Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 22:1, 15, 46

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 22:1, 15, 46
"And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions"

The questions that were asked bring up some very important doctrine. It just wasn't what the Pharisees had in mind. Though they might not have realized it, it would only be through the inspiration of the adversary that they would stop asking questions of Jesus. They didn't want to hear truth, which is sad. They didn't want Him to teach because they would lose their standing. Questions are good, when asked in faith. Questions to raise doubt, and dismiss faith will lead to your downfall.

Day 4075

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 2:21-22

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 2:21-22
"(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

There are somethings we should just not touch, taste and handle as we seek to follow the doctrine of Christ. The doctrine and philosophies of men fall into what we should leave alone. Knowing the difference between what is of God and what is of man is vital to our eternal salvation. When you mingle the two you are in danger of preaching false doctrine. One sure way of keeping things straight is by using the right sources.

On the churchofjesuschrist.org website or app go to Gospel Library and click on "Topics and Questions". Under Contents go to "Seeking Answers to Questions", and then "Consult Reliable Sources". It's best to read this section in its entirety but this one helps the most.

"Become familiar with Church resources. In matters of doctrine and Church policy, the best sources are the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the General Handbook. The Church has also published additional resources to help you better understand some of the most common questions Latter-day Saints have about Church history and culture. You may find these to be useful starting points as you investigate your questions."

This guidance on which resources to use is not only wise when answering questions we may have but also when we are teaching others at church. There are so many wonderful gospel resources the church has provided for us, its vital for us to make sure what we teach is found there.

Day 3268

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 38:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 38:3

"Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me."

As I was reading this chapter it struck me how many times God asked Job a question. In fact I counted 40 of them. It made me think of the question and answer sessions I have had while being taught by the spirit. When the spirit prompts you to ask a question in faith the answer will follow. Job right now is being instructed by God by these questions. The nature of the questions are to instruction on the character and majesty of God. I notice the plan of salvation is also taught.

Day 2633

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 1:3-4, 15-16

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 1:3-4, 15-16

"But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?4 Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.

And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die."

Ahaziah fell down and was sick. Instead of inquiring of the Lord he sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, or in other words Satan. Twice an angel appears to Elijah and tells him to let Ahaziah know that because he inquired after Baal-zebub and not the God of Israel he will die. In between both of these incidents Ahaziah sends a captain of fifty and his fifty to tell Elijah to come down. Both times Elijah says if he be a man of God let fire rain down from heaven and it consumes the men. When the third set of fifty is sent up that captain shows some humility. He acknowledges Elijah is a man of God, and pleads for his life and calls his fifty, thy servant. Then the angel of the Lord appears again to Elijah. He tells him to go down and give this message to Ahaziah that he will die. Then Ahaziah dies.

What this made me ponder on is that the message that a prophet gives us is not of his own making. In fact it wasn't even Elijah's will that two captains of fifty and their men are consumed with fire. Everything that Elijah said and did was in accordance with the will of the Lord. We should respect and reverence what the mouth piece of the Lord has said. We don't inquire prophesy from Satan or the world. We look to God for the answers to our questions, and live.

Day 2473

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 77:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 77:7

"Q. What are we to understand by the seven seals with which it was sealed?

A. We are to understand that the first seal contains the things of the first thousand years, and the second also of the second thousand years, and so on until the seventh."

In this chapter Joseph Smith was in the middle of translating the Scriptures when he received by revelation the answers to questions on the Revelation of St. John. I have often though as I read this question and answer session, that I wished he had asked more questions. But, I know even the questions to ask are inspired and we are given what is needful for us at the time. I do like this question on the meaning of the book sealed with seven seals. It really does help in understanding the book of Revelations that they are simply representing each thousand year period of the temporal existence of this earth. From this the description and symbolism begin to open up the passages in Revelations. When I ponder on this it is amazing to me how inspired these questions asked in this chapter really were.

