Today's Favorite Verse: John 19:15

Today's Favorite Verse: John 19:15
"But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar."

The Caesar mentioned is Tiberius Caesar. He was the ruling Roman Emperor, supreme political figure at the time, and not a king. Being a "Caesar" was a royal title like the title "Pharoah" in Egypt, but not an official title like a king. The Jews were rejecting Jesus by calling Caesar their king, when even that wasn't true. I just found it rather interesting how they held up a political figure as their king when that wasn't his title. I pondered on how they were willing to worship Caesar as their king, instead of Jesus Christ. There is a lesson in there in making men kings before Jesus Christ.

Day 4140

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 5:39

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 5:39
"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

I found this note in my scriptures added on 8 Oct 2023. It would have been right after President Oaks general conference address on "Kingdoms of Glory".

"Wow, I just realized that President Oaks general conference talk was actually steps ahead of a growing movement I have read about in several articles now. How inspired he was."
"It was the result of having multiple pastors tell me, essentially, the same story about quoting the Sermon on the Mount, parenthetically, in their preaching — "turn the other cheek" — [and] to have someone come up after to say, "Where did you get those liberal talking points?" And what was alarming to me is that in most of these scenarios, when the pastor would say, "I'm literally quoting Jesus Christ," the response would not be, "I apologize." The response would be, "Yes, but that doesn't work anymore. That's weak." And when we get to the point where the teachings of Jesus himself are seen as subversive to us, then we're in a crisis." 
(NPR, "He was a top church official who criticized Trump. He says Christianity is in crisis", 8 Aug 2023)

Day 4058

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: Doctrine & Covenants 115:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 115:6
"And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."

As of April 2024 there were 3,500 stakes and districts, and some 30,000 wards and branches of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world. When we lived back East it took us almost an hour to get to our stake center. Where we live now it's two blocks away. I do feel it's a place of refuge every Sunday when I go there and take the sacrament. How grateful I am that political discussions don't pierce my ears there. Even when I was young I knew we didn't talk politics at church. We don't speak bad about other religions either. I feel like this long standing counsel has been a defense and a protection to me. The spirit hasn't been compelled to leave. Especially, now when people are so divided. The focus is on Jesus Christ and becoming saints.

“A defense” implies help in resisting or protection from attack, “a refuge” refers to a place of safety or shelter, and “the storm” can refer to tumultuous or frightening surroundings, attacks from enemies of the Church, or Satan’s temptations. The Lord also promised that those who gather to the stakes of Zion would be protected “from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth” before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ"
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, "Chapter 45: Doctrine and Covenants 115-120")

Day 3704

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-10
"And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their voices concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges.
And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people.
Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those who were not in his favor.
And it came to pass that they gathered themselves together, and did consecrate Amlici to be their king.
Now when Amlici was made king over them he commanded them that they should take up arms against their brethren; and this he did that he might subject them to him."

I really, really, hope and pray that this election, history does not repeat itself. We've emulated enough of the downfall of the people in the Book of Mormon. There is a reason we study the Book of Mormon every four years in the church, which also happens to be during our presidential elections.

"O be wise; what can I say more?"
(Jacob 6:12)

Day 3446

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:12-13
"They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea;
And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness."

I pondered on false traditions and how believing an incorrect narrative can lead us and future generations astray. The Lamanites had believed a false narrative handed down by their fathers, which gave their descendants an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi. This reminded me of how a First Presidency letter made me look at my traditions and rethink what I was supporting.

“Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on ‘tradition’ without careful study of the candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards,”
(The Church News, "First Presidency letter emphasizes Latter-day Saints’ participation in elections and civic affairs, reaffirms political neutrality", 6 Jun 2023)

Day 3425

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 3:7

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Timothy 3:7
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

What would they be learning that never brings them to truth? It has to be the wisdom of man, even if sold by mingling the scriptures in with it. It's Satan's deceptions. I was pondering the other day on a supposed quote by Joseph Smith. That the constitution would hang by a thread and it would be the "boys from the mountains" or the "elders of Israel" that would save it. He actually didn't say that but it keeps getting thrown around.

This is what Orson Hyde said regarding it.
"It is said that brother Joseph in his lifetime declared that the Elders of this Church should step forth at a particular time when the Constitution should be in danger, and rescue it, and save it. This may be so; but I do not recollect that he said exactly so. I believe he said something like this—that the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and said he, If the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language, as nearly as I can recollect it"
(Orson Hyde, "Self-Government, etc.", Journal of Discourses 6:152 (Jan. 3, 1858)

As I was pondering on these differences I thought upon what is the role of the Elders of this church, to fight and be at war, or to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ? So many times I've discussed with others that the world has grown so wicked only the gospel of Jesus Christ would save it. Only this can soften and change hearts. Look what the gospel of Jesus Christ did for the Lamanites when the sons of Mosiah preached to them. Politics does not save people, its the gospel of Jesus Christ that will. What is needful to continually be learning are the words of Christ, that will bring man to truth. It's the changing of hearts that changes agenda, and not by force either.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (Article of Faith 11)

If you're waiting to be called to be a "boy from the mountain" or an "elder of Israel" to save the constitution, you might just be missing the boat. President Nelson already called for the Lord's battalion to take the gospel to the world. We know what hour it is, and we need to be on the right side of things. Prophets see around corners.

