Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 21:4, 11, 13

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 21:4, 11, 13
"And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

I pondered on why Paul still went to Jerusalem when it clearly says by the Spirit he was at least told twice not to go? Did he have a death wish? Then I reflected on how much was gained by Paul actually going to Jerusalem, eventually he testified before king Agrippa. Yes, Paul would suffer, but he was determined to do God's will at whatever cost it meant. That is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ.

Day 4163

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7

Today's Favorite Verse: John 15:7
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

That is not some genie wish. There is a condition on asking what we will. For what we ask for must be according to God's will. If we abide with the Lord the Spirit will teach us what to pray for, and not ask amiss. We will be one with the Lord in our desires. The greatest example to me is Nephi, the son of Helaman, in the Book of Mormon. He was given the sealing power. That all things would be done according to his word, BECAUSE the Lord knew he would not ask contrary to His will.

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
(Helaman 10:4-5)

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"
(1 John 5:14)

"And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you."
(3 Nephi 18:20)

"Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the voice of my Spirit."
(Doctrine and Covenants 112:22)

"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;
And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation."
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:64-65)

Day 4136

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 10:28-29

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 10:28-29
Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel.
Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Beth-el, and that were in Dan."

Why did Jehu by subtilty kill the priests and worshipers of Baal, but himself turn around and worship a golden calf? As I looked over how he killed Ahab's descendants, saying he was motivated by his desirer to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah, I don't think he did it with the right heart. Jehu may have used doing the Lord's will to his advantage to secure his kingdom.

Day 3852

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 16:3, 28, 41

Today's Favorite Verse: Numbers 16:3, 28, 41
"And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD."

There is a lot of death happening in this chapter. The earth opened and swallowed three families up, fire consumed 250 men, and then plague killed 14,700. I looked for what offense was given that caused God to do this. It appears it started with some that thought they should have the priesthood and leadership roles and were against Moses and Aaron because of it. They also took it upon themselves to perform these priestly roles. They didn't understand it was God's will and not Moses and Aaron. Then the congregation murmured against Moses and Aaron and said they killed the people. Which is again not recognizing the life, death and callings are of God and not that Moses and Aaron could do of their own will. It made me ponder on how I have seen application of this in my day and where spiritual death has happened.

Day 3790

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declaration 2
"This, in turn, has inspired us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.
Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God’s eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance"

I remember when this announcement was made in 1978. We had been aware of the promise that one day all worthy males would receive the priesthood. We speculated amongst ourselves on when this would happen. Then when the day finally came it was nothing like anyone had speculated on how it would unfold. It was a joyous day, that taught me so much. When I hear speculation my reflection on the inside is that is probably not how it will happen.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
(Isaiah 55:8-9)

It also taught me that the prophet doesn't just change things because it sounds like a good idea. He speaks with the Lord, and does not move forward until the Lord has spoken.

Day 3729

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 103:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 103:31
"Behold this is my will; ask and ye shall receive; but men do not always do my will."

This reminded me of our discussion in Relief Society today. That sometimes we don't receive answers to our prayers because we are not willing to do what the Lord requires of us. Why should He answer if we are not willing to listen and do?

"In the spring of 1820, a young boy named Joseph Smith went into the woods near his home to pray. He had questions regarding the salvation of his soul, and he yearned “to know which of all the [churches] was right, that [he] might know which to join.” Joseph trusted that God would answer his prayer and direct him.
Please note that Joseph did not pray merely to know what was right. Rather, he prayed to know what was right so he could do what was right. Joseph asked in faith and was determined to act in accordance with the answers he received."
(David A. Bednar, "The Times of Restitution of All Things", Apr 2025 General Conference)

Day 3692

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 74:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 74:5
"Wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever; except the law of Moses should be done away among them,"

There are times that a prophet or apostle will speak for himself and not of God. It was the apostle Paul that counseled that you were not to marry an unbeliever. The Lord is saying that the counsel was from Paul and not himself. The doctrine appears to follow the rule of witnesses.

