Today's Favorite Verse: Job 6:14, 25

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 6:14, 25
"To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?"

As I am reading Job I want to learn what not to say to someone that is grieving and experiencing loss. I don't want to be like Job's friends, but sometimes at first glance I agree with them. I want to understand this. There is reason to not be like them.

"Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job."
(Doctrine and Covenants 121:10)

As I was looking at Eliphaz's words, to find what stung Job, this thought rather horrified me.

"Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?
Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed."
(Job 4:7-9)

Is Job's friend Eliphaz basically saying God killed Job's children because they were wicked? If you are innocent you never suffer trials in life? That though is pretty eye-opening. Wow, just Wow. 

Day 3890

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 10:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Leviticus 10:16-17
"And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron which were left alive, saying,
Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?
Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded.
And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?
And when Moses heard that, he was content."

I pondered on how the sacrifices continued right after Aaron's sons were devoured and died before the Lord for offering strange fire. How hard it would be for their father and brothers to carry on their responsibilities. Then again Aaron's sons did not complete the offering by eating the sin offering in the holy place. Aaron then speaks up on why. I can feel them not feeling worthy to go into the holy place to complete the offering. It made me think about how the Lord does take into consideration when we suffer and struggle at times making it hard to fulfill our callings and responsibilities.

"Part of the sin offering was specified for the use of the priest who administered the offering, thus “bearing the iniquity of the congregation” (v. 17); however, Eleazar and Ithamar had burned all of it rather than eating their portion. This was the second time the sons of Aaron had not followed the law. Moses rebuked them, but Aaron withstood the rebuke. “The excuse which Aaron makes for not feasting on the sin-offering according to the law is at once appropriate and dignified; as if he had said: ‘God certainly has commanded me to eat of the sin-offering; but when such things as these have happened unto me, could it be good in the sight of the Lord? Does he not expect that I should feel as a father under such afflicting circumstances?’ With this spirited answer Moses was satisfied; and God, who knew his situation, took no notice of the irregularity which had taken place in the solemn service. To human nature God has given the privilege to weep in times of affliction and distress. In his infinite kindness he has ordained that tears, which are only external evidences of our grief, shall be the outlets to our sorrows, and tend to exhaust the cause from which they flow.” (Clarke, Bible Commentary, 1:539.)"
(Old Testament Student Manual, "Leviticus 1-10: A Law of Performances and Ordinances, Part 1: Sacrifices and Offering")

Day 3779

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 136:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 136:31
"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom."

Why do bad things happen to good people? We must be tried in all things. As I reflect on my trials I can see how much growth came from them. They led me down paths I never would have chosen on my own. What I learned through these experiences, and through relying on the Lord, have become the most valuable education I could ever receive. I don't seek out trials or suffering, but I've come to appreciate the strength and insight they bring. They have brought me closer to the Lord. It's even more rewarding when I can help others through the wisdom that was gained.

Day 3725

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 14:10-11

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 14:10-11
"And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day."

I can appreciate how Amulek wished to use priesthood power to stop the horrors happening to the women and children. Some of which were probably his own family members. There is an interesting perspective on this from President Spencer W. Kimball.

“If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith.
“If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil—all would do good but not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, only satanic controls.
“Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death, and if these were not, there would also be no joy, success, resurrection, nor eternal life and godhood” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1973], 97).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 26:Alma 13-16, "The Martydom of the Righteous")

Day 3458

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 5:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 5:8
"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;"

I wondered "Have I learned obedience by the things I have suffered?" The answer would have to be yes. The only way I have come through my trials and suffering is to turn to the Father and the Son. For His grace and mercy have strengthened me. When you experience that, and come to know Him, you want to follow him. That does bring a desire for greater obedience to His will. To love Him is to follow Him.

Day 3297

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 64:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 64:8

"But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

This verse reminds me of a conversation I had today. We discussed how we are the sum of all our experiences. How God prepared us along the way to be used for his purposes. It is such a beautiful thing. There is purpose in suffering, learning, and growing, to become all that we are meant to be.

Day 2902

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 48:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 48:10

"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

I pondered on how you are not chosen because you suffered. People can suffer and turn away from God and curse him. The furnace of affliction is the refiner's fire. That is when you learn more about God because you turn to him during your suffering. This is my favorite part of the gospel, enduring to the end. Through it comes a personal relationship with the Lord, otherwise you cannot endure. He becomes your refuge and stay. That is truly when we have been chosen because we chose Him.

Day 2886

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 30:16

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 30:16

"And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me."

