Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 5:2-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 5:2-4
"And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.
Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.
I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof."

I do love the question and answer session that Zechariah has with the angel. That is how the Spirit teaches me. While I am reading the scriptures questions come to my mind and then the spirit will open my eyes to understand or think about it in a different way.

What made me reflect in these verses is the seriousness of swearing and taking the Lord's name in vain. It is one of the ten commandments. Yet, how easily that falls from people lips now. It feels like an epidemic. When I picture that flying roll and how as a curse it's upon the whole earth it seem literally fulfilled. It reminded me of the story of President Kimball.

In the hospital one day I was wheeled out of the operating room by an attendant who stumbled, and there issued from his angry lips vicious cursing with a combination of the names of the Savior. Even half-conscious, I recoiled and implored: “Please! Please! That is my Lord whose names you revile.”
There was a deathly silence, then a subdued voice whispered, “I am sorry.” He had forgotten for the moment that the Lord had forcefully commanded all his people, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Ex. 20:7).
Many people would excuse themselves for cursing by saying that the Ten Commandments were given millennia ago to a faraway people, but it must be remembered that he not only gave them with power to the Israelites but he also reiterated them with emphasis to the Jews in the meridian of time and even in our own dispensation has repeated them for our own benefit and guidance.
To the young man of Jerusalem who asked the way of salvation, Christ said, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matt. 19:17).
(Spencer W. Kimball, “President Kimball Speaks Out on Profanity,” Ensign, Feb. 1981, 3)

Day 4049

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: Isaiah 2:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 2:12
"For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:"

I've been reflecting on pride every since President Oaks speech the other day at the BYU Devotional. I had an interesting thing happen after that speech. I happened to read a post on social media from a friend of mine. We have the same faith, pray to the same God, attend the same church, read the scriptures, attend the temple, and are both trying to be good people. I know they are a good person, yet, they see and feel completely different on social and political matters than me. What I see them posting I just can't understand how they see things that way, and I've tried. As time has gone on their posts have gotten louder and bolder. I am sure they feel they are doing a good thing with their posts. I never reply because I don't feel I need to, or should.

Then I saw their post on President Oaks' talk and the warning about being deceived. From that talk they boldly warned people about listening and watching propaganda, accepting lies as truths. Basically, they took President Oaks warning of being deceived to heart and felt anyone that didn't see things the way they did were the ones being deceived. I found it so interesting because from afar they would be speaking of me.

So, then I had this question come to me, "How can two people trying to take the Holy Ghost as our guide see things do differently?" How can we both be sure we are receiving personal revelation and right? Then the spirit brought to my remembrance that President Oaks spoke about being humble. That is the difference on who truly is listening to the Holy Ghost as their guide. I need to sincerely keep asking that my eyes are open, and that my ears are hearing, and seek for understanding. Then with that understanding I will be guided if I need to change course and direction. If we are not humble and teachable we will be unable to change course or admit we've been deceived. It is the pride of this world that causes man to stumble. Pride is what stops a man from accepting revelation when it is right in front of them, and instead follow the whisperings of their own heart. That was such a powerful lesson from the Holy Ghost, and a confirmation that President Oaks is truly a prophet of God and spoke the word of the Lord. Humility is a shield and protection in the days we live in. I wish I could quote his whole talk but this is what stood out.

"I feel to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued us: that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many. Even active members may sometimes have concerns about some historical, doctrinal, or social issues connected with the Church.
...increased humility draws us closer to Jesus Christ. This will help us overcome questions about the Lord’s doctrine. When we are humble, we can more clearly hear the Lord’s voice.
President Ezra Taft Benson .. said, “Humility responds to God’s will—to the fear of His judgments and to the needs of those around us.”
President Spencer W. Kimball defined humility as “teachableness.” He explained:
Humility is teachableness—an ability to realize that all virtues and abilities are not concentrated in one’s self. . . .
. . .Humility is never accusing nor contentious. . . .
Humility is repentant and seeks not to justify its follies. It is forgiving others in the realization that there may be errors of the same kind or worse [that we ourselves commit].
. . .Humility makes no bid for popularity and notoriety; demands no honors.
To have humility is one of the powerful commandments we have been given to guide us in our mortal journey. It prepares us for our appointed meeting with our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Take care not to become distracted. Remember His parable of the ten virgins. We want to be among the five humble ones who were admitted to the presence of the Lord."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional, 10 Feb 2026)

Day 3970

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 26:2-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 26:2-4
"Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.
If ye walk in my statues, and keep my commandments, and do them;
Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit."

