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

Today's Favorite Verse: Galatians 2:3-4
"But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:"

JST "Notwithstanding there were some brought in by false brethren unawares, who.."

Titus was a Christian and a Greek, and not compelled to be circumcised. There were some Jewish Christians that felt that all of them needed to be circumcised. The bondage to be forced into was to practice the law of Moses. How hard those early days of the primitive church must have been when then didn't fully grasp what was required of them. We learn so much on their discussions.

It made me reflect on the early days of the restored church and how we needed to learn about revelation and how the spirit manifested itself. In particular I thought about Doctrine and Covenants 28 where Hiram Page professed to be receiving revelation through a stone on the upbuilding of Zion and the order of the church. Several members were deceived by the claims, including Oliver Cowdery. The Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. inquired earnestly of the Lord and received a revelation on the matter.

"But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.
And again, thou shalt take thy brother, Hiram Page, between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone are not of me and that Satan deceiveth him;
For, behold, these things have not been appointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants.
For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.
(Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, 11-13

Day 4217

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 27:10, 22-23, 31, 34

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 27:10, 22-23, 31, 34
"And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

Paul first warned them of the voyage they were to undertake. They didn't listen. Then he is visited by an angel to encourage and direct him. They then start to listen and finally everyone on the ship is saved. It made me ponder on listening to prophets and apostles. Not listening and following the counsel they are inspired with can put us in peril. We are also entitled to personal revelation for what we have stewardship over. .

Day 4169

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 2:12, 13, 19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 2:12, 13, 19-20
"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. "

I noticed the three different dreams mentioned in this chapter. First to the wise men to not return to Herod, and leave another way. Then to Joseph to flee to Egypt with his family. He is told to remain there until he brings him word. That word wasn't from a third party, saying Herod was dead. It was from the angel of the Lord in a third dream telling him to arise and take the family back to Israel. I pondered on what a righteous man Joseph must have been to have visitations of angels in dreams, and obey what he was told. It made me ponder on our day and how import it is that we are able to receive personal revelation for us and our family. It can have not only spiritual but also physical consequences.

"I feel to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued us: that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ", BYU Devotional address on February 10, 2026)

Day 4055

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 1:19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 1:19-20
"Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

I could just picture Joseph pondering on how he should handle this situation with Mary. She was pregnant and it wasn't his child. It sounds like God had him ponder on this for a time. The angel did not appear to him until after he decided he would put her away privily. Isn't that how a lot of revelation comes. We must study it out in our minds and then ask God if it be right. In this case God was watching and knowing and then sent an angel to confirm this was the Christ child to be born. What absolute joy and relief he must have felt, along with a lot of humility at being entrusted with such a responsibility.

Day 4054

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I've had some interesting observations and emotions today. Good people that see the events taking place around us so differently. I have been reflecting on how we truly are in those days spoken of by President Nelson.

"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

I'm not saying my good friends that see things differently than me are incapable of receiving revelation. That would mean I think I am and I'm right. I have decided to just do the best that I can and leave the rest in the Lord's hands. I continue to pray for guidance, that my eyes will see, and ears will hear. That I will recognize truth and have understanding. I cannot get through the mine fields around me without the Lord's guidance and direction. One thing is sure there are so many opinions out there that if we were left on our own to figure things out we may fall down crooked paths. Look to the Lord and do what is right.

Day 3953

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 4:1, 4, 8

Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 4:1, 4, 8
"And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.
And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go."

Israel was lacking in leadership and worthy men. That is why the Lord raised up a prophetess. The gift of prophesy and revelation can be given to any follower of Christ.

Judges 4:1–10. How Was It That a Woman, Deborah, Led Israel?
"Israel was sorely lacking in leadership at this time. The regular priesthood leadership was not in effect because the covenant had been broken. Deborah did not direct Israel in any official sense; she was a prophetess who possessed the spirit of prophecy, one of the gifts of the Spirit. She was blessed with spiritual insight and leadership qualities that were not being put to use by any man. Barak would not lead an army against Jabin until Deborah promised to be present.
“No special ordination in the Priesthood is essential to man’s receiving the gift of prophecy; bearers of the Melchizedek Priesthood, Adam, Noah, Moses, and a multitude of others were prophets, but not more truly so than others who were specifically called to the Aaronic order, as exemplified in the instance of John the Baptist. The ministrations of Miriam and Deborah show that this gift may be possessed by women also.” (Talmage, Articles of Faith, pp. 228–29; see also Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:66.)
(Old Testament Student Manual, "Judges 1-12: The Reign of the Judges, Part 1")

Day 3817

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 22:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 22:12
"And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed."

