Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 46:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

I pondered on how "be still" can also mean you are "at rest". There is a peace and comfort to know and trust God. The soul is a rest and not flittering around every wind of doctrine to find truth.

"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
(Ephesians 4:13-14)

"President Joseph F. Smith said: “To my mind, it means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else, we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive. We know of the doctrine that it is of God, and we do not ask any questions of anybody about it; they are welcome to their opinions, to their ideas and to their vagaries. The man who has reached that degree of faith in God that all doubt and fear have been cast from him, he has entered into ‘God’s rest’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 56).
To find rest unto our souls includes peace of mind and heart, which is the result of learning and following the doctrine of Christ and becoming Christ’s extended hands in serving and helping others. Faith in Jesus Christ and following His teachings give us a firm hope, and this hope becomes a solid anchor to our souls. We can become steadfast and immovable. We can have lasting inner peace; we can enter into the rest of the Lord. Only if we turn away from light and truth will a hollow feeling of emptiness, like the tree’s, occupy the innermost chambers of our souls, and we even might attempt to fill that emptiness with things of no lasting value."
(Elder Per G. Malm, "Rest unto Your Souls", Oct 2010 General Conference)

"And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 54:10)

Day 3918

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 84:23-24

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 84:23-24
"Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory."

I have been reflecting on the children of Israel lately. How the Lord asked them to sanctify themselves and He offered to come down in the sight of all the people and they could Hear Him as he spoke to Moses. They would have witnessed an amazing revelation. Yet, when the trumpet sounded they trembled and were not ready to come up to where Moses was. Only Moses could endure God's presence. As the holy mount served as a House of the Lord I have thought on how many times we are instructed to prepare ourselves and attend the temple. President Nelson recently said in the Oct 2024 General Conference: "Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple."

I feel like there is a parallel between the children of Israel and the saints today. Those that want to go up to the House of the Lord and those that don't, wanting someone else to go in their place. I feel there is greater importance in the need to attend the temple today than many are aware of. Those that could attend the temple and won't will feel like very foolish virgins in the end.

Day 3673

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 54:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 54:10
"And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."

Patience is a divine attribute, and one of the hardest to achieve. For it is only through trials that we gain patience. Recently, I have been reflecting on the parable of the laborers in the vineyard found in Matthew 20. While I read this verse the thought of those that "sought me early" were like the laborers that were hired first. Now in the parable those that worked all day were upset that those hired in the last hour received the same wages. I think as this verse implies the benefit those that were hired early had was rest to their souls. They knew they were employed and receiving wages. Something those hired last did not enjoy throughout the long day. The Lord treated them all the same in the end, but I think I would prefer to have the rest to my soul for as long as possible.

Day 3643

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 5:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 5:10
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

What stood out to me was "settle you". It's entering into his rest. The questions and internal struggles are gone. You know that sweet comfort that the Lord lives and His gospel is upon the earth. That brings peace amongst the storms of life. His grace is sufficient.

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,"
(Ephesians 3:17)

Day 3315

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 3:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 3:18-19
" And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."

More is told of this in the Doctrine and Covenants.

"Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory."
(Doctrine and Covenants 84:23-24)

I feel like this general conference had multiple talks that tried to teach plainly like Moses how to behold the face of God and enter into his rest. Through faith, obedience, honoring our covenants, and serving in the house of the Lord, it will strengthen us to do so. This theme was repeated over and over again. I can't wait to get the transcripts of the general conference talks and find all those quotes.

“The ancient prophets speak of ‘entering into God’s rest’; what does it mean? To my mind, it means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else, we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive. … The man who has reached that degree of faith in God that all doubt and fear have been cast from him, he has entered into ‘God’s rest.’ … I pray that we may all enter into God’s rest—rest from doubt, from fear, from apprehension of danger, rest from the religious turmoil of the world”
(Joseph F. Smith, "Gospel Doctrine", 5th ed. [1939], 58).

Day 3295

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 11:28-30

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 11:28-30

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

The more I come to know Christ the more I know these words are true.

"The Savior’s healing and redeeming power applies to accidental mistakes, poor decisions, challenges, and trials of every kind—as well as to our sins. As I turned to Him, my feelings of guilt and remorse were gradually replaced with peace and rest."

