Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith 1:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith 1:9
"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."

I love change, and I always have. I reflected on all the changes made in the church that I have seen over the years. The first I can recall was during the 70's oil crises. Our ward was given permission to have a continuous 3 hour church block. Prior to that you went to Sunday School and classes with an afternoon break, and come back in the evening for sacrament. We used to go to Primary during the weekday but that all changed with the 3 hour block.

I remember the first set of personal scriptures that I had. It came with a paper insert of Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead. First, it went into the Pearl of Great Price and later it became section 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It didn't seem to long after that the new scriptures came out with cross references between the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. They truly became one in thine hand.

Then came the exciting day when it was announced that all worthy males could receive the priesthood. We had speculated on how that blessing would come to all, and when it did we heard the news on TV. That taught me that we never know how revelation comes about.

I remember having fund raising projects to build our ward chapel and then one day we no longer had to pay the building fund. The church was able to financially handle it because we were paying our tithing. Speaking of tithing I was so excited when we could pay tithing and fast offerings online. Who would have guessed how important that was when Covid hit. I've seen the change from 3 hour church down to 2 hours, with the home study, church supported "Come, Follow Me".

I love seeing changes happen in the church. I love all the many changes in the temple and lots more of them popping up. I embrace it all. Yet, I know more is to come. The restoration is ongoing. I thought the church was fully restored, but it wasn't until President Nelson became prophet that we knew that was just the beginning. I don't know what's ahead, but I already love it, because I love change.

"As the Restoration continues, I know that God will continue to reveal many great and important things pertaining to His kingdom here on earth. That kingdom is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Go Forward in Faith", Apr 2020 General Conference)

"Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us—Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he received priesthood keys, the Church was organized. In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes “all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,” and the “many great and important things” that “He will yet reveal.” Brethren, the exciting developments of today are part of that long-foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This is one of the most remarkable periods of the world’s history! Ancient prophets yearned to see our day."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?", Apr 2014 General Conference)

"Elder James E. Talmage wrote: “The canon of scripture is still open; many lines, many precepts, are yet to be added; revelation, surpassing in importance and glorious fulness any that has been recorded, is yet to be given to the Church and declared to the world” (Articles of Faith, 311).
(Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, "Articles of Faith 1:5-13")

Day 3745

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith - History 1:36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith - History 1:36-37
"After telling me these things, he commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter of Malachi; and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy, though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first verse as it reads in our books, he quoted it thus:
For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble; for they that come shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

Moroni quoted Malachi 4:1 differently. This is how it reads in the bible.
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

My question is who are "they that come"?

In the bible it says "the day that cometh" will burn them up. But Moroni that appeared to Joseph Smith quotes it with the variation "THEY that come". As I was researching this I noticed the Lord said He will burn them up.

"For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 29:9)

As I was pondering on who "they that come" are, I was looking at a picture of the second coming. The Lord comes with his angels. It has to be angels that do this work of burning. Angels appearing in the glory of the Lord. I then found other scriptures on the role of angels.

"And until that hour there will be foolish virgins among the wise; and at that hour cometh an entire separation of the righteous and the wicked; and in that day will I send mine angels to pluck out the wicked and cast them into unquenchable fire."
(Doctrine and Covenants 63:54)

"Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined."
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:12)

"The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
(Matthew 13:41-42)

"And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them."
(3 Nephi 17:24)

Those that are righteous are not consumed by the fire, they are embraced and ministered to by the angels in the midst of it. The righteous will remain while the wicked are destroyed.

Day 3744

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:38-40

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:38-40
"Now learn a parable of the fig tree—When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand;
So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors;
But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only."

The signs are here, the coming of the Lord is near, even at the doors. I know that decades of youth have been told they were the promised generation. What I never realized in my youth is that it would mean I was old by that time.

"Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of His coming. But I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that “great and dreadful day.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Confidence in the Presence of God", Apr 2025 General Conference)

As I heard President Nelson say we do not know the day or hour of the Lord's coming, the thought came, "but that's not saying he doesn't know the season, month or year." The time is fixed, it was from the beginning. The world is wicked enough, what is left is preparing ourselves and the world. But, that doesn't mean the fixed time will be extended to wait for us to get our act together. At some point we are just counted among the foolish. Now more than ever we need to stay on the straight and narrow path and repent daily.

