Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 3:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 3:2
"And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him."

I pondered on watching people. They did it so they could find fault and accuse Him.

"They Watched Him", the Greek word translated “watched” implies that the Pharisees were scrutinizing Jesus with malicious intent. They had come to the synagogue not to worship, but to find fault.
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 11: Mark 1-4")

When we watch to find fault we are no better than the Pharisees. I know I have been guilty of this. There is an incredible difference in your spirit and peace when you stop it. There will always be a temptation to judge others. The first step is to realize that is what we are doing.

Day 4084

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 18:15, 18

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 18:15, 18
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him.
Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat."

I noticed that in verse 15 the Lord is speaking to his disciples. In verse 18 he says it a little differently to the saints gathered there. The disciples are warned they will be led captive, or in bondage to the devil. The people are warned that Satan desires to sift them as wheat. Similar to the warning the Lord gave to Simon Peter before he was given the keys to lead the church.

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"
(Luke 22:31)

"Jesus cautioned that Satan desires to sift us like wheat which means to make us common like all those around us. But Jesus taught that we who follow Him should be precious and unique, “the salt of the and “the light of the world,” to shine forth to all men."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Unselfish Service", Apr 2009 General Conference)

I pondered on what the difference meant between these verses? One thing that stands out to me is the Lord is first speaking to the priesthood leaders of His Church. Bondage would be a way Satan could stop the work. Amen to that man's priesthood if he knowingly gives into Satan's temptations. For they have a sure knowledge of the divinity of the Lord.

"All gifts and endowments given of the Lord to members of His church are not given to control the church; but they are under the control and guidance of the priesthood, and are judged of by it. Some have erred upon this point, and have been led captive by the devil"
(Brigham Young, "Summary of Instructions", JD 11:129)

Among the saints Satan will work to shift them as wheat. Remove what is unique and precious among them, the spirit. They will no longer be a light to others to lead them to Christ. Both the priesthood leaders and the saints are to watch and pray always so they are not tempted and fall.

Day 3541

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:9

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:9

"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."

Door = Colossians 4:3

"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:"

Effectual = GR energetic, efficient

I pondered on how when the mysteries of Christ are spoken, or the prophets speak, that adversaries will gather. Satan was doing all that he could to destroy this primitive Church of Christ. Satan is doing all he can to destroy it today. As I pondered over this chapter I see that Paul has the same counsel that President Nelson gives us today. He wants them to accepting, conduct in peace, be watchful, stand fast in faith, be strong, have charity, help and to labor.

Day 3237

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 26:41

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

This was the command Jesus gave to his disciples while he was in Gethsemane. This was the last act they needed to do before he would be taken and crucified. I pondered on how this is the same counsel he gives us today. Watch, and pray. They go hand in hand. Watching makes us as wise as serpents, and prayer as harmless as doves.

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

(Matthew 10:16)

This combination of watching and praying is so desperately needed right now. With the spirit as the guide you can maneuver past all the fiery darts of the adversary. It allows us to have eyes that see and ears that hear, so we are not deceived and lead into temptation.

"Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them."

(Luke 12:37)

"But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;"

(Alma 13:28)

Day 3114

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 12:45-46

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 12:45-46

"And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.

For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God."

Footnote for Ward = Or guard, watch

I pondered on how important singers were to serving in the temple. We don't have singers there today. Then I thought of the hymns played in the chapel and how peaceful it is. I also thought of the music sung during the dedications.

Day 2584

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 82:3, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 82:3, 5

"For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all: Watch, for the adversary spreadeth his dominions, and darkness reigneth;"

As I reflect on several things that have taken place this week I see this first verse in a different light. When we have embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ and made covenants with him much has been given us. The much that has been required I saw this week. How critical it has been to stay informed on what the prophet and apostles are now saying. It doesn't take much effort if one knows where to look, the church website is a wonderful place to start. We will be held accountable for our actions that go counter to what the brethren have said.

Well, what if we didn't hear about this and that? That is no excuse, for we are to always be searching for what they are saying. We are required to watch the watchmen. They are speaking very clearly, and as plain as plain can be right now. If we are not listening we are rejecting them, and the counsel of the Lord. To not listen we are under condemnation when we follow the voice and reasoning of man. For the adversary is laying in wait to deceive, he is invading every facet of life. Every social, educational, political and philosophical doctrine out there. What was once easy to identify as Satan's plan has been so mingled that only through the Holy Ghost can we identify truth from error. We cannot afford for a moment to follow blind guides, and must look for the Lord's mouth piece and what he is saying. He is speaking. We are required to be listening.

Day 2085

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 23:1

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 23:1

"Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou art blessed, and art under no condemnation. But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation."

Pride the number one tool in the adversary's arsenal against the righteous. As soon as pride enters in, the flood gates are open. I pondered on how I am always drawn to the warning of pride. It is the greatest things I fear for it is my weak point and I know it. As I sat and pondered on that I realized that is the greatest gift I could be given. To be watchful and fearful of being overcome by pride. It is because I am watchful and looking for it that it helps me spot it when it shows up. This is something I hope I never stop looking for, because Satan will never stop using it against the saints and me.

