Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 12:36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 12:36-37
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

What are idle words? This is what I found in the footnotes.

"Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
(Ecclesiastes 5:2)

"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."
(Ephesians 5:4)

Footnote for word = gossip
Speak = profanity
Account = accountability

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
(Proverbs 18:21)

"The Savior warned that we will be judged for “every idle word that [we] shall speak”. Modern revelation commands us to cease from “light speeches” and “light-mindedness”  and to cast away “idle thoughts” and “excess of laughter”.  There are plenty of other spokesmen for trivial things. Latter-day Saints should be constantly concerned with teaching and emphasizing those great and powerful eternal truths that will help us find our way back to the presence of our Heavenly Father."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Powerful Ideas", Oct 1995 General Conference)

Day 4065

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 18:13, 15

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 18:13, 15
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."

Coming to a conclusion before we have all the facts is folly and will bring shame. It is so important, especially in the times we live in, to make sure we have truth. Seeking knowledge and truth is vital.

"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."
(Doctrine and Covenants 9:8)

If we are to walk with the spirit always to be with us we must study things out in our minds before the spirit can guide us in if it be truth or error.

Day 3958

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 99:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 99:2
"And who receiveth you receiveth me; and you shall have power to declare my word in the demonstration of my Holy Spirit."

I thought about honoring and sustaining the leaders of the church. It made me recall an incident several years ago where I heard others speak against the counsel given us by the Area Presidency. They thought they knew better than them. When leaders are speaking in the capacity of their callings we can't dismiss them. They weren't speaking as a man, they were speaking under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. This was their stewardship and calling, and it was good advice. Getting caught in those types of conversations makes me extremely uncomfortable. It's not my place to call them out, nor do I want to appear to be in agreement by remaining silent. I just have to excuse myself, or try to redirect the discussion. What is foremost in my mind is this temple recommend interview question.

4. Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?
Do you sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators?
Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local leaders of the Church?

Day 3688

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 10:6, 27

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 10:6, 27

"But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops."

After calling the twelve apostles Jesus sent them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He proceeds to tell them how some will reject them. The very people that should have been waiting for Him. It made me ponder on the prophet and apostles today, and how they are preparing right now to speak to the members of the church in general conference. They will speak as they have been inspired. Sadly, there are some that also reject them. It is easier to accept the spectacular then the quiet things of Christ.

Day 3098

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 100:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 100:5-6

"Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men;

For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say."

I pondered on some of the miracles that Jesus performed. When he turned water into wine at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. When he feed the five thousand men with five barley loaves and two small fishes, and took up twelve basket after they were all filled. When he feed the four thousand with seven loaves and a few small fishes, and took up seven baskets afterwards. Each of these miracles started with an element, be it water, bread or fish and he created more and to spare out of them.

This made me ponder on the importance of treasuring up the word of God, so when the time comes that we are to speak the spirit has something to draw from. You can only bring to remembrance what was once stored to be remembered.

"Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."

(Doctrine and Covenants 84:85)

"Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

But that is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting, therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God."

(Alma 17:2-3)

"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.

But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto.

Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth."

(Doctrine and Covenants 11:21-22, 26)

Day 2103

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 3:16

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Peter 3:16
"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."

This made me reflect on this Christmas season. I realized I've fallen into conformity. I call it the Holiday season. I hardly say the word Christmas now. Looking back I don't even know how that happened. Christ has been taken out of Christmas and even the name for the day is gone. You are hard pressed to find a school that would sing Christmas carols with references to Christ for fear of lawsuits. What was so pure and good is treated as if evil was spoken. That makes me sad. I am glad tomorrow is the Sabbath before Christmas and I will enjoy a sacrament meeting devoted to Him. I will sing Christmas carols and worship the "Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace". The Messiah, beloved Son of God, my Savior Jesus Christ.

Day 1727

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 10:32-33

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 10:32-33
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

The confessing part I have no problem with. It's the repeatedly being told by someone that "There is no God, that religion is all man made", even when we are not even talking about religion, that is getting rather old. In fact last night when they said it to me again, I felt like I needed to respond, but wasn't sure just what to say. I said something like, "You know you really don't need to keep saying that. We understand you feel that way. Just make sure to respect that others feel differently and do believe in God."

