Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7-8
"And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest."

What must it have been like for Saul to hear the name Jesus of Nazareth. What he heard and comprehended completely changed his course for the remainder of his life. I sat and pondered on it. There must have been a feeling of profound guilt, repentance and forgiveness in one great wave.

Day 4164

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 37:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 37:3-4
"And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them.
Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come. Even so. Amen."

The saints in New York and Pennsylvania are called to gather to the Ohio. Yet, they are told to choose for himself. I pondered on agency. Even though the Lord commands we are still free to choose. However there are consequences that come with our choices. I pondered on how the saints in Ohio were greatly blessed with more revelations, a temple, and the Lord himself came to accept it. That wasn't to be their final place to reside, but for a season it would be exactly where a faithful member would want to be, regardless of the persecution that followed them.

Day 3626

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 6:39-40

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 6:39-40
" And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government, insomuch that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers of God.
And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction."

If we see the poor, meek and humble followers of God being trampled we will know we are ripe for destruction. It feels like we are ripe and ready for this to fall on us in the "space of not many years". I keep thinking of the weeping, and wailing and gnashing of teeth". Yes, persecution will be dreadful, but with God you can have peace in the storm. What I would not want, is to be in the shoes of those that sanctioned it, and brought it upon others. That realization of what they had done would be a terrible grief to bare. I feel sorrow for them.

"Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.
Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up."
(Ether 8:23-24)

Day 3513

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 1:14

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 1:14
"And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!"

As I was reading this part in the chapter header "The Lord warns Lehi to depart out of the land of Jerusalem, because he prophesieth unto the people concerning their iniquity and they seek to destroy his life." I pondered on how many times God has led His people to a new location because others were seeking their life. Even the pioneers had to move to the Great Salt Lake valley because of persecution. Nephi speaks of his father Lehi's vision of the destruction of Jerusalem and many being carried away captive into Babylon. After Lehi goes back to testify to them and they seek his life, the Lord then tells him to take his family and leave. I pondered on how they truly would have perished if they had not listened to God. That I can trust in the Lord guiding me if there is ever a time we are called to leave due to coming civil unrest or persecution. The key is you have to listen when you are warned.

It has been many years now that my husband and I moved from the East coast to Utah. I remember the vivid dreams I would have of someone murdering me. I could feel my blood turn to ice as I was being killed. I had physical pain from it as I woke up. Then the impressions came that we needed to move to Utah. Once in Utah I thankfully never had another one of those dreams. I am grateful that we are here. I feel physical and spiritual safety where we are. In Stake Conference today the leadership spoke of how they expect in the next little while (months?) 2,000-3,000 people to move into our stake boundaries. How people are coming here and some do not really understand why. It is for them to hear the gospel. The mission we are in is the highest baptizing mission in the church and that's Utah!. It is amazing how the Lord is moving people around. As massive development is all around us, price of homes going up, and roads are in gridlock I do not resent those that are coming. We can make room, for the Lord has a purpose for bringing them here.

Day 3350

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:27
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"

Nothing feels more damaging then when member of The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints behave badly. There can be millions of good faithful members, but the actions of one that has taken strange paths is plastered all over the place as our unappointed mascot. In our day it's made worse because news can be shared instantly around the world. I was actually reflecting today on the Missouri saints in the early days of the church, and how their pride and haughtiness brought persecution on their own heads. The place of Zion and the New Jerusalem was lost because of it. I am hoping in our exuberance over the recent acquisition of the Kirtland Temple, and other historical sites and documents of the restoration, that we do not offend others. I've heard somethings that make me cringe. The need for temperance comes to mind.

"And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."
(Doctrine and Covenants 12:8)

Day 3263

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 12:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 12:4

"I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn."

This verse continues my thought of yesterday, on how the book of Job is an example of persecution and how we can learn from it in the latter-days. Now I think about religious freedom and how the loss of it will lead to that persecution.

Day 2607

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 11:3-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 11:3-6

"Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth."