I tried to remember who this Balaam was that appears to talk with God, and has an angel appear unto him. I didn't think he was always found favorable. Here is what I found in the Old Testament Student Manual.

The Story of Balaam
"When the two mighty kings of the Amorites were defeated by the irresistible might of Israel, the Moabites, with their Midianite confederates, were filled with such alarm that Balak, their king, sought assistance. It was not from his own god, Baal, who had proven impotent against Israel during the Amorite conflict, that he sought power, however. Instead, he decided to use Israel’s own God, whose power had been marvelously manifest, against them. To this end he sent a delegation bearing presents to Balaam of Pethor, a celebrated prognosticator in upper Mesopotamia, who apparently had a reputation for being able to bless and curse with great effect.
It is difficult to determine from the record whether or not Balaam was a true prophet of God holding the powers of the priesthood authority. He lived in an area known as Aram, probably named after the son of Kemuel and grandson of Nahor, a cousin of Abraham. Haran, the place of Abraham’s first settlement after he left Ur, was a seat for the worship of Jehovah and was also in Aram. Therefore, Balaam could have been one of the few scattered people such as Jethro, who held the priesthood and exercised its power. The Bible suggests that he had a true knowledge of God and was susceptible to revelation from Him. Regardless of their origin, the Lord raises up inspired men to all nations.
It is significant that Balaam is referred to as a soothsayer or diviner, somewhat on the order of Simon of the New Testament (compare Joshua 13:22; Acts 8:9–24). Although he acknowledged Jehovah and professed his dependence on Him, Balaam was willing to go against the Lord’s counsel and accompany the men of Balak. To assure his responsiveness to God’s will, the Lord sent an angel to threaten him with death should he curse Israel.
One of the remarkable things about Balaam’s blessing of Israel is the Messianic promise of Christ."
(Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel, "Numbers 13-36: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 2")

Day 3792

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 40:8

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3759

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 1:36, 40-41

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 1:36, 40-41
And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying: Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant will be content.
And now, Moses, my son, I will speak unto thee concerning this earth upon which thou standest; and thou shalt write the things which I shall speak.
And in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught and take many of them from the book which thou shalt write, behold, I will raise up another like unto thee; and they shall be had again among the children of men—among as many as shall believe."

I'm now in the Pearl of Great Price. While Joseph Smith was translating the Bible he received by revelation these extracts from the Book of Moses. As I was reading this chapter I kept thinking about the Five Books of Moses in the Bible, which include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. I wondered if they were oral traditions that Moses wrote down or revelations? In these verses I think I have my answer. God revealed the creation of this world and all its inhabitants. I can picture that he saw in vision all that took place in the garden of Eden, Noah and the flood, and the building of the Tower of Babel. He saw the beginning and the end of this world. He was commanded to write it. Moses was even shown that one day men would not esteem his words and take many things from the book. The one raised up would be Joseph Smith, restoring what was once lost.

Day 3730

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3729

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 114:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 114:1
"Verily thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto all the world."

This is such an interesting revelation and story. David W. Pattern was told to settle up all his affairs in order to serve a mission. He did as he was commanded and six months later he died, the first martyr for the church. It does make me wonder if he knew the Lord meant the mission he would serve was on the other side of the veil. Words given by inspiration can have such an exact meaning. I received my patriarchal blessing at the age of 14. I had no idea then that the part of my days being extended would literally mean I would have a near death experience at the age of 29, and am now living that extension. Sometimes we don't understand the exact meaning at the time, but it's important to follow the counsel that comes with it.

Day 3703

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 96:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 96:1-2
"Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know how to act concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that this stake that I have set for the strength of Zion should be made strong.
Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know how to act concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that this stake that I have set for the strength of Zion should be made strong. "

The chapter header gives some background on what this revelation is regarding.

"The occasion was a conference of high priests, and the chief subject of consideration was the disposal of certain lands, known as the French farm, possessed by the Church near Kirtland. Since the conference could not agree who should take charge of the farm, all agreed to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter."

All could not agree on the care of the farm, but they could agree to ask the Lord. This revelation is another example on how the Lord is directing His church. It is an example of studying an issue out in our minds, or in quorums, and then inquiring of the Lord.

"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)

Day 3685

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 28:6-7
"And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;
For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead."

