Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:3

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:3
"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

I thought about how other faiths do not always look upon me, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as being Christian. They say I don't worship the same Jesus. One big difference is they believe in the trinity, that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are three co-equal, eternal persons in one God. Where as I believe them separate beings. As I read this verse I thought about how Paul saw God the Father and Jesus Christ as separate persons. Yes, their purpose is the same, but they still in separate bodies.

Day 4187

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 20:29-30

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 20:29-30
"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."

Paul warns of a coming apostasy. That great apostasy did take place, and Satan tactics remain the same today. The only difference is there has been a restoration of Christ's Church again upon the earth and there will not be another great apostasy. The Church will remain with prophets and apostles and be here when Christ returns. That does not mean however, that individual apostasy cannot happen. It can and is happening now. We still have to watch for ravenous wolves among us and guard ourselves against individual apostasy.

"As he bade farewell to the Church leaders in Ephesus, Paul warned them that an apostasy was coming and that it would be the result of forces working both outside the Church (“grievous wolves”) and inside the Church (“of your own selves”). The Greek word apostasia, which was translated as “falling away” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, is closer in meaning to “rebellion” or “revolution.” Thus, Church members themselves contributed to the Great Apostasy by rebelling against Church leaders and doctrine. Priestcraft was an important element of this internal rebellion. Paul’s words in Acts 20:30 provide a definition of priestcraft.
Elder James E. Talmage (1862–1933) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirmed Paul’s message: “Not only would outsiders ingratiate themselves with the saints for purposes of selfish gain—wolves entering in, and not sparing the flock,—but schisms and divisions were imminent; and these dissensions were to come through some then present—men who would aspire to leadership, and who would set up their own doctrines, thus drawing disciples away from the Church and unto themselves” (The Great Apostasy [1968], 28).
Discussing the origins of the Great Apostasy, President Joseph Fielding Smith declared that some of it was the result of evil men who moved in and displaced the authority of the Apostles: “In time all ordinances of the gospel were changed, commandments were broken, and the simple principles of the gospel were mixed with pagan philosophy by the ‘grievous wolves’ and apostate disciples who displaced the prophets and apostles who had divine communion with the heavens. Spiritual darkness set in, and unrighteous men took command and closed the heavens against themselves. Visions and contact with the heavens ceased, and the gifts of the spirit came to an end. The blessings and presence of the Twelve Apostles ceased, and the cry went forth that they were no longer needed” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 5 vols. [1957–66], 5:177)."
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 33: Acts 16-20")

Day 4162

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 5:38-39

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 5:38-39
"And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

When you think upon all the followers of Christ throughout the centuries it answers the question Gamaliel put forth. If it was of man it would come to nought, if of God it could not be overthrown. The same has happened with the restoration of the gospel in our day. There are over 17 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world.

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Matthew 7:20)

Day 4147

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:2-3, 6-7

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:2-3, 6-7
"Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!"
They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.
Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD."

I learned something the other day that was so depressing to me. I learned that there is a religious political movement now calling their leaders prophets and apostles. As I was reading about this movement it sickened me that others may think I speak of them. When I ponder on my favorite verse and say I follow the prophet and apostles they are not who I speak of. I want to be very clear that I believe Jesus Christ's church has been restored on the earth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is a prophet today named Dallin H. Oaks. He has two counselors that make up the First Presidency, namely Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson, they are also apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles consist of Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, Neil L. Andersen, Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, Dale G. Renlund, Gerrit W. Gong, Ulisses Soares, Patrick Kearon, Gérald Caussé, and Clark G. Gilbert.

I can say this boldly for the Holy Ghost has born witness to me this is true. The others are false prophets and will lead you astray. I can wait because with time truth stands. One way to know a false prophet is by what they prophesy and it does not happen. Oh, they will twist and say they meant something else, but a prophet of God never has to do that.

"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."
(Jeremiah 14:14)

"There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof."
(Ezekiel 22:25)

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
(Matthew 7:15)

"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 24:14)

"And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known."
(Doctrine and Covenants 64:39)

Day 4015

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 89:5, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 89:5, 7
"And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."