I know Job suffered, but I don't know how long he was left to suffer. When pain is left as your constant companion for days and weeks and months it really wears you down. I can understand how he said "my soul is poured out of me." It made me ponder on the times I have been in horrible pain and just had to suffer and endure it for what felt like an eternity. My most recent journey with pain was when I shattered my wrist. That pain was so intense and went on for so long. I remember thinking I just can't do this, and I was right I can't. I've learned to have conversations with God and each time I cried he was there for me. I've experienced the miracle of His comforting embrace that would strengthen me, and help me get through the worst of it. There is purpose in pain and that was one of the reasons for it. You don't become acquainted with God by smelling roses, its by needing him.

Day 2625

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 14:6-7, 9, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Joshua 14:6-7, 9, 13

"Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh-barnea.

Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.

And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance."

When Moses sent twelve spies to search the land of Canaan, ten brought back evil reports. It was only Joshua and Caleb that gave a good report, and full of faith that they could go in and possess the land. For the evil report the ten false spies died by plague, and all the adults of Israel were not allowed to enter the promised land. They wandered in the wilderness for 40 year until they all died off. Only Joshua and Caleb were to live to possess it. Caleb is now receiving the land he was promised.

"But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it."

(Numbers 14:24)

I pondered on how long Caleb and Joshua were made to wait because of the wickedness of others. The decisions of others can effect us and cause us to suffer. Though the Lord does keep his promises. If they cannot be received in this life we will be blessed for it in the next.

Day 2360

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 123:1, 4, 6, 17

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 123:1, 4, 6, 17

"And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this state;

And perhaps a committee can be appointed to find out these things, and to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications that are afloat;

That we may not only publish to all the world, but present them to the heads of government in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and completely claim that promise which shall call him forth from his hiding place; and also that the whole nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm.

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

The saints had an extermination order against them from the State of Missouri. They had been abused, raped, murdered, jailed and had property stolen and all such manner of things happen to them. They were a persecuted and suffering people and sought for redress. This chapter is the Lord's counsel to them. Basically to gather all the truth of what happened and record it. Publish it to the world and present it to government. Then stand still and leave it in God's hands. They were never told to fight for their rights. Instead they were told to be cheerful and trust God. I see the same counsel being given to us today.

Day 2126

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 105:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 105:5-6

"And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.

And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer.

As I read about the saints being expelled from Missouri, and Zion's Camp, I thought about how this was no accident. The Lord knew more time was needed before the saints would be ready for all that they could be blessed with. What they didn't understand yet was the blessings that come from temple ordinances. There were many other things as a church and people that we needed to learn and go through. Nothing is an accident, the Lord knows best how to prepare His people. Even this pandemic has been a time of chastening and learning obedience. There is just so much for us to learn and suffering not only chastens but it teaches, and prepares.

Day 2108

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 14:11, 26

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 14:11, 26
"But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.
And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them."

I was really struck with how much Alma and Amulek suffered waiting upon the will of the Lord. They were made to watch women and children being burned to death, and were constrained by the spirit to not stretch forth their hands and exercise the power of God to save them from the flames. They were smote on the cheeks and had to remain silent as they were told they and their God had no power to save the people from fire.  They were judged and cast into prison and had to remain silent still. Then leaders and judges visited them multiple times asking questions and again they were constrained by the spirit to remain silent. They withstood being smote, spit on, and mocked. They had food and water withheld from them. Their cloths were taken so they were naked and bound with strong cord. I think one of the very worst is to be told over and over your God doesn't have the power to save others and they died, and you can't save yourself and the whole time you know it was the will of the Lord and you must remain silent until he says otherwise. That takes a lot of faith to endure all that. Then when moved by the spirit you can stand and bare witness of the power of God. Then the prison walls shook and fell down to the earth.

This all made me think of our day, and first how many are showing they have no patience to endure. That what matters is their will instead of waiting for the power of God. I do not know what will become of them. Yet, I wonder on the other hand how many saints are learning to become like Alma and Amulek. How many spiritual giants are growing silently behind their prison doors?  I am so grateful for the many lessons I have had to learn patience these past few years. Learning to trust in the Lord and his timing. I had no idea back then that I would face what is around us today. I had to learn to accept a new normal sitting in a wheelchair. Now I'm out of the wheelchair but living a new normal under COVID-19. Right now we are going through such an amazing opportunity for spiritual growth and coming to understanding the will of the Lord is greater than our own. The Lord will deliver us from our afflictions, after we have proven our faith by submitting to His will.


Day 1872

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 8:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 8:31
"And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them."

An angel of the Lord had commanded Alma to go back to Ammonihah and preach to the people repentance or they would be destroyed. Amulek was prepared by an angel to receive Alma, and later to preach with him. What struck me is they went about accomplishing the commandment of the Lord, even if that meant they were bound with bands and cast into prison . You would think that being cast into prison would stop the work, but it had another effect. It allowed the Lord to show his power in them.

