Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:22, 39

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:22, 39
"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."

Covet - IE be eager, zealous

We are to covet and be eager to prophesy, yet I will never have a prophesy for the entire church. Not even my local ward. That is not my purview, or runway. That made me think of the times I was impressed on specific things happening in my life or the lives of my family that I needed to prepare for. That is the spirit of prophesy, even if it is only something the spirit instructed me about, and I told it to no one else. Such times when this has happened it has made my faith even stronger. I can see how prophesy is for those that believe.

Day 4200

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 25:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 25:26-27
"Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him."

Paul wanted to appeal unto Caesar. While Festus waited king Agrippa came to Caesarea to salute Festus. Learning of Paul he wished to hear him. Festus hoped that from this he would have something to write as a cause against Paul. Each of these situations is providing a way for the Lord's words to be fulfilled.

"And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."
(Act 23:11)

Day 4167

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 24:27, 44-45

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 24:27, 44-45
"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,"

One thing I love finding in the scriptures are the prophesies that foretell the coming of Jesus Christ. I love how Jesus opened up the scriptures and expounds on how various acts he performed were fulfilling prophesy. I wonder how many of verses they were truly amazed at, and had not seen it until He told them.

Tonight as I was reading in the Old Testament I came across such a verse that appeared to be prophecy to me. It was in Jeremiah.

"I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them."
(Jeremiah 8:13)

It reminded me of the barren fig tree and how at Jesus word it withered away. I always wondered on why He needed to do that.

"And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away."
(Matthew 21:19)

It will truly be amazing after Christ comes again to have him open up the scriptures and expound on how events around us today fulfilled prophesy.

Day 4121

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 13:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 13:17
"For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men 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."

First, I thought of the disciples sitting there with Jesus, hearing these words. How many prophets before them had testified of the coming of Jesus Christ, and now they were the ones to live to witness it. Then that made me think about what I have been hearing about my day. I live in a time that has been long prophesied, called to participate and stand as a witnesses to these winding up scenes.

"Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us—Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he received priesthood keys, the Church was organized. In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes “all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,” and the “many great and important things” that “He will yet reveal.” Brethren, the exciting developments of today are part of that long-foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This is one of the most remarkable periods of the world’s history! Ancient prophets yearned to see our day."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?", Apr 2014 General Conference)

"Prophets have foreseen our day, when there would be wars and rumors of wars and when the whole earth would be in commotion. As followers of Jesus Christ, we plead with leaders of nations to find peaceful resolutions to their differences. We call upon people everywhere to pray for those in need, to do what they can to help the distressed, and to seek the Lord’s help in ending any major conflicts.
Brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ has never been needed more than it is today. Contention violates everything the Savior stood for and taught. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and testify that His gospel is the only enduring solution for peace. His gospel is a gospel of peace."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Preaching the Gospel of Peace", Apr 2022 General Conference)

"For centuries, prophets have foretold this gathering, and it is happening right now! As an essential prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord, it is the most important work in the world!
This premillennial gathering is an individual saga of expanding faith and spiritual courage for millions of people. And as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or “latter-day covenant Israel,” we have been charged to assist the Lord with this pivotal work."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Let God Prevail", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Day 4066

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 38:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 38:16
"And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes."

I have learned that what I used to picture as end times is not how things are turning out. I never pictures things would become as they are. One thing I used to picture is that I would always stand with Israel. Oh, the whole world could come against them, but I knew they would prevail. Now I see this a little differently. The way things are going the world could absolutely have cause to come against them. Never would I picture how things are lining up. I have left off from trying to figure this all out. The only thing I do know is I want to be right with the Lord and not leave anything left undone. Prophesy will be fulfilled in the Lord's own way and time. The only thing that needs hurrying is the gathering of Israel, helping others to come to Christ, on both sides of the veil. As for wars and oppression of others I want nothing to do with it.

Day 4023

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 22:27-29

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 22:27-29
"Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.
The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully."

My son and I were talking today. We had identified earlier some false prophets and apostles. He told me what one of them had said today. It was really bad. These verses do describe them. I find it so interesting that all my life I knew there were false prophets, apostles and false Christs, but I hadn't really met them. Now they are so incredibly bold and main stream it's shocking. They are not hiding. They work in plain site. Prophecy is being fulfilled at such an amazing pace.

