Today's Favorite Verse: Lamentations 4:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Lamentations 4:9

"They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field."

This made me think of Nephi, son of Helaman, who was given the sealing power. He prayed for famine instead of the sword.

"O Lord, do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee.

And so it was done, according to the words of Nephi. And there was a great famine upon the land, among all the people of Nephi. And thus in the seventy and fourth year the famine did continue, and the work of destruction did cease by the sword but became sore by famine."

(Helaman 11:4-5)

Maybe the manor of a quick dead is easy by the sword. But, with famine there is time for the soul to think and to repent. As I pondered on this I thought how I wouldn't want my death to be a punishment for sin. It is better to repent daily and strive to do better each day.

Day 2960

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 14:14-15

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 14:14-15

"Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed."

The very thing the false prophets prophesied were to be, was what God would use to destroy them. They thought there would be no sword or famine in the land, and that was what Jeremiah was told would come because of their wickedness. It made me wonder where I have seen that before? All I could think of is some doom and gloom "prophets" that are always saying its the end of our economy and we will be in bondage. I guess that's the benefit of getting older, I haven't see it happen yet. I used to get in a panic and all concerned, until I found its a story they continually repeat. Creating fear and panic retains viewers and revenue. Now if a true prophet of God prophesies its coming then I will take heed.

"My enemies say that I have been a true prophet. Why, I had rather be a fallen true prophet than a false prophet. When a man goes about prophesying, and commands men to obey his teachings, he must either be a true or false prophet. False prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones."

(Joseph Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 365)

"For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant."

(JST Matthew 1:22)

Day 2918

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 28:63

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 28:63
"And it shall come to pass, that as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiple you; so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it."

This chapter starts with all these lovely blessings that God's holy people will be blessed with for keeping his commandments. Then it follows with the cursing if they stray from his commandments. It was rather to terrifying to contemplate. This made me think of the scriptures referring to a two-edged sword.

"Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore, give heed unto my word. (Doctrine & Covenants 12:2)

He can divide asunder my enemies but just as quickly swing that sword back at me if I forsake him. I think I know which side of that sword I want to be on. I want to be worthy of His promised blessings, and having him fight my battles for me.


Day 756

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 33:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 33:1

"Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

I've often wondered what "sharper than a two-edged sword" means when the Lord says this. Today I felt I was ready to ponder on this. I think I can see it. A two-edged sword would be sharp on both side. So its the same coming or going. So I think it means the word of the Lord is the same and consistent, it does not change. It will not appear one way and come back another. There is exactness and gets to the heart of the matter. To divide asunder means he can expose it all. He knows my heart there is no way to hide it. Word being quick and powerful would be those that can pierce my heart if I let him. He alone has the power to redeem me. His words open the eternities. 

Day 452