They weren't upset, maybe they were a little shocked I had said something to them. But, all evening and most of the night my mind kept coming back to this interaction. My brain has been trying to form the perfect response if they said those words again, which typically never does happen. My conclusion so far has been sadly to recognize they are denying Christ, after having known Him. That's really serious and it makes me sad for them. I think maybe they keep saying there is no God to me, even when we are not talking about religion, is because they are trying to convince themselves.

Another verse in this chapter says "...take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak." (Matthew 10:19).  As messy as my words came out, maybe they were what they already needed to hear.

Day 1514

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 33:8
"When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand."

The chapter header states the "watchmen who rise the warning voice save their own souls". I can understand plainly the Lord is speaking to Ezekiel and all the prophets, and priesthood leaders called as judges in Israel. They are to sound the warning voice and warn the wicked to turn from their wicked ways. What I wonder is what my role is in this? Am I to go around and tell everyone I see sinning to not sin? I would be a very busy person if I fulfilled this absolutely. Would I also not become a judge? Am I told not to judge others? So I sit and wonder what is my role?

I see so many things that pain me. Today I cried many tears over the news stories. Yet, I found I could make no comments. In a way I feel restrained from passing judgment and commenting. Do the wicked not feel embolden when there is no one that stands in opposition? I have no answers, but I can honestly say there are times I know I should say more, and there are times I need to keep my mouth shut. I can only hope and pray I keep the spirit as my constant companion to have wisdom to know the difference. One thing is for sure I do not want to stand condemned before the Lord because I did not open my mouth when I should have. I guess maybe that's the key, it is to be done when move upon by the Holy Spirit. That's probably why this begins with "when I say".

Day 1410

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:23
"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

This has been one of the greatest things I have been trying to learn. First learning to be quiet, then comes learning to have peace while being quiet. What a challenge, but what amazing rewards come from learning to do this. It is worth every effort to master this.

I have been pondering of late one part of my patriarchal blessing which says,  "Through you, peace, love and harmony will abide in your home." I realize after all these years, that it hasn't really been that because I could not hold my tongue. As I have come to understand that this is my sacred role in my home, I am striving to do better. I can see the fruits of my efforts. It's pretty humbling to know what power you hold, for things to go one way or another. Once coming to realizing this, I have felt a special strength to become a peacemaker. There is a closeness to the Lord that comes with this. His spirit is right by my side encouraging and guiding me along the way. I am so grateful for second chances.

Day 1224

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 140:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 140:11-12
"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
I know that  the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor."

This just seems so applicable to today. What noise I hear in the news. I am getting to the point I can't even listen. There is much to ponder on in these verses.

Day 1193

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 34:13-14

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 34:13-14
"Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."

I reflected on these verses because that is what I have been trying so hard to do. I even put this reminder on my Facebook profile, inspired by the 13th Article of Faith.

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek after these things."

I have to say it is very freeing to walk away from the terrible noise others are making around me. I have no part of their anger. They cannot destroy my peace because I do not let it in, and it has been lovely. I think it has also made me a better person because I'm not looking for the fight, only for good in others.

Day 1087

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 26:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 26:4
"To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?"

Job knew Bildad did not speak by the spirit. Something I recognized yesterday. I pondered on that it is by the spirit that I will know that something is not by the spirit. That is why striving to have the spirit always to be with me is so important. It is a protection to me.


Day 1037

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 20:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 20:2
"Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste."

I didn't find anything enlightening in Zophar words. Then I went back and read this verse again. Now I see why. He spoke in haste from his own thoughts. He did not speak being guided by the spirit. I pondered on how desperately I need the spirit with me. It will keep me speaking the words of a fool. With the spirit I can actually have the words to help and lift others.

Yes, there is wisdom in thinking before I speak.

"For to one is given the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;"
(1 Corinthians 12:8)

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
(1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

Day 1031

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 7:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 7:4
"For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage."

although - HEB for that would not have damaged the king's interests.

I pondered on the great courage and wisdom it took for Esther to hold her tongue, and then loose it as being led by the spirit. For it is wisdom in deed to know when to use your tongue.

This reminded me of Jesus Christ's example of holding his peace and then testifying when the time was right.

"And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."
(Mark 14:60-62)

I also though of when Joseph Smith was told to hold his peace after experiencing the loss of the 116 page manuscript of the Book of Mormon.

"But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter."
(Doctrine & Covenants 10:37)

It is through the spirit that I know when to speak and when to remain silent.


Day 1008