(Elder Peter F. Meurs, "He Could Heal Me!", April 2023 General Conference)

Day 3099

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 45:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 45:3

"Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest."

Baruch is Jeremiah's scribe and he is hearing all the warnings the Lord has given and the condition of rebellion the people are in. He breaks down and says "Woe is me!" and can find no rest. I pondered on how when you focus on only the horrible things that are going on in the world there is no rest. When you are going against God's commandments there is also no rest. What I see in this chapter is the Lord speaking to Baruch, he acknowledges how he is feeling and tells him his life will be preserved. That would have to give comfort to know that God is aware of you and your needs.

Day 2949

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 51:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 51:4

"Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people."

law = OR teaching, doctrine, TG God, Law of

I pondered on how having God's law, teachings and doctrine are a light to me. When I stray and am judged it is a light guiding me to come back.

Day 2889

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 111:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 111:10

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."

Still thinking about General Conference. I listened to one of the talks of President Nelson and was struck with how many blessings will be ours if we only seek to overcome the world and honor the covenants we have made. We must turn our hearts to Jesus Christ instead of the things of this world. This would be true wisdom if I followed all that was said.

"I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people. Cherish and honor your covenants above all other commitments. As you let God prevail in your life, I promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest.

With the power of the holy apostleship vested in me, I bless you in your quest to overcome this world. I bless you to increase your faith in Jesus Christ and learn better how to draw upon His power. I bless you to be able to discern truth from error. I bless you to care more about the things of God than the things of this world. I bless you to see the needs of those around you and strengthen those you love. Because Jesus Christ overcame this world, you can too. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the Word and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 2748

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 7:1-2, 12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 7:1-2, 12-13

"And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."

David tells Nathan the prophet that he wants to build a house for the Lord. It's interesting to think about the condition of the tabernacle that Moses built. It was about 300 years old at this point. Until then there had never been a temple built. It was a good desire, yet David is told no by the Lord. That one of his sons would build it.

Why couldn't David build the house of the Lord? It was because he had shed to much blood.

"And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:

But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days."

(1 Chronicles 22:8)

It now makes sense why the David was finally given rest from his enemies. It wasn't so much for him, it was for his children and the role they would play.

Day 2433

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 13:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 13:12
"Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with adhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

I had so many wonderful notes added to many verses in this chapter. I enjoyed reading all of them. This one I have both sanctification and entering into the rest of the Lord and I can see how closely they fit together.

President Brigham Young defined sanctification as follows:
"I will put my own definition to the term sanctification, and say it consists in overcoming every sin and bringing all into subjection to the law of Christ. God has placed in us a pure spirit; when this [the spirit] reigns predominant, without let or hindrance, and the triumphs over the flesh and rules and governs and controls..., this I call the blessing of sanctification. Will the sin be perfectly destroyed? No, it will not, for it is not so designed in the economy of heaven.
Do not suppose that we shall ever in the flesh be free from temptations to sin. Some suppose that they can in the flesh be sanctified body and spirit and become so pure that they will never again feel the effects of the power of the adversary of truth. Were it possible for a person to attain to this degree of perfection in the flesh, he could not die, neither remain in a world where sin predominates. Sin has entered into the world, and death by sin. I think we shall more or less feel the effects of sin so long as we live, and finally have to pass the ordeals of death."
(Daniel H. Ludlow, "A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon" [1976], 2:248-49); (Journal of Discourses, Vol 10, pg 173)

"President Joseph F. Smith commented on the meaning of this phrase when he said: "What does it mean to enter into the rest of the Lord? Speaking for myself, it means that through the love of God I have been won over to Him, so that I can feel at rest in Christ, that I may no more be disturbed by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning and craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; and that I am established in the knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ, so that no power can turn me aside from the straight and narrow path that leads back into the presence of God, to enjoy exaltation in His glorious kingdom; that from this time henceforth I shall enjoy that rest until I shall rest with Him in the heavens"
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 426)

I think a man is perfectly able to determine where they stand in this matter, supposing they are perfectly honest with themselves. When the time of final judge comes we will know the Lord judged us righteously.

