Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 1:11 "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"
I pondered on the times I have seen and listened to a prophet and apostle of God in person. How the spirit would testify of the truthfulness of their words. It would strengthen my faith and anchor it. I imagine for the saints being able to hear Paul would be the same. How blessed I am for the day I live in. With the internet I can hear their words right in my home. I don't have to wait for an apostle to come to my area. I know the great apostasy happened with the early saints, and now with the restoration of the gospel the church as a whole will never fall into apostasy again. I think being able to hear the words of the prophet and apostles so frequently is one of the ways that is possible. We are continually being nourished. It's up to us to feast on it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 26:15-16 "And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;"
I pondered on how the Lord does not appear to man unless there is a purpose. The purpose for Paul was to be a minister and witness of Him. What a powerful testimony it was because Paul as Saul was the complete opposite of who you would have thought to do so. It makes his conversion and testimony all the more powerful.
Today's Favorite Verse: John 4:42, 48 "And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."
While Jesus was in Samaria not only the women at the well believed in words, but those that she told also believed Jesus was the Christ. They received their own testimony by listening to Him themselves. I pondered on how we all need our own testimonies and cannot progress far on the faith of others. It wasn't until Jesus said in Galilee that they needed a sign or wonders to believe, I realized it never said he did any miracles in Samaria. Instead it was His words, he was able to tell them all things. As we listen to His words we can also receive a firm conviction the Jesus is indeed the Christ.
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 25:4, 16 "But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents."
I focused on two parables in this chapter, the parable of the ten virgins and of the talents. I looked at them to see if there was a pattern. The wise virgins had oil in their lamps. In my notes I had written they had a testimony and conversion. Those that were foolish may have had a testimony but they were not converted. We cannot share our conversion for it is gained dropped by drop. So I asked myself what would the increase in the talents? Would it be those that received a testimony and were converted and then shared it with others? The increase being more converted followers of Jesus Christ. The servant with one talent just buried it. His testimony didn't grow from usery for himself or for others. Not only must we gain a testimony and be converted, we must in turn share the gospel with others to help them grown.
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 11:2-3 "Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?"
I always wondered why John sent his disciples to ask if Jesus was the one they had been waiting for. Didn't John already baptize Jesus and have that witness and testimony? Wasn't John the prophesied fore-running that prepared the way for Him.
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost." (John 1:29, 32-33)
Why would John then need to find out is Jesus was the Christ? I realize now that he didn't. It was his followers that needed to become disciples of Jesus Christ. They needed to hear and see Jesus, witness the miracles he performed. Then as they bare witness to John what they saw they would understand too.
Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 25:16, 21-22 "And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee. And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel."
What is the testimony? I'm thinking the stone tablets are the testimony but needed to look to see if that was correct.
"The ark of the covenant was a chest, or box, of shittim wood overlaid with gold. It was approximately three feet nine inches long, two feet three inches wide, and two feet three inches high. Staves, or poles, on both sides allowed the priests to carry it without actually touching the ark itself. Inside, the tablets of the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai were placed (see v. 16). Hence, it was called the ark of the testimony or ark of the covenant. Later, a pot of manna and Aaron’s rod, which miraculously bloomed, were also placed inside the ark (see Hebrews 9:4). The ark was placed inside the inner room of the tabernacle known as the most holy place, or Holy of Holies. The ark was viewed with the greatest reverence by the Israelites, and prayers were recited before it was moved or placed in position" (Old Testament Student Manual, "Exodus 25-30; 35-40: The House of the Lord in the Wilderness")
"There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt." (1 Kings 8:9)
"Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;" (Hebrews 9:4)
I guess I'm just hung up on why you would call the stone tablets containing the ten commandments a testimony. I always thought of it as the ark of the covenant. I had to ponder on this. I thought about being in court and having to give a testimony of something I witnessed. While I am speaking it is being recorded and written down. It can be referred to later. Pondering on this I can see how God's word was written down in those stone tablets. It was his testimony. Those laws hold the covenant that God has made with Israel. I think of all the thou shalt nots, but really they are promises that God will protect us if we live by them. We will be able to be in His presence.
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 135:1 "To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o’clock p.m., by an armed mob—painted black—of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calmly, exclaiming: I am a dead man! Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaiming: O Lord my God! They were both shot after they were dead, in a brutal manner, and both received four balls."
I always cry when I read this chapter. I can't really imagine how the saints must have felt to have their beloved prophet Joseph, and patriarch Hyrum martyred. I know it makes me sad almost 181 years later. I don't have much to say about it. It simply makes me sad that they had to die like that. I know they were not taken until they were finished with their work. That finish including sealing their testimonies with their blood.