It made me ponder on the bands of captivity we have been under to fight this virus. Church has stopped, missionaries have returned home, and temples were closed, until they slowly reopen. Yet, the sermons that have been taught on the importance of revelation to prepare for this time. The church being able to bring relief to so many with the food it has stored, and funds it has saved for such a time as this. These efforts will not be forgotten by the world. This has all been for a wise purpose in the Lord's plan. If we are involved in this work by being good global citizens.

What effect does our obeying the prophet, 12th Article of Faith, and the laws of the land have on us, even if we give up our liberties and freedoms? It means we have faith enough that the Lord would show forth his power, even if we are called to suffer. When we think we are wiser and smarter and have a better plan we void the blessings the Lord has in store for us. It makes me remember the powerful quote by President Nelson.

"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."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)

Nothing makes the spirit flee quicker than to be disobedient.

Day 1866

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 20:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 20:10
"For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

I reflected on all the blessings that have come to me through affliction. Even my sins have had a purpose in my life. It is in moments of stress that we face our true character. I still have a hard time dealing with physical pain. My tolerance has gotten better, and I have way more patience than I used to, but when I hit that wall I still lash out at others. I always feel really bad afterwards. One thing I have observed is the awareness of what I am doing and the desire to reign it in. It does help me to overcome the issue quickly. So there is improvement and I would say some refinement. I think it is the realization that the Lord is watching my behavior that causes the greatest desire to do better. It's knowing I have to chose Him over the natural man within me. As I think upon these things my heart is softened as I know the Lord is with me and I am not alone. Though I am not perfect I know the refining process isn't overnight. It takes time to smooth out the rough edges and become all that I can be. The Lord knows my rough spot better than I do and will make sure I'm given the heat needed to burn them out.

Day 1783

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
"Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in [perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness."

These are things Paul suffered for his testimony of Jesus Christ. If he was false, if he was making up his experience on the road to Damascus, he would have folded at the slightest of trials. Sometimes the followers of Christ go through hard things as a testimony of faith to strengthen others.


Day 1662

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 8:17-18

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 8:17-18
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

This quote by Sister Linda S. Reeves, was in the Come, Follow Me manual and I found it so profound.

“I do not know why we have the many trials that we have, but it is my personal feeling that the reward is so great, so eternal and everlasting, so joyful and beyond our understanding that in that day of reward, we may feel to say to our merciful, loving Father, ‘Was that all that was required?’ I believe that if we could daily remember and recognize the depth of that love our Heavenly Father and our Savior have for us, we would be willing to do anything to be back in Their presence again, surrounded by Their love eternally. What will it matter … what we suffered here if, in the end, those trials are the very things which qualify us for eternal life and exaltation in the kingdom of God with our Father and Savior?”.
(“Worthy of Our Promised Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 11)

Day 1627

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 39:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 39:22
"So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward."

As I read I wept. So many lives gone, so much suffering. I know it will all come to pass. Even now I see its preparations. I looked so hard for something good to come out of it all. Then came this verse, for from that day and forward Israel will know the Lord their God. Is that not the beautify that comes out of any suffering. It is a chance to draw closer to God and come to know Him.

Day 1416

Today's Favorite Verse: Lamentations 5:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Lamentations 5:7
"Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities."

The chapter header says "Jeremiah recites in prayer the sorrowful condition of Zion". It just made me cry for them. How hard must it be to know you did all you could to warn the people to repent and now you witness their destruction. Not only that but you must suffer too. The righteous do not escape the wrath of God as it falls upon the people. The only promise is he will not leaved them comfortless. This chapter doesn't speak of Jeremiah's comfort, but I know he had it for he still had hope.

"Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old."
(Lamentations 5:21)

Day 1377

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 6:14, 25

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 6:14, 25
"To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?"

Job gives a lot of good council here, a lesson on how to help someone suffering or grieving. Showing pity in the right way would certainly require the right words. Knowing the timing and what to say is not something I do well on my own. I have to rely on the spirit to guide me, because I do it so hopelessly wrong by myself. I have much improvement that is needed in this area. I am glad that I have such a rich resource to learn from in the book of Job.


Day 1017

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 3:1, 26

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 3:1, 26
"After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed the day.
I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came."

Job's friend sat with him for seven days never speaking because of how great his grief was. In this chapter he finally speaks. After facing losing all that he had, suffering physical illness, he now faces depression. When he wishes he was never born. He curses the day he was born and the light that even shown upon him. Importantly I notice he never cursed God. Now with this depth of sorrow and depression what Job has to endure is not taking his own life. Denying God's control over life. Depression is a very real trial.

Then he appears to be looking inward, he wasn't safe, he didn't have rest, trouble still came to him. Where is that source of safety and rest? That only comes from God and turning to him. Job is right at the point of knowing more about Job and his relationship to God. The only way out of depression is reaching out to the Lord, and placing it all in his lap, and letting him carry me. He's already carried it for me, he atoned for me, now I need to enter into his rest.


Day 1014