Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 3:1, 19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 3:1, 19-20
"And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."

The word of the Lord was precious, meaning it was scarce. The Lord could not speak to Eli because he did not clean his own house, and allowed his sons to do vile things. They caused the people to transgress and abhor the offering of the Lord. Samuel was young and ready to hear the word of the Lord.He grew and became a prophet and the people recognized him as such.

“You need have no fear that when one of the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ delivers a prophecy in the name of Jesus Christ, because he is inspired to do that, that it will fall by the wayside. I know of more than one prophecy, which, looking at it naturally, seemed as though it would fall to the ground as year after year passed. But lo and behold, in the providences of the Lord, that prophecy was fulfilled.” (Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 68.)
(Old Testament Student Manual, "1 Samuel 1-15: The Prophet Samuel and Saul, King of Israel")

How grateful I am for living prophets today. There has been much counsel given by President Russell M. Nelson that I see today as inspired. Even just the get your rest and eat your vitamins before the whole pandemic hit. Being told to be a peacemaker has changed my life and for the better. It helps me stand apart from the contention in this world. I so look forward to general conference and being able to again sit at the feet of a prophet. Those words will be precious to me, by holding them dear to my heart.

Day 3824

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 2:18, 27

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 2:18, 27
"And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."

I pondered on the agency of man. How God has given us this great privilege, the ability to choose and act for ourselves. This mortal life would not be a true test if we were forced in any way. Our hearts must be free to choose to follow Him. The battle over the agency of man continues here on earth. Lucifer, the devil, was cast out of heaven due to his desire to take away the agency of man. He and his followers, comprising one-third of the host of heaven, desires nothing more than the misery of man. One of the ways he does this is to lie to bring them into bondage by a variety of sins. He allows man to dig a pit for their neighbor and then rejoices when they fall into it themselves. It is a great deception that Satan will bless his followers, he may for a season, and when he is done with them he spits them out.

I can understand by witnessing the tactics of man right now why the prophet said, "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", April 2018 General Conference)

How do you answer the question, do I side with those that are for man's agency to choose, which includes legalizing sin? or do I side with those that want to take away man's agency under the guise of politicized religious zeal? It's entirely possible someone that thinks they are being religious may be more wicked then those openly sinning, when you consider God's esteem for the agency of man. Even if sin is legalized it doesn't mean you have to participate. Under the crux of politicized religious zeal I fear we are about to loose our religious freedoms.

Day 3373

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 3:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Colossians 3:2
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

This reminds me of President Nelson and "Think Celestial!"

"Today, to assist you to qualify for the rich blessings Heavenly Father has for you, I invite you to adopt the practice of “thinking celestial”! Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded. We learn from the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob that “to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.
When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view. Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement. It is also dependent upon your obedience to His laws. Obedience paves the way for a joyful life for you today and a grand, eternal reward tomorrow.
As you think celestial, you will find yourself avoiding anything that robs you of your agency. Any addiction—be it gaming, gambling, debt, drugs, alcohol, anger, pornography, sex, or even food—offends God. Why? Because your obsession becomes your god. You look to it rather than to Him for solace. If you struggle with an addiction, seek the spiritual and professional help you need. Please do not let an obsession rob you of your freedom to follow God’s fabulous plan. ”
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial!", Oct 2023 General Conference)

Day 3269

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 11:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 11:34

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?"

This is something I saw happen this week. It always amazes me how people think they can counsel the church leaders. That somehow they know better. Who do you think guides and direct this church? One good thing out of it I heard a lovely video addressing this situation where they reminded members to be peacemakers and not cause contention. I would have shared the video, but I don't care to even drag the poor person's name up that was being attacked. What I will share is President Nelson's video on his general conference talk "Peacemakers Needed".

Day 3216

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 4:7

"And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"

I find this so interesting because I quoted a very similar verse to a few others today. It is revelation given to Joseph Smith in being able to identify if someone is of God or has given the adversary power.

"Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?"

(Doctrine and Covenants 50:13)

Knowing by what authority, and power someone has been ordained makes an absolute difference in how that person should be received when they say they speak for God. I do believe in a living prophet, and that is Russell M. Nelson. He has been ordained by proper priesthood authority and the laying on of hands. He is called of God to be prophet at this time.