Day 2080

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 5:26-27

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 5:26-27
"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?"

So many wonderful verses in this chapter, which makes it so hard to choose what to ponder on. I asked myself which is my favorite? and it is these two. They are the verses that I ask of myself, to make sure I'm staying on track. Truly I hear the song of redeeming love and when it's missing I know things are not right. When I ponder on the second verse the spirit will let me know how I fair. How grateful I am for personal scripture study, especial now when the temple is closed and the passing of the sacrament is so much shorter at home. Those were places that I also did a lot of pondering on my condition before God. At least personal scripture reading is still there and I can nightly reflect on how I stand before the Lord and keep myself in remembrance of all He has done for me.

Day 1863

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 11:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 11:16-17
"And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things."

Condescension means a voluntary descent from rank or dignity.

I love how humble and teachable Nephi is. He is being taught by the Lord and at times through an angel with a question and answer session. I have found that this is how the spirit also teaches me. Questions of faith and not of doubt or a challenge, will bring answers when I am read.

Day 1774

Today's Favorite Verse: Book of Mormon Title Page & Witnesses

Today's Favorite Verse: Book of Mormon Title Page & Witnesses
The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith "The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speaking unto me, calling me by name. I looked up, and beheld the same messenger standing over my head, surrounded by light as before. He then again related unto me all that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded me to go to my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which I had received.
I obeyed; I returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed the whole matter to him. He replied to me that it was of God, and told me to go and do as commanded by the messenger."

Joseph Smith is relating in his own words "the coming forth of the Book of Mormon".  After spending the whole of the previous night by the previous visitation of the angel Moroni, a glorified, resurrected being, and last of the Nephite prophets, this is the fourth visit Moroni made. Joseph after attempt to work the next morning found his strength was exhausted. His father sent him home. While attempting to cross the fence out of the field his strength entirely failed him and he fell to the ground. This is when Moroni appeared for the fourth time, repeating the same message and told him to tell his father.

What I love about Joseph's discussion with his father is when he confirms "It was of God." This is the same thing I have to decide when I am told anything new. I must have the spirit witness to me the truthfulness and holiness of things. Is it of God? is a question that must be answered in order to not be lead astray. I love how the Book of Mormon ends with this same challenge to know if it is of God.

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
(Moroni 10:4-5)

Everyone that lives on this earth was blessed with the light of Christ within them. It will help them know right from wrong, truth from error. Through this the Holy Ghost will testify of the truthfulness of all things. I have asked if the Book of Mormon is of God, and I have received a resounding Yes! I know this is another testament of Jesus Christ, that clarifies his role, doctrine, the plan of salvation and how I can gain eternal life with him. I love this book. Every time I read the Book of Mormon the Spirit teaches me some gospel truth with new eyes. What I learn will make me spiritually stronger and of better service to the Lord. It's how I come to know Him. Let the journey begin.


Day 1763

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Peter 1:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Peter 1:20-21
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

I wrote this in my notes on this scripture a while ago and still feel this is true.

"Scripture study comes through the Holy Ghost and not through the private interpretation of others. This is why I don't read other people's book about the scriptures."

I have learned far more from prayerfully reading the scriptures on my own, with the spirit prompting me on what to ponder. Questions form and then understanding comes. I have yet to experience this while reading someone's else's book on the scriptures. Don't get me wrong there are good books out there, and I may use them as a reference. But what the spirit feels I am ready to learn that day comes from the scripture themselves, and I need to spend quality time there.

Day 1730

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 29

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 29
"Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"

What struck me in this chapter is how many questions Paul asks. These questions are all guided by the spirit and meant to instruct. How powerful it is to ask myself these questions so the spirit can testify the truth in them. Questions are so vital to the spirit teaching me I often forget I just had a question. That is because I can have one form and then the answer comes right after. Other times I will have a question in my mind and carry it for days, just pondering on it. I have learned to be patient for the spirit will instruct me as I am ready. In time I will be guided to another scripture, conference talk or have an experience that opens up what I had been pondering on. I rather rejoice in this whole path of discovery and instruction by the spirit. There are such eternal truths in questions and it is good to have them, when asked in faith. A spiritual question cannot be answered if one doubts or challenges God with it.

