Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:5
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

We are not to judge others, we cannot always see what the Lord sees. I think there are different types of judgment. One that is very wrong is deciding what type of glory or lack of it the person deserves. Judging them wicked to be case down to hell or outer darkness, that we should never do. Only God can judge that. We cannot take away a person's ability to repent.

I have also found over the years that I cannot judge someone righteous either. I've seen some that were righteous go off on the wrong path. So we do have to be careful to not judge someone righteous, and put them on a pedal stool and accept everything they say. I found I have to be careful especially of those online and what they teach. We are to be careful in this regard. It's not calling the teacher evil, but having wisdom that not everything is always 100% correct that someone says. We need to learn, ponder and pray about what we listen to. How grateful I am for living prophets and the guidance their teachings have set as my standard.

Day 4190

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 1:24, 26

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 1:24, 26
"And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

Why did they draw lots over who the next apostle would be? That isn't how it works now. Then I reflected on how in verse 4 Jesus commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father. Which would be the Holy Ghost. The day of Pentecost had not happened yet. They could not be lead completely by the Holy Ghost in the matter. They were using the best tools they had available. They had prayer and they could ask to be shown which one was chosen.

"Here again is set forth a significant and unique feature established by the Lord in the governance of His church. The right to nominate rests with the superior officer or officers at whatever the level. But that nomination must be sustained—that is, accepted and confirmed—by the membership of the Church. The procedure is peculiar to the Lord’s church. There is no seeking for office, no jockeying for position, no campaigning to promote one’s virtues. Contrast the Lord’s way with the way of the world. The Lord’s way is quiet, it is a way of peace, it is without fanfare or monetary costs. It is without egotism or vanity or ambition. Under the Lord’s plan, those who have responsibility to select officers are governed by one overriding question: “Whom would the Lord have?” There is quiet and thoughtful deliberation. And there is much of prayer to receive the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that the choice is correct.
We have sustained this afternoon a number of newly called officers. We welcome each with love and respect. Among these is Brother Robert D. Hales, to become a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. He fills a vacancy made by the passing of our beloved friend and associate, Elder Marvin J. Ashton. In filling that vacancy, each member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve was at liberty to make suggestions. I am confident that in every case, there was solemn and earnest prayer. A choice was then made by the First Presidency, again after solemn and serious prayer. This choice was sustained by the Council of the Twelve. Today, the membership of the Church in conference assembled has sustained that choice.
I give you my testimony, my brethren, that the impression to call Brother Hales to this high and sacred office came by the Holy Spirit, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Brother Hales did not suggest his own name. His name was suggested by the Spirit."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “God Is at the Helm,” April 1994 General Conference)

Day 4143

Today's Favorite Verse: John 20:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: John 20:10-11
"Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,"

Mary Magdalene came to the sepulcher early when it was still dark. She sees the stone has been taken away and Jesus was gone. She runs to tell the disciples. Peter and John run to the sepulcher. They also see it is empty and the placement of the linen clothes left behind. At this point Peter and John leave, but Mary stays behind weeping. When she looks into the sepulcher again she sees two angels and converses with them. Then she turns around and sees Jesus but doesn't know it is him at first. While reading this I picture the celestial room of the temple. How as the endowment session is over and people come into the room some immediately leave the room. Others will linger in quiet reflection, prayer and reading scriptures. They will leave at separate times. I thought about how if Mary had left with Peter and John she would had missed this private time with the Lord. Yes, there is a need to hurry about our Father's business, but there is also a need to quietly ponder and contemplate what we have seen, heard and felt.

Day 4141

Today's Favorite Verse: John 17:1

Today's Favorite Verse: John 17:1
"These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:"

Many times in the scriptures it says Jesus went alone to pray. We don't know what he prayed. I wondered who recorded Jesus’ intercessory prayer? Then I realized he was with his apostles when this was given. It was after introducing the sacrament and before he went to the Garden of Gethsemane. How would it have been to be an apostle and heard Him pray for them? At the very beginning of this prayer I am struck with Jesus' humility. He prays that the Father glorify him, so he can glorify the Father. That isn't trying to get praise or credit. That is wanting to complete His mission in a manner than brings glory to the Father.