Day 4018

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 22:13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 22:13
"Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us."

I was so happy to read that Josiah "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord" when he was king. He was only 8 years old when he became king of Judah, and reigned for 31 years. He turned not to the right or the left, he was true and stayed on a straight course. During that time frame he repaired the house of the Lord. That is when the book of the law was found in the temple. At first they didn't know if it was true or not. That means they had no written scriptures to go by. King Josiah had them inquire of the Lord. They went to Huldah the prophetess and were told the Lord would bring evil upon this place and the inhabitants because they have forsaken him. But, to the king of Judah because he had humbled himself he would be gathered to the grave in peace. His eyes would not see the evil that will come upon Judah.

As I read to the end of the book of Kings I saw how Josiah's son was wicked and those after him. It was so sad. I had so much hope with they found the book of the laws. They had the first Passover since before the reign of the kings and most of the judges. There was so much promise. Then I remembered the prophesy given to Josiah, he was basically their last righteous king before destruction would come. I pondered on the importance of scriptures. How having the law lost for generations found a people that were lost. No wonder they were so quick to fall into pagan worship. I also pondered on how the very law was needed and had to be read to the people. They were then accountable for breaking the law with full knowledge. That was their warning.

Day 3856

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 21:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 21:1-3
"Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hephzi-bah.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them."

I found these verse incredibly sad to the point I wept. I had just finish reading the previous two chapters with king Hezekiah. He was a good man and how could he have a son just turn it all away. Hezekiah got rid of the high places and groves and once he was dead his son brings them all back. I know what Isaiah had prophesied to king Hezekiah about his posterity, but it just happened so quickly. It's just so sad.

Day 3855

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 13:18-22

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 13:18-22
"He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.
So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.
And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back:
And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,
But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the LORD did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers."

This is rather confusing. Was the prophet that brought the other prophet back really a prophet? Why would he lie to him? Then why would the prophet that lied receive word from the Lord and cry to the other prophet that he had disobeyed the Lord?

"Do Prophets Ever Lie or Disobey the Lord?
True prophets obey the word of God; false prophets do not. In this story are two prophets, one pictured as lying and the other pictured as disobeying God’s instructions. Ellis T. Rasmussen wrote: “There are some problems in this story of the man of God who came from Judah to warn the king of northern Israel and lost his life in the mission. Some help is available in the [Joseph Smith Translation] of verse 18, which indicates that the old prophet said, ‘Bring him back … that I may prove him; and he lied not unto him.’ Also there is a change in verse 26, in which the last part reads: ‘… therefore the Lord hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake unto me.’ These make the account more understandable and more acceptable. The young prophet should have obeyed God.” (An Introduction to the Old Testament and Its Teachings, 2:4; emphasis added.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "1 Kings 12-16: A Kingdom Divided against itself"

"He said unto him, I am a prophet also, even as thou. And an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water, that I may prove him; and he lied not unto him."
(JST 1Kings 13:18)

Day 3846

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 13:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 13:1-3
"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

I remember I used to love reading stories of people's dreams, especially if they appeared to be prophetic. Now I don't. I have experienced a drastic change, and I think that a good thing.

Day 3801

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 3:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 3:22
"But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians."

Borrow = to ask

"And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians."
(Exodus 12:36)

I pondered on why the children of Israel were to ask of the Egyptians jewels of silver and gold and raiment? You would think with leaving Egypt there would be more important things to take like food, water and provisions? Even Lehi in the Book of Mormon was told to leave his riches behind.

"And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."
(1 Nephi 2:4)

Then I thought about how those riches left behind were used in trying to obtain the plates of brass from Laban. The attempt failed and they had to leave their riches behind a second time. But there was a purpose, if they had taken them into the wilderness they wouldn't have brought them back to Jerusalem when trying to obtain the brass plates. Then I thought about why the children of Israel may have needed the gold and silver and raiment. At first they failed by making a golden calf with some. Later they did need them in worshiping God. They were used in the building of the tabernacle. I imagine it would have been extremely difficult to find such things while wandering in the wilderness. God had also promised Abraham that this descendants would serve others for 400 years, yet come out with great substance. The Lord keeps his word.

