Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 19:41-42
"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes."
This made me ponder on how the Lord and the prophets must feel when they look out across the members of the church. Prophets see around corners, they try to warn and prepare us. Yet, how much do we really see and understand?
Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 12:37, 40
"Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
If the Son of man comes when people don't think He will, then shouldn't we always think that the time is now? I would much rather live each day thinking it could be tomorrow, leaving nothing that needs repenting left undone. There has been a hastening in preparation and signs that we are close, when I heard others say the second coming is years, and years away I wonder if they are the ones prophesied to say He delays his coming.
"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:26)
"And they said, Who then is that faithful and wise servant?
And the Lord said unto them, It is that servant who watcheth, to impart his portion of meat in due season.
Blessed be that servant whom his Lord shall find, when he cometh, so doing."
(JST, Luke 12:50-52)
Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 10:23-24
"And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."
I pondered on how many through the years waited and wished they could see the time when the Messiah would come to the earth. They wanted to see Him and his works, and hear his words. Then I pondered on how many have waited for my day, as we prepare for the Lord's second coming.
"My dear brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work.
Why are we building temples at such an unprecedented pace? Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so. The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord!...
My dear brothers and sisters, in a coming day, Jesus Christ will return to the earth as the millennial Messiah. So today I call upon you to rededicate your lives to Jesus Christ. I call upon you to help gather scattered Israel and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. I call upon you to talk of Christ, testify of Christ, have faith in Christ, and rejoice in Christ!
Come unto Christ and “offer your whole [soul]” to Him. This is the secret to a life of joy!
The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ. "
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 24:44
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
This week on two separate occasions I had someone tell me that they didn't think the second coming was near, that is was years away. With all that is happening in the world I just don't want to put that opinion on the table. I think of this verse and remember it will be "when you think not". We have people fulfilling that prophesy all the time. I don't know when it will be but I sure am preparing for it. We are told to be ready. You cannot err if you plan as if it could be tomorrow. President Nelson told us to "Embrace the Future with Faith", and to "never stop preparing".
"What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?
If we would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them.
We need to make both temporal and spiritual preparation for the events prophesied at the time of the Second Coming. And the preparation most likely to be neglected is the one less visible and more difficult—the spiritual. A 72-hour kit of temporal supplies may prove valuable for earthly challenges, but, as the foolish virgins learned to their sorrow, a 24-hour kit of spiritual preparation is of greater and more enduring value."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Preparation for the Second Coming", April 2004 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:5-6
"The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness."
I have been pondering last night and today over the need to see justice done for those wronged. In part this was triggered by Elder Ronald A Rasband's talk the other day at the MTCs.
“We should all thank Heavenly Father that we get to have a front-row seat to the fulfillment of ancient and modern-day prophecy,
To illustrate the Lord’s hastening of His work, Elder Rasband countered six false narratives from those who “cannot see or acknowledge what is happening."
"I feel that we are only scratching the surface of what the Lord has in store for us as He prepares the world for His Second Coming,”
“I feel that we are only scratching the surface of what the Lord has in store for us as He prepares the world for His Second Coming,”
“So buckle up, hold on tight, because I firmly believe that the best is yet to come.”
(Ronald A. Rasband, "'A remarkable time to serve’: At MTC, Elder Rasband testifies the Lord is hastening His work", Church News, 28 Jan 2026)
I have asked myself "Do I know what time it is? Am I really seeing what's happening?"
These are the last days, I'm not so sure justice will come by man.The wicked will consume the wicked. I do not need the chaos of the world to turn my focus and time away from what is needful. I need to put my focus on doing good things that cultivate the spirit to guide me. Work on my family history, attend the temple, seek knowledge, growth, ponder and prayer. Right now having the spirit as my guide is the best thing I can do to survive these days. Oh, I know what time it is, and I don't need to see all the gory details on the world's wickedness. My focus is the Lord is coming, I'm preparing for that day.
Day 3956
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 133:1
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
At first I thought about how divided our nation is, that made me sad. I wondered if unity will only be when the Lord comes again? Then I thought about His Church. How unity should be found there, even when all the world is in commotion. We have a sacred charge as we prepare for the Lord's Second Coming. Then I thought of "if ye are not one ye are not mine."
"Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.
And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.
Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless"
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:27-31)
"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."
(Moses 7:18)
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 53:2-3
"God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
God looking down from heaven can see much wickedness among the children of men, but also those that love Him. There are those that are doing good, and helping to bring His lost sheep unto Him. I pondered on how we are preparing for the Lord's Second Coming, and being the Zion people we need to be to receive Him.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 22:5
And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death."
David wanted to build the house of the Lord but was told he could not. The Lord said it was because he had shed blood abundantly. It would be his son call Solomon that would be given peace and quietness to build the temple. I reflected on how even though David was denied this privilege he prepared and made everything ready for his son. I pondered on how those that have gone before us have prepared things for us that they would never see. It took 40 years to build the Salt Lake Temple. Brigham Young and John Taylor were two prophets that never saw its completion. President Nelson undertook the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple and he has already passed before its completion. Anyway that we can be part of the work matters to the Lord.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 12:22-23
"For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.
And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD."
I thought about how David had opportunity to kill Saul, but he would not. He would not kill God's anointed, no matter how much Saul had sought David's life. I pondered on how it was a blessing that David was able to surround himself with valiant men that would defend him. They knew that David was the next king and would follow him. When it mentions this great army like the host of God I thought of the missionaries. How their numbers are increasing day by day. How they are preparing for the Lord's second coming. When Jesus Christ will rule as King of Kings.
Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 9:21-23
"And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses."
Year = HEB an extended period of time
It was the mention of a year that stood out to me. The children of Israel wandered when the Lord commanded them. They rested when He commanded them. That means they were perpetually prepared to leave at anytime, day or night. They were learning to follow Him literally, but it didn't always transfer over spiritually. It reminded me of President Nelson telling us to never stop preparing.
"Principle Number Three: Never Stop Preparing
Even when things went well, Captain Moroni continued to prepare his people. He never stopped. He never became complacent.
The adversary never stops attacking. So, we can never stop preparing! The more self-reliant we are—temporally, emotionally, and spiritually—the more prepared we are to thwart Satan’s relentless assaults.
I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us. He will “deliver us; yea, insomuch that he [will] speak peace to our souls, and [will] grant unto us great faith, and … cause us that we [can] hope for our deliverance in him.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)
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.
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 106:4-5
"And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night—
Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief."
In the scriptures we see that God always warns his people before destruction comes. He will send prophets as his messengers. I pondered on one thing that will keep people unaware and uninformed and be overtaken as a thief in the night is by not knowing there are prophets on the earth. The Lord's prophet today is Russell M. Nelson. He is the 17th President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prophets are on the earth and speak the words of God. We are being warned to prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The warning has become so much louder and clearer since President Nelson became the prophet in January 2018. I know if I listen and prepare as we have been told in general conference that I will not be overtaken unaware.
"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
(Amos 3:7)
"It is a merciful characteristic of our Heavenly Father that He brings to pass upon the human family no event affecting their eternal welfare, but He first sends Prophets to prepare the way, to give the people a warning that such and such things are coming to pass, that they may be prepared for them and not be caught napping by the suddenness of their coming, even as a thief in the night. We read that as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man. What was done in the days of Noah? A prophet—Noah himself—was raised up and sent forth to preach a warning message to the children of men"
(Orson F. Whitney, "Prophecy of John the Revelator, Etc." JD 26:260)
"Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy taught:
“To become children of light means to reject the power of the adversary and to choose daily to follow the Light of Christ.
“The phrase ‘children of light’ describes a people in whom the light of the gospel shines brightly. It describes a people who seek the light and are drawn to that which is virtuous, clean, and pure. There is an expectation that children of light are alert and watchful—not sleeping, in a spiritual sense, when they should be awake. Children of light do not sit passively in darkness; they have the courage to stand up and stand out. When the adversary comes looming, children of light know when to fight back, when to say no, and when to simply walk away. …
“You don’t have to wait until you are perfect before you can be a light to the world. Becoming children of light is a process, much like the process of conversion. …
“As children of light, we have the obligation of making this world a holier and happier place for our having lived in it”
(Elder Craig C. Christensen “Becoming Children of Light”, Ensign, Aug. 2014, 67, 69).
"Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be.
Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity. Thus, time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. 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.