Day 4138

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

That is not some genie wish. There is a condition on asking what we will. For what we ask for must be according to God's will. If we abide with the Lord the Spirit will teach us what to pray for, and not ask amiss. We will be one with the Lord in our desires. The greatest example to me is Nephi, the son of Helaman, in the Book of Mormon. He was given the sealing power. That all things would be done according to his word, BECAUSE the Lord knew he would not ask contrary to His will.

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
(Helaman 10:4-5)

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"
(1 John 5:14)

"And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you."
(3 Nephi 18:20)

"Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the voice of my Spirit."
(Doctrine and Covenants 112:22)

"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;
And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:64-65)

Day 4136

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 5:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 5:16
"And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed."

I wondered how many times it says in the scriptures Jesus went off by himself and prayed? I'm not sure, it's hard to search just for that. Jesus is the example for us to follow, and taking time to be by ourselves and pray is a good thing. We need to fill our spiritual reservoirs and souls. I pondered on the weakened state he was in after fasting 40 days, and the devil immediately tried to tempt Him. It's important to not run faster than we are able and neglect taking care of body and soul. We need to put oil in our lamps. Daily prayer and scripture time is one way I try to keep my oil supply up. Sacrament and temple attendance could be another, but you're really not alone. I think it's really important to have alone time.

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil."
(Matthew 4:1)

"Then Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God."
(JST Matthew 4:1)

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:"
(Matthew 5:1)

"When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."
(Matthew 14:13, 23)

"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
(Mark 1:35)

"And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray."
(Mark 6:46)

"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
(Luke 6:12)

"And it came to pass that Jesus departed out of the midst of them, and went a little way off from them and bowed himself to the earth, and he said:"
(3 Nephi 19:19)

Day 4102

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 15:31-32

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 15:31-32
"Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him."

Right before I read my scriptures I had seen something for the second day in a row. I would call it mocking the covenants we make in the temple. It really upset me and as I prayed before reading my scriptures I discussed it with Heavenly Father. I wanted the peace the scriptures bring. This would have not been the chapter for it, for this is the scene of Christ dying on the cross. Though oddly it still gave me peace. What stood out to me was the mocking He suffered. Yet, he died even for those that mocked. How did he do that? How can I bare people that mock what is sacred? As I pondered on that I realized that stepping away, like I did with the scriptures, can keep me from focusing on the mockers and making sure I'm right with the Lord.

Day 4096

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 14:13, 23, 25

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 14:13, 23, 25
"When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea."

After the death of John, Jesus sought to be alone. The first time He was interrupted because people followed after him. Then He performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes and feed all of them. After the multitudes were gone He went up into the mountain to pray. Coming down afterwards He walked upon the water to his disciples. I pondered on how much Jesus was strengthened by praying and having time alone. Time alone to pray and read my personal scriptures daily really does strengthen me. This reminds of how after President Jeffrey R. Holland near-death experience he spoke about prayer. He was told to "Pray more than you pray. However much you have prayed pray more. And in however many places you've prayed, pray in more places. However many times during the day you pray, pray more times in the day."

"Ultimately, we can look to the example of the Savior, who prayed so very, very often. But it has always been intriguing to me that Jesus felt the need to pray at all. Wasn’t He perfect? About what did He need to pray? Well, I have come to realize that He too, with us, wanted to “seek [the Father’s] face, believe his word, and trust his grace.” Time after time, He retreated from society to be alone before piercing heaven with His prayers. At other times, He prayed in the company of a few companions. Then He would seek heaven on behalf of multitudes who would cover a hillside. Sometimes prayer glorified His clothing. Sometimes it glorified His countenance. Sometimes He stood to pray, sometimes He knelt, and at least once He fell on His face in prayer.
Luke describes Jesus’s descent into His expiation as requiring Him to pray “more earnestly.” How does one who was perfect pray more earnestly? We assume that all of His prayers were earnest, yet in fulfilling His atoning sacrifice and through the pain that attended its universal reach, He felt to pray ever more pleadingly, with the weight of His offering finally bringing blood from every pore."
(Jeffrey R. Holland, "Motions of a Hidden Fire", Apr 2024 General Conference)

Day 4067

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 6:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 6:10
"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."