The last time I read these verses was in 2021. We were in a drought at the time. Since then we broke a 40 year snow record that helped to fill our reservoirs. This past year we had hardly any snow, carried into summer with hardly any rain. We have fires burning out of control. I once again am thinking about the words of President Spencer W. Kimball spoken in his home ward.

"Living the Law of the Fast:
President Kimball encouraged us to follow his example in living the law of the fast. As we did, the members of the ward gained great blessings. During these years, the Monument Park 2nd ward led the Church in the per capita amount of contributions made to the Fast Offering fund of the Church. On one occasion when the entire Church had been requested to fast and pray for the Lord to remove the drought conditions, President Kimball taught us the power that come from knowing the scriptures.
When he came to Sacrament meeting, my usual custom was to greet him and ask him if he had any instructions for the bishopric as the presiding officer. His usual response was: “Carry on bishop as thought I were not here.” On this Sunday, I had been delayed in my office I did not have the chance to greet him before coming to the stand. During the course of the meeting, the Spirit prompted me to ask him if he would like to give the closing prayer on this special occasion. I quickly wrote the following note and passed it to the chair which he always sat in saying: “In light of the special fast, would you care to offer the closing prayer? Bishop Oswald.” A few minutes the note came back to me with this answer penned in red ink: “Or say a word or two before the prayer, either—as you say.”
At the close of the meeting, I said that because of the special nature of the worldwide fast being observed by the members of the Church, I had asked President Kimball if he would take a few minutes and instruct the congregation on the importance of the fast. For the next ten minutes, the members of the ward had the opportunity to witness a Prophet of God, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, speak with power and authority. Without any notes, President Kimball quoted from memory several passages from the Old Testament on the importance of fasting and prayer in petitioning the Lord to send forth rain. He recited the pattern found in the scriptures where God had withheld rain in order to teach the people to be humble and obedient as they acknowledge their dependence upon the Lord for the blessings given conditional upon their personal righteousness. President Kimball wonder aloud whether or not the members were living the commandments to be worthy of asking God to open the windows of heaven and send forth the moisture so necessary to sustain life. It was a masterful demonstration of one who, over a lifetime of scriptural reading and study, had come to know the scriptures and the Author of those sacred writings given to Gods prophets in past dispensations.
At the end of the meeting, the Prophet prayed. Afterwards, the congregation was immovable and did not want to leave or break the marvelous Spirit that was present and felt by all. Many members went home and wrote in their journals of having been taught that day by a living Prophet speaking under the mantle of his authority and by the influence of the Spirit. It was a sacred experience worth remembering and recording in personal journals.
The Relief Society president wrote in her journal: “President Kimball is such a tremendous example to us all. He spoke so much about our personal worthiness as a prerequisite to fasting and praying for the rain, that I am sure there were many present today who did some deeply introspective soul searching of our own, as I did.” “Then I had the most thrilling experience of my life. I heard the Prophet pray. I felt the very heavens open up in that sweet but powerful communication between our Heavenly Father and his most chosen of all servants on the earth. He thanked the Lord for the Prophets of old–in a manner that made me feel he had a very personal relationship with those prophets. . . As I left my choir seat at the close of the meeting, brushing the tears from my eyes, I saw the members of the congregation, men and women alike, doing the same. We were all visibly moved by the power, the sweetness and the challenge of this most significant prayer. Especially to hear the humble Prophet say: “Lord, we pray that we may be found worthy to ask.”
----
"Recalling President Kimball’s calling made manifest in their ward:
The entire Monument Park 2nd ward was present in Sacrament Meeting the day in which President Kimball ended 3 days of his personal fasting and prayer, because of his concern over the national drought that year. President Kimball took a unique direction in this Sacrament Meeting....speaking, then ending his address in prayer. As he spoke, he stopped for many seconds....looked upward to the chapel ceiling...then said "Brothers and Sisters, the Lord has just made it known to me that the reason for the drought we have been experiencing is that we have become a nation of Sabbath breakers. He then began his prayer which was amazing to hear...he addressed Heavenly Father as GOD, creator and governor of the Universe. It was so very reverent and worshipful with infinite respect for His Godhood. President Kimball then prayed and promised the Lord that we would make new efforts to keep his Sabbath day holy. Within weeks, church publications began emphasizing the Sabbath, and within a week after that, the rains began to fall...and the nationwide drought was ended. As one little ward in Zion, we witnessed the prophet and the Lord working together on a global scale."
(Monument Park Second Ward, "A Heritage of Faith", A History of the Wards of the Salt Lake Bonneville Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1976-2014, page 241-242, 252)