With such friends who needs enemies? In fact I think Job's enemies would be kinder to him. As I pondered on Job and his suffering I thing the words of his friends would hurt worse than loosing his children, homes and property, and even his health. This is the worse type of torment, for how do you see God's hand in it? I pondered on persecution and how the saints will face it in the coming days. Persecution begins from those that once called themselves saints and now fight against it. They are there to destroy your faith in God, and bring you down to destruction. I thought of how spiritually prepared we need to be to be able to endure this type of opposition. Someone play head games with you is the worse.

Day 2606

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 16:10-12

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 16:10-12

"And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day."

This reminded me of something I was pondering about today about God's will. That both the good and bad we go through are according to God's will. The difference is when we are obedient, righteous, and long suffering it is used for our good. Through the course of where the events take us in the end it is a better place. Even the horrible persecutions the early saints went through brought them to the wonderful place I now live. There is a price we pay to become acquainted with God.

Day 2442

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 3:33-35

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 3:33-35

"And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was a peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church - not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God -

And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.

Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."

I like how Mormon said "the people who professed to belong to the church of God." These individuals were full of pride, which caused them to persecute those that were humble. I am reminded that there are two churches only, the church of God and the church of the devil. It is entirely possible to be a member of the true and living church, but your membership lies in the church of the devil, simply because of where your heart is. It is sad the damage people can do when they profess to belong to the church and then are a very bad example of what the faith is all about. 

Yet, in this we see the saints that are persecuted by fellow members are made more prayerful, humble and faithful. They turn to God and are purified and sanctified. It is an example of "..all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7) 

I had these notes on the verses. It is powerful to think of what the humble followers of Christ came to understand from all that they passed through.

"The Saints of Helaman’s day continued in good works and became stronger in spiritual qualities, which in turn resulted in sanctification. Elder D. Todd Christofferson explained that sanctification is a step in the path of striving toward perfection: “Personal persistence in the path of obedience is something different than achieving perfection in mortality. Perfection is not, as some suppose, a prerequisite for justification and sanctification. It is just the opposite: justification (being pardoned) and sanctification (being purified) are the prerequisites for perfection. We only become perfect ‘in Christ’ (see Moro. 10:32), not independently of Him. Thus, what is required of us in order to obtain mercy in the day of judgment is simple diligence” (“Justification and Sanctification,” Ensign, June 2001, 24–25). 

The development of humility is a strengthening factor that leads to greater faith and joy in the lives of faithful Church members then and now. 

“To be humble is to recognize gratefully your dependence on the Lord—to understand that you have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that your talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that you know where your true strength lies. You can be both humble and fearless. You can be both humble and courageous. … 

“The Lord will strengthen you as you humble yourself before Him” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 86).

Day 1924

Today's Favorite Verse: James 4:4

Today's Favorite Verse: James 4:4
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

I had this note in my scriptures.

"When are we friends with the world?  When we leave the council of the church, to feel a greater love is to embrace or support sin."

It is amazing how Satan will deceive, and twist things. Agendas that support sin seem to produce some of the most unloving and intolerant of people, that are blind to what they have become. They really do become enemies to God and his people. The amazing thing is once they leave the church and their faith, they just can't leave it alone.

Day 1723

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 26:17, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 26:17, 19
"Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:"

As Paul is recounting the story of his conversion to king Agrippa this part reminded me of something our family recently read in Doctrine and Covenants, sections 39 & 40. James Covel was a Methodist minister that covenanted to obey any command the Lord would give him through the prophet Joseph Smith. The Lord called him to be baptized and then go to the Ohio to preach the gospel. In less than 48 hours Covel broke his covenant to do either. The reason, Covel thought he should be called to preach to the prominent people where he had preached before. As I read his story I realize that the fear of persecution (most likely in Ohio), and the cares of the world (possibly pride in who he wanted to convert) left him with these stunning words from the Lord.

"Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 40:3)

I see in the Paul the opposite. He does exactly what the Lord asked him to do. He isn't told to preach to his "own kind" he is sent to the Gentiles. Pride is gone, and yet Paul preached the gospel to a king. What would have happened to James Covel if he had done the same thing?


