Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 1:6-7
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

I think I read that in the space of three years the Galatians were falling away. There were some among them that were perverting the gospel of Jesus Christ. It made me reflect on how much quicker we could fall a way, given how quickly things spread with the internet. I wasn't feeling well today and I wanted to just rest and brainlessly watch something on YouTube. It was rather distrubing how many times I found things that were just off, and didn't seem right. At least with the internet I have the ultimate power of just turning it off. No one knows me or cares what I listen to or not. On the other side the same if I wanted to fill myself with perverted doctrine. We do live in a day that we need to have the holy spirit as our guide.

"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."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4216

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 20:20, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 20:20, 23
"And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?"

What stood out to me was they "feign themselves just men". The Lord perceived their craftiness. He knew how to answer their questions to the point "they durst not ask him any questions at all". This made me think about deception and how we will be deceived if we do not have the spirit as our guide.

"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."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4117

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 6:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 6:13
" And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."

I learned something new, this is the only mention in the scriptures of the Savior's Apostles anointing the sick with oil when administering to them.

President Dallin H. Oaks taught that miraculous healings happen today, just as in biblical times, through the power of the priesthood:
“Miracles happen when the authority of the priesthood is used to bless the sick. I have experienced these miracles. As a boy and as a man I have seen healings as miraculous as any recorded in the scriptures, and so have many of you. …
“The Old Testament frequently mentions anointing with oil as part of a blessing conferred by priesthood authority. Anointings were declared to be for sanctification and perhaps can also be seen as symbolic of the blessings to be poured out from heaven as a result of this sacred act.
“In the New Testament we read that Jesus’s Apostles ‘anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them’ (Mark 6:13). The book of James teaches the role of anointing in connection with the other elements in a healing blessing by priesthood authority:
“‘Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
“‘And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up’ (James 5:14–15).
“ … When elders anoint a sick person and seal the anointing, they open the windows of heaven for the Lord to pour forth the blessing He wills for the person afflicted” (“Healing the Sick,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 48).
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 12: Mark 5-7")

Day 4087

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 24:44

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)

Day 4077

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:16
"But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."

This verse reminded me of Elder Neil L. Anderson's recent BYU-Idaho Devotional. He spoke on a warning President Russell M. Nelson and then President Dallin H. Oaks both gave and then quoted President Henry B. Eyring on the law of witnesses, and authorized witnesses. We need to listen when warnings are repeated. I had been meaning to look at the talk by President Eyring. First, I wanted to find more scriptures on witnesses. After that I have President Eyring original quotes from his talk, and finally repeating Elder Anderson from his talk on all of them. How grateful I am to have authorized witnesses upon the earth and to be able to hear them.

"This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
(2 Corinthians 13:1)

"And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day."
(Ether 5:4)

"One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established."
(Deuteronomy 19:15)

"It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true."
(John 8:17)

"There seems to be no end to the Savior’s desire to lead us to safety. And there is constancy in the way He shows us the path. He calls by more than one means so that it will reach those willing to accept it. And those means always include sending the message by the mouths of His prophets whenever people have qualified to have the prophets of God among them. Those authorized servants are always charged with warning the people, telling them the way to safety.
One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time."
(Henry B. Eyring, "Finding Safety in Counsel", April 1997 General Conference)

"President Oaks began one part of his message by saying, "I feel." Whenever a prophet says, "I feel," our ears stand up. We start listening. We listen all the time, but we especially listen when he says, "I feel." And he said to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued to us. This warning was given in April 2018. President Nelson's first general conference address after becoming the president of the church. He spoke of the conditions of our world with a very solemn warning that was repeated by President Oaks 12 days ago. And I know many of you know these words. They've been repeated many times. Here they are.
In the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
Now I wondered when it was first said, “in the coming days.” That was eight years ago. Have the coming days come? It seems possible. Today these powerful words stand as two bookends. April 1st, 2018, February 10th, 2026.
Now having been spoken by two beloved prophets of God in the past eight years, this serious warning has been repeated 13 times in general conference including five times by members of the first presidency and quorum of the 12. They have been spoken 19 times in BYU Idaho devotionals.
How many knew this citation, this quotation of President Nelson that President Oaks said last week? How many knew that before President Oaks said it last week? Yeah, it's been with us, hasn't it?
Think of it. This specific warning has been a part of the Lord's teaching to you if you're 20 years old. How many here are 20 years old right now? Raise your hand. Some of you are much older. If you're 20 years old, it's been with you since you were 12 years old at teaching.
Nearly 30 years ago, President Henry B. Eyring, who was then a member of the quorum of the 12, said something in general conference that I have not forgotten. Here's what he said: "One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of the prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time."
The words that have been pressed upon my mind are the law of authorized witnesses. When repetitive, they should rivet our attention.
After quoting President Nelson 12 days ago, President Oaks issued a more sobering counsel. He said, "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."
(Elder Neil L. Andersen, "President Oaks and the Law of Witnesses", BYU-Idaho Devotional, 22 Feb 2026)

