Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5
"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant."

This question was interesting to ponder on. I like how it was explained. After the ordinances are changed it is only through a restoration, and in effect the priesthood, for them to be restored. How grateful that I live when these ordinances have been restored.

(15-4) Isaiah 24:5. Why Was Changing the Ordinances So Serious?
"The gospel ordinances are part of the specific means outlined by the Lord whereby one can overcome his natural state, receive a spiritual rebirth, and become like God. Each ordinance was designed by God to teach spiritual truths and move His children toward godliness. When the ordinances are changed, their power to save is lost. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of the ordinances: “If there is no change of ordinances, there is no change of Priesthood. Wherever the ordinances of the Gospel are administered, there is the Priesthood.” (Teachings, p. 158.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "Prophecies of the Dispensation of the fullness of Times")

Day 3977

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: Doctrine & Covenants 131:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 131:6
"It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."

I thought upon this verse a little differently. I reflected on performing proxy baptisms and other ordinances for my kindred dead. If they are ignorant of that offering, or reject it out right, it has no saving grace upon them. Man must receive and accept ordinances to be in effect. This made me think of Joseph F. Smith vision of the redemption of the dead, regarding Jesus Christ's ministry between his crucifixion and resurrection. (1 Peter 3:18-20; 1 Peter 4:6)

"And I wondered at the words of Peter—wherein he said that the Son of God preached unto the spirits in prison, who sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah—and how it was possible for him to preach to those spirits and perform the necessary labor among them in so short a time.
And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;
But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.
And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,
And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."
(Doctrine and Covenants 138:28-34)

Day 3720

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 2:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 2:1-3
"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."

I added all verses in this chapter for context, but it was the last verse that has been running for months through my mind. I have come to see the absolute wisdom and need for us to focus on our family history and providing temple ordinances for our dead. Being able to turn my heart to my ancestors and family relations has brought so much peace into my life. I think I would be overcome by the wickedness and chaos of the world if I didn't have such an endeavor to pursue. I can turn off the world and restore my soul as I quietly research at my desk. This is one of my holy places. I have also seen the healing power on the soul and mind. As well as the restoring of family relations, by those that were once lost, as they come to find their roots.

Day 3591

Today's Favorite Verse: Moroni 5:1

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

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

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

Day 3583

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 15:21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 15:21-22
"And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ—for so shall he be called.
And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection."

I wanted to study further on the resurrection and the different time periods. We are still in the First Resurrection, it is on going and will continue until the end of the Millennium. There are also periods called the morning and afternoon of the first resurrection, and I wasn't sure what the others were called. I found in the Book of Mormon Student Manual a nice graph, but it didn't use the names I was looking for. This is what I have finally pieced together.

Resurrection of the Just - from Christ's resurrection through the Millennium
The Morning of the First Resurrection: Resurrection of celestial people - on going since Christ's resurrection and throughout the Millennium. You will be resurrected at the first opportunity that you can be.
The Afternoon of the First Resurrection: Resurrection of terrestrial people - begins at the start of the Millennium, until the end of it.
End of the resurrection of the just

Beginning of the Resurrection of the Unjust - after the Millennium
The Morning of the Second Resurrection: Resurrection of telestial people. They will not spend eternity in the presence of Satan and his minions, but will be eternally shut out from the presence of the Father and Son.
The Afternoon of the Second Resurrection: Resurrection of sons of perdition. They will spend eternity with the devil and his angels, because they did his work. There is no eternal glory for them, only outer darkness where God's light never shines.

I pondered on how Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith as a glorified, resurrected being. He died about 400 years after Jesus Christ was resurrected. The morning of the first resurrection is still ongoing. I though of some quotes that I found regarding resurrection being a priesthood ordinance. The full talk of President Kimball's is particularly interesting.