"As to all of these, the wise cautions of Elders D. Todd Christofferson and Neil L. Andersen in earlier general conference messages are important to remember. Elder Christofferson taught: “It should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.”
In the following conference, Elder Andersen taught this principle: “The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk.” The family proclamation, signed by all 15 prophets, seers, and revelators, is a wonderful illustration of that principle."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Trust in the Lord", Oct 2019 General Conference)

Day 3663

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 64:34

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 64:34
"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."

The "willing mind" stood out to me. I pondered on how I can do the Lord's will but if my heart and mind is not in it, then its not enough. At that point doing what's right is only for show. The Lord wants us fully committed. I may not be perfect at what is asked, but I can be willing.

"But remember, the Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts. Instead, “the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Missionary Work: Sharing What is in Your Heart", Apr 2019 General Conference)

"But the Lord requires not only outward acts but also your inner thoughts and feelings to be close to the spirit of the law. God “require[s] the heart and a willing mind.” 
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "A Matter of a Few Degrees", Apr 2008 General Conference)

Day 3653

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 10:8, 34, 45

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 10:8, 34, 45
"And because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold, wicked men have taken them from you.
But behold, here is wisdom, and because I show unto you wisdom, and give you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work of translation.
Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work."

Seventy verses in this chapter and each one of them holds so much to ponder on. It was hard to pick a favorite. What I liked about these verses are they contained things I had not considered before. In verse 10 the Lord said "wicked men" had taken the 116 pages that were lost. He really could have said a women if Martin Harris' wife Lucy was among them. Lucy was affiliated with the Quaker's and on her death bed confirmed again that she had nothing to do with the lost pages. People of faith don't lie on their death beds, especially a Quaker.

In verse 34 I thought about how those that stole the 116 pages probably figured up until they read the Book of Mormon that they were going to prove Joseph was a false prophet by changing what was in those 116 pages. They had no idea that the book of Lehi was not retranslated.

In verse 45 I thought about how the better part is what was given us. How often I have had disappointments and things not go my way, according to my will. Yet, the Lord blesses me more after the trial of my faith. He brings me to something better. It's been a school of hard knocks but I have learn from repeated experience that the Lord knows best.

Day 3599

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 13:8

Today's Favorite Verse: 3 Nephi 13:8
"Be not ye therefore like unto them, for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him."

That verse became a stumbling block at one time to me. If the Father knew what I needed before I asked, then why should I ask? Wouldn't he already know? My eyes did not begin to see until I read the account of Nephi being given the sealing power. God knew Nephi would not ask for anything contrary to His will. This helped me to understand that prayer is where I learn by the Spirit to ask according to God's will. We become one in prayer and purpose. In ways it's a meeting of the minds. My mind is turned to Him and what he wants for me. This allows me to ask in greater faith.

"And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
(Helaman 10:5)

Day 3536

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 10:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Helaman 10:4-5
"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."

These verses helped me understand prayer and asking according to God's will. It helped me understand why I could not pray for my father to be healed, but instead that he could have be strengthen, have comfort and peace. I knew that his passing was according to God's will. As I was reviewing this chapter I came upon a remarkable story that President Jeffrey R. Holland shared of President Marion G. Romney.