Day 4071

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 7:16, 20

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 7:16, 20
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

The Lord tells us that a good tree cannot bring evil fruit, neither can an evil tree give us good fruit. Oh, I'm sure evil will call itself good but to its core it is rotten and eventually the rot is exposed. We will know them by their fruits. It's just like false prophets for what they prophesy will not come true. A broken clock can be correct twice a day, and sometime the evil gives that appearance but if you watch it long enough you will know something is not quite right. There is deception. The really sad part is you can be blinded to that deception if you believe lies and do not have the spirit to always be with you.

"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."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4060

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 5:39

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

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

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

Day 4058

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 2:12, 13, 19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 2:12, 13, 19-20
"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. "

I noticed the three different dreams mentioned in this chapter. First to the wise men to not return to Herod, and leave another way. Then to Joseph to flee to Egypt with his family. He is told to remain there until he brings him word. That word wasn't from a third party, saying Herod was dead. It was from the angel of the Lord in a third dream telling him to arise and take the family back to Israel. I pondered on what a righteous man Joseph must have been to have visitations of angels in dreams, and obey what he was told. It made me ponder on our day and how import it is that we are able to receive personal revelation for us and our family. It can have not only spiritual but also physical consequences.

"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."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4055

Today's Favorite Verse: Obadiah 1:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Obadiah 1:3-4
"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD."

Pride goeth before the fall. Pride is the most basic of tools the adversary possess. He can crack the protective shell around a righteous person by tell them how righteous they are. Now more than ever we need humility and the spirit to guide us, so we are not deceived. These two points remind me of President Oaks recent talk.

"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.
I want to help all our members overcome present or future doubts. Whatever those doubts, the way to overcome them is to get closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. Again and again, He has taught us that He is the way.
III. Four Ways to Draw Closer to Our Savior
I share four impressions that will draw us closer to our Savior:
• First, strengthen our faith in Him.
• Second, increase our humility.
• Third, seek help from others.
• Fourth, be patient.
(Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered this BYU devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4040

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 5:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 5:12-13
"For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time."

I pondered on the meaning of the prudent keeping silent. Is it like we have been told to be peacemakers? Don't content with the wicked, just leave them alone. There is no doubt about it that we are living in evil times.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."
(Matthew 5:25)

It made me think of this post I saw the other day by John Hilton III. It was from his recent YouTube video on Scripture Central. He related a story of Elder Lybbert being told he needing more faith. It didn't mean you worked so hard to the point of exhaustion. That you give reasonable effort and have faith the Lord will do the rest. Is that silent part having faith that the Lord will take care of the rest? He did that for Alma and his people when they were living in bondage.

"Have you heard the story of when Elder Packer told another General Authority he needed more faith?
Elder Lybbert of the Seventy was serving as Area President of Asia. Back-to-back emergencies—a mission president imprisoned, missionaries lost in Korea—had left him running on empty.
Elder Lybbert showed up at a stake conference in Taiwan completely exhausted. Then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks took one look at him and sent him back to the hotel to rest.
When Elder Oaks later shared the experience with Elder Boyd K. Packer, Elder Packer said: “The next time you see Elder Lybbert, tell him he needs to have more faith.” And then Elder Packer told Elder Oaks what he meant by that.
At the next General Conference, Elder Oaks pulled Elder Lybbert aside and delivered the message: “You need to have more faith.”
Elder Lybbert was astonished. “How can I work any harder than I already am?” “Exactly,” said Elder Oaks.
Then he explained what Elder Packer meant.
Elder Packer wasn’t saying to do more. True faith is understanding that the Lord expects a reasonable effort and then we trust that He will get His work done.
“Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” — D&C 123:17
This is what Jethro taught Moses. Moses was doing righteous work, but carrying it all alone. Jethro’s counsel wasn’t to work harder. It was to trust God enough to share the load.
True faith isn’t always doing more. Sometimes the way to have more faith is to do less and trust God more."
(John Hilton III, Instagram post 15 Apr 2026)

(Finding Christ in the Wilderness | Exodus 14-18 | Come Follow Me 2026 | John Hilton III | Apr 13-19)

Day 4038

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 3:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 3:7
"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

The Joseph Smith Translation is a little different.