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 76:22 "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!"
Such a wonderful chapter. What a marvelous plan God has for us if we truly love Him. There are parts that make me cry because I think of loved ones that have rejected the gospel and Jesus Christ. I simply remind myself it is not my place to judge, it's up to the Lord where you spend eternity. Their story is not fully written yet, there is still time to repent. I turn myself instead to all the glorious promises if I remain faithful. As I asked myself which verse is the most import to me, this was the one. The testimony that Jesus Christ lives. It was only recently that I learned some Christians no longer believe is Jesus Christ's literal resurrection. I cannot understand that. For He is Risen! He Lives!
Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 7:5, 10 "Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up. And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen."
These are the final words that Mormon finishes the Book of Mormon with. The plates that he abridged are then given to his son Moroni, and added to. Mormon listed several things we should know as his closing message. One was for the remanent of his people to know who they are, and to come unto Christ. This message is not just for them it's for me too. We will all meet at the judgment seat of God. I cannot wait to tell Mormon how grateful I am for his words. Through them I have come to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and his redeeming sacrifice for me. I have been baptized with water and fire and know through the Holy Ghost that these words are true.
Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 5:7 "Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them."
I have many that I pray for that their eyes will be opened. That they will awake from that deep sleep and recognize their blessings and privileges. I pray for them because I love them. Then I ask that my eyes will be opened too. For we never know when we are in a midst of darkness and not seeing clearly. I remember that day when I had my first cataract surgery and the first thing I noticed was white. One eye had the orangey dingy white, and the other eye I could see real white again. With that white an array of other brilliant colors poured in. I hadn't noticed over the years that white was no longer white for me. So it is with our testimonies and the word of God. If we stopped treasuring and pondering on His word, and renewing the covenants we have made, we may think we still have a testimony. Then slowly things darkened and we don't even realize we have lost our way. That moment of a change of heart that awaken us can be both painful and sweet, it is individual to us all.
Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 18:16-17, 19-20 "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. "And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter—should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead? To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
I pondered on the contrast of two different groups of people. One will have obtained a testimony, wait upon the Lord and look for Him. These would be the people preparing and found ready at Christ's Second Coming.
The other group are following the ways of the world. I think of them as people that seek conspiracies and run in fear. The world will heal me and I don't need a prophet. Ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth. It's not surprising how much culture is referencing the occult and devil worship. It seems harmless, its just a movie or a book, but there is no light there. If you follow darkness and let it entertain you long enough the things of God seem boring and don't hold purpose or value anymore. Then you are deceived. "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:7
"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 5:2, 8 "For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness; and she also had complained against my father, telling him that he was a visionary man; saying: Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness. And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this manner of language did she speak."
I pondered on Sariah and how much of a test it was for her to see her sons be sent back to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates from Laban. She complained against Lehi and didn't have the faith that her sons would return. She needed this experience to strengthen her testimony as much as her sons needed theirs. Sometimes the Lords asks us to do hard things and we may not be aware of how many other people it will effect.
Today's Favorite Verse: Philemon 1:6 "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."
I pondered on how one way that I bear my testimony to others in a living way is acknowledging everything that is good comes from God. It is not by my own strength, it is by being strengthened by the spirit and blessed of the Lord.
"By acknowledging that every good thing comes from Jesus Christ, we will communicate our faith more effectively to others. We will have courage when confronted with seemingly impossible tasks and circumstances. We will strengthen our resolve to keep the covenants we have made to follow the Savior. We will be filled with the love of God, want to help those in need without being judgmental, love our children and raise them in righteousness, retain a remission of our sins, and always rejoice. These are the remarkable fruits of remembering God’s goodness and mercy.In contrast, the Savior warned, “In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.” I do not think that God is insulted when we forget Him. Rather, I think He is deeply disappointed. He knows that we have deprived ourselves of the opportunity to draw closer to Him by remembering Him and His goodness. We then miss out on Him drawing nearer to us and the specific blessings He has promised." (Dale G. Renlund, "Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God", Apr 2020 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 2:6 "Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
To be "testifed in due time" made me think of all those that have sealed their testimony with their blood. The Savior paid the ransom, and martyrs including the early apostles and latter-day prophets, including Joseph and Hyrum Smith, sealed their testimonies of Jesus Christ with their blood.
