Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 18:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 18:9
"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"

I struggled to decide which verse was my favorite in this chapter. I decided on this one because not only have I seen this, it also made me think of something President Nelson said. I just couldn't remember what talk it was in so I spent a lot of time tonight looking for it.

"In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.
At this point you may be thinking that this message would really help someone you know. Perhaps you are hoping that it will help him or her to be nicer to you. I hope it will! But I also hope that you will look deeply into your heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent you from becoming a peacemaker."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed", April 2023 General Conference)

I loved that wisdom in looking at ourselves and not just pointing the finger that someone else needs to do better. It is the same when you think we are more righteous that others, and then we despise or mock those that just sin differently than us. We are all in need of the Lord's mercy and grace, and we need to in turn give it to others. The world seems to be losing it's humanity. It all just makes me really sad.

Day 4115

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 5:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 5:12-13
"For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time."

I pondered on the meaning of the prudent keeping silent. Is it like we have been told to be peacemakers? Don't content with the wicked, just leave them alone. There is no doubt about it that we are living in evil times.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."
(Matthew 5:25)

It made me think of this post I saw the other day by John Hilton III. It was from his recent YouTube video on Scripture Central. He related a story of Elder Lybbert being told he needing more faith. It didn't mean you worked so hard to the point of exhaustion. That you give reasonable effort and have faith the Lord will do the rest. Is that silent part having faith that the Lord will take care of the rest? He did that for Alma and his people when they were living in bondage.

"Have you heard the story of when Elder Packer told another General Authority he needed more faith?
Elder Lybbert of the Seventy was serving as Area President of Asia. Back-to-back emergencies—a mission president imprisoned, missionaries lost in Korea—had left him running on empty.
Elder Lybbert showed up at a stake conference in Taiwan completely exhausted. Then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks took one look at him and sent him back to the hotel to rest.
When Elder Oaks later shared the experience with Elder Boyd K. Packer, Elder Packer said: “The next time you see Elder Lybbert, tell him he needs to have more faith.” And then Elder Packer told Elder Oaks what he meant by that.
At the next General Conference, Elder Oaks pulled Elder Lybbert aside and delivered the message: “You need to have more faith.”
Elder Lybbert was astonished. “How can I work any harder than I already am?” “Exactly,” said Elder Oaks.
Then he explained what Elder Packer meant.
Elder Packer wasn’t saying to do more. True faith is understanding that the Lord expects a reasonable effort and then we trust that He will get His work done.
“Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” — D&C 123:17
This is what Jethro taught Moses. Moses was doing righteous work, but carrying it all alone. Jethro’s counsel wasn’t to work harder. It was to trust God enough to share the load.
True faith isn’t always doing more. Sometimes the way to have more faith is to do less and trust God more."
(John Hilton III, Instagram post 15 Apr 2026)

(Finding Christ in the Wilderness | Exodus 14-18 | Come Follow Me 2026 | John Hilton III | Apr 13-19)

Day 4038

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:3
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

The difference between keeping silent or gossiping. I think though it even goes deeper than that, especially in the times we are living in. There are times I wish to speak out but the spirit constrains me. Maybe because when I think with my head and not my heart I will get myself in trouble. Sometimes learning to be a peacemaker that best place to start to to learn constraint and be silent. This verse in Matthew keeps coming to me.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."
(Matthew 5:25)

The footnote for Agree, GR Quickly have kind thoughts for, or be well disposed toward.

Day 3957

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:1
"And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran."

I read that and this was all I could think of while I read three chapters in the Old Testament. Samuel the prophet dies, and the day I read it I learn President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, seer and revelator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has passed away. I wait to know when his funeral is. Will it be before General Conference this Saturday and Sunday or after? It was shocking, but not shocking, President Nelson was 101 years old. I wish my heart was allowed to just mourn the passing of such a wonderful prophet. Instead it is marred by the horrific events in Michigan, at a shooting and fire at one of our chapels. People died. It hurts my heart. Of course we don't know all the details, not sure if I really want to know all the details. All I can feel is a prophet that taught me so much about being a peacemaker is gone. I feel like the world rejected his message and God has sent us a judge in President Oaks. There has been a shift and change, though I expect the message on what I need to do during these latter-days will remain the same. I am so grateful that General Conference is this coming weekend. I need to sit at the feet of the prophets and hear their messages of peace.