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing until he revealeth the secret unto his servants, the prophets." (JST Amos 3:7)

Throughout the scriptures I see prophets warning the people before destruction would come. They were given the opportunity to repent and turn to God. They were given God's grace and mercy. Sadly, they didn't always listen. How grateful I am that there is a living prophet on the earth today, President Dallin H. Oaks. The warning voice has gotten louder and louder in these past eight years. We have been told what we need to be doing. So much of the prophet's counsel has been line upon line, building us to become more and more a Zion people. If we listen and obey we will be prepared for what comes. Knowing this has brought me so much peace is such a crazy world.

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:38)

"Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,
Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith.
Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April.
Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.
For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory."
(Doctrine and Covenants 21:1-6)

"The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty. (Sixty-first Semiannual General Conference of the Church, Monday, October 6, 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reported in Deseret Evening News, October 11, 1890, p. 2.)
It matters not who lives or who dies, or who is called to lead this Church, they have got to lead it by the inspiration of Almighty God. If they do not do it that way, they cannot do it at all. . . "
(Doctrine and Covenants: Official Declaration 1)

Day 4037

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

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 20:10-11
"For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten."

Defaming and slander are tools of the adversary, so are confusion and chaos. These tools are being drawn with sophistication against one another. They may have their season, but in the long run they will not win.

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God”  (1 Cor. 6:9–10)
Be not deceived, brethren. Heed the ancient and modern prophetic warnings against thievery, drunkenness, and all forms of sexual sin. The deceiver seeks to destroy your spirituality by all of these means. Paul warns us against those who “lie in wait to deceive … by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Eph. 4:14) Beware of the slick package and the glitz of a good time. What the devil portrays as fun can be spiritually fatal.
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Be Not Deceived", Oct 2004 General Conference)

Day 3998

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 63:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 63:8
"For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour."

I really liked this verse, in the chapters I read tonight it prophesies of the second coming. Yet this tiny verse gives a very simple clue on who His people are. They will not lie. That's the ninth commandment "Thou shalt not lie". I think the Lord's covenant people keep all His commandments, but this one has a purpose. This commandment prohibits all forms of deceptions, including lying, perjury, slander and twisting the truth. We are actually being warned about this deception, and how if we do not have the Holy Spirit as our guide we will be deceived. We will believe lies, and mostly likely lie to ourselves, and others.

"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."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional 10 February 2026)

Day 3990

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure."

I pondered on wisdom and knowledge being the stability of my time. What time do I live in? The prophet and apostles are being very clear that we now live in the days that have been prophesied, this is the season. The Lord is at the door. I was just listening to Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk yesterday at BYU-Idaho. After hearing President Oaks speak 12 days prior he changed his talk and went into more details on what the prophet had said. What stood out to me in President Oaks talk, and what Elder Andersen just emphasized, is we will be deceived if we do not have the Holy Ghost as our guide. To me the stability that comes from wisdom and knowledge is totally the inspiration given by the Holy Ghost. That is to be treasured. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot afford to lose it, or I will be deceived.

"After quoting President Nelson 12 days ago, President Oaks issued a more sobering counsel. He said, "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."
Very interesting. He did not say that without the constant influence of the Holy Ghost you might be deceived or you could be deceived. I thought his choice of words were very potent. He said if you don't have the Holy Ghost you will be deceived."
(Elder Neil L. Andersen, "President Oaks and the Law of Witnesses", BYU-Idaho Devotional, 22 Feb 2026)

As I was listening to Elder Andersen's talk I thought about the other things I could have been watching or listening to. If I had been distracted by them, I would have totally missed what the prophets are saying. Oh, I need to be wise and careful about my time.

Day 3980

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 8:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 8:20
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

President Oak recently BYU Devotional spoke on four ways to draw closer to the Savior. The third one was to seek help from others. He then gave this warning.