Day 1871

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 4:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrew 4:11
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

I pondered on what it meant to enter into the rest of the Lord. I had a nice quote on that but can't find it. So, what does it mean to me? That I believe Christ's words. That he atoned and paid the price for my sins. That I can turn to Him and he will comfort and forgive me. It's knowing His plan is better than my plan, so I trust Him absolutely. There is peace and rest as my eyes remain focused on the things of eternity. Knowing I would be at peace in His glory helps me know I've entered into His rest. Entering into the rest of the Lord is a reflection on the state of my soul. One either knows if they have it or they don't. I've been in both places.

Day 1710

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I thought upon the word rest, having rest in the midst of trouble, and even while the wicked are destroyed at the Lord's coming. It made me look for a quote by President Joseph F. Smith that I found in the Book of Mormon Student Manual on Moroni 7:3. This is the preparation one needs to prepare for the Lord's coming.

"The scriptures often speak of “the rest of the Lord.” After quoting Moroni 7:3, President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) wrote:

“This is a very significant passage. The rest here referred to is not physical rest, for there is no such thing as physical rest in the Church of Jesus Christ. Reference is made to the spiritual rest and peace which are born from a settled conviction of the truth in the minds of men. We may thus enter into the rest of the Lord today, by coming to an understanding of the truths of the gospel. … Not all need to seek this rest, for there are many who now possess it, whose minds have become satisfied, and who have set their eyes upon the mark of their high calling with an invincible determination in their hearts to be steadfast in the truth, and who are treading in humility and righteousness the path marked out for the Saints who are complacent followers of Jesus Christ. …

“I thank our Father that I have come to a knowledge of this truth, that I know that Jesus is the Christ, in whom alone there is rest and salvation. As God lives, they are deceived who follow men and their philosophies; but happy are they who enter into the rest of the peaceable followers of Christ, obtaining sufficient hope from this time henceforth until they shall rest with him in heaven” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 126, 128).

Day 1690

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 2:3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Jonah 2:3-4
"For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.
Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple."

This was me today. The vicissitudes of life overwhelmed me and it was a rough day trying to keep my head above water. Or maybe its that I've been trying to hold my breath to long that's been hurting. This is just part of what life is, at times. This is why I need my Savior. Thankfully there is the temple and I could come and find clarity, direction, and allowed to rest. I know when I do what the Lord told me to do, all this will work for my good.

Day 1466

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 6:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 6:16
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."

One thing for sure is the world as a whole is not at peace. My nation isn't at peace. The name calling and accusations are beyond belief. One thing that is sure is we need the old paths and good ways where people talked and where not offended at the least of things. But mainly its the faith of our fathers and the wisdom that comes from it. When there is a life of good morals, and brotherly love and kindness, and above all faith in God there is rest for the soul and peace.  The further we turn away from the Lord the more we fall into darkness and misery as a people. Now more than anything the gospel of Jesus Christ would heal people.

Day 1326

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 84:2, 10

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 84:2, 10
"My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
For a day in they courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."

I reflected on my Tuesday mornings spent in the House of the Lord. There is no place I would rather be then there. When I have missed my weekly temple session my soul feels it. For when I sit in the celestial room I feel my soul come to rest in the Lord. There is peace and strength that comes to me. It feeds me. To not be there I run empty.

Several years ago when I was visiting my daughter in California I got incredibly homesick. I couldn't understand why. I talked to my family back home every night. We still did scripture reading together. I had family around me but yet was homesick. Then I realized it was almost 3 weeks since I had gone to the temple. My homesickness was for the House of the Lord, and visiting Him. I had my daughter drive me to the San Diego Temple the next day and my feelings of homesickness were gone. Heaven is the place I want and need to be. Once you taste of how good home is you don't want to be away from it.

Day 1137

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 63:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 63:6
"When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches."

Waking in the middle of the night with insomnia used to be so difficult. I would toss and turn and sleep would escape me. Now when I wake my first thought is what is the Lord going to teach me? I grab my cell phone and begin to read my scriptures while laying in my bed. I can read for hours with such a hunger to learn. Scriptures will just open up to me. When sleep starts to come, I actually resent it. But, I know I must rest if only for 20 minutes before my day must begin. I marvel that I am not exhausted from my lack of sleep. It's like my body was at rest while my soul was feasting on the words of the Lord.

