Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 10:12-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 10:12-15
"Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."

Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses but it appears that some of his Jewish followers still followed it, at least in what was considered clean and unclean to eat. I know later I will also read when other questions come up. Is it the changing of culture at that point? It made me think of how we are told the restoration is ongoing and not complete, there is more to come. It was after President Nelson was called as prophet that first heard the phrase "ongoing restoration". Up to that point I could not recall it being said like that. I decide to search the general conference talks for when that phrase was first used.

I found it in the Oct 2019 General Conference by a talk given by Elder Quentin L. Cook. He used the phrase "ongoing Restoration" in reference to President Russell M. Nelson's earlier talk. That talk was about changes in policy regarding who may serve as witnesses to baptism and sealing ordinances. It also went over changes in the Young Women and Young Men classes. After that General Conference it was used more and more. So interesting to review that tonight when we are in preparation for another change to take place in a couple weeks.There has been so many changes in the last seven years. I am so grateful I have a heart that loves and embraces change.

Day 4152

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: Isaiah 24:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 24:5
"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant."

This question was interesting to ponder on. I like how it was explained. After the ordinances are changed it is only through a restoration, and in effect the priesthood, for them to be restored. How grateful that I live when these ordinances have been restored.

(15-4) Isaiah 24:5. Why Was Changing the Ordinances So Serious?
"The gospel ordinances are part of the specific means outlined by the Lord whereby one can overcome his natural state, receive a spiritual rebirth, and become like God. Each ordinance was designed by God to teach spiritual truths and move His children toward godliness. When the ordinances are changed, their power to save is lost. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of the ordinances: “If there is no change of ordinances, there is no change of Priesthood. Wherever the ordinances of the Gospel are administered, there is the Priesthood.” (Teachings, p. 158.)
(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "Prophecies of the Dispensation of the fullness of Times")

Day 3977

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 34:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 34:1-2
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.
And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount."

The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible reveals more on these verses.

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two other tables of stone like unto the first, and I will write upon them also the words of the law, according as they were written at the first on the tables which thou brakest; but it shall not be according to the first, for I will take away the priesthood out of their midst; therefore, my holy order and the ordinances thereof shall not go before them; for my presence shall not go up in their midst, lest I destroy them.
But I will give unto them the law as at the first, but it shall be after the law of a carnal commandment; for I have sworn in my wrath that they shall not enter into my presence, into my rest, in the days of their pilgrimage. Therefore do as I have commanded thee; and be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto Mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount."
(JST Exodus 34:1-2)

I wondered if the higher Melchizedek priesthood was taken from them did that mean that Moses only had the Aaronic priesthood? Then I read that all prophets have the Melchizedek priesthood and are ordained by God himself. Other than prophets holding the Melchizedek priesthood it wasn't until the Savior chose his twelve apostles and ordained them to the Melchizedek priesthood. After the death of the apostles and the apostasy it was lost until Peter, James and John appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and restored the Melchizedek Priesthood.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith clarified the relationship between the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods: “Answer to the question, Was the Priesthood of Melchizedek taken away when Moses died? All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself.” (Teachings, pp. 180–81.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith also taught, “Although there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchisedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to the Priesthood, and the keys of the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth, and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven” (History of the Church, 4:207; see also D&C 107:14).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, "Section 107, The Organization of Priesthood Quorums")

Day 3774

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 117:16
"And again, verily I say unto you, let all my servants in the land of Kirtland remember the Lord their God, and mine house also, to keep and preserve it holy, and to overthrow the moneychangers in mine own due time, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen."

This made me think about the Kirtland temple and how after it fell out of the church's hands the RLDS church (later Community of Christ) was able to purchase it. They did a marvelous job keeping and preserving it. However, it was sad to see donations for tours there. After all these years in March 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was able to purchase and gain stewardship back from them. I do wish I could travel there and tour it now. I understand the story of the most sacred event of the Savior, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appearances is part of the tour.

Day 3706

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 9:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 9:14
"And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still."