“In 1967 Sister Ida Romney suffered a serious stroke. The doctors told then-Elder Romney that the damage from the hemorrhage was severe. They offered to keep her alive by artificial means but did not recommend it. The family braced for the worst. Brother Romney confided to those closest to him that in spite of his anguished, personal yearning for Ida’s restored health and continued companionship, above all he wanted ‘the Lord’s will to be done and to take what he needed to take without whimpering.
“As the days wore on, Sister Romney became less responsive. She had, of course, been administered to, but Elder Romney was ‘reluctant to counsel the Lord about the matter.’ Because of his earlier unsuccessful experience of praying that he and Ida might have children, he knew that he could never ask in prayer for something that was not in harmony with the will of the Lord. He fasted that he might know how to show the Lord he had faith and would accept God’s will in their lives. He wanted to make sure he had done all he could do. But she continued to fail.
“One evening in a particularly depressed state, with Ida unable to speak or recognize him, Brother Romney went home and turned, as he always had, to the scriptures in an effort to commune with the Lord. He picked up the Book of Mormon and continued where he had left off the night before. He had been reading in Helaman about the prophet Nephi, who had been falsely accused and unfairly charged with sedition. Following a miraculous deliverance from his accusers, Nephi returned home pondering the things he had experienced. As he did so he heard a voice.
“Although Marion Romney had read that story many times before, it now struck him this night as a personal revelation. The words of the scripture so touched his heart that for the first time in weeks he felt he had tangible peace. It seemed as if the Lord were speaking directly to him. The scripture read: ‘Blessed art thou, … for those things which thou hast done; … thou hast not … sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.’ (Helaman 10:4–5.)
“There was the answer. He had sought only to know and obey the will of the Lord, and the Lord had spoken. He fell to his knees and poured out his heart, and as he concluded his prayer with the phrase ‘Thy will be done,’ he either felt or actually heard a voice that said, ‘It is not contrary to my will that Ida be healed.
“Brother Romney rose to his feet quickly. It was past two o’clock in the morning, but he knew what he must do. Quickly he put on his tie and coat, then went out into the night to visit Ida in the hospital. He arrived shortly before three o’clock. His wife’s condition was unchanged. She did not stir as he placed his hands upon her pale forehead. With undeviating faith, he invoked the power of the priesthood in her behalf. He pronounced a simple blessing and then uttered the incredible promise that she would recover her health and her mental powers and would yet perform ‘a great mission’ upon the earth.
“Even though he did not doubt, Elder Romney was astonished to see Ida’s eyes open as he concluded the blessing. Somewhat stunned by all that had happened, he sat down on the edge of the bed only to hear his wife’s frail voice for the first time in months. She said, ‘For goodness’ sake, Marion, what are you doing here?’ He didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. He said, ‘Ida, how are you?’ With that flash of humor so characteristic of both of them, she replied, ‘Compared to what, Marion? Compared to what?'
“Ida Romney began her recovery from that very moment, soon left her hospital bed, and lived to see her husband sustained as a member of the First Presidency of the Church, ‘a great mission upon the earth’ indeed.
(F. Burton Howard, Marion G. Romney: His Life and Faith [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], pp. 137–42.)” (Jeffrey R. Holland and Patricia T. Holland, On Earth As It Is in Heaven [1989], 133–35).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 37: Helaman 10-12, Helaman 10:4-5 "Thou Shalt Not Ask That Which is Contrary to My Will")

Day 3517

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:20-21

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 26:20-21
"Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.
And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent."

There is a purpose in sin when we repent. When we feel God's mercy, forgiveness and redeeming love our hearts are forever bound to Him. We are willing to submit to His will, and be an instrument for good in bringing others to Him. We rejoice in His amazing grace.

Day 3470

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 15:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 15:1-2
"And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were commanded to depart out of that city; and they departed, and came out even into the land of Sidom; and behold, there they found all the people who had departed out of the land of Ammonihah, who had been cast out and stoned, because they believed in the words of Alma.
And they related unto them all that had happened unto their wives and children, and also concerning themselves, and of their power of deliverance."

They found "all the people" that had been cast out of the land of Ammonihah. I thought about how they were gathered in a safe place. Yes, terrible things had happened to their families, but the Lord gave them each other and Alma and Amulek to bring comfort and the word of God to them.

"Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:22)

"In conclusion, Latter-day Saints should be gifted, covenant-keeping people. Nonetheless, it remains for each of us to seek to exercise our spiritual gifts and then to invite and learn to recognize promptings of the Spirit. Four guiding principles to assist us in this crucial spiritual endeavor are:
1. Stand in holy places.
2. Stand with holy people.
3. Testify of holy truths.
4. Listen to the Holy Spirit."
(Gary e. Stevenson, "Promptings of the Spirit", Oct 2023 General Conference)

"True disciples love to submit themselves to the Lord with peace in their heart. They are humble and submissive because they love Him. They have faith to fully accept His will, not only in what He does but also in how and when. True disciples know that the real blessings are not always what they want but rather what the Lord wants for them.
True disciples love the Lord more than the world and are steadfast and immovable in their faith. They stay strong and firm in a changing and confusing world. True disciples love to listen to the voice of the Spirit and of the prophets and are not confused by the voices of the world. True disciples love to “stand in holy places” and love to make holy the places where they stand. Wherever they go, they bring the love of the Lord and peace to the hearts of others. True disciples love to obey the Lord’s commandments, and they obey because they love the Lord. As they love and keep their covenants, their hearts are renewed and their very nature changes."
(Massimo De Feo, "Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ", Apr 2018 General Conference)

Day 3459

Today's Favorite Verse: Words of Mormon 1:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Words of Mormon 1:3
"And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi."