"Resurrection is a priesthood ordinance. As to the first question—how the dead are raised—we know that it is by the power of Jesus Christ because He holds the keys of death, hell, and resurrection. However, latter-day prophets have clarified how that power is activated in our behalf. President Brigham Young and Elder Erastus Snow taught that the Resurrection will be conducted much as other things are done in the kingdom, by those in authority and by delegation. As one cannot baptize himself, nor can he baptize others until he himself is baptized, ordained, and directed by the presiding officers, so one cannot resurrect himself but will be called forth by someone in authority. Men will be given the keys of this ordinance after they themselves are resurrected, and they then will resurrect others. I expect that a righteous father will be given the keys to resurrect his family.
In the April 1977 general conference, President Spencer W. Kimball quoted President Brigham Young: “We are in possession of all the ordinances that can be administered in the flesh; but there are other ordinances and administrations that must be administered beyond this world. I know you would like to ask what they are. I will mention one. We have not, neither can we receive here, the ordinance and the keys of resurrection.” President Kimball then explained that resurrection is the work of God and that the world by its wisdom has not produced the power to resurrect anyone."
(Robert J. Matthews, “Resurrection: The Ultimate Triumph,” in Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior, ed. Paul H. Peterson, Gary L. Hatch, and Laura D. Card (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2002), 313–33.)
(Spencer W. Kimball, "Our Great Potential", April 1977 General Conference)

Day 3430

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 5:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 5:9-10
" And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."

Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, worthy to open the book with seven seals, which is to fulfill the work of God. I pondered on how we are preparing for that millennial day through our making and keeping covenants. In many ways we do not fully understand who we are and the important work we are here to do. If we did we would be like President Holland and feel a great urgency.

"Virtually all my experience in the hospital during that first period is lost to my memory. What is not lost is my memory of a journey outside the hospital, out to what seemed the edge of eternity. I cannot speak fully of that experience here, but I can say that part of what I received was an admonition to return to my ministry with more urgency, more consecration, more focus on the Savior, more faith in His word.
I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us—not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples. This is an urgent matter for all of us, lest we ever hear with devastating regret: “I never knew you,” or, as Joseph Smith translated that phrase, “[You] never knew me.” "
(President Jeffrey R. Holland, "Motions of a Hidden Fire", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"That is, before the millennial era, before the time when Christ shall reign personally upon the earth, the elect of God among every kindred, the Saints who speak every tongue, the converts among all peoples and nations, having first believed the restored gospel, will go to the temples of God and receive the ordinances of exaltation whereby they qualify to become kings and priests."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "Go Ye Into All the World", Apr 1969 General Conference, Conference Report, pg. 143)

Day 3331

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:29

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:29

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"

I learned something new about baptism for the dead..

"No baptisms for the dead were performed before the Savior visited the spirit world and bridged the gulf between paradise and the spirit prison. Vicarious baptisms were performed only after Jesus was resurrected. The only Bible passage that mentions vicarious baptism for the dead is 1 Corinthians 15:29, although other ancient texts attest that baptism for the dead was practiced by early Christians."

(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 40: 1 Corinthians 15-16", Baptism for the Dead)

I had never really thought much on when vicarious baptism for the dead started. I know many scriptures are missing and just assumed mention is lost in the Old Testament. Turns out baptism for the dead could not take place until Jesus Christ was resurrected. It makes so much sense considering President Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead after reading 1 Peter 3:18-20, and 1 Peter 4:6. Where Christ preached to the spirits in prison in the brief time between his crucifixion and resurrection.

"And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;

But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.

And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.

Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.

These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,

And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross."

(Doctrine and Covenants 138:29-35)

Day 3236

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 3:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 3:8

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

It is through faith that we are saved and not simply because of any religions acts. Paul is referring to the law of Moses, which was a dead law. All the rituals and acts would not save if there was no atonement made by Christ and faith in him. The same with being baptized, confirmed, endowed and sealed. None of them are in effect if there is no faith. That is why performing proxy ordinances in behalf for our deceased loved ones mean absolutely nothing, if they do not accept it. You cannot make a person accept Christ. That is entirely on their own.

This is called being sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

“The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Spirit promised the saints, or in other words the Holy Ghost. This name-title is used in connection with the sealing and ratifying power of the Holy Ghost, that is, the power given him to ratify and approve the righteous acts of men so that those acts will be binding on earth and in heaven. ‘All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations,’ must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, if they are to have ‘efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.’ (D. & C. 132:7.)

“To seal is to ratify, to justify, or to approve. Thus an act which is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise is one which is ratified by the Holy Ghost; it is one which is approved by the Lord; and the person who has taken the obligation upon himself is justified by the Spirit in the thing he has done.

“The ratifying seal of approval is put upon an act only if those entering the contract are worthy as a result of personal righteousness to receive the divine approbation. They ‘are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true.’ (D. & C. 76:53.) If they are not just and true and worthy the ratifying seal is withheld."

(Bruce R. McConkie, "Holy Spirit of Promise", Eternal Marriage Student Manual)

Day 3208

Today's Favorite Verse: John 10:17-18

Today's Favorite Verse: John 10:17-18

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."