Day 3784

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 97:25-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 97:25-26
"Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire."

These made me ponder on the importance of listening to a prophet. Something so simple as looking at a brass serpent on a pole meant life or death to the children of Israel. The Lord didn't take away the fiery flying serpents, He prepared the way for them to be healed. That meant that good people got bit and ill. But, those that would look at the serpent were healed, as those that will look to Christ will live. With all that is coming its now more important than ever to listen to the counsel of a prophet. To take to heart the words he speaks at general conference and be obedient. To prepare ourselves to be the Zion people, the pure in heart.

"We do not say that all of the Saints will be spared and saved from the coming day of desolation. But we do say there is no promise of safety and no promise of security except for those who love the Lord and who are seeking to do all that he commands.
It may be, for instance, that nothing except the power of faith and the authority of the priesthood can save individuals and congregations from the atomic holocausts that surely shall be.And so we raise the warning voice and say: Take heed; prepare; watch and be ready. There is no security in any course except the course of obedience and conformity and righteousness."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "Stand Independent above All Other Creatures", Apr 1979 General Conference)

“… Zion can be built up only among those who are the pure in heart, not a people torn by covetousness or greed, but a pure and selfless people. Not a people who are pure in appearance, rather a people who are pure in heart. Zion is to be in the world and not of the world, not dulled by a sense of carnal security, nor paralyzed by materialism. No, Zion is not things of the lower, but of the higher order, things that exalt the mind and sanctify the heart”
(President Spencer W. Kimball, "Becoming the Pure in Heart", Apr 1978 General Conference)

Day 3686

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 26:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 26:9
"And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them."

This year we are finishing our second time reading the Book of Mormon using "Come, Follow Me". I wonder as a church, if we are any closer to receiving more?

President Spencer W. Kimball: 'When do you think we will get the balance of the Book of Mormon records?' And I have said, 'How many in the congregation would like to read the sealed portion of the plates?' And almost always there is a 100-percent response. And then I ask the same congregation, 'How many of you have read the part that has been opened to us?' And there are many who have not read the Book of Mormon, the unsealed portion. We are quite often looking for the spectacular, the unobtainable. I have found many people who want to live the higher laws when they do not live the lower laws." (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 531-32)

Day 3549

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 37:33-34

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 37:33-34
"Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls."

Alma is speaking to his son Helaman. He is giving him charge of the plates of Nephi, brass plates, the twenty-four Jaredite plates, the interpreters, and the Liahona. With the twenty-four plates he is told what to share and what not to share. Then Alma gives Helaman a charge on what he is to preach to the people. As I read this I thought how this is exactly the counsel given to us during general conference. Prophets of old, and prophets today teach the same things, for it makes no difference in what era we live the natural man and his weaknesses are the same. The plan of happiness is for us all.