"Remember, to survive spiritually, you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost. An abundance of speculation and false information in podcasts and on social media surround us. Some may protest or question the truth of Church doctrine, without knowing or even understanding the fulness of that doctrine.
Don’t be persuaded by false or inaccurate information. Discuss your concerns with faithful, well-informed friends, and always take those concerns to the Lord."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional, 10 Feb 2026)

I really try to monitor who I listen to on social media and podcasts. I'm pretty good at spotting those preaching false doctrine and turn away from them. What I have noticed that seems infectious is those that speculate. They speculate on implied meanings in any talk or video released from leaders of the church. I swear some of them are even into astrology and numerology. The focus is always on how it applies to how close the second coming is. They give their opinions in a way that sounds like its fact, sadly what they are not aware of is they have crossed into false information. The speculation becomes such a focus that the gospel principle or doctrine that was discussed is completely overlooked.

My list of podcast and videos that I watch grows smaller and smaller. Mainly because those that start out good, seem to get swallowed up in it becoming their livelihoods and being sensational is a way to grow it. I cannot go wrong if I stay inside church websites.

President Ezra Taft Benson gave us three tests in "Be Not Deceived" (Oct 1963 General Conference).
1. What do the standard works have to say about it?
2. What do the latter-day Presidents of the Church have to say on the subject—particularly the living President? 
3. The third and final test is the Holy Ghost—the test of the Spirit. By that Spirit we ". . . may know the truth of all things"  (Moro. 10:5) This test can only be fully effective if one's channels of communication with God are clean and virtuous and uncluttered with sin. 

During President Benson's time frame we didn't have podcasts. What President Oaks is warning about is the dangers of how quickly false information and speculation can over take us. I am trying to be much more intentional on what I listen to in my down time. I'm grateful for the guidance of a living prophet to warn me what needs to be removed from my list.

Day 3972

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: Psalms 105:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 105:5
"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;"

I pondered on how important it is to remember all the miraculous and marvelous things the Lord has done. It brings us to remembrance on the grace and mercy of God. How he loves His children and will bless those that follow Him. We need to trust Him. I am reminded of one of my most favorite quotes by President Nelson in the first General Conference after he was made prophet. What President Oaks said today is an extension to it.

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)

"President Oaks noted that Latter-day Saints around the world will need such spiritual strength in the coming days.
“As we experience Satan’s deadly onslaught on morality and the integrity of families, and as we read the prophecies and feel the signs of the times, we cannot doubt that the future holds great sacrifices and challenges for Latter-day Saints individually and for the divinely prescribed work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said. “The scriptures speak of perilous times, when men’s hearts will fail them. They also speak of worthy disciples escaping these things, of their standing in holy places and not being moved.”
In these holy temples, Latter-day Saints make covenants with God. This, the prophet explained, is “the way the Lord reminds us to stay worthy of His blessings and to translate the knowledge we receive in the temple into service to our fellowmen.”
“Surely,” President Oaks said, “the times ahead will call for us to remember our temple covenants and to rely on the blessings promised in these houses of the Lord here in Burley and throughout the world.”
“This is His house. This is His work. We are His servants,” the prophet concluded."
(President Dallin H. Oaks, Burley Idaho Temple Dedication, 11 Jan 2026, Church Newsroom, "President Oaks Dedicates the Burley Idaho Temple")

Day 3937

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 2:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 2:14-15
"And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him."

The mantle of a prophet. When Elijah was taken up, Elisha received that mantle. It made me think about how yesterday the mantle of the prophet again fell upon a new prophet. President Eyring spoke of it when he said he saw the power of God come upon President Dallin H. Oaks. Then President Holland spoke on how it was a very, very moving experience to see that mantle come fully and completely on President Oaks. I have thought all day about their words, and how my heart wants so much to listen to the words of President Oaks. It's not that I've forgotten President Nelson already. It's just time to listen to the living prophet now.