As I was pondering on Daniel praying towards Jerusalem, I wondered if the temple was still standing there? I don't think it was, but I feel like that is what it was implying, or at least it being a holy place. Was he facing what used to be? That made me think about the times I heard people mentioned facing towards the temple when they pray. I've never felt the need to do that. Where I usually am when praying doesn't face the temple. I'm not even conscience of its location when I pray. Is praying towards the temple even needed? Then I found this nice little discussion on it.

Why Did Daniel Pray Three Times a Day toward Jerusalem?
"Solomon, in his dedicatory prayer of the temple in Jerusalem, referred to the people’s praying “toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name” (1 Kings 8:44). The Prophet Joseph Smith once counseled the Twelve Apostles to “make yourselves acquainted with those men who like Daniel pray three times a day toward the House of the Lord” (History of the Church, 3:391). And President Wilford Woodruff, in the dedicatory prayer on the Salt Lake Temple, said: “Heavenly Father, when thy people shall not have the opportunity of entering this holy house to offer their supplications unto thee, and they are oppressed and in trouble, surrounded by difficulties or assailed by temptation, and shall turn their faces towards this thy holy house and ask thee for deliverance, for help, for thy power to be extended in their behalf, we beseech thee to look down from thy holy habitation in mercy and tender compassion upon them, and listen to their cries.” (In James E. Talmage, The House of the Lord, p. 142)
This is not to suggest that the direction in which one faces when one prays has mystical significance, but, rather, that it is an attitude of spiritual “facing.” To face the temple, which is the temporal representation of the House of God, suggests that one turns one’s heart to the Lord and the covenants made in the temples to be more like Him. President Woodruff clarified this point in what he said next: “Or when the children of thy people, in years to come, shall be separated, through any cause, from this place, and their hearts shall turn in remembrance of thy promises to this holy Temple, and they shall cry unto thee from the depths of their affliction and sorrow to extend relief and deliverance to them, we humbly entreat thee to turn thine ear in mercy to them; hearken to their cries, and grant unto them the blessings for which they ask.” (In Talmage, House of the Lord, p. 142; emphasis added.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "Daniel: Prophet of God, Companion of Kings (Daniel)", (28-32)

Day 4028

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:12-13
"Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.
When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it."

This reminded me of the day I was praying about a sin that happened long ago. I could not be resolved of it. The Lord spoke clearly to my mind, "I love you for who you are today. You need to forgive that 17 year old girl." I learned something so profound that day. You cannot store up righteousness or wickedness and have one overcome the other. Judgment day isn't a tally that is counted up to see which side you are on. The Lord looks at who we are today. Do you stand righteous today or wicked? Have you repented of your sins and are clean? He knows us, just like we know ourselves. Judgment will not be a shock, for we already know where our heart stands.

Day 4021

Today's Favorite Verse: Lamentations 5:21

Today's Favorite Verse: Lamentations 5:21
"Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old."

This is Jeremiah's prayer. The desire is for Israel to turn again to the Lord. I pondered on how I pray for this too. I pray for those I love, that their hearts will be softened, that they will turn to the Lord. That they will awaken to their awful situation before it is to late.

"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 8:24)

"O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression.
And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
(Mosiah 2:40-41)

Day 4010

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 54:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 54:13
"And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

It's to the point that if I had young children I wouldn't want them to hear the news. In fact I don't even want to listen to the news. The world has no peace. The only peace comes from knowing the Lord. Now more than ever children need to be taught of the Lord. The faith and prayers of a child will bring comfort and peace. It's true for them and true for us. "Come, Follow Me in the home has been so inspired.