We don't magically become happy when we cross over the veil, or when the Savior comes again. If we are in a state of unhappiness we will continue to be in that state. Wickedness was never happiness, no matter how fleeting it maybe. This is a resting state of peace or not. It's important to find it in this life, because to find it is walk with God.

"I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored to their proper order. Behold, it is requisite and just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that the soul of man should be restored to its body, and that every part of the body should be restored to itself."
(Alma 41:2)

"Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world."
(Alma 34:34)

Day 3563

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 29:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 29:2
"And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel."

I was drawn to "delays his coming". I had always only thought of that delay as the second coming. In this chapter it is speaking of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and restoration of the gospel. When I think about how long the apostasy was, those that were waiting for a restoration would have thought the Lord delayed his coming. In my generation I don't feel like the Lord's has delayed his coming. All the words of the Lord will be fulfilled, maybe one day I will feel that way.

"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:26)

Day 3552

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 3:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 3:1-2
"And again my brethren, I would call your attention, for I have somewhat more to speak unto you; for behold, I have things to tell you concerning that which is to come.
And the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an angel from God. And he said unto me: Awake; and I awoke, and behold he stood before me."

This made me think of this.
"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7)

I also thought about President Russell M. Nelson and how he has received revelation in the night. I grew up thinking the restoration of the gospel was complete. It wasn't until President Nelson became prophet that I understood it was ongoing and much more is to come.

"Ponder these three truths:
1. The Restoration is a process, not an event, and will continue until the Lord comes again.
2. The ultimate objective of the gathering of Israel is to bring the blessings of the temple to God’s faithful children.
3. As we seek how to accomplish that objective more effectively, the Lord reveals more insights. The ongoing Restoration needs ongoing revelation."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation", Oct 2021 General Conference)

I love this video where Sister Wendy Nelson described what happens as President Nelson receives revelation or visitations in the night.

"I am a witness by being present, and I’m a witness by being absent, that the Lord indeed instructs His prophet...Sometimes the Lord has me stay close to my husband when he is receiving instructions. My husband will say during the night, “OK dear, it’s happening.” I just remain quiet and then soon he's sitting up at the side of the bed writing, now with a lighted pen that someone gave him. It’s pretty cute. The number of nighttime messages to him, since becoming President of the Church, have increased exponentially. It's incredible.
It was an early Saturday morning, and I could feel I was supposed to get out of bed. I wasn't finished sleeping, I didn't want to get out of bed, but I could feel, “Move out of bed now.” So I went down and did some family history research. Two hours later, my husband emerged from our bedroom and said, “Wendy, you won't believe what’s been happening for two hours. The Lord has given me detailed instruction about a process I am to follow.” Sometimes it's just two lines, I never look at it, he’ll just hold it up and show me. I just think, those are private messages to him and I would never look."
(Sister Wendy Nelson, "My Witness | Sister Wendy Nelson," video, 0:00 and 1:20, YouTube, posted by Church News, March 11, 2019)

Day 3418

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 8:24

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 8:24
"Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean."

I love this verse, and how I love to wear my beautiful garments. I love the house of the Lord. The covenants I make there strengthen me. I wondered how those that are not a temple going people would understand this verse is Isaiah 52? I also pondered on how there are some that once they have the beautiful garments don't think of them as beautiful and reject them. What a difference it makes, what we love today is what we will take with us on the other side.

"Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?
O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful. "
(Alma 41:10, 12-13)

Day 3379

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 13:38-40

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 13:38-40
"And it came to pass that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the book of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew, that it came forth from the Gentiles unto the remnant of the seed of my brethren.
And after it had come forth unto them I beheld other books, which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles unto them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true.
And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved."

Prophesy fulfilled. First the gentiles brought the records of Jews in the form of the Bible to us. Granted many plain and precious things had been removed. God still prepared a way. The record Nephi began, which is the stick of Joseph and came to be known as the Book of Mormon, restored many plain and precious things that had been lost. The Bible and Book of Mormon go hand in hand in establishing the doctrine of Christ. I have come to know my Savior more by reading both. Other records have come, the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. The restoration is ongoing and I look forward like President Holland to more sacred records being revealed.