"And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.."
(Genesis 15:14)

Day 3763

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 40:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 40:8
"And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you."

Joseph was a dreamer, that is how he received revelation. I pondered on some of the dreams I have received. There are some things I have learned over the years. First, pray for the interpretation. My dreams have personal meaning for me. If they are from God, personally for me, then by prayer He will also give the interpretation. Be careful who you share a dream with. Like Joseph his family didn't understand the dreams he had when younger. They got down right rude and nasty about the whole thing. His siblings even turned on him. Later his dreams were shown to be prophecy that came true. It's better to hold it to yourself because it was for you anyways. If God wants to give someone else the same dream and interpretation He can. On that same hand there is no need to read stories about other people's dreams, they weren't for you. About the only dreams I care about is when a prophet relates it, for he's the one that receive revelation for the church.

"It is true that the Prophets have told us of dreams and visions which they have had, and in some instances the Lord has explained or interpreted them, and as such we are to receive them. But where he has not deigned to give the interpretation we must wait until he does, for it does not belong to men to give their own private interpretation thereto. It is written, “Interpretations belong to God,” and where it has pleased him to interpret, it behooves us to accept it, and where it has not pleased him to do so it becomes us to wait until he does, and not attempt to obtrude upon mankind our private interpretation of what God has revealed. Where plain predictions are uttered, we are to receive them as we would the writings of any other author—according to the plain and obvious meaning of the language."
(Erastus Snow, "Ancient Prophecy, Etc.", JD 16:200)

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:"
(Joel 2:28)

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"
(Acts 2:17)

"Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you strive to capture the content immediately, you can record great detail, but otherwise it fades rapidly. Inspired communication in the night is generally accompanied by a sacred feeling for the entire experience. The Lord uses individuals for whom we have great respect to teach us truths in a dream because we trust them and will listen to their counsel. It is the Lord doing the teaching through the Holy Ghost. However, He may in a dream make it both easier to understand and more likely to touch our hearts by teaching us through someone we love and respect.
When it is for the Lord’s purposes, He can bring anything to our remembrance. That should not weaken our determination to record impressions of the Spirit. Inspiration carefully recorded shows God that His communications are sacred to us. Recording will also enhance our ability to recall revelation. Such recording of direction of the Spirit should be protected from loss or intrusion by others."
(Richard G. Scott, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life", Apr 2012 General Conference)

Day 3759

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 9:12-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 9:12-15
"And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh."

I've been thinking about that rainbow and how it is not only a token of a covenant God made with man and the earth, but also one of the signs of the Lord's Second Coming.

“The Lord hath set the bow in the cloud for a sign that while it shall be seen, seed time and harvest, summer and winter shall not fail; but when it shall disappear, woe to that generation, for behold the end cometh quickly” (Smith, Teachings, p. 305).
“I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking the Lord, He gave a sign and said, ‘In the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign and token that in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among the nations, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant’” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 340–41).
(Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel, Genesis 4-11: The Patriarchs, "(4-19) The Rainbow as a Token of the Covenant")

The lack of a rainbow will bring famine, pestilence, and great distress among nations. I pondered on how famine was obvious if there was no rain, but is that the only reason rainbows are not seen? I wondered "What would cause no rainbows to be seen?"

This is what I learned: "Rainbows require very specific conditions to be visible. If you don't see a rainbow, it's likely because one or more of these conditions aren't met. These conditions include having sunlight, rain or water droplets in the air, and the sun being at the correct angle (low in the sky, typically behind you). If the sun is too high, if there isn't enough rain, or if the sun is blocked by clouds, you won't see a rainbow. "

The conditions around the world for not seeing a rainbow can be so varied, and if just right the entire world will not see rainbows. There isn't just one cause. It could rain to much or just be overcast all the time for some. There could be lots of fires choking the skies, or even volcanic eruptions.

"And the signs in heaven above are like nothing man has ever seen. Blood is everywhere; fire and vapors of smoke fill the atmospheric heavens. No man has seen a rainbow this year"
(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Millennial Messiah," Chapter 2: Eternity and the Seven Ages, "4. The Age of Immortality").