I think these words are simple to understand. We don't command or tell the prophet what to do. He alone receives revelation for the whole church. Yet, I don't understand how people can go into strange paths and feel they know better than a prophet who can see around corners. When the prophet speaks as a prophet we listen. I just love the general conference talks and letters from the First Presidency. I know he is speaking as a prophet. The living prophet is here to guide us in our days.

"In speaking about this proper order of revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves; … if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit or instruction; for the fundamental principles, government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of the kingdom” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 197–98). On a later occasion he declared, “The Presidents or [First] Presidency are over the Church; and revelations of the mind and will of God to the Church, are to come through the Presidency. This is the order of heaven, and the power and privilege of [the Melchizedek] Priesthood. It is also the privilege of any officer in this Church to obtain revelations, so far as relates to his particular calling and duty in the Church” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 197)."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks outlined how this order of revelation continues today in the Church: “Our Heavenly Father’s house is a house of order, where his servants are commanded to ‘act in the office in which [they are] appointed’ (D&C 107:99). This principle applies to revelation. Only the president of the Church receives revelation to guide the entire Church. Only the stake president receives revelation for the special guidance of the stake. The person who receives revelation for the ward is the bishop. For a family, it is the priesthood leadership of the family. Leaders receive revelation for their own stewardships. Individuals can receive revelation to guide their own lives. But when one person purports to receive revelation for another person outside his or her own stewardship—such as a Church member who claims to have revelation to guide the entire Church or a person who claims to have a revelation to guide another person over whom he or she has no presiding authority according to the order of the Church—you can be sure that such revelations are not from the Lord” (“Revelation” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 29, 1981], 7, speeches.byu.edu).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 11: Doctrine and Covenants 26-28)

Elder Renlund gave an excellent general conference talk on receiving revelation within a framework that is setup for our own safety. Otherwise, we could be deceived.

"In response, the Lord revealed that “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith … until I shall appoint … another in his stead.” Doctrine, commandments, and revelations for the Church are the prerogative of the living prophet, who receives them from the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the prophet’s runway.'
(Regarding someone looking for additional scriptures to translate)...I told him that he was mistaken, and he implored me to pray about it. I told him I would not. He became verbally abusive and ended the phone call. I did not need to pray about this request for one simple but profound reason: only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation, which belongs on the prophet’s runway."
The Prophet Joseph Smith warned, “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the Spirit of God.”
(Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3617

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3
"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground."

I had a question today. I was trying to make sense of why I see things one way and some others see it drastically different. Am I just not seeing things clearly? I do this to check myself and make sure I'm not going off track. Yet in my heart I knew my impressions on the matter were correct. As I read these verses again I reflected on this question. Then into my mind I recalled an experience I had and how I was given exact instructions on how to prepare for what was coming. I followed those impressions. The event happened and I was prepared. What was prepared in advance was a blessing to me and my family. After recalling that experience I knew the answer to the question haunting me all day. I know today, just like I did when I was given exact instructions on how to prepare earlier. The same spirit of revelation confirms that to me. I am not off track and I have no need to question what I am seeing.

Day 3597

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Introduction

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Introduction
"These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people.
"Joseph and the early Saints viewed the revelations as they did the Church: living, dynamic, and subject to refinement with additional revelation. They also recognized that unintentional errors had likely occurred through the process of copying the revelations and preparing them for publication. Thus, a Church conference asked Joseph Smith in 1831 to “correct those errors or mistakes which he may discover by the Holy Spirit.”

I finished studying and pondering the Book of Mormon last night. Today, I begin my study of the Doctrine and Covenants. However, I am still reading the Book of Mormon daily for pleasure. These two sections of the Introduction stood out to me. How the Lord has a hand in all the details. He speaks to his prophets line upon line. As hard as man can try they are not perfect. Even a prophet had to go back over the revelations received to make sure through the spirit it was recorded correctly. Some may feel that with a prophet correction is not needed, but even the prophets of the Book of Mormon told us they had a weakness in writing. After having a near-death experience and how badly I wanted to write it but was found unable, I can relate to how much a challenge recording revelations could be.

"And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;
"And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things;
And only a few have I written, because of my weakness in writing.
And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen."
(Ether 12:23, 29-41)

Day 3589

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 16:3, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 16:3, 6
"Now when they saw that they could not hit him, there were many more who did believe on his words, insomuch that they went away unto Nephi to be baptized.
But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him."

