need to do. No matter how big or small those things maybe. If only they had remained humble and teachable. By the end of the chapter the whole family is almost swallowed up in the depths of the sea. I can see that God has given them opportunity after opportunity to turn to Him.

Day 3367

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 1:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 1:10

"Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us."

As I have pondered on the frailties of man, his sins and his weaknesses I see that man is the same throughout all time. Doesn't matter what dispensation or period someone lived the natural man is the same. I have also come to see that the spirit never teaches me something new. It is only new to me. This comes into the law of witnesses and how I can understand what I have learned is truth because I will see if confirmed through other talks, scriptures or lessons. Every person that has walked on this earth has the same opportunities for sin and sorrow, pride or humility, happiness or pain. We all will be accounted for how we followed the laws of God, or the light of Christ that would guide us.

Day 2819

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 58:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 58:4

"For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."

When I woke this morning I decided to watch a video that a friend yesterday kept telling me I needed to watch. I was told "It was so scary." "It exposed what is really happening with this pandemic." I had no curiosity to watch it. But when I woke this morning the thought came to me to watch it, so I did. As I watched it two scriptures came to mind and I read them. Then I thought of President Nelson's recent conference talk and watched it. The pieces all fit together as I read this.

"My dear sisters, let us not just endure this current season. Let us embrace the future with faith! Turbulent times are opportunities for us to thrive spiritually. They are times when our influence can be much more penetrating than in calmer times."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

I understood then that during turbulent times the adversary will use that opportunity to further his plan, and the Lord will do the same. What I learned, and not what the intent of this conspiracy video intended, was that Satan will further his plan by planting fear in the hearts of men. To the point they will be deceived and actually further his work. With fear instilled in their hearts it will only draw them further from the spirit and the voice of the Lord. Instead in turbulent times we are to further the work of the Lord. Grow spiritually and share the gospel to those that are prepared to listen. The lessons learned during tribulation indeed bring blessings that help us thrive spiritually. The decision is ours as to which opportunity and master we will help further their cause.

Day 2061

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 29:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 29:16
"I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out."

Job lists the good thing he had done and how he had prospered for it. Rather sad when he mentions "when my children were about me" because they are no more. I stopped at this verse to ponder on it. I think it's saying that he did more than just give to the poor, he found out why they were poor, and helped them resolve their situations.

It made me think about the #LighttheWorld initiative. There was an opportunity to give chickens and goats to people so they could start their own little business selling eggs and milk. What a blessing that will be for them. Not just a handout but an hand up out of their situations.

The Chinese proverb "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." may not appear in the bible. But, it appears Job practiced this principle, because it's an eternal truth.


Day 1040

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 9:2, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 9:2, 17
"And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.
And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake of thee of! this same shall reign over my people."

Israel had rejected the Lord and wanted no more judges but a king. I pondered on how even though they had rejected Him, the Lord still looked for the best among all the children of Israel to be their king. He was giving them someone that had all the potential to bless the people. I pondered on how many times the Lord gave me good gifts, even when I didn't deserve them. He gave me opportunities that I never took advantage of. Continually he wants to bless me. Its only me that has turned away from them.


Day 820