I guess I'm not alone in awaking in the middle of the night to be taught. Samuel as a child heard his name during the night. It was Eli that taught him to say "Speak; for thy servant heareth." and the Lord came to him. Even Joseph the father of Jesus was raised from sleep by an angel of the Lord. The KSL program "President Nelson: Brilliant Mind, Gentle Heart" has President & Sister Nelson speaking of him receiving revelation during the middle of the night. It's funny how you can have such a paradigm shift over waking up in the middle of the night. The difference is who's will am I seeking to serve.

(Revelation in the night 1:12 mark)

Day 1116

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 37:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 37:7
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."

That first part of the verse made me ponder on patience. How I once prayed for it and all I received were more trials. Opportunities to try my patience further. I was told by others never to pray for patience. But, I needed it desperately, especially with my autistic son. As time passed and with more trials my patience shortened until I was a complete mess. It was only when I was completely broken in body and spirit that I turned to the Lord and he strengthened me. I learned to trust Him and found his ways were better than my ways. Coming into the rest of the Lord is where patience grows. I can see it can be given no other way. For He is the strength needed to wait patiently for what he has in store. Oh, I must do my part, listen, learn, search for what is the right answers to my problems. Patience is not waiting but doing. Then when I come upon the answers the spirit confirms, that is correct. Patience is an adventure and an opportunity to know the will of the Lord.

Day 1090

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 6:1, 29-30

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 6:1, 29-30
"And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord.
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without"

It made me cry to realize how long God's people had to wait before they would have a temple. It was the very first temple of God. The tabernacle was before it, but this was a permanent structure.  There was no wonder that such precious things went into it. For this was the house of the Lord, and it deserved the best of what they had.

I was once asked why my faith puts so much money into building our temples, when the money could have been given to the poor. I think in materials the temple of Solomon cost far more than what is put into the temple's today. We do not have gold covering the walls, doors, and floors. It is more modest in comparison, but nonetheless of the highest quality and beauty.

Christ said "For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always." (John 12:8)

As I sit quietly in the temple and pondered I have no idea the financial status of the person sitting next to me. I have been poor, and in ways still am, and my soul has been comforted by knowing I belong. I cannot explain the rest it has given my soul to sit in such beautiful peaceful surroundings when I could never have that beauty in my home. The temple offers more to me than any handout anyone could have given me. As I have come to rely on the Lord he has provided for me. I have come to learn that if you want to bless the poor, you bring them to the house of the Lord. In His holy temple he gives more than money can ever buy.


Day 872

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 17:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 17:2
"And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:"

This may have been what Ahithophel's presented to Absalom, as his plan to over through David.  What I pondered on is how that is the adversaries plan too.  Get me so tired that I don't rest, take care of myself, and just get weary, disappointed and full of frustration. I just read something else about this just before reading my scriptures.

This is what Jeffrey R. Holland posted on Facebook.
"For those of you who earnestly seek to bear another’s burdens, it is important that you refortify yourself and build yourself back up when others expect so much of you and indeed take so much out of you. No one is so strong that he or she does not ever feel fatigued or frustrated or recognize the need to care for themselves.

Jesus certainly experienced that fatigue, felt the drain on His strength. He gave and gave, but there was a cost attached to that, and He felt the effects of so many relying on Him. When the woman with an issue of blood touched Him in the crowd, He healed her, but He also noted that “virtue had gone out of him.”

I have always been amazed that He could sleep through a storm on the Sea of Galilee so serious and severe that His experienced fishermen disciples thought the ship was going down. How tired is that? How many sermons can you give and blessings can you administer without being absolutely exhausted? The caregivers have to have care too. You have to have something in the tank before you can give it to others."

I'm not feeling over tired right now, but I know with the load I have been carrying that I getting really close. I really need to schedule some of my projects in a better manner so the crunch isn't all at once to meet my deadlines. I'm going to heed the little warning I felt impressed to ponder on tonight and refortify myself before I am all burnt out.


Day 859