...I testify that Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of Israel, leads this, His Church. He is preparing to come again. May we likewise prepare to receive Him. For this I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Confidence in the Presence of God", Apr 2025 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 78:3, 14
For verily I say unto you, the time has come, and is now at hand; and behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion—
That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world;"
This made me think of the bishop storehouse and the distribution system that we have setup worldwide. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is trying to prepare all that is needful, and so are the saints independently. There is something so comforting knowing this. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."
Day 3667
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 77:9
"Q. What are we to understand by the angel ascending from the east, Revelation 7th chapter and 2nd verse?
A. We are to understand that the angel ascending from the east is he to whom is given the seal of the living God over the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore, he crieth unto the four angels having the everlasting gospel, saying: Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And, if you will receive it, this is Elias which was to come to gather together the tribes of Israel and restore all things."
This is the verse is reference.
"And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,"
(Revelation 7:2)
In this chapter the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. is inquiring of the Lord the meaning of various verses in Revelation. How I wished he had asked even more questions. As I was reading more on these verses I stumbled on this interesting quote by Orson Pratt.
"When the Temple is built the sons of the two Priesthoods, that is, those who are ordained to the Priesthood of Melchizedek, that Priesthood which is after the order of the Son of God, with all its appendages;and those who have been ordained to the Priesthood of Aaron with all its appendages, the former called the sons of Moses, the latter the sons of Aaron, will enter into that Temple in this generation, or in the generation that was living in 1832, and all of them who are pure in heart will behold the face of the Lord and that too before he comes in his glory in the clouds of heaven, for he will suddenly come to his Temple, and he will purify the sons of Moses and of Aaron, until they shall be prepared to offer in that Temple an offering that shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord. In doing this, he will purify not only the minds of the Priesthood in that Temple, but he will purify their bodies until they shall be quickened, renewed and strengthened, and they will be partially changed, not to immortality, but changed in part that they can be filled with the power
of God, and they can stand in the presence of Jesus, and behold his face in the midst of that Temple.
This will prepare them for further ministrations among the nations of the earth, it will prepare them to go forth in the days of tribulation and vengeance upon the nations of the wicked, when God will smite them with pestilence, plague and earthquake, such as former generations never knew. Then the servants of God will need to be armed with the power of God, they will need to have that sealing blessing pronounced upon their foreheads that they can stand forth in the midst of these desolations and plagues and not be overcome by them. When John the Revelator describes this scene he says he saw four angels sent forth, ready to hold the four winds that should blow from the four quarters of heaven. Another angel ascended from the east and cried to the four angels, and said, “Smite not the earth now, but wait a little while.” “How long?” “Until the servants of our God are sealed in their foreheads.” What for? To prepare them to stand forth in the midst of these desolations and plagues, and not be overcome. When they are prepared, when they have received a renewal of their bodies in the Lord's Temple, and have been filled with the Holy Ghost and purified as gold and silver in a furnace of fire, then they will be prepared to stand before the nations of the earth and preach glad tidings of salvation in the midst of judgments that are to come like a whirlwind upon the wicked."
(Orson Pratt, "Consecration, Etc.", JD 15:354)
This was the first time I had seen a reference on people receiving a "renewal of their bodies in the Lord's temple". I have personally experienced this phenomenon, at least it was to me. It made me ponder on how much emphasis is being given for us to attend the temple. How it will prepare us for the second coming of the Lord. This must not be just a spiritual preparation, but a physical preparation too.
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 65:3
"Yea, a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom."
As I read this chapter the four times it says to prepare stood out to me. "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." and "be prepared for the days to come.." I feel like general conference will emphases this again. We are preparing a people, ready for the second coming of the Lord. The bar continues to be raised. "The Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth." This is our quest, we must be prepared.
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 38:41
"And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness."
When I picture someone preaching in a warning voice it reminds of the evangelists that thump their fights and scream you're a sinner. In this verse we're told the warning voice is given in mildness and meekness. I pondered on how screaming damnation to a person is never conductive to change. The natural man tends to dig his heels in further. Mildness and meekness comes as a still small voice.
"And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
(1 Kings 19:12)
What is the voice of warning? What are we saying to people? I remembered the senior missionary couple that visited our ward. The sister stood and bore a short but powerful testimony that burned into my soul. She said "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ". Then she quoted parts of Doctrine & Covenants 1:2, 4
"For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.