"And I look forward with great anticipation to other records and other parts. Hundred - may 100 times as much that is contained in - that is contained in the book we have. If that much is available out there, the least we can do, the least we can do is read the book that we've got, because there's a lot of other good stuff coming."
(Jeffrey R. Holland, "I cannot Say the Smallest Part Which I Feel" Facebook, 28 Apr 2024)

Day 3362

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 18:1, 4

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 18:1, 4
"And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

I pondered on coming out of Babylon and how the people of the world will mourn when they see it burning. I wondered how will I know I'm not partaking of Babylon, so I'm not part of her sins or plagues? Then I thought about this angel that comes down before Babylon is destroyed, and the earth is lightened with his glory. With that light knowledge on how to come out of Babylon will be there. Sounds like the restoration of the gospel to me.

I thought about the messages that are coming from the leaders of the Church. The intensity of the messages are getting brighter and brighter, President Nelson is not even subtle anymore on how close we are to the second coming. In 2005 then Elder Nelson gave a talk titled "Now is the Time to Prepare", "Now is the time to prepare to meet God. Tomorrow may be too late." 17 years later as prophet he tells us preparation time is over, now is the time for doing.

"Now is the Time"
"Only now can we do.
Now is the time we can learn.
Now is the time we can repent.
Now is the time we can bless others."
(President Nelson, "Now is the Time", Apr 2022 General Conference)

"The Lord is hastening His work and urging us to prepare for His Second Coming...I cannot overstate how vital you and your choices are."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Nevada Devotional" 13 Nov 2022)

"As President of His Church, I plead with you who have distanced yourselves from the Church and with you who have not yet really sought to know that the Savior's Church has been restored. Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it now. Time is running out."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Come Follow Me", April 2019 General Conference)

"For decades, the Lord's prophets have urged us to store food, water, and financial reserves for a time of need. The current pandemic has reinforced the wisdom of that counsel. I urge you to take steps to be temporally prepared. But I am even more concerned about your spiritual and emotional preparations."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

"Using a baseball analogy, we are in the last half of the ninth inning. Our Heavenly Father and His Son chose you to be on Their team when the game is on the line. This means They know you, They trust you and will help you fulfill your personal mission on this earth."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Worldwide Youth Devotional", June 2018)

"I now bless you with the ability to leave the world behind as you assist in this crucial and urgent work. Together we can do all that our Heavenly Father needs us to do to prepare the world for the Second Coming of His Beloved Son."
(President Nelson, "Sisters' Participating in the Gathering of Israel", Oct 2018)

"Things are going to move forward at an accelerated pace. The Church is going to have an unprecedented future, unparalleled. We're just building up to what's ahead now."
(During Rome Temple interview, "President Nelson: 'President Nelson: 'a hinge point in the history of the Church", Church News, 27 Dec 2019)

"The Lord placed you here now because He knew you had the capacity to negotiate the complexities of the latter part of these latter days. He knew you would grasp the grandeur of His work and be eager to help bring it to pass."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

"The future is bright for God's covenant-keeping people. The Lord will increasingly call upon His servants who worthily hold the priesthood to bless, comfort, and strengthen mankind and to help prepare the world and its people for His Second Coming."
(Russell M. Nelson, "What we are learning and Will Never Forget", Apr 2021 General Conference)

"We are sparing no effort to give this venerable temple...a foundation that will withstand the forces of nature into the Millennium. In like manner, it is now time that we each implement extraordinary measures - perhaps measures we have never taken before - to strengthen our personal spiritual foundations. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.
My dear brothers and sisters, these are the latter days. If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation", Oct 2021 general Conference)

"We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities."
(Russell M. Nelson, "The Power of Spiritual Momentum", Apr 2022 General Conference)

"One crucial element of (the gathering of Israel) is preparing a people who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, a people who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world...I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3344

Today's Favorite Verse: James 1:1

Today's Favorite Verse: James 1:1
"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting."