"Some may wonder why General Authorities speak of the same things from conference to conference. As I study the utterances of the prophets through the centuries, their pattern is very clear. We seek, in the words of Alma, to teach people “an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity.” We preach “repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. We praise humility. We seek to teach people “to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. We teach our people “to never be weary of good works.
Prophets say the same things because we face basically the same problems. Brothers and sisters, the solutions to these problems have not changed. It would be a poor lighthouse that gave off a different signal to guide every ship entering a harbor. It would be a poor mountain guide who, knowing the safe route up a mountainside, took his trusting charges up unpredictable and perilous paths from which no traveler returns."
(Spencer W. Kimball, "The Stone Cut without Hands", Apr 1976 General Conference)

"Recently I have found myself drawn to the Lord’s instruction given through the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Say nothing but repentance unto this generation.” This declaration is often repeated throughout scripture. It prompts an obvious question: “Does everyone need to repent?” The answer is yes."
(Russell M. Nelson, "We Can Do Better and Be Better", Apr 2019 General Conference)

Day 3481

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 15:21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 15:21-22
"And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ—for so shall he be called.
And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection."

I wanted to study further on the resurrection and the different time periods. We are still in the First Resurrection, it is on going and will continue until the end of the Millennium. There are also periods called the morning and afternoon of the first resurrection, and I wasn't sure what the others were called. I found in the Book of Mormon Student Manual a nice graph, but it didn't use the names I was looking for. This is what I have finally pieced together.

Resurrection of the Just - from Christ's resurrection through the Millennium
The Morning of the First Resurrection: Resurrection of celestial people - on going since Christ's resurrection and throughout the Millennium. You will be resurrected at the first opportunity that you can be.
The Afternoon of the First Resurrection: Resurrection of terrestrial people - begins at the start of the Millennium, until the end of it.
End of the resurrection of the just

Beginning of the Resurrection of the Unjust - after the Millennium
The Morning of the Second Resurrection: Resurrection of telestial people. They will not spend eternity in the presence of Satan and his minions, but will be eternally shut out from the presence of the Father and Son.
The Afternoon of the Second Resurrection: Resurrection of sons of perdition. They will spend eternity with the devil and his angels, because they did his work. There is no eternal glory for them, only outer darkness where God's light never shines.

I pondered on how Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith as a glorified, resurrected being. He died about 400 years after Jesus Christ was resurrected. The morning of the first resurrection is still ongoing. I though of some quotes that I found regarding resurrection being a priesthood ordinance. The full talk of President Kimball's is particularly interesting.

"Resurrection is a priesthood ordinance. As to the first question—how the dead are raised—we know that it is by the power of Jesus Christ because He holds the keys of death, hell, and resurrection. However, latter-day prophets have clarified how that power is activated in our behalf. President Brigham Young and Elder Erastus Snow taught that the Resurrection will be conducted much as other things are done in the kingdom, by those in authority and by delegation. As one cannot baptize himself, nor can he baptize others until he himself is baptized, ordained, and directed by the presiding officers, so one cannot resurrect himself but will be called forth by someone in authority. Men will be given the keys of this ordinance after they themselves are resurrected, and they then will resurrect others. I expect that a righteous father will be given the keys to resurrect his family.
In the April 1977 general conference, President Spencer W. Kimball quoted President Brigham Young: “We are in possession of all the ordinances that can be administered in the flesh; but there are other ordinances and administrations that must be administered beyond this world. I know you would like to ask what they are. I will mention one. We have not, neither can we receive here, the ordinance and the keys of resurrection.” President Kimball then explained that resurrection is the work of God and that the world by its wisdom has not produced the power to resurrect anyone."
(Robert J. Matthews, “Resurrection: The Ultimate Triumph,” in Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior, ed. Paul H. Peterson, Gary L. Hatch, and Laura D. Card (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2002), 313–33.)
(Spencer W. Kimball, "Our Great Potential", April 1977 General Conference)

Day 3430

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 2:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 2:2
"Now, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, according to the responsibility which I am under to God, to magnify mine office with soberness, and that I might rid my garments of your sins, I come up into the temple this day that I might declare unto you the word of God."

This made me reflect on some hard subjects we had to hear during general conference. Some people didn't like several apostles because they would touch on subjects that called them to repentance, like pornography, sexual immorality, and other plagues of our day. I'm sure there were other subjects they would have loved to address with the saints, but their call and responsibility was not to coddle and speak of only smooth things. Their call was to guide us back to God, or our sins will fall on their heads. That is such a heavy responsibility.