I pondered on Mormon spending so much time and effort to abridge the plates of Nephi and then he finds these other plates of Nephi that cover the same time period. Yes, I know he includes them for a wise purpose that he doesn't at that time understand.

"But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.
And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will."
(Words of Mormon 1:6-7)

I can't help but wonder if he felt in part that his earlier efforts were for nothing? When I've had to repeat or redo things it feels like such a waste of time. Why couldn't I have just done it right the first time? I pondered on what you learn along the way. When on the Lord's errand the time spend and the effort given is never wasted. There is always a purpose. Plan as we will the course can change, because it's not our will, it's His will.

Day 3415

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 4:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 4:6
"Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea."

This made me think of the various times prophets were commanded to control the elements. What they were not controlling was people, taking away their agency to choose. Even with Moses and Pharaoh, God didn't take away Pharaoh's agency to choose if he would release the children of Israel. It was Pharaoh that hardened his heart and would not let them go. It wasn't until that final plague where the first born died that Pharaoh said enough. Up until that very end everyone had the choice to do their will or God's will. We cannot control other people no matter how much at times we would want to.

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
(Matthew 17:20)

"For the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove—and it was removed. And if he had not had faith it would not have moved; wherefore thou workest after men have faith."
(Ether 12:30)

"And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him."
(Moses 7:13)

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.
And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and become smooth, it shall be done."
(Helaman 10:4-5, 9)

"And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by tempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the opening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets."
(3 Nephi 10:14)

Day 3408

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 17:11-12

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Nephi 17:11-12
"Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depths, or in the heights above.
But Ahaz said: I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord."

Oddly, I had an experience the other night where someone sent me a message that I didn't read until the following morning. They said that they were impressed that I would have a dream that night and it was really import that I remember all of it and tell them what it was the next morning. I replied in the morning "Hmm, I didn't have any dreams." What I didn't say was if I did have a dream I wouldn't tell you. Then they told me I needed to pray about having a dream and then tell them. I didn't respond, because I absolutely would not do that. I don't ask the Lord for such things to satisfy someone else's curiosity. It's also not appropriate that someone else would be getting impressions about me dreaming things and telling them. I certainly wouldn't let them interpret any of my dreams for me either. Asking for dreams and visions is about as wrong as asking for signs in my book. The Lord knows were to find me when he has something to share.

This all reminded me of a talk by Elder Renlund where he told someone he would not pray about what they were asking either.

"I told him that he was mistaken, and he implored me to pray about it. I told him I would not."

He went on further to explain.

"I did not need to pray about this request for one simple but profound reason: only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive such revelation, which belongs on the prophet’s runway.
Personal revelation rightly belongs to individuals. You can receive revelation, for example, about where to live, what career path to follow, or whom to marry. Church leaders may teach doctrine and share inspired counsel, but the responsibility for these decisions rests with you. That is your revelation to receive; that is your runway.
The promise of personal revelation through the Holy Ghost is awe-inspiring, much like an airplane in flight. And like airplane pilots, we need to understand the framework within which the Holy Ghost functions to provide personal revelation. When we operate within the framework, the Holy Ghost can unleash astonishing insight, direction, and comfort. Outside of that framework, no matter our brilliance or talent, we can be deceived and crash and burn.
...The scriptures also teach us how to receive personal revelation. And we ask for what is right and good and not for what is contrary to God’s will. We do not “ask amiss,” with improper motives to promote our own agenda or to fulfill our own pleasure. Above all, we are to ask Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, believing that we will receive.
...A second element of the framework is that we receive personal revelation only within our purview and not within the prerogative of others."
(Elder Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", Oct 2022 General Conference)

Day 3388

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 12:18

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 12:18
"And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible gulf divideth them; yea, even the word of the justice of the Eternal God, and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever."