Day 3743

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:14, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:14, 16
"And the Gods said: Let us make an help meet for the man, for it is not good that the man should be alone, therefore we will form an help meet for him.
And of the rib which the Gods had taken from man, formed they a woman, and brought her unto the man."

I wish I could recall what I was reading about the creation of Eve. Adam was given Eve as a help meet, it almost sounds like they had no choice. The idea though was as spirits in the pre-existence they would have known each other. Heavenly Father would have known the perfect companion for Adam. They would have been the greatest gift to each other. It would still be a love story for both of them.

Day 3742

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18-19
"And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed.
And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning that it was night; and it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that it was day; and it was the fourth time."

I noticed in the creation story in Abraham that each creation period is called night and day after it is determined that what they ordered was obeyed. It was at the end of each creation period not that the creation happened within the night and day. It also mentioned these were called "times" and not "days" like we have in Genesis. Each creation period could have taken millenniums or longer. I also noticed that calling night and day had nothing to do with the sun and moon at first. The heavens were not organized until the fourth "time" it was called night and day.. I wonder if night or darkness could mean without creation, and day is when the creation is born or completed?

Day 3741

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:15
"And the Lord said unto me: Abraham, I show these things unto thee before ye go into Egypt, that ye may declare all these words."

Abraham is first shown the order of the sun, moon and stars through the Urim and Thummim the Lord gave him. He is instructed in the order and set timing and revolutions of the planets until you reach Kolob which is nearest to God. In God's time a day equals a thousand years for man. Then the Lord put his hands on Abraham's eyes and showed him the eternal nature of spirits, pre-earth life and foreordination. What I pondered on was this was all shown to him so he could declare these words when he went into Egypt. It made we wonder how much astronomy Abraham was able to bring to them?

Day 3740

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: Abraham 1:23-25

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 1:23-25
"The land of Egypt being first discovered by a woman, who was the daughter of Ham, and the daughter of Egyptus, which in the Chaldean signifies Egypt, which signifies that which is forbidden;
When this woman discovered the land it was under water, who afterward settled her sons in it; and thus, from Ham, sprang that race which preserved the curse in the land.
Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner of the government of Ham, which was patriarchal."

So much history explained in the book of Abraham. The Bible mentions the sons of Ham as Cush, Mizraim, Phut and Canaan. It excludes mention that Ham's wife was Egyptus and she was of Canaanite. This is how the blood of the Canaanites (with darkened skin) was preserved after the flood. Ham and Egyptus had a daughter named Egyptus. This daughter discovered the land still under water after the flood and it was named Egypt. Her first son was called Pharaoh. He was a righteous man but did not hold the priesthood. The right of priesthood was limited to a few.

"At times in the past, the power and authority to act in the name of the Lord was bestowed upon only a few worthy males and withheld from all others. In the days of Moses’s leadership of the children of Israel, for example, only the tribe of Levi had the privilege to hold the priesthood (see Numbers 8:5–26). Our day is the “long-promised day … when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood.”
(Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, "Abraham 1:4-31: Facsimile 1")

Understanding how limited the priesthood was I can understand why Abraham was so desirous to have this blessing. His fathers had turned from their righteousness. I would think the priesthood was in jeopardy of being lost to their line.

"And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.
It was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or first father, through the fathers unto me.
I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto the fathers concerning the seed."
(Abraham 1:2-4)

Day 3738

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 8:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 8:25-26
"And it repented Noah, and his heart was pained that the Lord had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at the heart.
And the Lord said: I will destroy man whom I have created, from the face of the earth, both man and beast, and the creeping things, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Noah that I have created them, and that I have made them; and he hath called upon me; for they have sought his life."

Comparing this verse to Genesis 6:6-7 and the Joseph Smith Translation found in Genesis 8:13-14)
"And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them."

