Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 91:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 91:7-8
"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked."

This reminds me of having a bubble of protection around you. Those that trust the Lord will survive these last days. Oh, some will be called home early, for the timing is the Lord's. But only the good will survive the Lord's coming. I wonder if I will see the wicked receive their reward in this life or in the next? Will they fall in the pit they are digging for others? I have to trust that the evil men that avoid judgment have a purpose here, known by the Lord. They may think they get away with wickedness, but it won't always be so.

Day 3933

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 71:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 71:3
"Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress."

I pondered how commandments are a protection to me. When I have broken commandments I have been in bondage of my own making. Keeping commandments have saved me from physical and mental destruction, and brought safety and peace. This reminds me of the story Elder Keetch once told in General Conference about a group of surfers and how they came to appreciate the barrier in place for their safety.

Day 3926

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 63:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 63:7
"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."

This imagery feels so safe. It reminded me of all the scriptures when Christ says he is as a hen that would gather her chickens under her wings. Sadly, it's often phrased that they would not. There is safety if we allow ourselves to be gathered and protected.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
(Matthew 23:37) (see Luke 13:34)

"O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you.
And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.
O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart."
(3 Nephi 10:4-6)

"Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer."
(Doctrine and Covenants 29:2)

Day 3923

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 4:8

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

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

Day 3904

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 4:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 4:16-17
"And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon."

This story of the Jews working to rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem and temple while holding a weapon to guard it and themselves, reminds me of what happened while the saints were building the Nauvoo temple.

"It is very encouraging to think that, in the midst of the assaults which are being made upon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the threats that are in circulation concerning us and our future fate, there is faith enough found in the midst of the people to pursue, without discouragement and without cessation, the great work which we feel that our Father has laid upon us. We have not been situated as we were in Nauvoo, when we finished our temple there, for then the workmen who labored upon it, were like the Jews in the days of Nehemiah, when they undertook to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and had to labor a portion of the time at least, and a great portion of it too, with their instruments of labor in one hand, and weapons to defend themselves in the other. We were surrounded by mobs, and living in a constant state, it may be said of fear, because of the threats which were made and the combinations which were formed, and the attacks upon our outlying settlements in the burning of houses, in the destruction of grain, in the shooting down of cattle, and in the driving out of the people from their homes.
(George Q. Cannon, "The Logan Temple, Etc.", JD 25:166)

Day 3883

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 32:7-8
"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."

The words of Hezekiah "more with us than with him" reminded me of Elisha the prophet.

"And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
(2 Kings 6:15-17)

I made me reflect on other times similar words have been spoke, acknowledging that God does not leave his people alone.

"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
(Doctrine and Covenants 84:88)

"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."
(Mark 10:27)

"And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD."
(1 Chronicles 28:20)

Day 3877

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

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 4:3-4
"And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God."

What I find interesting is that after Israel is defeated by the Philistines in battle, they decide to bring the ark of the covenant. Along with it come Eli's sons that the Lord was already displeased with. The outcome is disastrous not only are they defeated again, but the ark of the covenant is captured. I pondered on how instead of turning to prayer and repentance they thought to use something sacred to protect them. We cannot trifle with holy things. Holy things will not protect us when used to protect us in our sins.

Day 3825

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 122:9
"Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

I love this verse. "Hold on thy way", its saying stay the course, hold onto the iron rod. The priesthood will never be taken from the earth again. Joseph Smith and us will live until God calls us home and not a day shorter. Don't worry or think about what man can do to you. Nothing they can do can truly harm your soul. For God will be with you forever. So much promise and protection in this one verse.

Day 3711

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 115:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 115:6
"And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."

As of April 2024 there were 3,500 stakes and districts, and some 30,000 wards and branches of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world. When we lived back East it took us almost an hour to get to our stake center. Where we live now it's two blocks away. I do feel it's a place of refuge every Sunday when I go there and take the sacrament. How grateful I am that political discussions don't pierce my ears there. Even when I was young I knew we didn't talk politics at church. We don't speak bad about other religions either. I feel like this long standing counsel has been a defense and a protection to me. The spirit hasn't been compelled to leave. Especially, now when people are so divided. The focus is on Jesus Christ and becoming saints.