Day 3832

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 23:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 23:6
"Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;"

I had several favorite verses that I pondered on, but when I asked myself which has the most meaning to share today, it is this one. It is something that has been reinforced to me these last two days. Don't turn to the right or to the left, stay in the middle. Stay the course. It is the only way to remain a peacemaker. Now with the laws of God you stay true, and that includes following the prophet. The message the prophet and the apostles are giving is to be a peacemaker. Elder Christofferson offered some inspired counsel yesterday morning that have played out to be so meaningful and true as the news later developed.

"The Lord expects us to be peacemakers.
There is much in today’s culture that focuses on retribution or revenge, but the Lord says, “Vengeance is mine” (Romans 12:19). We need to learn to leave judgment to Him.
Difficult as it may seem to be, we have the responsibility to pray for those who may persecute us, as Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount.
The Lord isn’t saying to us that we have to tolerate abuse or remain in circumstances or situations that are harmful; the Lord says to us that we can—even at times should—seek redress. But whether it comes or not, we forgive and move on.
God will care for those who turn to Him. He does not abandon us."
(Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Facebook post 10 Sep 2025)

Day 3815

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 19:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 19:17
"And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed."

The holy men that were angels were sent to bring Lot and his family out of Sodom. What stood out to me was the "escape to the mountain", which often means the House of the Lord. The prophet has been telling us that we need to worship in the house of the Lord, and why? It is as the angels said "lest thou be consumed". If we do not come out of the world we will be consumed by the world. It made me realize we are no different now than Lot fleeing from Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot was a righteous man, if he was not so the Lord would not have sent his angels to bring him out of it. He remained righteous even though those around him were not. When the men of the city surround his home he did not go out and war with them. He tried to be a peacemaker. Exactly as we have also been counseled. There are so many lessons I learn from Lot.

Day 3752

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 98:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 98:16
"Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children;"

This verse made me see exactly the direction President Nelson has given us in his general conference talks. We are told to be peacemakers. We are also counseled to work on our family history. I have thought many times as I am researching my ancestors how this allows my heart and focus to be on other things than what is happening in the world. It is a safe place a holy place, for my thoughts and actions. Then as this effort brings me to the house of the Lord, to perform vicarious ordinances for my kindred dead, I know this is all a great plan. The prophet truly is speaking the words of the Lord, for in the scriptures I can #HearHim.

"Now, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what does the Lord expect of us? As a Church, we must “renounce war and proclaim peace.” As individuals, we should “follow after the things which make for peace.” We should be personal peacemakers. We should live peacefully—as couples, families, and neighbors. We should live by the Golden Rule. We have writings of the descendants of Judah as now merged with writings of the descendants of Ephraim. We should employ them and expand our circle of love to embrace the whole human family. We should bring divine love and revealed doctrines of restored religion to our neighbors and friends. We should serve them according to our abilities and opportunities. We should keep our principles on a high level and stand for the right. We should continue to gather scattered Israel from the four corners of the earth and offer the ordinances and covenants that seal families together forever. These blessings we are to bring to people of all nations."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Blessed are the Peacemakers", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3687

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 45:68-69

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 45:68-69
"And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another."

I was thinking about this scripture just the other day. How only the saints will not be at war one with another. I realized that war didn't necessarily mean physical battle, or fleeing to a physical place. You can be at war with others with words. The battle of words is raging all around us, inciting contention and anger. It is a world-wide condition. I reflected on how President Nelson has asked us to be peacemakers. There is so much wisdom in that council. We stay out of the fray when we don't add to the contention. We have the protection of the Spirit to safely guide us. The gathering to Zion is happening around the whole world. Living as Zion people does and will bring safety and peace.

"If you are serious about helping to gather Israel and about building relationships that will last throughout the eternities, now is the time to lay aside bitterness. Now is the time to cease insisting that it is your way or no way. Now is the time to stop doing things that make others walk on eggshells for fear of upsetting you. Now is the time to bury your weapons of war. If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away. You will arise as a spiritually strong man or woman of Christ.
Let us as a people become a true light on the hill—a light that “cannot be hid.” Let us show that there is a peaceful, respectful way to resolve complex issues and an enlightened way to work out disagreements. As you demonstrate the charity that true followers of Jesus Christ manifest, the Lord will magnify your efforts beyond your loftiest imagination.
I bless you to replace belligerence with beseeching, animosity with understanding, and contention with peace."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed", April 2023 General Conference)

Day 3634

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 3:1, 36

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 3:1, 36
"And now it came to pass in the forty and third year of the reign of the judges, there was no contention among the people of Nephi save it were a little pride which was in the church, which did cause some little dissensions among the people, which affairs were settled in the ending of the forty and third year.
And it came to pass that the fifty and second year ended in peace also, save it were the exceedingly great pride which had gotten into the hearts of the people; and it was because of their exceedingly great riches and their prosperity in the land; and it did grow upon them from day to day."

