Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 5:71

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 5:71
"And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come."

In the past I disliked coming to this chapter in the Book of Mormon. It is 77 verses long and talks about tree husbandry. Over the years I have come to love it for I see the dispensations in it, and how long the Lord has worked to preserve his vineyard. I can see we are at the very end, that last time the Lord will nourish his vineyard. This is the last time laborers are called to work with Him.

As I was reading through this I thought of the apocrypha and how some have grasped onto a part they call Ezra's eagle. I have had no desire to follow their wresting of these non-canonized verses, especially with the political emphases they put on it.

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;
There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men."
(Doctrine and Covenants 91:1-2)

The impression I received while ready the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees is we would have a much better understanding of the Lord's work reading it, than with twisting the interpolation of man to make it stand for something it is not.

"This great and last dispensation is building steadily to its climax—Zion on earth being joined with Zion from above at the Savior’s glorious return. The Church of Jesus Christ is commissioned to prepare—and is preparing—the world for that day. And so, this Easter, let us truly celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and all that it portends: His return to reign for a thousand years of peace, a righteous judgment and perfect justice for all, the immortality of all who ever lived upon this earth, and the promise of eternal life. Christ’s Resurrection is the ultimate assurance that all will be put right. Let us be about building up Zion to hasten that day. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Preparing for the Lord's Return", Apr 2019 General Conference)

Day 3409

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 4:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 4:5-6
"And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.
And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."

The footnote for cloud says Divine Protection, and fire says Presence of God. I don't think this is just talking about the temple but also my home, for it should be an extension of the temple, and a place of refuge. I know family prayer and scripture reading has blessed and protected my home. It is a refuge from the storms ranging in the world.

Though it is rather interesting all the things that have happened outside of our home while we have been reading scriptures. The greatest was when a massive tree limb fell down right between our house and my son's car. It fell in the only perfect spot that would not hurt anything. A few inches south it would have hit the room we were in. Time and again I have felt divine protection over my home. It is a refuge for me, especially when I am pondering the scriptures here. 

That reminds me of an article I read in the Church News "President Nelson promises Puerto Rican Saints that 'better days are ahead' after last year's deadly hurricane".  It told of the Ojeda family gathering their family together to read from the Book of Mormon during Hurricane Maria and as promise by President Henry B. Eyring all would be well, and they felt peace inside their home while the storm raged outside.

I am also being reminded of the recent announcement of the "home centered" Church curriculum for 2019. "Rather than just focusing on lessons to be taught in Church, the new curriculum shifts the emphasis to studying as individuals and families at home." I knew this was another example of raising the bar. We have to do better as a people to be all that Lord wants us to be for the days ahead. What great blessing are in store if I just listen and obey!