I am always drawn to when the Lord's followers are called saints. That is what God calls us. The Old Testaments used the word saints 34 times. The New Testament its used 61 times. Christians are what enemies to Jesus Christ gave as a nickname to his followers. I love referring to myself as a latter-day saint. I love that relationship in the name of the church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".

Day 3932

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 4:29-31

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 4:29-31
"But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them."

Moses is talking not only to the children of Israel then, but to us today. We are living in the latter days. Not only is God the same yesterday, today and forever, so is the natural man. We all need to seek the Lord. Seek and ye shall find. We are to love the Lord God with all our hearts, mind, and strength. Tribulations will come to all of us, it is especially prophesied for these latter days. God will remember His promises to us, if we remember our promises to Him.

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
(Matthew 5:8)

Day 3798

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 12:16

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 12:16
"Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

This made me think about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint initiative to #LightTheWorld. This year's message is to be an angel and serve others like Jesus Christ did. It is breathtaking to see major cities around the world literally light up with angels appearing and images of the Christ child's birth.

I have marveled each year as the number of locations for the Giving Machines have increased. The church may have started it, but they are not alone. They are bringing other faiths and organizations together to serve those in need. Reminds me a lot of what the church did with FamilySearch and RootsTech. This annual event brings people together worldwide as we share our stories and celebrate our individual heritages. We find we have more in common than we ever realized. We truly are brothers and sisters. The church isn't looking to be the light or take credit. They are pointing the light towards the Lord as they bring God's children closer together.

Day 3535

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 44:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 44:4
"Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith."

The Nephites were being attacked by the Lamanites that wanted to destroy them and have power over them. Yes, good people can die in battle, but the Lord's promise was they would not be destroyed as a whole until they fell into transgression and denied their faith. That is ultimately what did happen to the Nephite civilization.

This made me reflect upon the church, and the promise that we have that it will never be taken again from the earth. The safest place of protection both spiritually and physically is to be in the mainstream of the church. Not a wolf in sheep clothing, but a faithful, active member of Christ's church.

"Apostasy can occur at two basic levels—institutional and individual. At the institutional level, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not be lost through apostasy or taken from the earth.
The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed: “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing … ; the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
(David A. Bednar, "In the Space of Not Many Years", Oct 2024 General Conference)

Day 3488

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 3:14-15, 24

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 3:14-15, 24
"And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise;
And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation.
And there shall rise up one mighty among them, who shall do much good, both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of Israel, and unto the seed of thy brethren."

This great seer was the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. I reflected on how tomorrow will be the 180th anniversary of his martyrdom. Those that thought killing the prophet would end the restored Church were sadly mistaken. It was not Joseph's church, it was the restored Church of Jesus Christ once again upon the earth. I am so grateful for the prophet Joseph and my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph truly was a prophet of God.

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!"
(Doctrine and Covenants 135:3)

Day 3374

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:27
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"

Nothing feels more damaging then when member of The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints behave badly. There can be millions of good faithful members, but the actions of one that has taken strange paths is plastered all over the place as our unappointed mascot. In our day it's made worse because news can be shared instantly around the world. I was actually reflecting today on the Missouri saints in the early days of the church, and how their pride and haughtiness brought persecution on their own heads. The place of Zion and the New Jerusalem was lost because of it. I am hoping in our exuberance over the recent acquisition of the Kirtland Temple, and other historical sites and documents of the restoration, that we do not offend others. I've heard somethings that make me cringe. The need for temperance comes to mind.

"And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."
(Doctrine and Covenants 12:8)

Day 3263

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:2

"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:"

Being called saints is truly what the Lord intended for his people. Christian is what the world calls the followers of Christ. This week I had a friend on Facebook post this quote of President Nelson.

"The word Christian appears in only three verses of the King James Version of the Bible. ...

In contrast, the term saint (or saints) appears in thirty-six verses of the Old Testament and in sixty-two verses of the New Testament. ...