The power to lay down His life and take it up again was given to Jesus by his Father. Resurrection is a priesthood ordinances. A fact I did not discover until recently. Somewhere, I read a quote where it said man would be given keys to this ordinance in the next life. These keys will be given by Christ to assist in resurrecting the saints. Now I just had to find that main quote, and I did! It was in a general conference talk by President Kimball, quoting Brigham Young.

"President Brigham Young, the second president of this dispensation, said: “It is supposed by this people that we have all the ordinances in our possession for life and salvation, and exaltation, and that we are administering in those ordinances. This is not the case. We are in possession of all the ordinances that can be administered in the flesh; but there are other ordinances and administrations that must be administered beyond this world. I know you would like to ask what they are. I will mention one. We have not, neither can we receive here, the ordinance and the keys of resurrection.” (Journal of Discourses, 15:137.)

Do we have the keys of resurrection? Could you return to the earth as ones who would never again die—your own parents, your grandparents, your ancestors? I buried my mother when I was eleven, my father when I was in my early twenties. I have missed my parents much. If I had the power of resurrection as did the Savior of the world, I would have been tempted to try to have kept them longer. I have been called to speak in numerous funerals for people whom I have known, people whom I have loved, and people whom I have saved and held on to in a limited way. We do not know of anyone who can resurrect the dead as did Jesus the Christ when he came back to mortality.“

[The keys] will be given to those who have passed off this stage of action and have received their bodies again. … They will be ordained, by those who hold the keys of the resurrection, to go forth and resurrect the Saints, just as we receive the ordinance of baptism then receive the keys of authority to baptize others for the remission of their sins. This is one of the ordinances we can not receive here [on the earth], and there are many more.” (JD, 15:137.)"

(Spencer W. Kimball, "Our Great Potential", April 1977 General Conference)

Day 3166

Today's Favorite Verse: John 3:3, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: John 3:3, 5

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Seeing and entering the kingdom of God are two separate things Jesus mentions. I wanted clarification on that.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) taught about the Savior’s words in verses 3 and 5, which speak of “seeing” and “entering” the kingdom of God: “It is one thing to see the kingdom of God, and another thing to enter into it. We must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of God, and subscribe the articles of adoption to enter therein” (in History of the Church, 6:58). When a person “sees” the kingdom of God, the Holy Ghost has caused the person to have a mighty “change of heart” (see Alma 5:14). Then the person must participate in the ordinances of the gospel in order to “enter” the kingdom of God."

(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 22: John 2-4)

It's not enough to only have a change a heart. Entering into ordinances and covenants are what admit us into His presence. Ordinances alone won't save us either, if the heart is not changed. We need both. Then we must live up to our privileges until the end.

Day 3159

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 6:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 6:6

"For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."

Instead of going through the motions, with covenants, ordinances, etc. We need to understand them and love them. We need a knowledge of who God is and why he asks that of us. We need hearts that are willing to make that type of sacrifice.

"In ancient days, sacrifice meant to make something or someone holy. It has now come to mean to give up or suffer the loss of worldly things for the Lord and His kingdom. Members of the Lord’s Church should be willing to sacrifice all things for the Lord. Joseph Smith taught that “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.” In the eternal perspective, the blessings obtained by sacrifice are greater than anything that is given up."

(Guide to the Scriptures, "Sacrifice")

Day 3027

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 44:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 44:5

"And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary."

I think it one of the most desirable gifts, to have eyes that see and ears that hear, and know and understand. I pray for that often. It is only through the Holy Ghost that you can have such a gift. It is the only way you can understand the ordinances of the the house of the Lord.

Day 3005

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 37:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 37:26-27

"Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

As I read this chapter I thought this is prophesy fulfilled. The stick of Joseph and the stick of Ephraim are one my my hand (vs 16-17). The Lord's ordinances are once again available in his holy temples. There is an everlasting covenant that will seal families forever. The dry bones are live unto Christ as their work is performed on both sides of the veil. We are a temple going people.

Day 2998

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 11:19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 11:19-20

"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God."

You cannot be fully converted unless there is a mighty change of heart. I pondered on how it is walking in God's statutes and ordinances, pondering them and living them, that the stony places of our hearts are gradually softened.

Day 2972

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5

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

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

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

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

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

(Moroni 8:15-16, 19)

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

Day 2862