What stood out to me was James writing to the scattered twelve tribes. I wondered did they already know where they were back then? I found this in the New Testament Student Manual.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said the following about James’s audience: “Paul wrote to the saints of his own day, and if his doctrine and counsel blesses us of later years, so much the better. But James addressed himself to those of the twelve scattered tribes of Israel who belonged to the Church; that is, to a people yet to be gathered, yet to receive the gospel, yet to come into the fold of Christ; and if his words had import to the small cluster of saints of Judah and Benjamin who joined the Church in the meridian of time, so much the better” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:243).

So this was written for my day as the lost tribes are being gathered. It's interesting to think how one verse in this chapter had a particular influence in the restoration of the gospel.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

From this verse Joseph Smith, Jr. went into a grove of trees to ask God which of all churches was right. That answer ushered in the last dispensation of time.

Day 3306

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

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

"The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.

The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings."

The day of his preparation. Nahum is prophesying of signs to recognize when that final preparation period is to begin, before the Savior's second coming. I know the description of chariots as flaming torches that rage in the streets, and justle against each other, is thought of as cars. I think it can go a little further back in history than that, to the first stream locomotive. I find the time frames interesting.

Nahum prophecy was written between 660-606 BC. Lehi and his family left Jerusalem in 600 BC so Nahum could have been a contemporary. The first steam locomotive was built in 1804. Joseph Smith, Jr. was born in 1805. It wasn't until 1830 that the first public railway was open in the United States. It was in 1830 that the church was first organized, and the Book of Mormon was published about Lehi's family. The steam locomotive with its smokestack looks very much like a flaming torch. To stand near while one passes the ground would terribly shake. Anyone riding a train would feel how the cars jostle against each other. The time frame for the final preparation began almost 200 years ago. We are at the end of our preparation. As President Nelson has said "We are in the last half of the ninth inning.”

Day 3061

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 49:39

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 49:39

"But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD."

There was a similar verse in the last chapter that said it would bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days. I wanted to understand what the meant. In the Old Testament Student Manual it said it means their conversion. When I looked at other translations of the bible it refers to restoration or return. Some refer to that as being fortunes. Others that they are restored from captivity. Knowing that the gospel will be take to all the world in the latter days I would think it means it will be taken to their descendants too.

Day 2953

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 19:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 19:17

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."

I was just reading in 4th Nephi about the people all being converted to the Lord after his coming. They had all things in common, and no poor among them. This was one of the notes I had copied into my scriptures.

"One of the attributes that distinguished the Nephite people was that “they had all things common among them” (4 Nephi 1:3). President Marion G. Romney described what this phrase means and how it worked: 

“This procedure [the united order] preserved in every man the right of private ownership and management of his property. … Each man owned his portion, which, at his option, he could alienate, keep and operate, or otherwise treat as his own. … 

“… He consecrated to the Church the surplus he produced above the needs and wants of his own family. This surplus went into a storehouse, from which stewardships were given to others, and from which the needs of the poor were supplied” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, 119; or Ensign, May 1977, 93). 

President Romney also explained what leads a people to live in such a way: “When we reach the state of having the ‘pure love of Christ,’ our desire to serve one another will have grown to the point where we will be living fully the law of consecration. Living the law of consecration exalts the poor and humbles the rich. In the process, both are sanctified. The poor, released from the bondage and humiliating limitations of poverty, are enabled as free men to rise to their full potential, both temporally and spiritually. The rich, by consecration and the imparting of their surplus for the benefit of the poor, not by constraint, but willingly as an act of free will, evidence that charity for their fellowmen characterized by Mormon as ‘the pure love of Christ.’ (Moro. 7:47.) This will bring both the giver and receiver to the common ground on which the Spirit of God can meet them” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1981, 132–33; or Ensign, Nov. 1981, 93). 

The restoration is not complete and one day we will live more fully the law of consecration. I do wish to live to see those days and participate in it.