Day 3748

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 2
"This, in turn, has inspired us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.
Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God’s eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance"

I remember when this announcement was made in 1978. We had been aware of the promise that one day all worthy males would receive the priesthood. We speculated amongst ourselves on when this would happen. Then when the day finally came it was nothing like anyone had speculated on how it would unfold. It was a joyous day, that taught me so much. When I hear speculation my reflection on the inside is that is probably not how it will happen.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
(Isaiah 55:8-9)

It also taught me that the prophet doesn't just change things because it sounds like a good idea. He speaks with the Lord, and does not move forward until the Lord has spoken.

Day 3729

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 87:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 87:1-2
"Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;
And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place."

I'm familiar with this chapter being the prophesy on the Civil War. It was more the header to this section that caught my eye. I didn't recall the mention of tariffs as a cause of the war between the North and the South.

"Revelation and prophecy on war, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Kirtland, Ohio, December 25, 1832. At this time disputes in the United States over slavery and South Carolina’s nullification of federal tariffs were prevalent. Joseph Smith’s history states that “appearances of troubles among the nations” were becoming “more visible” to the Prophet “than they had previously been since the Church began her journey out of the wilderness.”
(2013 edition, current version online and in the Gospel Library app)

I went back and found an earlier edition of the Doctrine and Covenants to read the header. My eyes were not deceiving me. It wasn't in the earlier header.

"Revelation and prophecy on war, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, December 25, 1832. HC 1:301–302. This section was received at a time when the brethren were reflecting and reasoning upon African slavery on the American continent and the slavery of the children of men throughout the world."
(1981 Edition of the Doctrine and Covenants)

I searched online to find out a little more about the "South Carolina's nullification of federal tariffs". Then I read the background to the revelation in the Joseph Smith Papers.

"On Christmas Day, 25 December 1832, JS dictated this revelation warning of the outbreak of war across all nations, beginning in South Carolina. Remarking on the context of this revelation, a later JS history states: “Appearances of troubles among the nations, became more visible, this season, than they had previously done, since the church began her journey out of the wilderness.” The Painesville Telegraph of 21 December 1832 highlighted some of these problems. It contained an article titled “Revenge and Magnanimity. A Tale of the Cholera” about the worldwide cholera epidemic, as well as information about a plague in India that was killing 150 to 200 people a day. The newspaper also included extensive coverage of the passage of a resolution by a Nullification Convention held in November in South Carolina. This resolution declared the federal tariff acts of 1828 and 1832, which levied high duties against imports, “null and void” in the state. Many South Carolina residents believed the acts were passed solely to protect northern manufacturing at the expense of the South. Not only did South Carolinians claim the right to nullify the law, they also stated their willingness to “organize a separate Government” should the federal government try to enforce the tariffs in the state. The governor called for two thousand men to form a militia “for the defence of Charleston and its dependencies.” President Andrew Jackson responded quickly to this resolution, stating, according to the Telegraph, “that the laws and the Union must be maintained, at all events.” Because Painesville, Ohio, was only about ten miles from Kirtland, Ohio, it is probable that JS saw or heard about the articles in the 21 December Telegraph within a day or so. These developments troubled JS, who saw in them the threat of the “immediate dissolution” of the United States. Indeed, the 25 December revelation predicted that rebellion on the part of South Carolina would lead not only to civil war and war among nations but also to slave rebellions and an uprising of remnants of the house of Israel. This violence, combined with plague and other natural disasters, would ultimately lead to the “full end of all Nations.” Using millenarian language, the revelation cast such events as portents of the return of Jesus Christ to the earth"
(The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelation, 25 December 1832 [D&C 87], JSP, D2:328–331)

This really gives me pause because we are facing very similar issues in our nation today. What was an issue regarding slavery and tariffs is now an issue regarding tariffs and migrants today. Things are just not looking very pretty. This chapter also ends with a verse that is frequently quoted for our day.

"Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 87:8)

The American Civil War Art Print by Cais Asmiani

Day 3676

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 12:26

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 12:26
"And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;"

Reading "fools mock, but they shall mourn" made me immediately recalled the experience I had during the early days of the pandemic. This is what I recorded in my journal.