"That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:"
(Isaiah 30:9-10)

"President Spencer W. Kimball spoke of the duty of prophets. He said:“I am sure that Peter and James and Paul found it unpleasant business to constantly be calling people to repentance and warning them of dangers, but they continued unflinchingly. So we, your leaders, must be everlastingly at it; if young people do not understand, then the fault may be partly ours. But, if we make the true way clear to you, then we are blameless” (“Love Versus Lust,” Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, Provo, Utah, 5 Jan. 1965, p. 6). I wish to speak today of unwanted messages. My purpose in doing so is to attempt to give strength against mistakes, suffering, heartache, and anguish."
(James E. Faust, "Unwanted Messages", Oct 1986 General Conference)

Day 3406

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 26:32

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 26:32
"And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall perish."

I thought about the taking of the name of God in vain, and contending. Those are two areas that bother me the most, because I've had to deal with it on a personal level. Being screamed at and sworn at are so abusive, and I just can't tolerate it. If you want me to listen to you then don't do those things. Otherwise, I just shut down and will leave. This reminded me of a story about President Kimball.

"President Kimball tells a personal experience he had in one of his many stays at the hospital:
"In the hospital one day I was wheeled out of the operating room by an attendant who stumbled, and there issued from his angry lips vicious cursing with a combination of the names of the Savior. Even half-conscious, I recoiled and implored: 'Please! Please! That is my Lord whose names you revile.'
"There was a deathly silence, then a subdued voice whispered, 'I am sorry.' He had forgotten for the moment that the Lord had forcefully commanded all his people, 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain' (Exodus 20:7.)"
President Kimball went on to relate that such language demonstrates many things about a person: that they do not have self-control, and that they do not demonstrate gratitude towards God.
(President Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Profanity," Ensign, February 1981, p. 3)

Day 3397

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:7-8

"Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire."

The footnote for "offences" is Sin. This quote describes it with more detail.

"The word "offend" as used by the Master means "to cause to sin or fall." This definition is now almost lost in our modern-day language, but the word was used with this meaning in the days of Christ and even up until a century or two ago.

Jesus also said: "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!"  

Willful wrong teaching, wrong example, wrong utterance, wrong action by those of influence are offenses to any youth, and the retribution follows as night the day that "no man ever did a designed injury to another, but at the same time he did a greater to himself" (Henry Home, "Injury," The New Dictionary of Thoughts)."

(John H. Vandenberg, "Beware of the Leaven", April 1965 General Conference)

President Spencer W. Kimball gives even more details.

"In our own Society, the murderer who kills the body is hunted, imprisoned, and executed, but the character who kills the soul by implanting doubt and shattering faith is permitted not only to go free but also is often retained in high places. The body which is killed will rise again in the resurrection with little damage to its eternal welfare, but he whose faith has been shattered may suffer long ages before complete restoration of spiritual stature can be had, if at all.

And Jesus said: Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!  (Matt. 18:7)

Far better to take from a man his flocks or herds, his lands or wealth, even his sight or limbs, than to be responsible for the loss of his faith. The Son of God put it this way:

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt and maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast It from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire  (Matt. 18:8-9)

And so we admonish the leaders in stakes, wards, and missions to be ever vigilant to see that no incorrect doctrines are promulgated in their classes or congregations. Wolves will come in sheep's clothing and will deceive the very elect, if that were possible. And we warn again those who write or preach or otherwise teach subversive doctrines, that their punishment is sure for their "worm dieth not"

(Spencer W. Kimball, "Build or Destroy", April 1948 General Conference)

In this chapter the Lord tells us to be like little children. Then he speaks of anyone offending little children, how it would be better for them to have a millstone hanged around his neck and drowned in the dept of the sea. This makes me realize the Lord isn't just talking about physically hurting a child. It's leading any child of God astray. That would be you or me! The damage for causing another person to lose their faith or to sin is the severest of penalties.

