Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 23:30-31

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 23:30-31
"And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets."

Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees. Here they think they would not have stoned or killed the prophets if they have lived in days of their fathers. Yet, they would do far worse. They would crucify God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.

Day 4076

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 12:8-12

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 12:8-12
"And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days."

I added this note to these verses in my scriptures.
Is this timing a major coincidence or has prophecy just been fulfilled? 

At the end of day on March 25, 2020 the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints closed due to Covid. Israel was attacked on Oct 7, 2023 at 6:30 a.m. Which would be the end of the day Oct 6 for the United States, making it 1,290 days later. 
If you read Daniel 12:10 it tells you who will understand.

When I realized the timing I didn't feel fear but awe and wonder of it all. It makes me wonder what else we are seeing but not knowing what we see. When the resurrected Christ appeared to his apostles he expounded all the scriptures that testified of him. We will more than likely experience the same thing when He comes again. Then go, "Awe, I didn't realize that was a sign". Things just happen so natural and organic.

The next question is when are we to start counting the 1,335 days? For blessed is he that waiteth. Was it from the date the temple closed I wondered? That would have made is 20 Nov 2023. I didn't note anything special on that day. If the count begins after the 1290 days then it would be 2 June 2027.

I'm not marking that date as something wondrous, like the second coming, is happening. I have my eye on that date but am fine to wait and see. For it is through the waiting we are blessed. For me waiting means to stay in place and be ever ready. It echoes the parable of the ten virgins to me, and being blessed for keeping their lamps filled. Now is not the time to take a break from living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Day 4030

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 8:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 8:19
"And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be."

The angel Gabriel, which is Noah, came to Daniel and told him what would happen in the last days. That's the time I'm living in. It will happen in the time appointed. There is a set time for the Savior's second coming. We can't delay or hurry it along. The Lord's time table is set in motion. It is only us, and where we stand on the path of repentance or not, that will determine if that coming was too soon or too late for us. We should not prolong our day of repentance. Daily repentance has made me more mindful of my actions, and brought much peace into my life.

Day 4029

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18-19

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 4:18-19
"And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed.
And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning that it was night; and it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that it was day; and it was the fourth time."

I noticed in the creation story in Abraham that each creation period is called night and day after it is determined that what they ordered was obeyed. It was at the end of each creation period not that the creation happened within the night and day. It also mentioned these were called "times" and not "days" like we have in Genesis. Each creation period could have taken millenniums or longer. I also noticed that calling night and day had nothing to do with the sun and moon at first. The heavens were not organized until the fourth "time" it was called night and day.. I wonder if night or darkness could mean without creation, and day is when the creation is born or completed?

Day 3741

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 3:15
"And the Lord said unto me: Abraham, I show these things unto thee before ye go into Egypt, that ye may declare all these words."

Abraham is first shown the order of the sun, moon and stars through the Urim and Thummim the Lord gave him. He is instructed in the order and set timing and revolutions of the planets until you reach Kolob which is nearest to God. In God's time a day equals a thousand years for man. Then the Lord put his hands on Abraham's eyes and showed him the eternal nature of spirits, pre-earth life and foreordination. What I pondered on was this was all shown to him so he could declare these words when he went into Egypt. It made we wonder how much astronomy Abraham was able to bring to them?

Day 3740

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 51:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 51:20
"Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen."

I have been thinking much about the pregnant woman. She does not know the hour or day of delivery, but she knows the month and year. She knows the signs. Even thought I knew when my children were due the pains of childbirth begin when I was not expecting it. The time is here and nothing else matters. Those that are watching for the signs of Christ's coming will not be taken completely off guard and unaware, though it will still be suddenly to us.

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."
(1 Thessalonians 5:3)

"Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour."
(Doctrine and Covenants 133:11)

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
(Matthew 24:44)

"Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
(Luke 12:40)

"Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not."
(Doctrine and Covenants 61:38)

"And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night—"
(Doctrine and Covenants 106:4)

"Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen."
(Doctrine and Covenants 87:8)

Day 3640

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

I can appreciate what Paul is saying but I cannot go to the depths of glorying or taking pleasure in my infirmities. Maybe in time I can, but for now I am satisfied to appreciate my trials and what I have learned from them. I have come to see "enduring to the end" as the best part of the gospel. Where we come to have a personal relationship with the Lord as we walk with him through the fire. How he makes me strong when I am weak. How He teaches me patience and trust that all will be overcome through His mercy, and according to His will and time.

Day 3249

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 113:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 113:2

"Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore."

What caught my eye was "from this time forth". It reminded me of my favorite quote of President Nelson and how he rephrased it this past general conference. I had to go back and compare them.

"But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,”1 He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", Oct 2022 General Conference)

"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."

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

Day 2750

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 90:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 90:12

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

After all is said and done, will I look back at my mortal existence and find I spent my days wisely? I know the older I get the wiser I get about wasting time. The days are just flying by. All I seem to be able to accomplish is what's most important because I haven't any other time left.

"We have the priceless privilege of applying our hearts to wisdom, and of learning the things of God while the wisdom of the wise men of the world perishes and the understanding of their prudent is hid."

(Brigham Young, "Domestic Economy, Etc.", JD 10:208)

Day 2727

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 63:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 63:1

"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"

The mention of seeking God early reminded me of President Nelson's talk where he said "Time is running out". There is no time to waste in seeking God. The time is now.