Day 3287

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:7

"And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"

I find this so interesting because I quoted a very similar verse to a few others today. It is revelation given to Joseph Smith in being able to identify if someone is of God or has given the adversary power.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?"

(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

Knowing by what authority, and power someone has been ordained makes an absolute difference in how that person should be received when they say they speak for God. I do believe in a living prophet, and that is Russell M. Nelson. He has been ordained by proper priesthood authority and the laying on of hands. He is called of God to be prophet at this time.

I also saw today someone that is an absolute false prophet. They are a political leader that feels they were called like Moses to be a leader at this time. The only thing biblical about this politician is being the embodiment of a false prophet spoken there. I was amazed as I listened to them relate receiving revelation at night, and rising to political power. Parts of it were counterfeit to a story I heard of President Nelson. This politician's god is an unholy god, the adversary himself. How can you mix politics and religion I asked myself? Even Jesus Christ was not a political religious leader. No man is going to set that up for Him. It is so sad to see once good faithful people now being deceived.

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

(Matthew 24:24)

Day 3181

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 7:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 7:16-17

"Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land."

Rejecting prophets brings destruction. I keep thinking about the First Presidency June 1, 2023 letter about the coming elections. There was a reason for that letter and this specific part.

"Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on “tradition” without careful study of candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards".

For me counsel and prophesy go hand in hand. There is a reason to be counseled to be so careful and not do what you've always done. We really need to look closely and study the matter wisely. This is the real test of what type of person to support.

"Members should also study candidates carefully and vote for those who have demonstrated integrity, compassion, and service to others, regardless of party affiliation."

It is when the voice of the people chose evil we are ripe for destruction.

"For as their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.

Yea, and this was not all; they were a stiffnecked people, insomuch that they could not be governed by the law nor justice, save it were to their destruction."

(Helaman 5:2-3)

Day 3045

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:12 "There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." I reflected on how the act of religious devotion turned into political treason. Then for others their politics became a religion that they bowed down and worshipped because a man told them to. No where in this story do they say who that golden image represented. Only that Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold and set up. As I pondered on who the statue was, it made me wonder if it was an image of himself? Then I recalled the dream Nebuchadnezzar had, that was revealed to Daniel. He saw a great image of a man, with sections made from various metals and clay. The image's head was of fine gold. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar "Thou art this head of gold". So yes, I believe the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream he made in reality as an image of himself. This all went to his head. He not only took over the other parts of the body but he made it completely represent himself. Then others had to worship it. He was even willing to destroy others politically, or religiously in life or death. How very telling to know what kind of man would have an golden idol made of himself, or allowed one to be kept. That must be something we are warned about for our day. I take comfort in knowing this idol is eventually destroyed. Those that worship the true God, and not the idol are protected and not destroyed.

Day 3012

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 27:6-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 27:6-8

"And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand."

It's a little shocking at first to realize that God gave the land of Israelites' inheritance to Nebuchadnezzar. Then I realized He gave them to Babylon's rule because that was exactly what they deserved. This was the only way they could learn to give up their false gods and worship Him. It also reminded me of the words of President Oaks before Jan 6th happened.

"And our article of faith, written by the Prophet Joseph Smith after the early Saints had suffered severe persecution from Missouri officials, declares, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law”.

This does not mean that we agree with all that is done with the force of law. It means that we obey the current law and use peaceful means to change it. It also means that we peacefully accept the results of elections. We will not participate in the violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome. In a democratic society we always have the opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election.

At the other extreme, a minority of participants and supporters of these protests and the illegal acts that followed them seem to have forgotten that the protests protected by the Constitution are peaceful protests. Protesters have no right to destroy, deface, or steal property or to undermine the government’s legitimate police powers. The Constitution and laws contain no invitation to revolution or anarchy. "

(Dallin H. Oaks, "Love Your Enemies", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Now in general conference the focus is on being peacemakers. In a way that is what Jeremiah was telling them to be. We have to support whomever is over us and be peacemakers. If not then things will just get harder for us.