President Henry B. Eyring:
I am equally surprised, as was President Christofferson, at the wonderful opportunity to serve in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love Him, and I've always felt that He was urging me to be better and that I was never quite doing it. And so the feeling of being asked, I believe under inspiration, to come and serve again in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I cannot express the gratitude that I feel for the trust, the trust from the Lord and the trust that President Oaks has shown to me. I love him and know him and can testify that I know that he is the head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by inspiration. I have seen the power of God come upon him, and it's been a reassuring thing to me to know that, just as in the days of old when Peter and others would lead the Church, that the people would be able to recognize that that was the Lord's servant to lead His Church. I've had that blessing and that assurance come to me, and I'm so grateful for that, and grateful for the trust and for the people whose faith I know will sustain us in this great work of the Restoration and the final preparation of the Lord's Church for His coming. I bear you my testimony that preparation is occurring and that President Oaks is the perfect one to do the things that I know the Lord will want done. I am grateful to be at his side. I testify Jesus is the Christ, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

President Jeffrey R. Holland:
I am thrilled to speak for the Quorum of the Twelve, for the Seven Presidents of the Seventy, the Presiding Bishopric, organizational heads, all of whom support and sustain unequivocally President Dallin Oaks as the president, prophet, seer, and revelator leading this Church for its next moment in time. We love him, we have known him, we've watched him be prepared, and have had the confirmation that that is the Lord's will this day. That has been a unanimous and a very, very moving experience to see that mantle come fully and completely on President Oaks. We stand ready to serve him out to the newest convert and the most recently called missionary. I know, beyond anything else I know, that this is God's Church. This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Father and the Son and the gifts of the Holy Ghost will come upon President Oaks in full measure, and I know that that line of gift and promise is true and that has been reaffirmed as well today. I love the work that we're in, bear testimony of it, and say that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
(Special Announcement: The New First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, YouTube 14 Oct 2025)

Day 3849

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:1

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 25:1
"And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran."

I read that and this was all I could think of while I read three chapters in the Old Testament. Samuel the prophet dies, and the day I read it I learn President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, seer and revelator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has passed away. I wait to know when his funeral is. Will it be before General Conference this Saturday and Sunday or after? It was shocking, but not shocking, President Nelson was 101 years old. I wish my heart was allowed to just mourn the passing of such a wonderful prophet. Instead it is marred by the horrific events in Michigan, at a shooting and fire at one of our chapels. People died. It hurts my heart. Of course we don't know all the details, not sure if I really want to know all the details. All I can feel is a prophet that taught me so much about being a peacemaker is gone. I feel like the world rejected his message and God has sent us a judge in President Oaks. There has been a shift and change, though I expect the message on what I need to do during these latter-days will remain the same. I am so grateful that General Conference is this coming weekend. I need to sit at the feet of the prophets and hear their messages of peace.

Day 3832

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 53:2, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 53:2, 7
"Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world.
And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen."

What does it mean to "forsake the world"? As I pondered on this I thought about how to forsake doesn't mean you just leave it behind. You must be filled with something in its place. That would be a heart turned to Jesus Christ and eternal life. The focus and heart's desire is for something better, and the things of the world will not stop you.

"Therefore, forsake the world and save your souls; for what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
(Matthew 16:29)

"What is the meaning of these scriptural cautions and commandments not to be “of the world” or the modern commandment to “forsake the world”? President Thomas S. Monson summarized these teachings: “We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "The Plan and the Proclamation", Oct 2017 General Conference)

"The Prophet said that if we would go where God is, we must be like him; that is, we must develop the characteristics and the attributes and the perfections which God has. The struggle which we face is whether we will overcome the world or whether we will be overcome by the world. All men forsake the world when they come into the Church; they then overcome the world if they continue in righteousness and in diligence in keeping the commandments of God.
No one has overcome the world, the world of carnality and corruption, until he has given his heart to Christ, until he uses all his talents, abilities, and strength in keeping the commandments of God, and in causing this great work to roll forth."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "Overcome the World", April 1955 General Conference)

"Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
“In the Church, we often state the couplet: ‘Be in the world but not of the world.’ …
“Perhaps we should state the couplet … as two separate admonitions. First, ‘Be in the world.’ Be involved; be informed. Try to be understanding and tolerant and to appreciate diversity. Make meaningful contributions to society through service and involvement. Second, ‘Be not of the world.’ Do not follow wrong paths or bend to accommodate or accept what is not right.
“… In spite of all of the wickedness in the world, and in spite of all the opposition to good that we find on every hand, we should not try to take ourselves or our children out of the world. Jesus said, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven,’ or yeast. (Matt. 13:33.) We are to lift the world and help all to rise above the wickedness that surrounds us” (“The Effects of Television,” Ensign, May 1989, 80).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual "Chapter 20: Doctrine and Covenants 51-56")

Day 3642