The other thing I noticed in questions is not everyone's questions are the same. We all have different gospel understanding. I can take for granted that people know the answer to Paul's question on baptism for the dead. Yet, there are untold Christians in the world that are lost to this practice and the whole concept of the redemption of the dead in the spirit world. Yet, if they prayerfully seek an answer and are receptive to being taught the answer will come.

"The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that were under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the Lord: the brass of all these vessels was without weight."
(Jeremiah 52:20)

Baptismal Font

Memphis Tennessee Temple of 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Day 1650

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 15:2, 6, 23, 28

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 15:2, 6, 23, 28
"When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
For it seems good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;"

I pondered on how the process of answering doctrinal questions that came up in the primitive church is the same in the restored Church of Jesus Chris today. It is taken to the prophet and apostles and is discussed. Unity comes on the matter through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost and revelation from God. A process of both reason and faith for obtaining the mind and will of the Lord. Then a letter from the First Presidency is sent to the members on the matter.



Day 1606

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:7
"And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"

This question was asked by the high priests after learning Peter and John healed the man crippled from birth. The answer was "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified."

I find it interesting that Christ asked something similar, as a test we can give to the hypocrites that give the adversary power to deceived.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question - unto what were ye ordained?"
(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

I guess the difference in what the correct answer is determines who are you following. What authority are you acting under and have you been called to do so? Knowing what the correct answer should be makes all the difference to me.

Day 1595

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 4:4-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 4:4-6
"So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?
Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
The he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

This shows a pattern of how the spirit or messengers from the Father teaches. It comes through questions and answers. When the question is asked with a desire to learn and to know, and not as a challenge or with doubt, the answer will be given.

This reminds me of symbolism and how it was also given in Lehi's vision of the tree of life. How Nephi after inquiring is then taught by an angel the meaning.

"And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?
And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.
And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh."
(1 Nephi 11:14-18)

The conversation that Nephi has with the angel goes on for a few chapters. I am always struck with how easy it is for him to say "I don't know", and then he is taught. It shows me that I should never hesitate to inquiry of the Lord the meaning of things I do not understand. As I am humble I am taught by the spirit what the Father would have me know. I've also found that sometimes the answers don't come until I asked the right question. It is both the questions and the answers that are inspired by the spirit.

Nephi’s vision of Mary, by James Johnson.

Day 1490

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 10:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 10:3
"And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?"

This chapter did not become understandable until I answered this question. Where do I flee for help when there is nothing left around me? The same person I flee to now, my Savior. I pondered on how turning to the Savior's out stretched hands needs to always be my answer, so when that moment of panic comes I know immediately where to go. He will take the burden off my shoulder and yoke from off my neck. That chapter goes on to explain that I will go through hard things as the wicked are being punished, but be not afraid, it will be a very little while and then it will cease. So I see this chapter telling me the most important thing is to seek the Lord now, so he is my refuge from the storms. 

Day 1264

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 36:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 36:9
"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."

At church on Sunday we spoke about questions, and how the spirit teaches us through them. That it is by faith, and perseverance that we are prepared and made ready to be taught the answers. In this verse it reminded me that gospel questions are answered as we seek the Lord. In His light we see light, and come to a knowledge of the truth.

Day 1089


Posted 21 Mar 2018

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 15:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 15:1-2
"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."

This made me think of one of the temple recommend questions. "Are you honest in your dealings with your fellowmen?" This was the question that most troubled me. I didn't feel I was always honest with my fellowmen. What made the difference was first being honest with God. How God perceived me, had to become more important than how man saw me. I have been the better for it.

Day 1068

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 37:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 37:5
"God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend."