I pondered on the meaning of "vain imaginations". These are the footnotes it leads too, and more.

"But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward."
(Jeremiah 7:24)

"But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:"
(Jeremiah 9:14)

"And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts, which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and against that which should come."
(Helaman 16:22)

"And God saw that the wickedness of men had become great in the earth; and every man was lifted up in the imagination of the thoughts of his heart, being only evil continually."
(Moses 8:22)

"Falsehood or deceit; pride. Vain and vanity can also mean empty or without value."
(Guide to the Scriptures, Vain, Vanity)

"And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches?"
(Alma 5:53)

"That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man."
(Doctrine and Covenants 121:37)

I don't think man always knows when they are involved in vain imaginations. The world will have you practice the power of positive thinking, and the law of attraction. Thinking you have the power to bring things to you. Instead what it's teaching is to obtain your will and not God's will. This is what brings a great and a terrible gulf that divideth. It is very different than having faith, believing and trusting God.

Day 3361

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 10:17, 19

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Nephi 10:17, 19
"And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

I pondered on "see, hear and know". It sounds like Nephi was expecting to see a vision, a specific vision that his father had. I don't expect to see visions, should I? I reflected on how overpowering it must have been to hear Lehi's vision of the tree of life in person. The spirit must have been incredibly strong. I came to the conclusion that the spirit must have bore witness to Nephi that he needed to ask to see what his father saw. It wasn't because of doubt, it was because he did believe it. It think its a lot like a later Nephi that is given the sealing power, because he would not ask for anything contrary to God's will.

"And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
(Helaman 10: 5)

There is a difference asking to "see" so you can believe, and "seeing" because you believe. Being able to see, hear and know can be just as real by a spiritual manifestation of the Holy Ghost as a physical one. The key is to not ask amiss, ask as the spirit confirms that you should, and not consumed upon your lusts. There was a specific reason Nephi was to ask to see this vision. For he would see more and record it for me to read and believe.

Day 3359

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 6:8-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 6:8-10
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

First, be content with what you have. That is true gratitude to the Lord and what he sees fit to bless you and make you steward over.

Second, is a very powerful warning to "they that WILL be rich". The snare and temptation comes when you seek your WILL to be rich. I have seen to many fall, sadly by using worldly practices like the law of attraction. They seek their will and not God's will, with hearts set on the things of this world. Oh, they will get what they are seeking, but the giver is the son of perdition and he is not one you want to be beholden too. Money is not a problem unless the love of it over takes you. You covet and seek after it and will grow to never have enough. It will lead to destruction and sorrow. I am not impressed by people with wealth. I have no idea how you sought it and where your heart is, nor is it mine to know. But, it does not impress or motivate me. I am so grateful to have sufficient for my needs and I prefer it that way. It is far better than having all the money in the world and never being satisfied.

The only safe thing is to do as Jacob counseled.
"But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."
(Jacob 2:18-19)

Do not believe the lie that Satan will tell you, that once you obtain riches then you will share and help others. It's all backwards. You seek to help by sharing what you already have and then you have sufficient for your needs and theirs. It's done quietly with an honest heart that needs no glory, praise or for boasting, for that intent is of the world and will come to not.

Day 3284

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 2:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Thessalonians 2:11
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

I think of this often as I see lies sold as truth and people believe it. This really is a season of strong delusions. The number of people under strong delusions seems to be growing at an unprecedented rate. You can speak truth, giving undeniable facts, and yet they will hold to a lie. Because they reject truth and the testimony of God's servants, strong delusion are sent to them, which causes them to believe a lie all the more. They harden their hearts and lose compassion and charity for others. Money, power and position increases their pride. They become arrogant in feeling they know better than the prophets which leads to spiritual blindness. They become driven and motivated by anger instead of establishing peace. They are embolden to mock and ridicule others. These are the ones that will embrace false doctrine and philosophies of men, establish idols and set men up to be their gods. They seek their will and not God's will. Then when they give the adversary power they will see signs and lying wonders in their life. They have strong delusions on what is real. God sending strong delusions happens because its what they asked for. They want to believe a lie and profit from it. The danger is if you refuse to accept truth long enough you lose the opportunity to receive it.

Day 3277