"And it repented Noah, and his heart was pained that the LORD made man on the earth, and it grieved him at the heart.
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man, and beast, and the creeping things, and the fowls of the air,"
(JST Genesis 8:13-14)

The difference is in who repented. It wasn't the Lord it was Noah. There is also another explanation here in the Hebrew word used.

"The Hebrew word used here, and translated repented in the Bible, is nacham (naw-kham), which literally means “to sigh,” “to breathe strongly,” “to be sorry,” “to pity.”
(Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, "Moses 8")

Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generation. After trying to preach the gospel there were people that wanted to kill him. Yet, I can see this great sorrow he must have had. He tried to warn them and change their hearts, knowing that destruction would come otherwise. Noah and his righteous sons would be saved with their wives, but none else. I pondered on how as wicked as this world gets before the Savior's Second Coming we need the heart of Noah. We need to feel sorrow and pity for those that chose the wrong path. We do all that we can for as long as we can, until the Lord says it's enough. I feel really bad when I hear people say they can't wait for the second coming with the intent that the wicked are destroyed. That should never feel like a good thing. Otherwise, we lose the humanity within us. We won't have the right spirit about us. I think at the Lord's Second Coming it will be both a great and dreadful day for the righteous. How could we not mourn for the millions that are gone, family and friends, no matter how bad they were.

Day 3737

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 7:65-66

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 7:65-66
"And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years;
But before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men’s hearts failing them, looking forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God, which should come upon the wicked."

I thought about if I look with fear for the judgments of God. I honestly don't, but I think I would if I wasn't praying for forgiveness every day. When I used to bottle things up and repent when I was all weighted down it was a different story. I am so grateful I learned repentance is needed every day. Not to let things come to a head before I set my life in order. Correction is so much easier when its done in small increments and not when thrown completely off track. I'm also grateful for being able to take the sacrament each Sunday. I think these things bring peace into your life no matter what is swirling around you.

"Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
(Luke 21:26)

Day 3736

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 6:5-6, 8, 46-47

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 6:5-6, 8, 46-47
"And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration;
And by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled. 
Now this prophecy Adam spake, as he was moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and a genealogy was kept of the children of God. And this was the book of the generations of Adam, saying: In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him.
For a book of remembrance we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God; and it is given in our own language.
And as Enoch spake forth the words of God, the people trembled, and could not stand in his presence."

A book of remembrance was created in the beginning in the Adamic language. The pure language of God that was confounded at the Tower of Babel. It was preserved with Jared and his brother and those that came with them to their new land of inheritance. It was this land. They had the Adamic language, and their records would have been written in them. This is what Moroni said about the record left by Ether that would have been in this same language.

"And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them."
(Ether 12:24)

What must it be like to hear the words of God as Enoch spoke them, or read what Ether recorded?

Day 3735

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 5:6-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 5:6-9
"And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me. 
And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will."

I looked at when the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, it was after he repented and understood the Savior's role in his life. He had offered sacrifices as the Lord had commanded, but he was still ignorant as to why. Once it was explained that all was to be done in the name of the Son, and to repent, Adam understood and the Spirit could confirm the truthfulness of it to him.

"(May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood.
It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
(Doctrine and Covenants 131:5-6

Day 3734

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 4:6
"And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world."

I thought about how comforting it is to know that Satan doesn't know the mind of God. Satan or Lucifer knows parts of the plan of salvation, and knew us in the pre-existence as spirit children of God, but not everything. We ourselves don't even know the mind of God. How trials and difficulties, the road blocks of life caused by others, God will use them for our good. It will direct and move us into paths to further His work and our progression. All while allowing us to choose for ourselves and learn from experience. I often think of the mobs that persecuted the saints. In turn driving them to the rocky mountains where the church could blossom and establish itself and the headquarters of the church. We needed the roots and strength of spirit to flood the earth with his word. God knows his children well. He knows what combination of children won't play nicely in the sandbox together. Any mother can tell you this. On this earth are some of the greatest spirits, and then some of the most wicked. All of them are needed to bring about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. All of us free to decide which side we are on.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."
(Isaiah 55:8)

Day 3733

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 3:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 3:1
"Thus the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them."