"I was in Idaho Falls and was the guest in a home of a typical Church family. There were a dedicated set of parents and many children. The oldest was in military duty in the dreaded South Pacific, and the hearts of the family followed him from place to place. They handed me his latest letter from the war zone. I read this:
“There have been times when we were so scared, we would tremble, but the fear was out of our minds with prayer and the knowledge that we were being guided by the Lord.
“Dad, I love my religion and I am proud that I had someone like you and Mother to teach me to pray. Then I also know that you are praying for me each morning and night. …”
Spirituality is born in the home and is nurtured in the home evenings, in the twice-a-day and oftener daily prayers, in the weekly meetings when the family goes en masse. That spirituality as the foundation of one’s life comes to his rescue when emergency strikes.
Security is not born of inexhaustible wealth but of unquenchable faith. And generally that kind of faith is born and nurtured in the home and in childhood.
Prayer is the passport to spiritual power."
(Spencer W. Kimball, "The Family Influence", Apr 1973 General Conference)

Day 3987

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:1-2
"By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not."

I asked myself if these are love songs why are they in the scriptures? Then I though maybe like some poetry there is a deeper meaning to them. I was always bad at understanding the meaning behind poetry. The only thing I could picture was kneeling at my bed at night praying to Heavenly Father. There are times when He seems so very far away, which in truth it is me. Is Solomon saying he is seeking the Lord but he can't find Him?

Day 3967

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 143:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 143:8
"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."

I pondered on ways I hear the Lord first thing in the morning. First of all is prayer. I receive my strength for the day, and it sets my path ahead of me. Then I thought about my early morning time in the temple. How that is such a strength for me. I seem to hear the word of the Lord much better in the mornings, being less tired and ready to listen.

Day 3950

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 116:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 116:1-2
"I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."

I pondered on why I Iove the Lord. Is it because He listened to me? As I pondered on this I realized that it was having prayers answered that made me realize He was truly there. Once that realization is known I cannot stop from calling on him for the rest of my life.

Day 3941

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 77:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 77:2
"In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted."

I pondered on how we need to seek the Lord in good times too. If we only reach out in times of trouble and despair, and haven't developed a relationship with God, how quick will He answer us? It made me reflect on how important it is to pray daily in gratitude for all God has blessed us with. To acknowledge His hand in our lives and our dependency on him.

Day 3928

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 34:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 34:4
"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

This reminds me of a conversation I had the other day with someone with crippling anxiety. They told me how praying and reading scriptures daily has blessed them in being able to manage their fears. This was something they were not faithful in doing before. Of course, when medication is needed that should be discussed with a doctor. In fact they told me how after they could cope through prayer and daily scripture reading the spirit directed them to seek medical help. That makes so much sense to me. For I have experienced my burden lifted from turning them over to the Lord. Then with that mental pressure taken I could receive the inspiration needed to solve the problem ahead.

Day 3914

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 4:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 4:8
"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."

Since I was a little child I've said my prayers each night. I could not rest until I had prayed. I have always felt protected while I sleep.

Day 3904

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 22:3,5, 21-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 22:3,5, 21-23
Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

Eliphaz the Temanite words to Job are rather shocking. Here Job is suffering the loss of children, and his great wealth and being told how wicked he is. That God doesn't take pleasure in our being righteous. Then he is told he needs to acquaint himself with God and his laws. Pray, read the scriptures, and put away iniquity. Talk about being judged unrighteously. I loved how in the next chapters Job is humble, and doesn't point at the wrong judgment being placed on him, but builds on what is true. For we can always do more to be acquainted with God. Prayer and repentance are a daily thing.

Day 3896

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

I pondered how these words the Lord gave to Solomon apply to us today. We are to humble ourselves, pray and seek the Lord. We are seek forgiveness of our sins and He will grant it. Our land needs much healing and only these things will heal it.

Day 3869