And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days."
She said that here in this church as well as outside of the church we are to warn all people that Jesus is coming, and we ought to be prepared.
I know what she said was true, the spirit bore witness to me of it. I can definitely see that warning voice being spoken in mildness and meekness, for that is what I heard. The message is one of hope, and action. Preparation is for everyone, take it on whatever level is personal to you.
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 35:27
"Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen."
Joyful news to think of the Lord coming quickly. In many ways I hope for that. Then in others ways we need more time. There are people who's eyes and ears need to open so they too can find it joyful news when the Lord comes again.
"Brothers and sisters, now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority. In a world filled with dizzying distractions, how can we do this?
Regular worship in the temple will help us. In the house of the Lord, we focus on Jesus Christ. We learn of Him. We make covenants to follow Him. We come to know Him. As we keep our temple covenants, we gain greater access to the Lord’s strengthening power. In the temple, we receive protection from the buffetings of the world. We experience the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in great abundance! We feel peace and spiritual reassurance, in contrast to the turbulence of the world.
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)
"Now is the time we can learn. Now is the time we can repent. Now is the time we can bless others and “lift up the hands which hang down."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Now is the Time" April 2022 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 33:17
"Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom—"
I cannot help but think of the parable of the ten virgins when I read this verse. When I think of all the signs showing how close we are to the second coming of Jesus Christ there is no time to slack. I need to continually pray, keep my lamp trimmed and burning, and oil with me. I cannot afford to run low on the gospel fuel that feeds me spiritually.
"World-class athletes and university doctoral students spend hours and days and weeks and months and even years of preparation. Daily drops of preparation are required of them to come out on top. Likewise, those who wish to qualify for exaltation in the celestial kingdom are expected to live a higher standard of obedience that comes by practicing the virtue of obedience day by day and drop by drop.As we consistently and diligently add oil, drop by drop, to our spiritual lamps, doing these small and simple things, we can have our lamps “trimmed and burning” with astonishing preparation."
(Linda K. Burton, "Prepared in a Manner That Never Had Been Known", Oct 2014 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 1:2, 4
"For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.
And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days."
This past fast and testimony meeting we had a senior missionary couple visiting. The sister stood and bore a short but powerful testimony that burned into my soul. I have reflected on her words all month. She said "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ". Then she quoted parts of these two verses above. She said that here in this church as well as outside of the church we are to warn all people that Jesus is coming, and we ought to be prepared.
I have thought upon how I don't need to go around and tell people to repent. But, as a disciple of Jesus Christ I need to tell them to prepare, because Jesus is coming. I fervently believe that. Whatever that preparation means to them is what they should do. I have also reflected on how I need to prepare. That one humble testimony has left me with a spiritual feast of impressions. As I have pondered these words I been reminded that the Savior will make several appearances before the world as a whole sees Him at his Second Coming. The saint cannot put off their preparations any longer.
"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 93:1)
"Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house."
(Doctrine and Covenants 110:8)
"Why are we building temples at such an unprecedented pace? Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so. The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord!"
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 13:3, 6
"And that it was the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord.
And that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type."
I'm confused is the New Jerusalem something that comes down from heaven, or are we suppose to build it? I found this by Joseph Fielding Smith.
“In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on this the American continent” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 2:103–4).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 52: Ether 11-15, "New Jerusalem")
Is it referring to three separate places?
"The place where the Saints will gather and Christ will personally reign with them during the Millennium. Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent, and the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory (A of F 1:10). It also refers to a holy city that will come down out of heaven at the beginning of the Millennium."
(Guide to the Scriptures, New Jerusalem)
Then I found this.
"Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:4)
I looked at the words "built by the gathering of the saints" a little differently. Maybe its not something we are building with our hands, but instead by unity as a Zion people. One thing is sure this is a very deep subject and I am to tired tonight to figure it out. What I do know is preparing myself for the Second Coming is more important that knowing every detail.
"Jesus Christ will govern from both old Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem “built upon the American continent.” From these two centers, He will direct the affairs of His Church.
In that day the Lord will be known as “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” Those who are with Him will be “called, and chosen, and faithful.
”Brothers and sisters, now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again", Oct 2024 General Conference)