"Last night I had such an unusual experience. I was reading all these memes about the virus and saving them and passing them on to my siblings. I was laughing the whole time. Everything was hitting me so funny. I had not felt so much laughter over this whole thing. Then in an instant I had this great soberness come over me and the spirit warned me not to laugh at this. That what I was doing was "loud laughter", and those that laugh will mourn. What an absolute wake-up call. 
I then read my scriptures and there it talked about destruction before the second coming. My frame of mind on this virus and its meaning completely changed. The Lord's hand is in all this and obedience is important. I have a feeling of much sorrow for those that are effected by this. When we did our family scripture reading I told them my experience and the other impressions that I had. We laid some ground rules for ourselves."

That experience was a life changing moment for me. I am so careful about what I choose to laugh at. As I was watching the reports on the devastating fires in California, I felt like I was seeing the fulfillment of the times of the Gentiles. When we go from a warning voice to destruction. I turned to Doctrine and Covenants 45 for I knew it spoke of this, and also fire, and moon turning to blood. This stood out to me.

"And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.
But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:30-32)

I feel like the early pandemic was just a dress rehearsal of what is to come. Sadly, some learned to mock it and put their trust in the arm of flesh, and ignore the counsel of a living prophet. They have set themselves up to feel justified in mocking any news of a desolating sickness. When the next one comes they may not take it serious soon enough. I believe in prophesies and all of them will be fulfilled. I am just very, very cautious on what I laugh and mock at, especially the suffering of others. It is no wonder that Moroni also speaks on the need for charity in this chapter.

“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of [putting others down] repulsive.
“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other” (Elder Marvin J. Ashton, "The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword", Apr 1992 General Conference).

Day 3575

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 15:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 15:5-6
"Behold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have come to fulfil the law; therefore it hath an end.
Behold, I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not been fulfilled in me, verily I say unto you, shall all be fulfilled."

Through Christ's life and resurrection he fulfilled the law of Moses. He was the sacrificial lamb. All things pointed to Him. Yet, not all the words of the prophets have been fulfilled. I think of how much was prophesied to happen in these latter-days and has been. All things shall be fulfilled, but not always according to how we interpret them to be. It is through natural means that the Lord works and as such I think we have missed a lot of what is going on around us.

"Even with this experience in the past, the Latter-day Saints themselves are not entirely divested of extravagant views respecting the effects which are likely to follow the fulfillment of predictions yet in the future. Are we not all inclined to look forward to many events which have been predicted by the servants of God as being of so great and wonderful, and I may say so supernatural a character, that when they shall be fulfilled they will even startle us, who believe they are coming, and will compel the unbelieving inhabitants of the earth to accept them as evidences of the truth? In our thoughts this seems to be the natural tendency. I notice it in myself; I notice it in others. When we read respecting the great events which are to take place in connection with this work, as predicted in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, are we not inclined to think that, surely, when these things shall come to pass all the earth, as well as ourselves, will be constrained to acknowledge this to be the work of God, and these events to be indeed those which have been predicted by the prophets?
Now I would not, for the world, say one word to lessen in the minds of my brethren and sisters the importance of these events; I would not say one word to weaken your proper expectations; but my experience has taught me that the Lord works in the midst of this people by natural means, and that the greatest events that have been spoken of by the holy prophets will come along so naturally as the consequence of certain causes, that unless our eyes are enlightened by the Spirit of God, and the spirit of revelation rests us, we will fail to see that these are the events predicted by the holy prophets."
(Elder George Q. Cannon, "Natural Fulfillment of Prophecy—The Israelites and the Gentiles", JD, Vol. 21, Discourse 29, pg. 264-272)

Day 3538

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 9:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 9:11
"And because they did cast them all out, that there were none righteous among them, I did send down fire and destroy them, that their wickedness and abominations might be hid from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints whom I sent among them might not cry unto me from the ground against them."

I had wondered about the righteous being a causality of destruction that happened after the Lord was crucified. I know there were wounded among them for the Lord healed them. In this verse I see that cities destroyed were due to the wicked casting them out. Being persecuted and cast out would have been a trial for the righteous to endure, but in the long run it moved them to places of refuge from the coming storm. Those whose blood were spilt at the hands of the wicked were claimed by the Lord and his. I can see that this was also a fulfillment of prophesy given by Samuel the Lamanite.

