Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 19:41-42
"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes."
This made me ponder on how the Lord and the prophets must feel when they look out across the members of the church. Prophets see around corners, they try to warn and prepare us. Yet, how much do we really see and understand?
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 18:16
"But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."
This verse reminded me of Elder Neil L. Anderson's recent BYU-Idaho Devotional. He spoke on a warning President Russell M. Nelson and then President Dallin H. Oaks both gave and then quoted President Henry B. Eyring on the law of witnesses, and authorized witnesses. We need to listen when warnings are repeated. I had been meaning to look at the talk by President Eyring. First, I wanted to find more scriptures on witnesses. After that I have President Eyring original quotes from his talk, and finally repeating Elder Anderson from his talk on all of them. How grateful I am to have authorized witnesses upon the earth and to be able to hear them.
"This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
(2 Corinthians 13:1)
"And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day."
(Ether 5:4)
"One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established."
(Deuteronomy 19:15)
"It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true."
(John 8:17)
"There seems to be no end to the Savior’s desire to lead us to safety. And there is constancy in the way He shows us the path. He calls by more than one means so that it will reach those willing to accept it. And those means always include sending the message by the mouths of His prophets whenever people have qualified to have the prophets of God among them. Those authorized servants are always charged with warning the people, telling them the way to safety.
One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time."
(Henry B. Eyring, "Finding Safety in Counsel", April 1997 General Conference)
"President Oaks began one part of his message by saying, "I feel." Whenever a prophet says, "I feel," our ears stand up. We start listening. We listen all the time, but we especially listen when he says, "I feel." And he said to emphasize the warning President Russell M. Nelson issued to us. This warning was given in April 2018. President Nelson's first general conference address after becoming the president of the church. He spoke of the conditions of our world with a very solemn warning that was repeated by President Oaks 12 days ago. And I know many of you know these words. They've been repeated many times. Here they are.
In the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
Now I wondered when it was first said, “in the coming days.” That was eight years ago. Have the coming days come? It seems possible. Today these powerful words stand as two bookends. April 1st, 2018, February 10th, 2026.
Now having been spoken by two beloved prophets of God in the past eight years, this serious warning has been repeated 13 times in general conference including five times by members of the first presidency and quorum of the 12. They have been spoken 19 times in BYU Idaho devotionals.
How many knew this citation, this quotation of President Nelson that President Oaks said last week? How many knew that before President Oaks said it last week? Yeah, it's been with us, hasn't it?
Think of it. This specific warning has been a part of the Lord's teaching to you if you're 20 years old. How many here are 20 years old right now? Raise your hand. Some of you are much older. If you're 20 years old, it's been with you since you were 12 years old at teaching.
Nearly 30 years ago, President Henry B. Eyring, who was then a member of the quorum of the 12, said something in general conference that I have not forgotten. Here's what he said: "One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of the prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time."
The words that have been pressed upon my mind are the law of authorized witnesses. When repetitive, they should rivet our attention.
After quoting President Nelson 12 days ago, President Oaks issued a more sobering counsel. He said, "One of the many reasons you will need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost is that you live in a season in which the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don't have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived. Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many."
(Elder Neil L. Andersen, "President Oaks and the Law of Witnesses", BYU-Idaho Devotional, 22 Feb 2026)
Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 3:18-19
"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
As I read these verses it made me reflect on a spreadsheet I started at the beginning of the year. My plan was to note every talk and post made by the prophet and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I didn't last very long keeping up with that list. I try to post what I find on Facebook, and am having a hard time keeping up with that. Watching the exponential growth of just these posts there is no doubt in my mind the Lord is hastening His work. His prophet and apostles are traveling and speaking to the whole world. They take serious the charge that if they do not sound the warning voice the blood of the wicked will be required at their hand. They are working at a profound pace to prepare the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ. In less than 10 days is General Conference. I cannot wait to sit at the feet of the prophet and apostles and listen to what I should know for the days ahead.
Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 18:3
"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."
I pondered on how the Lord has always warned people before destruction comes. We know we are near the end of the world, the time with Jesus Christ will come again. All the wicked will be destroyed. God won't destroy people unless he has warned them. That is the role of prophets. There are prophets on the earth today raising the warning voice. They have lifted up the ensign to the nations, and are blowing the trumpet. It is up to us to hear them.
"And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.
And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them.
Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:
Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:4-5, 11-12)
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 8:46-48
"If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;
Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;
And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name:"
Solomon is dedicating the house of the Lord. In the dedicatory prayer is both a warning and blessing. That if Israel sins against the Lord they will be carried away captive. Which happened about 417 years later when they were carried away into Babylon. I love to read over temple dedication prayers. It is always interesting to see what protection and promises are given to particular temples. One thing I learned from my temple's dedicatory prayer is I have to be mindful of winds and storms in my area. I felt great peace when we removed very large and dangerous trees from around my home.
"May its beauty never be marred by evil hands. May it stand strong against the winds and storms that will beat upon it. May it be a beacon of peace and a refuge to the troubled. May it be an holy sanctuary to those whose burdens are heavy and who seek Thy consoling comfort."