Paul speaks of the parts of the body and how they are the church. How every member of the body is needed. Now I understand how cutting off the hand or foot that offends in this chapter is speaking of removing of the member of the church that offends, and teaches incorrect doctrine, that cause others to sin and fall.

Day 3106

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 4:4 & Endnote

Today's Favorite Verse: Malachi 4:4 & Endnote

"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

THE END OF THE PROPHETS"

I just finished reading the Old Testament for the third time in my life. The first time I read it was in seminary which amounted to massive speed reading sessions to complete it in a year. It takes two and a half years to read the Old Testament a chapter a day. Needless to say my first time around I didn't understand very much of it. But I could say I read it. Since I began rotating through all the scriptures this was my second time reading it with understanding. I've learned so much, and there is still so very much to learn.

My favorite verse in this closing chapter of the Old Testament speaks to my heart and my love of family history work. It is a subject so dear to me. Yet, I noticed something at the very end. It says "THE END OF THE PROPHETS". When I read that I said to myself, "No it wasn't, there was much more to come, and still to come." Then as I was pondering on this I noticed the Citation Index had something new in it. A picture taken of the prophet Spencer W. Kimball's scriptures and this very verse. I started to read his notations and then I noticed the statement he made after the endnote "THE END OF THE PROPHETS". It's the word "NO". The Citation Index also reference his conference talk when he spoke on this.

"I believe the Bible. I love the Bible. It stimulates me. It lifts me. It inspires me. And, I never tire reading its pages.

There is one phrase that brings me up short as I finish the Book of Malachi. In bold type are these words, "THE END OF THE PROPHETS".  Regardless of what the compilers meant, I do not believe that Malachi was "the end of the prophets." As I finished the New Testament, I found once more in bold letters the words, "THE END" I do not believe that even the Book of Revelation was the end."

(Spencer W. Kimball, "Continuous Revelation", Oct 1966 General Conference)

I loved President Kimball, and every prophet that came after him. I love the living prophet Russell M. Nelson. I know there is still much to come.

"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."

(Article of Faith 1:9)

Day 3088

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:5, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:5, 7

"A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;"

These are my seasons. There is comfort knowing it is all in the Lord's hands and timing. Before reading my scriptures I happened upon this quote from President Kimball on prayers being answered.

"President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) similarly taught that we must put great effort into our prayers and that we must pray frequently:

Do you get answers to your prayers? If not, perhaps you did not pay the price. Do you offer a few trite words and worn-out phrases, or do you talk intimately to the Lord? Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly? Do you offer pennies to pay heavy debts when you should give dollars to erase that obligation?

When you pray, do you just speak, or do you also listen? Your Savior said, ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’ (Rev. 3:20.)“… Should we ever fail to get an answer to our prayers, we must look into our lives for a reason”

(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 50, "Ether 1-5"); (“Prayer,” New Era, Mar. 1978, 17)

After reading this I actually sat wondering what have I been praying about recently? Was there something I was putting great effort into? Were those prayers being answered? Then I realized, yes there was. It was this whole season I am experiencing. Then immediately I realized, those prayers were being answered. I have been leaving it in the Lord's hands and just the fact I had to sit and think about what was my concern showed that those prayers were being answered. I had peace over the matter each time I left it in his hands and let him carry them.

Day 2821

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 26:2-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 26:2-4

"Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.

If ye walk in my statues, and keep my commandments, and do them;

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit."

Rain is a lot on my mind. We are in the middle of a drought and severe heat wave. It made me reflect on President Spencer W. Kimball and our fasting and prayers for rain when there was a national drought. This is from his home ward history.

"Living the Law of the Fast:

President Kimball encouraged us to follow his example in living the law of the fast. As we did, the members of the ward gained great blessings. During these years, the Monument Park 2nd ward led the Church in the per capita amount of contributions made to the Fast Offering fund of the Church. On one occasion when the entire Church had been requested to fast and pray for the Lord to remove the drought conditions, President Kimball taught us the power that come from knowing the scriptures.