Despite its use in ninety-eight verses of the Bible, the term saint is still not well understood. Some mistakenly think that it implies beatification or perfection. Not so! A saint is a believer in Christ and knows of His perfect love. The giving saint shares in a true spirit of that love, and the receiving saint accepts in a true spirit of gratitude. A saint serves others, knowing that the more one serves, the greater the opportunity for the Spirit to sanctify and purify."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Thus Shall My Church Be Called", April 1990 General Conference)

I posted a reply about the origin of the use of Christian vs Saints. I wanted to give a longer reply because I had researched itr, but left a simple statement instead. Seeing mention of it again I will share my longer response written earlier on when the name of Christ's followers as Christians was given. It is found in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon. It wasn't until I read these verses in the Book of Mormon that I realized something.

"For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.

And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come."

(Alma 46:14-15)

"And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians."

(Alma 48:10)

The name Christian was given to the followers of Christ by their enemies. Curiously very similar to how Latter-day Saints were given the nickname "Mormons" as a derogatory, and disrespectful name by those not of the faith. It appears in both cases these nicknames were later adopted by Christ's followers, including used as a reference by apostles. In the case of the nickname "Mormon" the prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has emphasized that we need to stop using that name. We need to refer to the full name of the church and that we are latter-day saints. I realize now that to refer to myself as a Christian would be taking the name Christ's enemies gave to his followers. So interesting the name Christian is once again being used in very derogatory ways by society.

I then looked for the name "Saint" or "Christian in the Doctrine and Covenants. Christian is no where to be found. Christ refers to us multiple times as saints. It is used 100 times in the Doctrine and Covenants.

"For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

(Doctrine and Covenants 115:4)

Never, once does the Lord, Jesus Christ refer to his followers as Christians. We are His saints. If I take upon me the name of Christ then I should refer to myself as a the name he gave his followers, saint. Latter-day Saints is now used, not only because Christ gave us that name, but it shows which dispensation I am in. So as I am pondering this I realize it's totally ok for other Christians to not refer to me as a Christian. Because that is not the name Christ wanted to be used by his followers. I am a latter-day saint, a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of His Restored Church. There is a lot of power in that name.

Day 3222

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 1:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 1:7

"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

A follower of Jesus Christ is to be called a saint. It is only by the enemies of the church that the name of Christian was given. It is the same with the nickname Mormon and how that came about. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in that relationship I am a saint that lives in these latter-days. I strive to live up to be virtuous, kind and patient. I am not perfect and know I never will be in this life. I need to repent daily, and do so, and strive to be a little better each day.

Day 3206

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 16:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 16:18-19

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

I pondered on how Jesus called his twelve apostles, with Peter chief among them, to build His church. The rock it is built upon is Jesus Christ. The keys and authority were given, what was bound on earth was bound in heaven. After the death of the apostles there was an great apostasy. Now, in the latter-days Christ's church has once again been restored upon the earth. It is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord's prophets have held that authority and keys ever since. The gates of hell will not prevail against it. Christ's church will stand until He comes again. I pray that I remain faithful, and stand with it. We can never take our testimony for granted.

Day 3104

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 74:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 74:9

"We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long."

Going through these last days would be so difficult and scary if there was not a prophet of God upon the earth. Yet, there is one. It is Russell M. Nelson that leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He receives revelation for our day. He prepares us for the second coming of the Lord. Listening and obeying the prophet has brought peace to my soul in the midst of an ever darkening world. I am grateful to know that the priesthood of God and a prophet will never be taken from the earth again until Jesus Christ reigns upon the earth.

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

(Amos 3:7)

Day 2711

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 50:5, 15

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 50:5, 15

"Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."

I love when I read in the scriptures God's people being called saints. The name Christian was never used by the Lord. Christian was a name the enemies of the church gave His followers, interestingly in both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. Just like the enemies of the restored church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called us Mormons instead of latter-day saints. Saints are what we should be, because that is the name God knows us by. There is some type of aversion in calling someone a saint, even among Jesus' followers. I love being called a latter-day saint.

The second verse I pondered on speaks of calling on God in times of trouble and being delivered. It reminds me of the bearing of testimonies as we had today in church. That testimony of what God has done for us does glorify Him.

Day 2687

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 33:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 33:3

"Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words."