"Now, the Lord told them that it was his intention to make a certain person king over all the nations including theirs, and he required them to submit to this change in their governmental affairs, as he had appointed Nebuchadnezzar to hold dominion over all nations and peoples, and over the beasts of the field. “All these things are mine (says the Lord) and have I not the right to do with them as I please? Now you nations, if you do not wish to be uprooted, listen to the voice of my servant Jeremiah, and bow your necks to the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar.” Even His own people Israel whom He had called and proposed to lift up in the eyes of the nations, Jeremiah was commanded to tell them to submit to Nebuchadnezzar, and thus permit themselves to go into captivity; which if they did not they should be overthrown, and Jerusalem destroyed. But they would not listen. They worshipped false gods, and they obeyed not the voice of the Almighty; but were guilty of all kinds of abominations, and were so full of wickedness that the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he permitted him, whom he called his servant, Nebuchadnezzar, to destroy their Temple, break down their altars, and scatter them throughout his kingdom." 

(Lorenzo Snow, "The Lord Interested in the Salvation", JD 23:338)

"Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.

Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet."

(Doctrine and Covenants 58:21-22)

Day 2931

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 11:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 11:12

"Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble."

This made me think of our favorite sins, and how hard they are to give up. That idols and false gods would be the same way. I thought of different things that people worship, that take them away from God. It doesn't have to be false religions it can be so many material things. Things that fill us with pride, and give us a sense of superiority over others. Things of man that we put our trust into, and feel will save us. I pondered on how Satan has his hands is so many facets of life. He is spread throughout social, educational, political and philosophical doctrines which run counter to the gospel. The key is to not be deceived. Come unto Christ, is our only hope.

Day 2915

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:1-2, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 5:1-2, 5

"Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter."

The work on rebuilding the temple had stopped. Darius is now king. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah are raised up to help inspire Zerubbabel in resuming the rebuilding. I thought about how the Lord will put in place the right people at the right time to help move the work along. Road blocks don't stop. The people work through political roadblocks and are called upon to make sacrifices to build the temple. That happens in our day too.

Day 2567

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 15:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 15:20

"And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."

I've been struggling to understand this story of Samson. To me he is not a great example nor a truly righteous God fearing man. This is what I found in the Bible Dictionary.

"Of the sun. Son of Manoah, and the twelfth of the “judges” of Israel (Judg. 13:24–16:30). He seems to have been a man notorious for his great physical strength but weak in intellectual and moral character".

As I pondered over who he was I realized he was their judge, just like the presidents we have had over our nation. Not all our leaders have been intellectually strong, some have been morally weak, yet they still hold political strength in our nation and world. The Lord blesses those that lead in behalf of the people. This is why we should pray for a our political leaders and not tear them down. Israel needed to be freed of their enemies, even if their leader was not a righteous man. God will strengthen our leaders as we pray for them. God can make what is weak strong when his mantel is over them. Even if the course they take brings trials and lessons upon us, for which we as a people may deserve.

Day 2385

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 24:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 24:23

"Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel."

This verse made me think of headline I saw today that said "Politics Is America's New Religion". I had remarked to my son that I believed that people have replaced God with politics. They have created their own god out of it. They worship the constitution, they worship political leaders, they pursue their politics with religious zeal. They are behaving very oddly. Now I even see this verse differently because of the usage of the phrase "strange gods". Yes, politics have become one of those strange gods that people are worshipping. Just like so many other worldly things. We are a world with an unlimited number of "strange gods", and there will be a price to pay for it. "If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good."

(Joshua 24:20)

Day 2370

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 51:4, 9, 13, 26

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 51:4, 9, 13, 26

"Therefore, those who were desirous that the law should be altered were angry with him, and desired that he should no longer be chief judge over the land; therefore there arose a warm dispute concerning the matter, but not unto bloodshed.

But behold, this was a critical time for such contentions to be among the people of Nephi; for behold, Amalickiah had again stirred up the hearts of the people of the Lamanites against the people of the Nephites, and he was gathering together soldiers from all parts of his land, and arming them, and preparing for war with all diligence; for he had sworn to drink the blood of Moroni.

And it came to pass that when the men who were called king-men had heard that the Lamanites were coming down to battle against them, they were glad in their hearts; and they refused to take up arms, for they were so wroth with the chief judge, and also with the people of liberty, that they would not take up arms to defend their country.

And thus he went on, taking possession of many cities, the city of Nephihah, and the city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton, and the city of Omner, and the city of Mulek, all of which were on the east borders by the seashore."

The year 2019-2020 has been bad, and each month so far seems to have a new level of disaster, but this was nothing compared to the year 67-66 BC. This chapter has a lot of warnings for our nation. First there were people that wanted particular points of law altered. Since the chief judge wouldn't change the laws based on their petitions they begin to dispute. Then they decided to he needs to be dethroned. Finally the matter is settled by the voice of the people. Which I take it to mean they voted on it. The chief judge retains his seat. Those that did not get their way are still so wroth with the chief judge that even when their land is being attacked they were glad. 