Day 1617

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 25:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 25:7
"And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusations of such things as I supposed.
But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive."

I pondered on how I have seen this same tactic used politically and how nasty it is to witness. They laid in wait to destroy a reputation with lies. It made me think of how this story of Paul is telling me this tactic will be used on Christians too.

Day 1616

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 22:7
"And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"

I was struck this time with these words. Paul is recounting his story about persecuting the saints and apostles. Keeping the coats of those that stoned Stephen. I'm not sure when Paul appeared on the scene, but it seems to be after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If he had persecuted Jesus Christ while in the flesh then I would have thought that would be part of his story. Then this scripture verse came to me.

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
(Matthew 25:40)

I thought upon how powerful a thing it is to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. For even to be persecuted for his name sake he takes it so personally as if they persecuted Him. That is an incredibly humbling thought.



Day 1613

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:2
"But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren."

I found it interesting that one of the adversary's tactics is exactly what we have now. He stirs up the mind to think evil of their brothers. The worst persecution comes from within. Once you set the mind to think evil of another its very difficult to look at them any other way.

Day 1605

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 14:33

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 14:33
"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."

I pondered on what it means to forsake. Have I been asked to give anything up for the gospel of Jesus Christ? I think that an unfair question seeing that my parents joined the church when I was four years old. The way I needed to live was already in place. Then I thought about my sins, which everyone must pass through. The ways of the natural man are what I have been called to forsake without a doubt. At some time things might be different when being a Christian takes on amplified persecution. I have known very little of that in my life. But, I have to say when it has happened and I had to make a stand, it only strengthen me in my testimony. Those were the moments I had no doubt I was a disciple of Jesus Christ and he was watching over me.

Day 1562

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 30:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 30:15
"Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud."

I found this quote by Brigham Young referencing this verse and pondered on it.

"Man is a mystery to himself, and but few of the inhabitants of the earth inquire into their own organization - their being, their capacity, or even into principle. The nations of the earth come and go, and every person of reflection discerns a deep mystery in man. There is a spirit in man, and that spirit is more or less enlightened and instructed by a superior spirit; yet the hearts of men are absorbed in the things of time, and they wear out their lives in their efforts to preserve them. This is the reason why so many pass like a cloud. They are here; they take no thought only to subsist as long as they can, and they are gone forever."  (Brigham Young, Nature of Man, 3 July 1859)

I could not help but set this in my day. How I see people like the wind, no substance but all the hot air of ignorance on a variety of topics they know not all the facts. They pursue those without their same opinions and torment them and rip them apart without any heart or sign of affection. This is all written in the cloud and soon passes until they fall upon their next pry. How soon man can forget who they really are. I have in my own way been there, and know what a temptation this can be.


Day 1041

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 8:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 8:17
"And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them."

Because of this reversed situation, where Mordecai was given Haman's house and power, and the Jews could now define themselves, many people of the land became Jews. I wondered did that mean that they openly spoke of their true identities as Jews or where they converted? True conversion doesn't come out of fear. If they converted then it would be a pretend conversion. I guess I won't know any of their hearts in the matter. At the very least I can see that there was support now for the Jews, when politically it earlier appeared it was not. One thing a persecuted people need is support. That could soften hearts and lead to true conversion. I suppose persecution can lead to missionary opportunities and conversion. All I can confirm is this whole situation was in the Lord's hands and he blessed his people.


Day 1009

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 134:7, 10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:7, 10

"We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizen of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.

We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies; provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world's goods, or to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, or to inflict any physical punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their society, and withdraw from them their fellowship."

I don't know where this chapter has been hidden from me all these years. I read as if experiencing it for the very first time. Even though I have read the Doctrine and Covenants many times before. The header says it is "a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general, adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church." The declaration was given the following preamble: "That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, our opinion concerning the same." This would have been the last chapter in the Doctrine & Covenants, but sadly the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith did not make that happen. They paid the ultimate cost of religious persecution, in which this chapter could have prevented. The Doctrine & Covenants will continue for several chapters because God has never stopped talking to us. 