“A defense” implies help in resisting or protection from attack, “a refuge” refers to a place of safety or shelter, and “the storm” can refer to tumultuous or frightening surroundings, attacks from enemies of the Church, or Satan’s temptations. The Lord also promised that those who gather to the stakes of Zion would be protected “from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth” before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ"
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, "Chapter 45: Doctrine and Covenants 115-120")

Day 3704

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 109:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 109:22
"And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;"

When I leave the temple I do not feel alone. I can feel a mighty force behind me, strengthening me. I've seen how angels that are deceased loved ones, are given power to strengthen, protect and be there for us.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
(Hebrew 13:2)

"We are instructed that all who worship in the temple will have the power of God and angels having “charge over them.” How much does it increase your confidence to know that, as an endowed woman or man armed with the power of God, you do not have to face life alone? What courage does it give you to know that angels really will help you?"
(Russell M. Nelson, "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys", Apr 2024 General Conference)

Day 3698

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 4:8, 10, 30

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 4:8, 10, 30
"And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites, when they saw the appearance of the army of Giddianhi, had all fallen to the earth, and did lift their cries to the Lord their God, that he would spare them and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.
But in this thing they were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection; therefore, when the armies of Giddianhi did rush upon them they were prepared to meet them; yea, in the strength of the Lord they did receive them.
And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection."

When hard times come do I fall to my knees and ask God to spare me, and deliver me out of affliction? The ability to do this was the true source of the Nephites protection. It wasn't the physical walls around them, it was God holding up those walls from being torn down. They were prepared to survive seven years in their strongholds and left nothing for their enemies to exist on. It wasn't them protecting themselves. It was them listening to the Lord's inspiration on what to prepare and gather. In the strength of the Lord they were ready for what may come.

Day 3527

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 43:19-20, 37

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 43:19-20, 37
"And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing—
Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such thing; they had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings; and they were naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites;
And the work of death commenced on both sides, but it was more dreadful on the part of the Lamanites, for their nakedness was exposed to the heavy blows of the Nephites with their swords and their cimeters, which brought death almost at every stroke."

I know the war chapters are not always what they seem to be. There are warnings and lessons deeper in the stories as we ponder them. This time my mind was on garments. How they were a protection to the Nephites and covered their nakedness. They would not have survived the battle and been victorious without that protection. We have been hearing a lot about the wearing of garments in many general conference talks. There are many reasons why we need to be wearing them.

"Our temple garment reminds us that the Savior and the blessings of His Atonement cover us throughout our lives. As we put on the garment of the holy priesthood each day, that beautiful symbol becomes a part of us."
(J. Anette Dennis, "Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ", Apr 2024 General Conference)

"Partaking of the bread and water is a weekly reminder of His power working in you to help you overcome. Wearing the garment of the holy priesthood is a daily reminder of the gift of His power working in you to help you become."
(Emily Belle Freeman, "Live Up to Your Privileges", Oct 2024 General Conference

Day 3487

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 13:8-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 13:8-10
"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

Over the years I've seen so many conspiracies and speculations on what 666 means. I think in many respects in this chapter it's a deflection on worldly things and not the true focus for a saint. I again asked "where am I in this chapter, or where are the righteous". I found they have their names written in the book of life of the Lamb of God. They have patience and faith. If I can develop and obtain all of these things I don't even need to begin to worry about what 666 means. I find it interesting needing to have "ears to hear" about those that lead others into captivity, or kill with the sword, which can be both physical and mental. They will have the same done to them. Then there is this connection to saints having faith and patience. It makes me think of the people that conspire to dig a pit for someone and then they fall into it. It's like it's saying don't fall into this worldly practice of trying to mislead, corrupt or overcome others. Don't join in their contentions, infighting and stand separate.

I reflected on what I recently learned about patience. It truly is a god-like attribute. I learned that patience requires forgiveness not only with yourself but with others. The One that had the greatest capacity to forgive also demonstrated godly patience. As I have worked on forgiveness of others, I found being able to forgive as they are doing wrong to me, not waiting until after, changes the way I react and speak to them. It brings a level of godly patience towards them into the whole situation. There is a protection that envelopes your spirit when you combine patience and forgiveness together.

Day 3339

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 9:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 9:4
"And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads."

This chapter continues with the last three angels sounding their trumpets and wo's being pour out upon the wicked. I once again tried to find where should I be? Then I spotted where the righteous are, they have the seal of God in their foreheads. Which I will take to mean their focus and aim is to do what is pleasing to God. They have the Holy Spirit of Promise. They are not focused on the world and its destruction and the great fear coming upon man, for what is prophesied will come to pass. The focus is on the Lord's second coming. We are taking the Spirit as our guide for both physical and spiritual protection. Yes, we may get caught up in events as the wicked are destroyed, but that is not the destruction of our souls. It really doesn't matter which side of the veil we are one when the Lord appears again. The difference is in what direction is our focus.