"But blessed are they who will repent, for them will I spare. But behold, if it were not for the righteous who are in this great city, behold, I would cause that fire should come down out of heaven and destroy it.
But behold, it is for the righteous’ sake that it is spared. But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction; yea, wo be unto this great city, because of the wickedness and abominations which are in her."
(Helaman 12:13-14)

Day 3532

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 9:7-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 9:7-9
"And behold the people did gather themselves together unto the place of the judgment-seat—and behold, to their astonishment they saw those five men who had fallen to the earth.
And now behold, the people knew nothing concerning the multitude who had gathered together at the garden of Nephi; therefore they said among themselves: These men are they who have murdered the judge, and God has smitten them that they could not flee from us.
And it came to pass that they laid hold on them, and bound them and cast them into prison. And there was a proclamation sent abroad that the judge was slain, and that the murderers had been taken and were cast into prison."

As I was reading this chapter what stood out to me is how quick people were to judge before they received the full story. They assumed motives and guilt. We are seeing conspiracies theories being bought into.

Nephi had prophesied that the chief judge had been killed upon the judgment seat. Five men ran to see if this was in fact true. When they arrive they find the chief judge dead lying in his own blood. They were so astonished that the five fell to the earth. The servants of the chief judge had witnessed the actual murder and they ran to tell the people. When the multitude arrives they find these five men fallen to the earth. Because they knew nothing about what Nephi had prophesied in his garden and why the men were there, they convinced each other that these were the men that murdered the chief judge. Saying, God had smitten them so they couldn't flee. First off I see an issue here. Why didn't the servants speak up that these men were not there when they saw the chief judge murdered? Yet somehow the multitude comes up with another theory of what happened and falsely accuse the wrong men.

The five are cast into prison and it wasn't until the next day at the chief judge's burial that those that were with Nephi wondered where the five men were? They finally realize the men that were cast into prison were the same sent to confirm Nephi's words. But the judges that were asking, now came up with another conspiracy theory and twist the story that somehow Nephi was confederate with the murderer and was using a fake story to appear to be a prophet.

At this point I realized that Mormon that abridged the record isn't speaking of assassinations in our day. He's telling us there will be conspiracy theories. That we have to have discernment on what we believe as news. We need to study out the full story and not jump to conclusions. Lives are at matter when we get things wrong.

This made me think of the recent "Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults" given on 3 Nov 2024 by Elder David A. Bednar and his wife, Susan K. Bednar. He gave a 2.0 version of his "Things as They Really Are" address at a Church Education System fireside at BYU-Idaho on 3 May 2009. He reminds us that...

"The Savior has warned us repeatedly to beware of deception by the adversary:
“Jesus answered, and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you; …
“For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant. …
“And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived”
(Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:5, 22, 37)."
"Obedience opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. And the spiritual gifts and abilities activated by the power of the Holy Ghost enable us to avoid deception—and to see, to feel, to know, to understand, and to remember things as they really are."

Both of Elder Bednar's talks are excellent, and should be studied.

Day 3516

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 8:19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 8:19-20
"And now I would that ye should know, that even since the days of Abraham there have been many prophets that have testified these things; yea, behold, the prophet Zenos did testify boldly; for the which he was slain.
And behold, also Zenock, and also Ezias, and also Isaiah, and Jeremiah, (Jeremiah being that same prophet who testified of the destruction of Jerusalem) and now we know that Jerusalem was destroyed according to the words of Jeremiah. O then why not the Son of God come, according to his prophecy?"

Nephi is speaking to the people about the prophesies of Christ's coming. How prophets have testified of this and many things. If prophets could testify of the destruction of Jerusalem, and they have evidence in front of them through the people of Mulek, why cannot all prophesies be fulfilled? Then as evidence of prophecy Nephi tells them that their judge has been murdered by his brother upon the judgment-seat. Further, that they belong to their secret band of Gadianton. These are things that Nephi would have no way of knowing, unless he was a prophet and it was revealed to him.

This made me think of how we are at the same place in time, waiting for the prophesy to be fulfilled of Jesus Christ's second coming. As we are waiting the hearts of people are rejecting these things like they did in the time of Nephi.

Day 3515