This made me think of this verse.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
(Isaiah 5:20)

I am reminded of what President Nelson said.
"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

It would be so sad to witness these mightiest miracles and not recognize them for what they are. Even worse to consider it of the devil. I had not considered that possibility. I hope and pray that I will be worth to have the Holy Ghost with me to bare record of what is from God. That I will not call evil good, or good evil.

Day 3523

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 61:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 61:4
"And it is those who have sought to take away the judgment-seat from me that have been the cause of this great iniquity; for they have used great flattery, and they have led away the hearts of many people, which will be the cause of sore affliction among us; they have withheld our provisions, and have daunted our freemen that they have not come unto you."

The king-men had risen up in rebellion and taken possession of Zarahemla, their capital. The word flattery is what stood out to me.

“Flattery” is most commonly defined as excessive and insincere praise. The naïve, the needy, the impressionable, or the ego-centric view flattery as genuine praise. Discerning people understand flattery to be disingenuous, false praise motivated by an agenda."

What is needed is discernment, the spirit as your guide. As the chapter continues Pahoran is reinforcing the need for them to act according to the Spirit of God.

"Therefore, come unto me speedily with a few of your men, and leave the remainder in the charge of Lehi and Teancum; give unto them power to conduct the war in that part of the land, according to the Spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom which is in them." (vs 15)

I looked for other scriptures where flattery is used.

"He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail."
(Job 17:5)

"To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman." (Proverbs 6:24)

"And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore, he could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil."
(Jacob 7:4)

"Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities."
(Mosiah 8:8)

This made me think of a recent warning by President Nelson.
"There is no end to the adversary’s deceptions. Please be prepared. Never take counsel from those who do not believe. Seek guidance from voices you can trust—from prophets, seers, and revelators and from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, who “will show unto you all things what ye should do.” Please do the spiritual work to increase your capacity to receive personal revelation."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial!", Oct 2023 General Conference)

Day 3505

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 47:22-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 47:22-26
"But behold, as the king came out to meet him Amalickiah caused that his servants should go forth to meet the king. And they went and bowed themselves before the king, as if to reverence him because of his greatness.
And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand to raise them, as was the custom with the Lamanites, as a token of peace, which custom they had taken from the Nephites.
And it came to pass that when he had raised the first from the ground, behold he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell to the earth.
Now the servants of the king fled; and the servants of Amalickiah raised a cry, saying:
Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see. "

This is such a fascinating story of how Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, intrigue and fraud to become king of the Lamanites. I think this is a warning for our day. That things are not always as they seem. The one warning sign of the dangers of Amalickiah was his conspiring heart. He was not a man to be trusted. At the root Amalickiah was bad, and obviously surrounded himself by others that would do his dirty deeds. We have to be ever watchful that we do not support anyone with the tendencies of Amalickiah. This is where the warning of President Nelson fits for us to survive this danger. It is only through the ability to receive personal revelation that can keep away from such people and identify lies when we hear them.

"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 3491

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 12:11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 12:11
"And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell."

I paused at people getting less until they know nothing. It must be something I reflected on earlier because this was in my notes.

"Lessor means they loose it. Like a dinner. Those that desire more will receive it until they are given all. Those that want lessor want only a small portion. Then they want less and less until they waste away and die."

"Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained that if we reject revelation through the Holy Ghost, we limit how much we can learn: “We teach and learn the mysteries of God by revelation from his Holy Spirit. If we harden our hearts to revelation and limit our understanding to what we can obtain by study and reason, we are limited to what Alma called ‘the lesser portion of the word’” (The Lord’s Way [1991], 42)."
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "Chapter 25: Alma 8-12")

I also found this quote by Brigham Young. I looks like a plan the adversary is using for our day.

"The votaries of the bad excuse themselves for their persecutions of the good by supposing that they, themselves, as individuals, or their nations, are about to suffer some great wrong from the upholders of the good. As an example of this I will quote from the Gospel according to St. Luke—“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him (Jesus Christ) unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a king.” This is the cunning of the devil, and a means by which he leads down to destruction great numbers of the human family. He gets the political world to believe that they are, or are going to, be infringed upon; he makes the religious world believe that the sanctity and rights of their holy religion are in danger, and thus he gets them to make his cause their own; they are lashed into a frenzy of excitement and hatred against the Saints; every high-toned, honorable and truthful feeling of the human heart is blunted or entirely subdued in them; they plan for the destruction of God's people, and, in many instances, the blood of the Saints—the blood of innocence has been shed by their hands. It is written in the book of Revelation: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels with him."
(Brigham Young, "Opposition in All Things", JD 11:233)

Day 3456

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