Day 2806

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

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

"Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

Or all that about which he hath shown falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:"

This chapter goes into more details on what the trespass offering is. It shows restitution being made to the person we sinned against. I pondered on how good a principle this is. That restitution not only helps the one who sinned understand the damage they caused, but the victim being compensated feels valued again too. This is key to both repentance and forgiveness, justice and mercy, and restoring relationships.

Day 2255

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 128:18

"I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and children, upon some subject or other - and behold what is that subject? it is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they nor we be may perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times."

In this epistle from Joseph Smith he lays out the whole purpose and need for baptism for the dead. "For we without them cannot be made perfect." I know being involved in family history work has refined me. I love this chapter. It is hard to pick just one verse to ponder on. What made me stop and pause was this part of the verse "but those things which never had been revealed from the foundation of the world". It is only since President Russell M. Nelson became prophet that I have become aware that the restoration is not complete. I always thought it had been fully restored. There are things that have never been revealed since the world began that will only be made known in this dispensation. I wonder what I shall see come in my lifetime? Whatever it is, I hope and pray my heart will be ready.

Day 2131

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 81:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 81:1-2

"Verily, verily, I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams: Listen to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord your God, and hearken to the calling wherewith you are called, even to be a high priest in my church, and a counselor unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.;

Unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belong always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood."

In the chapter header it explains: "The revelation (dated March 1832) should be regarded as a step toward the formal organization of the First Presidency," and "The Keys of the kingdom are always held by the First Presidency".

The chapter made me ponder on the restoration of the church and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how it is still on going.

"Regardless of where you live or what your circumstances are, the Lord Jesus Christ is your Savior, and God’s prophet Joseph Smith is your prophet. He was foreordained before the foundation of the earth to be the prophet of this last dispensation, when “nothing shall be withheld” from the Saints. Revelation continues to flow from the Lord during this ongoing process of restoration."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Hear Him", Apr 2020, General Conference)

In that same talk by President Nelson he read “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.”

“Two hundred years have now elapsed since this Restoration was initiated by God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ....“We gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation."

I wonder what changes I will see through this process of continuing revelation?

Day 2084

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 41:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 41:10

"Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness."

Alma is speaking to Corianton of the resurrection and restoration of the body with the spirit. You are restored as you were in this life. If you were wicked you will be wicked still. If you are righteous knowing the happiness and joy that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings you will be restored to a state of happiness. I have reflected on this often. I used to think happiness would come in the next life. When there were no trials, suffering and pain. But, when I read this I realized I will not change I will only be as happy as I am now. So why not try an experiment on His words and live a life that brings joy and happiness even in the midst of trial and affliction. I have to say the doctrine is true. For He is my comfort now, and he will be my comfort for the eternities. 

Day 1899

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 1:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Ephesians 1:10
"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which is in heaven, and which are on the earth; even in him."

Paul knew not only would an apostasy come after him, but the next dispensation would be the fulness of time. The gospel has been restored again and now I live in the dispensation of the fulness of time. As I pondered on this verse and pictured a gathering together in one all things in Christ, both in heaven and earth, it made me think of the city of Enoch returning. President Nelson has said the restoration is a continuing process, I wonder what more will I see in my lifetime. There really is a lot to be done in the hearts of men to prepare for the second coming of the Lord.

President Spencer W. Kimball spoke of preparing:
“For many years we have been taught that one important end result of our labors, hopes, and aspirations in this work is the building of a Latter-day Zion, a Zion characterized by love, harmony, and peace—a Zion in which the Lord’s children are as one. …“This day will come; it is our destiny to help bring it about! …“… That can only be done through consistent and concerted daily effort by every single member of the Church. … May I suggest three fundamental things we must do if we are to ‘bring again Zion.’ …
“First, we must eliminate … selfishness. …
“Second, we must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other. …
“Third, we must … sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord”.
(Spencer W. Kimball, "Becoming the Pure in Heart",  Apr 1978, General Conference)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke of this too.
"Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Remember, “the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen."
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion", Oct 2008, General Conference)

Day 1671