It just makes me sick. I could actually see our nation so divided now that if we were attacked by an outside enemy, there would be some that would cheer to see it destroyed and hand it over to them. We really are at a critical time as a nation. This is the time people should be working together towards common ground. The voice of the people, by vote is how things are changed, not by the sword or taking things over when we do not get our way.   

Then as I read of the cities being taken over I thought maybe as a nation we are already there. Sadly, the only thing that stopped it was bloodshed. We are not in a great place right now. Much fasting and prayers as a nation are needed. 

Day 1909

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 10:14
"And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord."

This chapter does a good job explaining why the Lamanites had such a hatred of the Nephites. How because of the false traditions of their fathers they felt wronged by the Nephites, first when being made to flee Jerusalem and wronged in the wilderness, then while crossing the sea, then when they landed in the new world. All this because they felt they had a right to lead the people, even when Nephi was favored of the Lord. Why was Nephi favored? Because he was obedient and faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord. The stunning thing to me is all of them passed through the same experiences. The difference is who they turned to and trusted in time of need.

From this feeling of being wronged they became wroth with the Nephites. Why?  Because they did not understand the dealings of the Lord. Four times it described how they were wroth. From this the emotions turn to feeling robbed to hate, murder, robbing and plunder. Becoming cunning, lying, craftiness, deceiving and seek to destroy. It is amazing to me how after knowing the goodness of the Lord that a heart can harden when they turn away from God. Not only do the people turn from the Lord it turns against His people for generations. That anger and hatred can become all consuming. The ability to prosper leaves them because all they seek is to live off of the work of others. The ingratitude and feeling of entitlement then sweeps over them. Then they seek to take the Lord's people into bondage and over power them. I think there are a great number of Lamanites in our land.

Day 1839

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 15:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 15:13
"Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst."

This was something I had noted on this verse.

No wonder our nation is headed to socialism. When you have no knowledge of the Lord bondage sounds appealing.

I think the saddest of things is seeing some latter-day saints consider the words of the prophets as a thing of not. Ezra Taft Benson warned us of this day and the very man they foolishly support was in college at that time joining the socialist party. He is what President Benson warned us about. They are fools thinking they know better, and are believing lies that the socialism of today is not the same as it was during the cold war. The man they favor has never strayed from his message or support of the evil that will destroy our nation. It tears my heart to think that some that would call themselves saints have sold themselves for a mess of pottage and seek captivity.

"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in the own sight!"
(2 Nephi 15:20-21) 

Day 1800

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 1:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 1:2-3
"Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charge me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem."

I did some pondering on Cyrus and why someone that was not Jewish would receive a charge to build a temple in Jerusalem, liberating the Jews from captivity to do so? He must have been a good man capable of listening to the light of Christ within.

"...the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia..." (verse 1)

I found this quote by President Henry B. Eyring from the Oct 2010 conference talk "Trust in God, Then Go and Do".

"I have come to know that we can trust God to fulfill the promise of Alma that"behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that the should have".

God does not rule in nations, but He is mindful of them. He can and does place people in positions of influence who want what is best for the people and who trust in the Lord."

The more I pondered on this situation I could see it possible for a president of some nation, even mine, to one day help Jews that are still scattered to return home to Jerusalem and build their temple. Even giving them treasures to build it. A modern day Cyrus. My feelings turned from why to why not? This is something the Lord would do. I love how President Eyring says "God does not rule in nations, but He is mindful of them". I really pondered on that. Actually made me feel a little better about my changed feelings on politics and now much attention I give to it. I now give far more attention to the Lord. I know the leaders of our nations are exactly what the Lord feels we as a people deserve.


Day 979

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 22:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 22:28

"Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people."

The topical guide refers me to citizenship. I hear a lot of cursing regarding the coming "ruler of the people". I sat and pondered on if God has ever said it's ok to curse a ruler or king? I could not think of one. What has been the behavior of God's children when they are oppressed with a wicked ruler?  It has been to call on God for deliverance. They do not take such matters into their own hands, to delivered themselves from bondage. Even with Queen Esther, when the King's decree would have killed all the Jews, they fasted and prayed to God for deliverance. She plead their case, but the decision was up to the king. It was only by king Ahasuerus command that he granted the Jews the ability to gather themselves and preserve their lives. It would have been against the Mosaic law for the Jews to do anything else. Even Moses asked Pharaoh's permission for Israel to leave.

I think God is totally capable of removing an unrighteous leader that is oppressing his people. Sometimes its the oppression and bondage that is needed for their hearts to soften and turn back to Him. The twelfth article of faith makes so much sense "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."  I am required to show honor and respect for the title or office. God will take care of the man.

I am rather shocked thinking how right now some misguided members of my faith are asking the leaders of the church to turn their back on the coming "ruler of the people". They do not understand what they are asking, and how offensive this behavior is to God. I would be shaking in my boots to take part in such a demand. It truly goes against everything God has ever said on the matter. 

Day 647