I wondered who "all the host of them" were? I started to look at the footnotes.

"And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil—for, behold, the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 29:36)

The third part of the hosts of heaven were Satan and his angels, all those that rebelled against God and were cast out. So automatically some of these other hosts are the two-thirds of spirit children that would be worthy to come to earth and obtain physical bodies.

"Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:1)

seraphic hosts = Seraphim
"Probably fiery beings. Angelic beings mentioned in the account of Isaiah’s vision (Isa. 6:2). They are represented as winged and partly human in form. They are attendants in Jehovah’s court, the ministers of the heavenly sanctuary, joining in adoration before the throne." (Bible Dictionary)

The spirits of man and the heavenly beings were all created before we can to this earth. This earth had a divine plan and purpose. It was not formed by accident.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) said: “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose that I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 511).
President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) taught: “The Lord informed Abraham that he had chosen rulers from among the intelligences that were organized, to be given in various capacities down the ages; and Abraham was one of these who was so chosen [see Abraham 3:22–23].“It is reasonable to believe that in the beginning, before the earth was prepared, the Lord would have all things organized from the beginning to the end of time. It is written in the scriptures: ‘Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the hosts of them.’ This is equivalent to the Lord’s saying that everything was in preparation to be placed on the earth in its due course when mankind should be placed upon it” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. [1966], 5:182).

(Pear of Great Price Student Manual, "Moses 3:1-25")

Day 3732

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 1:36, 40-41

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 1:36, 40-41
And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying: Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant will be content.
And now, Moses, my son, I will speak unto thee concerning this earth upon which thou standest; and thou shalt write the things which I shall speak.
And in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught and take many of them from the book which thou shalt write, behold, I will raise up another like unto thee; and they shall be had again among the children of men—among as many as shall believe."

I'm now in the Pearl of Great Price. While Joseph Smith was translating the Bible he received by revelation these extracts from the Book of Moses. As I was reading this chapter I kept thinking about the Five Books of Moses in the Bible, which include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. I wondered if they were oral traditions that Moses wrote down or revelations? In these verses I think I have my answer. God revealed the creation of this world and all its inhabitants. I can picture that he saw in vision all that took place in the garden of Eden, Noah and the flood, and the building of the Tower of Babel. He saw the beginning and the end of this world. He was commanded to write it. Moses was even shown that one day men would not esteem his words and take many things from the book. The one raised up would be Joseph Smith, restoring what was once lost.

Day 3730

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith: 12

Today's Favorite Verse: Articles of Faith: 12

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

When I look at the Articles of Faith I think this is the one that has been the most abused this year. I reflected on how grateful I am for this one. It has been such a guiding light to me and how I should behave during this whole pandemic and politically upheaval. It has kept me from fighting the wrong battle and losing my way.

Day 2159

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-History 1:38-39

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-History 1:38-39

"And again, he quoted the fifth verse thus: 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.

He also quoted the next verse differently: 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'm reading the Joseph Smith History and this is what the angel Moroni quoted to Joseph Smith on the evening of September 21, 1823. As I read these words from Malachi I could not help but wonder what Joseph and Moroni must both be thinking on the eve of RootsTech Connect 2021. The last count I saw there were 501,203 people registered in over 237 countries and territories around the world. The interest and fascination in finding your roots has never been stronger.

There is no doubt that Elijah did come and the hearts of the children have turned to their fathers. It's almost like I can feel the spirit world collectively holding their breath for what is about to happen. The temples have been closed for almost a year and all work for our deceased ancestors have been on hold. If it wasn't for this pandemic none of that would have ever happened, and neither would RootsTech become a virtual worldwide event. It won't be long before the dam bursts and the temple doors will reopen with a flood that will fill the whole earth.

Day 2158

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:23

"Behold, I speak these things unto you for the elect's sake; and you also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet."

I really think I could go through each of these 55 verses in this chapter individually and have something to ponder on and write. There is just so very much of great importance in this chapter. In fact when I just want some time to reflect I think I will read this chapter. I can see myself sitting in the celestial room of the temple reading and pondering these words.