"Now, as President of His Church, I plead with you who have distanced yourselves from the Church and with you who have not yet really sought to know that the Savior’s Church has been restored. Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it now. Time is running out."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Come, Follow Me", April 2019, General Conference)

Day 2700

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 9:4, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Job 9:4, 7

"He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

Job is speaking of the justice and greatness of God. He gives examples of these. One question I have had while reading Job is to determine when he lived. The bible is unclear on that. Some do not know if the story is even real. The blessing of latter-day scriptures is knowing it is. The Lord himself used the example of Job to Joseph Smith while he was in the liberty jail.

"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)

From the examples Job used it leads me to believe he at least lived before the time of Moses. For if he had lived after Moses he would have used the example of the parting of the red sea. After the time of Moses that reference is used a lot by others.

Day 2604

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 4:14

Today's Favorite Verse: Esther 4:14

"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

That phrase "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" made me think of how each person can ask themselves this same question. We may not personally have influence over nations or a large number of people, but our presence at this time on the earth is for a divine purpose for those that cross our path.

It also made me think of President Nelson and President M. Russell Ballard's recent General Conference talks and our responsibility to serve and share the gospel.

"Every person who has made covenants with God has promised to care about others and serve those in need. We can demonstrate faith in God and always be ready to respond to those who ask about “the hope that is in [us].” Each of us has a role to play in the gathering of Israel.

Today I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility. You young men have been reserved for this time when the promised gathering of Israel is taking place. As you serve missions, you play a pivotal role in this unprecedented event!"

(President Russell M. Nelson, "Preaching the Gospel of Peace", Apr 2022, General Conference)

I remember when I heard these words I had a new thought come to me about the 144,000 that would be called one last time to cover the earth and gather the elect of God.

"Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel—twelve thousand out of every tribe?

A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn."

(Doctrine and Covenants 77:1-12)

I thought, What if the 144,000 didn't all go out at once, but over a period of time? What if it was happening now? I wondered how many would service missions if it had been said over the pulpit "This is the last call?" Well for many of them to be found it is the last call for them, before it grows to late.

Day 2589

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezra 7:20-21

"And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house.

And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,"

The big question I had is who is Artaxerxes and why was he so generous in helping the Jews rebuild their temple? The obvious answer is God gave him opportunities that softened his heart to do so.

Artaxerxes king of Persia is the son of Xerxes I and Amestris. Xerxes is identified as king Ahasuerus in the book of Esther. The same Esther that marries king Ahasuerus and becomes queen of Persia, and at great personal risk obtains the reversal of the kings decree to kill the Jews. What a ripple effect and doors that are opened by one woman showing such great courage. We never know what ripple effect we will have on others, for good or bad.

"...who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

(Esther 4:14)

Day 2569

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 12:32

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 12:32

"And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment."

I wondered what it meant to have an "understanding of the times". There is a footnote.

"Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:"

(Esther 1:13)

Sounds like they had experience in law and judgment in whatever way that education is achieved. Such knowledge is invaluable and something the Lord can draw upon. It made me think of President Dallin H. Oaks and all he has been prepared for. I'm sure he came to mind because I spoke of him today when I learned about a ruling that just happened. President Oaks is a man that would have been prepared to make sure things were setup correctly, having been a former BYU President, and a judge. He has an understanding of the times.

Day 2509

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Abraham 5:13

"But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Now I, Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord's time, which was after the time of Kolob; for as yet the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his reckoning."

I pondered on time and how Adam died in the day that he ate of the tree of knowledge. For in God's reckoning one day equals 1,000 years for us.

"And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions thereof; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest. This is the reckoning of the Lord's time, according to the reckoning of Kolob.

(Abraham 3:4)

"And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died."

(Genesis 5:5)

Adam begat Seth at 130 

Seth begat Enos at 105

Enos begat Cainan at 90

Cainan begat Mahaleleel at 70

Mahalaleel begat Jared at 65

Jared begat Enoch at 162

Enoch begat Methuselah at 65

Methuselah begat Lamech at 187

Lamech begat Noah at 182

Noah begat Shem, Ham and Japeth at 500

Noah was 600 when the flood came

The oldest living man was Methuselah.

"And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died."

(Genesis 5:27)

"Methuselah was one hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam.

Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing."

(Doctrine and Covenants 107:50, 53)

Jewish tradition says Methuselah died 7 days before the great flood. He was not taken up to the city of Enoch so from his posterity Noah would be born. It was important that Methuselah would live long enough to prepare Noah. It's fascinating when you think of Methuselah being the last person on earth to have heard the testimony of Adam from his own lips. He was the bridge between Adam and Noah, which spanned 1,056 years until Noah was born, or 1,656 years from the fall to the flood.

Day 2156

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 2:19

Today's Favorite Verse: Moses 2:19

"And the evening and the morning were the fourth day."

As I was going over the creation story in the book of Moses this repeated phrase "the evening and morning were the (x) day" caught my attention. I was aware of this quote of Joseph Smith.

"So with regard to the periods occupied in the creation of the earth. Joseph taught that a day with God was not the twenty-four hours of our day; but that the six days of the creation were six periods of the Lord's time."

(George Q. Cannon, "Peculiarities of Public Preaching Among the Saints", JD 24:56)

So if the creation happened in not 24 hour days, but were creation periods wouldn't I see it in this story? I just thought and reflected on what was off by this phrase that I kept reading and was standing out to me. Then I realized it was backwards. If I talk about a 24 hour day I refer to it as day and night, not night and day. My day doesn't start with the night. This phrase wasn't typical to how I understand days. Could it be that is what God is trying to say? My day is not your day. It is according to my order of time. Ah, I think that is it. Now the creation periods fit for me. They were created by God's word and when he said they were done, which is according to his time.

Day 2145