When he came to Sacrament meeting, my usual custom was to greet him and ask him if he had any instructions for the bishopric as the presiding officer. His usual response was: “Carry on bishop as thought I were not here.” On this Sunday, I had been delayed in my office I did not have the chance to greet him before coming to the stand. During the course of the meeting, the Spirit prompted me to ask him if he would like to give the closing prayer on this special occasion. I quickly wrote the following note and passed it to the chair which he always sat in saying: “In light of the special fast, would you care to offer the closing prayer? Bishop Oswald.” A few minutes the note came back to me with this answer penned in red ink: “Or say a word or two before the prayer, either—as you say.”

At the close of the meeting, I said that because of the special nature of the worldwide fast being observed by the members of the Church, I had asked President Kimball if he would take a few minutes and instruct the congregation on the importance of the fast. For the next ten minutes, the members of the ward had the opportunity to witness a Prophet of God, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, speak with power and authority. Without any notes, President Kimball quoted from memory several passages from the Old Testament on the importance of fasting and prayer in petitioning the Lord to send forth rain. He recited the pattern found in the scriptures where God had withheld rain in order to teach the people to be humble and obedient as they acknowledge their dependence upon the Lord for the blessings given conditional upon their personal righteousness. President Kimball wonder aloud whether or not the members were living the commandments to be worthy of asking God to open the windows of heaven and send forth the moisture so necessary to sustain life. It was a masterful demonstration of one who, over a lifetime of scriptural reading and study, had come to know the scriptures and the Author of those sacred writings given to Gods prophets in past dispensations.

At the end of the meeting, the Prophet prayed. Afterwards, the congregation was immovable and did not want to leave or break the marvelous Spirit that was present and felt by all. Many members went home and wrote in their journals of having been taught that day by a living Prophet speaking under the mantle of his authority and by the influence of the Spirit. It was a sacred experience worth remembering and recording in personal journals.

The Relief Society president wrote in her journal: “President Kimball is such a tremendous example to us all. He spoke so much about our personal worthiness as a prerequisite to fasting and praying for the rain, that I am sure there were many present today who did some deeply introspective soul searching of our own, as I did.” “Then I had the most thrilling experience of my life. I heard the Prophet pray. I felt the very heavens open up in that sweet but powerful communication between our Heavenly Father and his most chosen of all servants on the earth. He thanked the Lord for the Prophets of old–in a manner that made me feel he had a very personal relationship with those prophets. . . As I left my choir seat at the close of the meeting, brushing the tears from my eyes, I saw the members of the congregation, men and women alike, doing the same. We were all visibly moved by the power, the sweetness and the challenge of this most significant prayer. Especially to hear the humble Prophet say: “Lord, we pray that we may be found worthy to ask.”

----

"Recalling President Kimball’s calling made manifest in their ward:

The entire Monument Park 2nd ward was present in Sacrament Meeting the day in which President Kimball ended 3 days of his personal fasting and prayer, because of his concern over the national drought that year. President Kimball took a unique direction in this Sacrament Meeting....speaking, then ending his address in prayer. As he spoke, he stopped for many seconds....looked upward to the chapel ceiling...then said "Brothers and Sisters, the Lord has just made it known to me that the reason for the drought we have been experiencing is that we have become a nation of Sabbath breakers. He then began his prayer which was amazing to hear...he addressed Heavenly Father as GOD, creator and governor of the Universe. It was so very reverent and worshipful with infinite respect for His Godhood. President Kimball then prayed and promised the Lord that we would make new efforts to keep his Sabbath day holy. Within weeks, church publications began emphasizing the Sabbath, and within a week after that, the rains began to fall...and the nationwide drought was ended. As one little ward in Zion, we witnessed the prophet and the Lord working together on a global scale."

(Monument Park Second Ward, "A Heritage of Faith", A History of the Wards of the Salt Lake Bonneville Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1976-2014, page 241-242, 252)

As I read this I wondered why we have not held a fast as a church for rain? I know last Fast Sunday the governor asked us to pray for rain and many of us included this in our monthly fast. I'm sure as a church we will be asked when the timing is right for this to be over. For now there are many lessons for us to learn. My part is to make sure I am worthy to ask, that I keep the Sabbath day holy, and continue to fast and pray for rain.

Day 2275