"The Apostle John saw that certain calamities preceding the Second Coming would not affect all the earth or its inhabitants, “but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads” (Revelation 9:4). This corresponds with other scriptural promises that in the last days, those who are faithful will ultimately be protected (see 1 Nephi 22:17–19; D&C 115:5–6). President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) emphasized that spiritual preparation should be our first priority when seeking protection from the calamities of the last days:
“Someone has said it was not raining when Noah built the ark. But he built it, and the rains came.
“The Lord has said, ‘If ye are prepared ye shall not fear’ (D&C 38:30).
“The primary preparation is also set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein it says, ‘Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come’ (D&C 87:8). …
“We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 62).
Though the Lord promises protection to the righteous in the last days, the Prophet Joseph Smith clarified that some who are righteous may lose their lives in the trials and calamities of the last days: “[I] explained concerning the coming of the Son of Man; also that it is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and ‘the righteous shall hardly escape’ [see D&C 63:34]; still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith [see Habakkuk 2:4]; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 253)."
(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 54: Revelation 4-11, "Revelation 9:4 The Righteous Will Be Protected")

Day 3335

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 6:11, 16

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 6:11, 16

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

As I read about putting on the whole armor of God I wondered which piece of armor would mean the most to me? I chose the shield of faith. What I like about a shield is it can be moved to protect any part of the body. That's what faith is, it's there for every vicissitude of life. Faith requires an eternal perspective, and to walk with the Lord.

Day 3262

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:12 "There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." I reflected on how the act of religious devotion turned into political treason. Then for others their politics became a religion that they bowed down and worshipped because a man told them to. No where in this story do they say who that golden image represented. Only that Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold and set up. As I pondered on who the statue was, it made me wonder if it was an image of himself? Then I recalled the dream Nebuchadnezzar had, that was revealed to Daniel. He saw a great image of a man, with sections made from various metals and clay. The image's head was of fine gold. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar "Thou art this head of gold". So yes, I believe the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream he made in reality as an image of himself. This all went to his head. He not only took over the other parts of the body but he made it completely represent himself. Then others had to worship it. He was even willing to destroy others politically, or religiously in life or death. How very telling to know what kind of man would have an golden idol made of himself, or allowed one to be kept. That must be something we are warned about for our day. I take comfort in knowing this idol is eventually destroyed. Those that worship the true God, and not the idol are protected and not destroyed.

Day 3012

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 48:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 48:11-12

"It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.

And this oblation of the land that is offered shall be unto them a thing most holy by the border of the Levites."

I reflected on how mindful the Lord was to the sons of Zadok. They remained faithful when others failed Him. He has preserved a blessing upon their posterity. This made me also ponder on how the Lord has also promised to bless a zion people, the pure in heart.

"He that sendeth up treasures unto the land of Zion shall receive an inheritance in this world, and his works shall follow him, and also a reward in the world to come."

(Doctrine and Covenants 63:48)

"And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;

And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion."

(Doctrine and Covenants 45:66-67)

Day 3009

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 10:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 10:10-11

"And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.

When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went."

This made me think of "circle the wagons". How for protection on the trail the wagon trains would circle their wagons at night. These circled wagons created a simple corral for their animals, making them less likely to stray. I thought of how the circle would be made by following the leader. Protection was not achieved if you turned against the wagon train and left a gap. I could just picture wheels in the midst of a wheel. I'm not sure how this necessarily fits with Ezekiel's vision. But, I could see protection being given and the necessity to not stray and turn away.

Day 2971

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 31:1, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 31:1, 5

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it."'

The fifth version made me think of the Iron Dome over Jerusalem and how it preserves their nation. I do believe that the Lord inspires man to use technology in wondrous way. The Iron Dome I believe is inspired and under the hand of God. Yet, the first verse reminds me that we are not to put our trust in horses, chariots and horsemen. This would be a warning that technology that was inspired is not to replace God. The moment a person or nation forgets that it will no longer be able to protect them.

Day 2869

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 10:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 10:8

"He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him."

I understand the digging a pit and falling into it. I wasn't sure what breaking the hedge and a serpent bitting you meant. Then I thought about tearing down walls around you, why would you get bit? The walls must be a form of protection. When you remove protection you can get hurt. I'm thinking that if a person can dig a pit for someone else, he can be capable of taking down a wall to harm someone else, but get harmed himself. Couldn't that be like any type of vice like drugs, or breaking covenants. You remove them and you will get bit. Makes me think of people that tear down their spiritual walls of protection to take a break from the gospel. They want to go party and drink. The problem is once you are without protection that great serpent Lucifer can grasp you and never let you go.

Day 2828