I also saw today someone that is an absolute false prophet. They are a political leader that feels they were called like Moses to be a leader at this time. The only thing biblical about this politician is being the embodiment of a false prophet spoken there. I was amazed as I listened to them relate receiving revelation at night, and rising to political power. Parts of it were counterfeit to a story I heard of President Nelson. This politician's god is an unholy god, the adversary himself. How can you mix politics and religion I asked myself? Even Jesus Christ was not a political religious leader. No man is going to set that up for Him. It is so sad to see once good faithful people now being deceived.

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

(Matthew 24:24)

Day 3181

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 24:49, 53

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 24:49, 53

"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

I hadn't noticed this before. Where did the apostles go til they received power from on high? It was the temple. They were continually there, praising and blessing God. It's interesting that this is also where we are told to be right now.

"Spending more time in the temple builds faith. And your service and worship in the temple will help you to think celestial. The temple is a place of revelation. There you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life. There you are drawn closer to the Savior and given greater access to His power. There you are guided in solving the problems in your life, even your most perplexing problems."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial!", Oct 2023 General Conference)

Day 3156

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 14:38

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 14:38

"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."

The Savior spoke these words to Peter, James and John at one of the greatest events of this world. At the Garden of Gethsemane where He would make the infinite atonement, for all our sins. He tells them to watch and pray, so they will not fall into temptation. What they did instead was fall asleep. It made me think of a ripple I have been seeing lately. Those that are "taking a break" from church and the gospel. It's interesting how these unconnected people use that same phase "taking a break". They are not just taking a break, they are sleeping. I marvel at how they could even think that's a good idea right now, especially with all that is going on in the world. The signs are greater now, more than ever, that we are in the midst of these winding up scenes. The prophet is warning us that we need to be closer to the spirit more than ever, or we won't survive.

"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", April 2018 General Conference)

"The baseless notion that we should “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us” is one of the most absurd lies in the universe."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial!", Oct 2023 General Conference)

Day 3130

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 13:32

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 13:32

"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."

I have several quotes from Joseph Smith that let me know at least the prophet will know the timing.

"Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations? Oh, no, He spoke in the present tense. No man that was then living upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour. But He did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No, for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture. For the prophet says that God will do nothing but what He will reveal unto His servants the prophets. Consequently, if it is not made known to the prophets, it will not come to pass."

Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook, The Words of Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980), 180-181.

"An example of this was his use of Amos 3:7 to refute speculation about the date of the Second Coming. In the early 1840s, Baptist William Miller stirred considerable national interest with his prediction that the Second Coming would occur in 1843. When one of Miller’s followers claimed to have seen the “sign of the Son of Man” as predicted in Matthew 24, Joseph replied: “He has not seen the sign of the Son of Man, as foretold by Jesus; neither has any man … for the Lord hath not shown me any such sign; and as the prophet saith, so it must be—‘Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.’ (See Amos 3:7.) Therefore hear this, O earth: The Lord will not come to reign over the righteous, in this world, in 1843, nor until everything for the Bridegroom is ready.” Of the Savior’s words that no man knows the day or the hour of the coming of the Son of Man (see Matt. 24:36), the Prophet asked: “Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations? Oh, no, He spoke in the present tense. No man that was then living upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour. But He did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No, for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture. For the prophet says that God will do nothing but what He will reveal unto His servants the prophets. Consequently, if it is not made known to the prophets, it will not come to pass.”

(Ensign, "The Prophet Joseph Smith's Use of the Old Testament", Aug 2002)

"For our present purposes, it suffices to know that the children of light shall know, not the day or the hour, but the approximate time of our Lord’s return. This approximate time can certainly be narrowed down to a generation."

(Bruce R. McConkie, "The Millennial Messiah", The Second Coming of the Son of Man (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1982), 30.)

What is our prophet telling us today?

"As I have stated before, the gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on earth today. One crucial element of this gathering 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, a people who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ.

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."

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

Day 3129

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 2:6, 11

Today's Favorite Verse: Micah 2:6, 11

"Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.

If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people."