At the start of the chapter there is a little pride. By the end of the chapter there is exceedingly great pride. They had peace without war, riches and prosperity, and they yet were effected with the greatest of Satan's tools, pride. That is something every human being that walks this earth has to learn to overcome. It is something that constantly has to be monitored within us. Pride is my greatest fear.

"At this point you may be thinking that this message would really help someone you know. Perhaps you are hoping that it will help him or her to be nicer to you. I hope it will! But I also hope that you will look deeply into your heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent you from becoming a peacemaker."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed", Apr 2023 General Conference)

Day 3510

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 59:11, 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 59:11, 12
"And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost he was exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the hands of their brethren.
Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted and marveled also because of the wickedness of the people, and this because of the success of the Lamanites over them."

There is an election coming up next week. I keep reminding myself that regardless of what the voice of the people choose I can't lose hope. Stay on the covenant path and do as we have been counseled. Be a peacemaker, trust in the Lord.

Day 3503

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 20:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 20:26-27
"And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou hast desired, that I would release thy brethren, and suffer that my son Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I will grant unto you that my son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever; and I will govern him no more—
And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be cast out of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom; for I shall greatly desire to see thee. For the king was greatly astonished at the words which he had spoken, and also at the words which had been spoken by his son Lamoni, therefore he was desirous to learn them."

I pondered on how hearts are changed when you show care and love towards others. It was Ammon's love for Lamoni that softened the kings heart. He asked nothing for himself, but only to defend and help his friends. It reminded me of how important it is to be a peacemaker too.

Day 3464

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 7:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 7:23-24
"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."

This is a wonderful list of virtues to strive for, for they are Christlike attributes. The one that stood out to me this time was gentle.

Gentle = having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character. Make or become gentle; calm or pacify.

It reminded me of being a peacemaker.

Day 3451

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 28:19-22

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 28:19-22
"For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish;
For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance."

This is absolutely a message for our day. What stands out to me is people being stirred up to anger, rage in their hearts, and anger against what is good. This is a careful descent that Satan leads them. They don't even realize they are fighting against what is good. Once Satan's chains are on them there is no deliverance. Yes, the Lord's arms are always stretched out towards us, but will they care or even realize the need for repentance until it is to late? I can see why President Nelson counsel over and over again is to not be contentious, to be peacemakers. You cannot serve two masters in this matter. If you are driven by anger and make choices based on it, you are not on the Lord's side. The spirit has fled and its a long, long road home, if you can find it again.

Day 3399

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 12:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 12:10-11
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

I pondered on how the same battle Satan and his angels waged in the pre-existence is being waged here on earth. It's a battle of words, accusations, opinions and contention. The attacks are relentless now. However, the counsel is given on how to over come it. We are to hold fast to the word of God and our testimonies. We are to reply of the power of Christ to the end. It makes me think of President Nelson counsel to be peacemakers.

"The Savior’s Atonement made it possible for us to overcome all evil—including contention. Make no mistake about it: contention is evil! Jesus Christ declared that those who have “the spirit of contention” are not of Him but are “of the devil, who is the father of contention, and [the devil] stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” Those who foster contention are taking a page out of Satan’s playbook, whether they realize it or not. “No man can serve two masters.” We cannot support Satan with our verbal assaults and then think that we can still serve God.
Contention drives away the Spirit—every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.
Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker.
You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers. "
(Russell M. Nelson "Peacemakers Needed", Apr 2023 General Conference)

Day 3338

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 14:1

"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations."

All I can think of when I read this is "keep your mouth shut". If what you want to contribute is not edifying, helpful, or matters in the scheme of the eternities, then keep your mouth shut. If someone is trying to live the gospel but doing somethings wrong, does it really need to be you to correct them? If what you are doing causes another to contend or take offense, then leave it alone. Instead of picking your battles is it better to simply lay down your weapons of war? As President Nelson has said "be a peacemaker".

Several years ago I had to temper myself on Facebook and other social media channels. Inspired by the thirteenth Article of Faith, I took this as my mission statement.

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek after these things."

Day 3219