Day 2026

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 16:15

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 16:15
"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."

This verse is the hope in the whole chapter. That while the world is in commotion, and the wrath of God is being poured out, that I watch. That I keep my covenants that the garments represent. They will be a shield and a protect to me at this time. The world may look on it as shame to worship the Lord, but there is no shame before the Lord if I only worship him.

I decided to look up all the references to the word watch. For, if I am told to watch I cannot imagine it means I am to passively sit by. I remember at the end of the Nephite civilization that Ammaron gave Mormon a charge to keep the records. Even though the Lord forbid him to preach to the people he did not passively sit by. Though young he was respected enough to be appointed a leader of their armies. Mormon was visited by the Lord. He prepared an abridgment of all the Nephite records so I could one day have them. He had a job to do, and he was blessed of the Lord to do it extremely well. He is a great example of watching but growing.

"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."
(Revelation 3:3)

"And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the Lord."
(Jeremiah 31:28)

"He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily."
(Nahum 2:1)

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
(Luke 21:36)

"Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can."
(Matthew 27:65)

"But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love an all long-suffering."
(Alma 13:28)

"Therefore, after Alma having established the church at Sidom, seeing a great check, yea, seeing that the people were checked as to the pride of their hearts, and began to humble themselves before God, and began to assemble themselves together at their sanctuaries to worship God before the altar, watching and praying continually, that they might be delivered from Satan, and from death, and from destruction - "
(Alma 15:17)

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."
(1 Corinthians 16:13)

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."
(Colossians 4:2)

"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not."
(Mosiah 4:30)

"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)

There are a lot of actions words that come with the simple act of watching. Just like trials now prepare me to be of greater service to the Lord. I imagine the people living at this time will become spiritual giants, qualified to be of service to the Lord in establishing his millennial reign upon this earth at his second coming.

Day 1756

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 21:8, 36

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 21:8, 36
"And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

Those with the Savior asked "when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?" I find it interesting that the first thing he tells them is "be not deceived" and the last "Watch ye therefore, and pray always". I do think the greatest thing we have to watch for in these days is being deceived. As I pondered on this I realized that someone doesn't need to say they are Christ to deceive. They need to say listen to me and I will save you from...... I will help you obtain.... If we seek man's wisdom over God's then there is danger in being deceived.

Day 1567

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 31:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 31:28
"And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the Lord"

This is my comfort. For as hard as the winding up scene will be before the coming of the Lord, he will watch over his people. A great work will be taking place to receive our Lord and King

It reminds me of what I read in the Doctrine and Covenants today.

"And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;"
(Doctrine and covenants 1:14)

To be "cut off" references Alma 50:20 & Doctrine and Covenants 50:8, being cut off from the presence of the Lord, and overcome by the world. It made me think of Elder Cook's statement. How important it is to follow the council of the Lord, given through his prophets.

"He spoke about some of the history of the areas. However, a common theme to the members was that those who follow the new prophetic home-centered teaching will be blessed. He prophesied that 20 years from now those families that have listened to the prophet will weather the coming storms."
("The 'powerful witness of the Savior' that Elder Cook gave Church members in Europe"; Deseret News, Church News, 19 Nov 2018)

Something is being planted now. This is where the Lord wants his people to be. If we fail to do it we will be overcome by the world and cut off.

Day 1351

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 27:18

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 27:18
"Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured."

This made me think of this.

"Now learn the parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know the summer is near:
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors."
(Mark 13:28-29)

As the time of the Lord's second coming nears I will know by watching the fig tree. I realized I not only need to watch it, I need to tend and keep it. It is in the tending and keeping that I understand what I am seeing. Is that not the same as working in his vineyard. Only when I have been considered a faithful servant will I receive my Father's honor.

Day 1230

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 123:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 123:2
"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us."

I love this imagery of watching. Observation has been really stressed to me recently. Watch, look, observe and then I will know what is right. The spirit will teach me. Having the gift of the Holy Ghost is mercy from the Lord.

This made me think of some scriptures that emphases the importance of watching.

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come,"
(Matthew 24:42)

"But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
(Matthew 25:12-13)

"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."
(Revelations 3:3)

"And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through."
(Luke 12:39)

"Even so it shall be in that day when they shall see all these things, then shall they know that the hour is nigh."
(Doctrine and Covenants 45:38)

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

"So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors;
But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only.
And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come."
(Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:39-40, 46)

"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love;and for a helmet, the hope of salvation."
(1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8)

My impressions have not been that the Lord is right at the door. My impressions have been to learn to watch, even when I don't know what for. I have no impression to obsessively read the signs of the last days. Faithful scripture study is all that is needful. Watching and observing and pondering these things in my heart, will eventually help me know when he is at the door. When I see it, I will know it, and what I should do. Now is the time to learn to watch. Now is the time to learn to listen to the spirit, remain faithful, and trust the Lord. No man will be my instructor but the messengers of my Father. How grateful I am for prophets on the earth, and the holy scriptures as my guide.

Day 1176