What Micah had a concern of in his day is what we see in our day. People will reject the prophet unless its something they like. It reminded me of how happy people were to go to two hour church. Then when more is required they reject him. This is something we witnessed this week, the words President Nelson spoke last general conference were ignored and proved deadly.

"If a friend on social media has strong political or social views that violate everything you believe in, an angry, cutting retort by you will not help. Building bridges of understanding will require much more of you, but that is exactly what your friend needs."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed", Apr 2023 General Conference)

People that reject the Lord's prophets, will blindly follow those that speak lies. That give them only what they want to hear. To the point they will set them up as the prophet of the people and follow him.

"Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:"

(Isaiah 30:10)

Day 3054

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 25:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 25:4

"And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear."

As I was reading this chapter I thought about how clear the Lord was by having Jeremiah prophesy that Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon would come and take them. They would be in bondage for 70 years before they would return. You couldn't get much clearer than that about what was going to come upon them for not listening to the Lord. Yet, they didn't listen. I thought about how clear the messages of the prophets are. They are not obscure things. It reminded me of this quote.

"The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk. True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find."

(Elder Neil L. Andersen, "Trial of Your Faith", Oct 2012 General Conference)

Even Nephi mentions speaking plainly.

"For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding."

(2 Nephi 31:3)

This past general conference our prophet Russell M. Nelson spoke pretty plainly. I am struck by the title of his talk "Peacemakers Needed". Then the talk is peppered with the word NOW. I have to say that to me is a very clear message of what is the most important thing we need to do now, not later, but now. To me it's a warning.

"I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.

now is the time to lay aside bitterness. 

Now is the time to cease insisting that it is your way or no way. 

Now is the time to stop doing things that make others walk on eggshells for fear of upsetting you. 

Now is the time to bury your weapons of war. 

If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed", Apr 2023 General Conference)

There is no doubt there is an absolute need for peacemakers right now. I can only imagine what will happen if we do not heed his warning, now.

Day 2929

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: 1 Kings 17:12-15

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 17:12-15

"And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days."

The story of the prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath always reminds me of food storage. Elijah had the sealing power and the heavens were shut up for three and a half years. I do not have the space to store three and a half years worth of food, much less a year supply as is the goal. What I do is make sure I store as much as I can as well rounded as possible. Then we rotate it as we eat from our stores. When the pandemic hit in 2020 I was so grateful for what I had put aside.

Though there was one item in my food storage that I was low on before the pandemic hit. I kept asking my husband to stop by the Home Storage Center to pickup a case of powdered milk. It's cheaper to pick it up than to order it online. I felt the need was urgent but he never did. Weeks went buy with it on the shopping list but never picked up. Then as if overnight it was suddenly to late. The pandemic hit and the Home Storage Center was cleaned out. I couldn't even order any powdered milk online. It just made me sick that he never listened to my request and bought it as I had asked. I was down to just a few packages of powered milk at this point. Each time I opened a package of milk I would place it in a large glass canning jar. That jar seemed to empty so slowly, that handful of packages of powered milk lasted me for months. I was down to the last package before I could finally order more again. So many times I thought of the widow of Zarephath's barrel of meal that never wasted as she feed the prophet Elijah, her child and herself throughout the famine. When we honestly try our best blessings do come. The important thing is to listen to the council of a prophet and follow it.

When President Nelson told us in the October 2020 Women's Session of General Conference to never stop preparing I took those words to heart. My level of preparedness has not change throughout this pandemic.

"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 preparation.

I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us. He will “deliver us; yea, insomuch that he [will] speak peace to our souls, and [will] grant unto us great faith, and … cause us that we [can] hope for our deliverance in him.”

As you prepare to embrace the future with faith, these promises will be yours!"

(Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", Oct 2020 General Conference)

Day 2467

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 10:12-13

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 10:12-13

"Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day."

When I think about mighty miracle like Moses parting the red sea, and Joshua calling for the sun to stand still, it makes me think of President Nelson's words.

"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)

I already see how spiritual survival is dependent upon our ability to listen and be guided by the spirit. I'm sure Joshua didn't command the sun to stand still because it was according to his will. It was because it was impressed on him by the spirit it was God's will. What miraculous works will I see in my day that can top even these? I am so grateful that a living prophet is upon the earth today, especially during these trying times.

Day 2356