I am struck on how many times the Lord says "I speak for mine elect's sake." In fact elect is mentioned 8 times. I think that means this chapter is of specific attention for the Lord's elect to be aware of. I want to count myself as one of them.

The reason this verse stood out to me is because I have been trying to express to others this thought, but didn't have the words. Now I see it's right here. "See that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass." I have seen fear amongst people on many different levels. I have seen conspiracy theories and people all worked up over the words of false prophets. (Sadly, that isn't what they realize they are doing.) I think during this latter part of the last days the elect will not have fear, for they will have faith. They will know that even if storms, famines, earthquakes, floods, pestilence, plagues, wars and violence come. If nations fall and evil reigns to not be troubled. These things were prophesied to happen. We don't encourage bad things to happen, but we know that the Lord will strengthen us to endure these things.

I remember a discussion I had with someone. They were all concerned that our economy would fail and a new money system would be put in place. I cannot describe to you all they had worked themselves up over this matter into minute detail. I knew in my heart they were listening to false prophets that put fear in their heart. Then I asked "What difference does it really make if the money system changes? Will that really change your ability to live the gospel?"

Christ said "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 12:17) A money system is not of God. It doesn't matter what is used. Why should it matter if the world uses the same thing? There are so many things that we need to not trouble ourselves over, for in the scheme of the eternities and our ability to have eternal life they mean nothing. They are only man's ways. The Lord has already told us what will come about. Know that if you are obedient and do what is right miracles and doors will open up for you. Yes, there are hard days ahead, but so are there promised mighty miracles too. "Be not troubled" is a measuring rod of who we are listening to. We have to have the faith that the Lord knows what is coming, there is a purpose and a plan for all that we endure. We have to be on the Lord's side in this and walk in faith and trust him.

Day 2157

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:13

"But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Now I, Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord's time, which was after the time of Kolob; for as yet the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his reckoning."

I pondered on time and how Adam died in the day that he ate of the tree of knowledge. For in God's reckoning one day equals 1,000 years for us.

"And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions thereof; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest. This is the reckoning of the Lord's time, according to the reckoning of Kolob.

(Abraham 3:4)

"And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died."

(Genesis 5:5)

Adam begat Seth at 130 

Seth begat Enos at 105

Enos begat Cainan at 90

Cainan begat Mahaleleel at 70

Mahalaleel begat Jared at 65

Jared begat Enoch at 162

Enoch begat Methuselah at 65

Methuselah begat Lamech at 187

Lamech begat Noah at 182

Noah begat Shem, Ham and Japeth at 500

Noah was 600 when the flood came

The oldest living man was Methuselah.

"And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died."

(Genesis 5:27)

"Methuselah was one hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam.

Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing."

(Doctrine and Covenants 107:50, 53)

Jewish tradition says Methuselah died 7 days before the great flood. He was not taken up to the city of Enoch so from his posterity Noah would be born. It was important that Methuselah would live long enough to prepare Noah. It's fascinating when you think of Methuselah being the last person on earth to have heard the testimony of Adam from his own lips. He was the bridge between Adam and Noah, which spanned 1,056 years until Noah was born, or 1,656 years from the fall to the flood.

Day 2156

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18

"And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed."

The Gods are God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ. What I noticed in this chapter is how many times the words organized (10), ordered (7), and obeyed (6) was mentioned. Each creation period has it at last once if not multiple times. From this I realized the progression to the next step in creation did not happen until God saw they were obeyed. I pondered on the cause and effect each creation had on the ability for the next creation to become organized, ordered and obeyed. Then I thought about how my obedience or lack of it, effects others around me. How the lack of obedience causes life to go into chaos. Truly out of all of God's creations man is the least obedient, and is less than the dust of the earth. For even dust is obedient.

"And they viewed themselves in the own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.

And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them."

(Mosiah 4:2-3).

I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and his beautiful plan. He knew out of all his creations that man would need a savior to sacrifice and atone for their sins. I am grateful for my Lord, Jesus Christ for doing that for me.

Day 2155