I pondered on how the name of the Lord's people is saints. That is why as a church we are referred to as latter-day saints. The name Christian was never used by the Lord. Christian was a name the enemies of the church gave his followers, interestingly in both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. Just like the enemies of the restored church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called us Mormons instead of latter-day saints. There is some type of aversion in calling someone a saint, even among Jesus' followers. I love being called a latter-day saint.

Day 2345

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 26:27-30

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 26:27-30

"And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?

And they said, We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the Lord.

And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink."

Reading this I could not help but reflect on the early persecution of the church, and how attitudes have changed regarding the latter-day saints since then. Isaac was made to leave multiple locations after digging life sustaining wells in the area. Others came to see a pattern. He would dig a well, find water, and then others would claim it and "strove" with him. He would leave and go dig another well. The pattern continued all the while Isaac would be blessed more and more. I thought of the saints being forced to leave one beautiful location after another until finally they came out west and settled Utah. Today it is a beautiful location, as are many areas the saints have settled. As a people and a church we have been blessed in being able to send life sustaining food to many areas of the world. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

Day 2185

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 95:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 95:5-6

"But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen.

They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day."

These verses made me reflect on what I have observed of late. There has been a lot of bad comments on posts that the church puts out. It has gotten to the point it doesn't even matter what the subject is. Recently something as innocent as congratulating President-elect Joe Biden on winning the election drove some members to tear up their temple recommends, and call church leaders corrupt over it. This simple statement by the church was nothing new or unique. It has been done after every election. It doesn't matter who the President is, it matters that we support the office of President of our nation. It was also something that President Oaks discussed in his recent general conference address.

"This does not mean that we agree with all that is done with the force of law. It means that we obey the current law and use peaceful means to change it. It also means that we peacefully accept the results of elections. We will not participate in the violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome. In a democratic society we always have the opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election."

(President Dallin H. Oaks, "Love Your Enemies", Oct 2020 General Conference)

The whole situation was so sad. How could someone feel ripping up their temple recommend equates to who the president is or not? It seems fitting to apply "they are walking in darkness at noon-day". Truth can be right in front of you, but you can be so blinded by worldly agendas that you can no longer see where your passions are leading you.

Comment made on

Newsroom of the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints

Facebook page posted 14 Dec 2020

Day 2098

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 27:2-3, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 27:2-3, 5
"And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you?"
An they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church: for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.
Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name: For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;"

Several things I love here. One is the disciples were praying and Jesus appeared to them. It makes me think of Him doing the same thing today with His prophet and apostles.

He came to settle the matter on what to call the name of the church. He asked them "Have they not read the scriptures." It appears a study of the scriptures should have settled this matter. I wondered where in the bible it made this reference. I saw no references in the Old Testament. There are a handful in the New Testament which the Nephites wouldn't have had. So that leads me to believe the references to call the church in Christ's name must be in some lost scriptures. The rest of the footnotes take me to the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants.

The church must have the name of Christ and this is what they would be called in the last days. With the restoration of the gospel and the church being restored the name now has that. It is known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We just haven't always been good at using the full name.

This made me go back and review the talk that President Russell M. Nelson gave in the April 2018 General Conference called "The Correct Name of the Church". The Lord had impressed upon his mind the importance of the name He decreed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If we would make a course correction in how we refer to the name of the Church and ourselves we were given a power apostolic blessing.

"My dear brothers and sisters, I promise you that if we will do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord’s Church, He whose Church this is will pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen. We will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord."

After being told by President Nelson in the April 2020 General Conference that we have "gone to extraordinary efforts" to make this course correction the blessing was renewed.
"Previously, I promised that if we would “do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord’s Church,” He would “pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen.” I renew that promise today."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Opening the Heavens for Help", April 2020 General Conference)

I thought of the corrections I have made to correct how I referred to the church and myself and it feels right. I also thought of the all the blessings I have received in over a year's time. These are hard times we all need these blessings, but it's not over yet. Recently President Nelson said: "Dear friends, the road ahead may be bumpy, but our destination is serene and secure. So, fasten your seatbelt, hang on through the bumps, and do what’s right."

I am grateful that the blessing has been renewed.

Day 1964