Right now it is not meant for man to know all things. It is a time to have faith in God's plan and his words. I cannot comprehend how the earth was formed and the laws that govern this planet, but God knows, for he created them.

This made me ponder of what has been revealed of the coming millennium reign, during which there will be a thousand years of peace. Then is the time all things will be revealed.

"Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things -
Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof-
Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven."
(Doctrine & Covenants 101:32-34)

How exciting it will be to have the veil lifted and be able to see and comprehend all the wondrous works of God. All those scientific inquiries will finally be answered, and they will all make sense.


Day 1048

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 29:39-40

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 29:39-40
"These things ye shall do unto the Lord in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
And Moses told the children of Israel according to all the Lord commanded Moses."

As I read this long list of offerings, with exact descriptions of how many of this, and how many of that, my brain went numb. To the point I almost felt like I was in a trance. How many days are you doing all this? Really eight days!  No where does it really tell me why your doing this? Did anyone ever ask the question "Why?" Then I saw the why in the very last verse. The children of Israel didn't want to speak personally to the Lord. They had wanted Moses to interact with God on their behalf. Maybe this was continually repeated so they would eventually come to God themselves and ask "Why?" Not a murmuring or challenge why, but a sincere why, because I want to understand.

It made me think of Nephi and his brothers. After their father Lehi's vision of the tree of life only Nephi inquired of the Lord as to its meaning. Then he comes back from this amazing experience, with the vision opened up to him, and he sees his brothers. They are disputing with each other the meaning of their father's vision. (1 Nephi 15)

This is what Nephi acknowledges.

"For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought."

So Nephi simply asks them.

"And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?
And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us."

Then Nephi teaches them.

"Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? - If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you."

So what this makes me think is that the Lord gives us hard things to understand sometimes, simply so I will turn to him and ask. The harder my heart the less likely I am to ask. Asking is exactly what I need in order to understand the mysteries of God. I don't think I've ever read about God saying don't knock or don't ask me, leave me alone. I think its only people that do that. I wonder what I've missed, because I didn't ask?


Day 721

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 9:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 9:8

"And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you."

The phrase "Stand still" made me pause to ponder on it. I also read the footnotes for this verse.

"In case of difficulty respecting doctrine or principle, if there is not a sufficiency written to make the case clear to the minds of the council, the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation."

(Doctrine & Covenants 102:23)

I tried to define standing still. It makes me think of waiting. I would be waiting to know the mind of the Lord. It made me think of how I get answers to personal gospel questions. I know the answer will come when I am ready to understand. I just wait, or stand still. I find it best to never force having an answer right now. Then in the normal course of reading the scriptures or other church related materials I stumble upon the answer. I think having the question first prepared me to see something I would have totally overlooked otherwise. I find the answer usually comes within a couple days of when the question first came into my mind. I really, really love these moments of finding hidden treasures of knowledge. I receive when I'm ready to understand. I am given the question to make me ready to receive. It is a marvelous cycle of spiritual growth. 

Day 701

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 113: 1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 113: 1-2

Who is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of Isaiah?

Verily thus saith the Lord: It is Christ."

The section headers says "Answers to certain questions on the writings of Isaiah, given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Far West, Missouri, March 1828."

As I read this chapter there were various questions on the 11th chapter of Isaiah. I actually wondered "How is this not like people playing with the ouija board or doing a seance, trying to get answers to questions?" I actually felt bad wondering that. I knew this wasn't anything like that, but my mind still had to ponder it. As I went back to these verses I realized here was the answer. The difference is these answers testified of Christ. If the source of the information was Satan they would never testify of Christ. It would be counter to what Satan is capable of doing. It testifies that the true source of the information was from Christ himself. I find it so interesting sometime what questions the spirit puts into my mind to ponder on. The questions given me by the spirit always come with the answer if pondered on it. I'm sure Joseph Smith had been given through the spirit the questions he needed to ask in this chapter too.

Day 532