As I read this chapter I felt an absolute feeling of agreement on the position spoken. Some verses even put into alignment the things I had been pondering over. It even helped me understand why I had a trouble with a religious sect in particular, but knew they had just as much right to practice their religion as did I. Now I see the trouble is when a religion justifies sedition or conspiracy among its members. It should never use physical punishment, the loss of limb, or property and even life. None of these improper punishments would bring a person willingly to God. In fact a bad element could corrupt an otherwise peaceful religion with these tactics. The punishment for disorderly conduct for any religion should be dis-fellowship or excommunication. People should be able to leave of their own free-will.

I am grateful to know where the line is.  As a government we can set laws to prevent atrocities from happening within a religion. At the same time allowing a religion the right to worship and practice its religion to the enjoyment of its people. There are acceptable bounds the Lord has set. I do wonder if in Joseph's time they had any idea of what a particular religious sect would be attempting to do in my day. 

Day 553

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 123:1, 10, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 123:1, 10, 17

"And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State;

Which dark and blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder, and to stand aghast and pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble and palsy.

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, 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."

The early saints of the church suffered so much persecution, death and loss of property and this chapter describes some of it. Then they are told to gather statements and affidavits from those effected by these crimes. Search out the names of those that committed them if they can. Gather all the libelous publications, etc. and then present them to the heads of the government. This would be our last effort which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and completely claim the promise that he would call them forth from their hiding places. I take that to mean do all we can legally, and when that fails it is left in the hands of the Lord. I wouldn't want to be left in the Lord's hands to be punished. That punishment would be far worse than anything a government can do. I wonder if that is why they did ultimately fail in this matter for redress. The punishment the devilish deserved was held in reserve by the Lord.

I had so many thoughts reading this chapter. I knew the LDS Church has the largest collection of anti-Mormon literature in the world. Literature written with the intent to persecute and destroy the Church. It's stored in the Church History Library. I had thought that rather odd when I first learned of it. This material is exactly what I've been counseled not to read. This chapter explains that we are to gather this material up, giving the type and how, basically from every source. So not only have we been commanded to keep a history of the Church, we are to also keep a history of those that persecute the Church. I think I know which collection I would want my name to be in. 

After all the persecution they are told to be cheerful in doing all in their power. I would think that a council of protection so their hearts do not become bitter. That can happen when you see those that committed crimes against you appear to go unpunished. After doing all, they are to stand still, I would think let the matter drop and know with assurance God will take care of the matter. I know what was asked had to be extremely hard, but I cannot help but think how easy it could be for a righteous person to lose their exaltation through bitterness and the desire for revenge. We need to leave matters in God's hands because his judgments are just. We are given this council to not canker our own souls. If Satan cannot destroy you one way, he can certainly try to destroy you in another. We just cannot afford to have him win any type of victory over us. Learning to stand still and leaving things to the Lord will bless our souls.

Day 542

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 121:45-46

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 121:45-46

"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy specter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."

The first part of this chapter just makes me weep. The Prophet Joseph Smith and several companions have been held in prison at the Liberty Jail for several months.  Not only is he and his companions suffering, but he is powerless to help the saints being persecuted, driven and killed by the mobs. I can just hear the prophet's mournful cry "O God, where art thou?"

Then the Lord speaks "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;" When I sit and think upon this it is so true. In the scheme of the eternities all that I go through on this earth, is just a brief moment. How I learn to rely on the Lord here, echoes for the eternities.

The Lord tells him what will happen to those that fight against God and his saints. I would not want to be in their shoes. Yet, I see in his warning things that I have needed to be careful of, and still do. I do love how the Lord gives the prophet not only comfort and peace, but hope of what is to come. He tells them how to rise above their enemies with charity, the pure love of Christ. He promises the Holy Ghost as a constant companion.

Would not the Spirit and the peace it brings, especially in our trials and grief, be exactly what the saints needed at this time? Showing charity in the midst of our afflictions, brings back the humanity in our lives. It refines us and we can rise above what is going on around us. It turns our heart to God and brings a peace and protection that nothing else can. Our world needs more charity. I need more charity.

Day 540