(Dedicatory Prayer, Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple, October 13, 1996)
My temple has been a place of peace and refuge. I have had my burdens lifted and found words of comfort as I have served in the house of the Lord. Various older temples and some younger than mine have been renovated and rededicated. I have wondered if the dedicatory prayers have changed. If mine is redone I hope it will still say "We thank Thee for this favored season in the history of Thy work."
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 106:4-5
"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—
Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief."
In the scriptures we see that God always warns his people before destruction comes. He will send prophets as his messengers. I pondered on one thing that will keep people unaware and uninformed and be overtaken as a thief in the night is by not knowing there are prophets on the earth. The Lord's prophet today is Russell M. Nelson. He is the 17th President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prophets are on the earth and speak the words of God. We are being warned to prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The warning has become so much louder and clearer since President Nelson became the prophet in January 2018. I know if I listen and prepare as we have been told in general conference that I will not be overtaken unaware.
"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
(Amos 3:7)
"It is a merciful characteristic of our Heavenly Father that He brings to pass upon the human family no event affecting their eternal welfare, but He first sends Prophets to prepare the way, to give the people a warning that such and such things are coming to pass, that they may be prepared for them and not be caught napping by the suddenness of their coming, even as a thief in the night. We read that as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man. What was done in the days of Noah? A prophet—Noah himself—was raised up and sent forth to preach a warning message to the children of men"
(Orson F. Whitney, "Prophecy of John the Revelator, Etc." JD 26:260)
"Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy taught:
“To become children of light means to reject the power of the adversary and to choose daily to follow the Light of Christ.
“The phrase ‘children of light’ describes a people in whom the light of the gospel shines brightly. It describes a people who seek the light and are drawn to that which is virtuous, clean, and pure. There is an expectation that children of light are alert and watchful—not sleeping, in a spiritual sense, when they should be awake. Children of light do not sit passively in darkness; they have the courage to stand up and stand out. When the adversary comes looming, children of light know when to fight back, when to say no, and when to simply walk away. …
“You don’t have to wait until you are perfect before you can be a light to the world. Becoming children of light is a process, much like the process of conversion. …
“As children of light, we have the obligation of making this world a holier and happier place for our having lived in it”
(Elder Craig C. Christensen “Becoming Children of Light”, Ensign, Aug. 2014, 67, 69).
"Brothers and sisters, as the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men. The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be.
Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity. Thus, time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of His coming. But I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that “great and dreadful day.
...I testify that Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of Israel, leads this, His Church. He is preparing to come again. May we likewise prepare to receive Him. For this I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
(Russell M. Nelson, "Confidence in the Presence of God", Apr 2025 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 96:1-2
"Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know how to act concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that this stake that I have set for the strength of Zion should be made strong.
Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know how to act concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that this stake that I have set for the strength of Zion should be made strong. "
The chapter header gives some background on what this revelation is regarding.
"The occasion was a conference of high priests, and the chief subject of consideration was the disposal of certain lands, known as the French farm, possessed by the Church near Kirtland. Since the conference could not agree who should take charge of the farm, all agreed to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter."
All could not agree on the care of the farm, but they could agree to ask the Lord. This revelation is another example on how the Lord is directing His church. It is an example of studying an issue out in our minds, or in quorums, and then inquiring of the Lord.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
(James 1:5)
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 38:41
"And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness."
When I picture someone preaching in a warning voice it reminds of the evangelists that thump their fights and scream you're a sinner. In this verse we're told the warning voice is given in mildness and meekness. I pondered on how screaming damnation to a person is never conductive to change. The natural man tends to dig his heels in further. Mildness and meekness comes as a still small voice.
"And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
(1 Kings 19:12)
What is the voice of warning? What are we saying to people? I remembered the senior missionary couple that visited our ward. The sister stood and bore a short but powerful testimony that burned into my soul. She said "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ". Then she quoted parts of Doctrine & Covenants 1:2, 4
"For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.
And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days."
She said that here in this church as well as outside of the church we are to warn all people that Jesus is coming, and we ought to be prepared.
I know what she said was true, the spirit bore witness to me of it. I can definitely see that warning voice being spoken in mildness and meekness, for that is what I heard. The message is one of hope, and action. Preparation is for everyone, take it on whatever level is personal to you.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mormon 8:34-35
"Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.
Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing."
I pondered on Moroni seeing Joseph Smith's time and our day. Moroni went on to make an abridgment of the Jaredite record, and what would become the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon for us later. He would see the growth of the world wide church in my day. What marvelous inventions he would see that furthered the gospel message. As he is talking about the condition of men walking in their pride, and suffering the needy, hungry, and sick to pass by, he was also seeing us. The church does wonderful humanitarian things, but the hearts of men can do far more. This year, more than ever, I have understood how well they saw our day.
"The second great reason why we must make the Book of Mormon a center focus of study is that it was written for our day. The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. Mormon wrote near the end of the Nephite civilization. Under the inspiration of God, who sees all things from the beginning, he abridged centuries of records, choosing the stories, speeches, and events that would be most helpful to us.
Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations. Nephi said: “The Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation” (2 Ne. 25:21). His brother Jacob, who succeeded him, wrote similar words: “For [Nephi] said that the history of his people should be engraven upon his other plates, and that I should preserve these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from generation to generation” (Jacob 1:3). Enos and Jarom both indicated that they too were writing not for their own peoples but for future generations (see Enos 1:15–16, Jarom 1:2).
Mormon himself said, “Yea, I speak unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel” (Morm. 7:1). And Moroni, the last of the inspired writers, actually saw our day and time.
“Behold,” he said, “the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.“Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing” (Morm. 8:34–35).
If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, “Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?”
(Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon - Keystone of Our Religion", Oct 1986 General Conference)
I have asked myself this while studying the Book of Mormon with my family and personally this year. I have seen so many examples of why certain stories were included as a warning to us. Mormon and Moroni absolutely knew what needed to be included.
Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 49:10-11
"Now, if king Amalickiah had come down out of the land of Nephi, at the head of his army, perhaps he would have caused the Lamanites to have attacked the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah; for behold, he did care not for the blood of his people.
But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to battle. And behold, his chief captains durst not attack the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of affairs among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed in their places of retreat and they could not come upon them."
I noticed Mormon warning on who we are to watch out for in our day. This type of person wants power, but "he did care not for the blood of his people". He also "did not come down himself to battle". In verse 13 it also tells us that "their chief captains came forward and took an oath that they would destroy the people of that city." When they lose Amalickiah is angry, exceeding wroth, and cursed God. He swore with an oath he would drink the blood of Moroni. Amalickiah seeks for revenge. There is a lot more in this chapter and it is a clear warning to not be deceived and fight for the wrong side, and for the wrong things. Moroni on the other hand keeps the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people. How grateful I am for a living prophet that is doing the same.
Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 32:6
"And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word."
This made me think of the increased disasters we are seeing. I knew they were a warning voice, but I guess I didn't grasp what the purpose is. God isn't out to destroy us, he's trying to gather us to Him. If we will not listen to His servants, then he will preach his own sermons by the forces of nature. The Lord brings about circumstances that will prepare souls to hear the word. Yes, some do turn against God in their trials, and that is sad. But, really it's an opportunity to humble themselves and turn to Him.
"O, ye nations of the earth, how often would I have gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not!
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!"
(Doctrine and Covenants 43:24-25)
Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 5:5-6
"And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me.
Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words."
I pondered on revelation and who can receive it for who? In this case Nephi received revelation for more than his immediate family. It was his extended family and Zoram and his family too. I wouldn't follow my brother if he said he had received revelation that my family needed to leave and follow him. He wouldn't have stewardship over my family and receive revelation for us. Why was this case with Nephi different? It was because after the death of his father Lehi, he was now the prophet. Those that would go with him, believed in the revelations of God and were his stewardship. A prophet of God can receive warning and revelations for the church. We can receive revelation that confirms it is such.
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 2:9-10
" And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!
And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!"
I noticed those two exclamation points two verses in a row, one each for Laman and Lemuel. I don't often see that used in the scriptures. I tried to search on the "!" but one character searches are not fruitful. I could only find one other incident of an exclamation point used in scripture.
"And was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him—he was Lucifer, a son of the morning.
And we beheld, and lo, he is fallen! is fallen, even a son of the morning!"
(Doctrine and Covenants 76:26-27)
Granted there maybe more but these are fascinating examples. Both are used over those that are fallen, or in danger of doing so. I know wo's are warnings, and the more wo's the sooner destruction will come upon the wicked. I wonder if the exclamation point for Laman and Lemuel are a sharp LISTEN! and do it NOW.
It reminded me of Elder Neil L. Andersen's “The Prophet of God" talk given in the April 2018 General Conference. It was about President Nelson use of the exclamation point. This is the full text from the article quoted.
"Obedience to a request from the president of the Church to pray for a people or to study a language is only one facet of Russell M. Nelson’s obedience to the maxim “Follow the prophet.” He is baffled when he hears people ask questions like, “Is it really the will of the Lord that we do everything that President Kimball says?”
“The Lord said, ‘Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same,’ he reminds us. “My experience is that once you stop putting question marks behind the prophet’s statements and put exclamation points instead, and do it, the blessings just pour.
“I never ask myself, ‘When does the prophet speak as a prophet and when does he not?’ My interest has been, ‘How can I be more like him?’”
(Lane Johnson, “Russell M Nelson: A Study in Obedience,” Ensign, Aug. 1982)
Things would have been so much different for Laman and Lemuel and their posterity if they had listened to their prophet father with exclamation marks, instead of replacing them with question marks.
Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 2:21
"And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not."
It made me think of little children that are fighting. How after warning them to stop you often go out of their sight, but continue listening. Each time you leave you are giving them an opportunity to straighten up and stop their fighting. Some children need one warning, others may need multiple, some just never stop until they are removed from the situation. The one that does listen when first warned has the greatest opportunities to receive blessings for being good. We all have the same time and space to repent, until there is no more time left.