"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." (Hebrews 9:16-17)
"When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME—HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.”—The same morning, after Hyrum had made ready to go—shall it be said to the slaughter? yes, for so it was—he read the following paragraph, near the close of the twelfth chapter of Ether, in the Book of Mormon, and turned down the leaf upon it: And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I . . . bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood. The testators are now dead, and their testament is in force" (Doctrine and Covenants 135:4-5)
Moroni further told us we would stand at the judgment bar of God and know of his witness.
"And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?" (Moroni 10:27)
Jesus Christ made himself a ransom for our sins, and no man will escape the truth of that fact. Every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is the Christ.
"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (Isaiah 45:23)
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11)
"Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.' (Mosiah 27:31)
"And this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth—for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying: Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment is come." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:104)
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
It was the part "God is not mocked" that stood out to me to ponder on. I thought of two recent situations that I came across. The first was while I was by myself listening to little shorts from a comedian that I like. I like them because they are "clean". Then I heard this routine and they were making fun of God. I immediately turned it off. That's not something I entertain or listen to. It wasn't funny and I just don't go there.
Then a couple days later I was talking to someone that has left the church and I pretty much let them be and do what they do. But, this time I think they forgot who they were talking to. They started to make fun of the prophet Joseph Smith. I couldn't listen to it. Now I like to remain peaceful, and not contend, but this crossed a line in me. It took me all of one second to know the course to take. I respectfully stopped them and let them know we can't go there with this discussion. Then I bore my testimony that I knew Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Oddly, you wouldn't think it a conductive time to bare your testimony, but it was. The subject was changed and we moved on. I cringe to think of where that conversation could have gone if I hadn't taken a stand that ended it. Having the spirit to always be with me is very important to me. I believe mocking and loud laughter drives the spirit away. They cannot reside in the same place. What remains is not what I want to reap from. Your jokes just aren't worth it. To make one flee you have to bare witness of the other.
"O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.
For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay."
After Pashur heard Jeremiah prophesies he put him in stocks and smote him. Later when Jeremiah comes out he vows to never speak in God's name again. Then he found he couldn't leave it alone. His testimony was deep into his bones. He could not be kept from witnessing of his God. I hope that through whatever trials that come that I have my testimony deep inside my bones.
"Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you."
This made me think of a discussion we had tonight during family scripture reading. It evolved into a discussion about people that are less active at church but say they still have their testimonies. I do not doubt they have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though that testimony is dormant and at risk of being lost. One thing is for sure, they have denied themselves blessings. I wish I had remembered this talk of Elder Bednar while we had our decision, but here it is now.
"Most of the “less-active” people I have ever visited had a discernible and tender testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. However, they were not presently participating in Church activities and meetings.
And then I would say something like this.
“Let me make sure I understand what has happened to you. Because someone at church offended you, you have not been blessed by the ordinance of the sacrament. You have withdrawn yourself from the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Because someone at church offended you, you have cut yourself off from priesthood ordinances and the holy temple. You have discontinued your opportunity to serve others and to learn and grow. And you are leaving barriers that will impede the spiritual progress of your children, your children’s children, and the generations that will follow.” Many times people would think for a moment and then respond: “I have never thought about it that way.”
"The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved."
This made me think of all the earthquakes happening lately. They have been very strong and in divers places. Though this verse probably has nothing to do with what I pondered on. It just made me think of the voice of warning that is His.
"For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:89-91)
"How oft have I called upon you by the mouth of my servants, and by the ministering of angels, and by mine own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the voice of glory and honor and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not!"
"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul."
This made me think of testimony meetings, and how we share what wondrous things God has done for our souls.
"Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you."
(Doctrine and Covenants 62:3)
"For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment—that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you."
(Doctrine and Covenants 84:61)
“For the strength of the Church is not in the numbers, nor in the amount of tithes and offerings paid by faithful members, nor in the magnitude of chapels and temple buildings, but because in the hearts of faithful members of the Church is the conviction that this is indeed the Church and kingdom of God on the earth.”
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
Delight = great pleasure
Do I really delight to keep the commandments? Do I delight in paying tithing, and serving in callings? Do I delight in the trials I must pass through because they are God's will for me? Saying you delight in doing God's will is more than just being obedient. It's an attitude of joy, it is something that you take great pleasure in. I know there were times I did not delight in lots of things. I know my attitude has changed a lot over the years, but there is still much improvement needed. The ones I delight in are those written in my heart after receiving a testimony of their truths. Witnessing how God's laws are a shield and protection to me. How His will for me was only for my good. If the law is not written in my heart, from having tried and proved them, then there is no way to delight in it. This is not something that happens overnight. It is a conversion that takes a lifetime.
