Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 33:6
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure."

I pondered on wisdom and knowledge being the stability of my time. What time do I live in? The prophet and apostles are being very clear that we now live in the days that have been prophesied, this is the season. The Lord is at the door. I was just listening to Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk yesterday at BYU-Idaho. After hearing President Oaks speak 12 days prior he changed his talk and went into more details on what the prophet had said. What stood out to me in President Oaks talk, and what Elder Andersen just emphasized, is we will be deceived if we do not have the Holy Ghost as our guide. To me the stability that comes from wisdom and knowledge is totally the inspiration given by the Holy Ghost. That is to be treasured. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot afford to lose it, or I will be deceived.

"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."
Very interesting. He did not say that without the constant influence of the Holy Ghost you might be deceived or you could be deceived. I thought his choice of words were very potent. He said if you don't have the Holy Ghost you will be deceived."
(Elder Neil L. Andersen, "President Oaks and the Law of Witnesses", BYU-Idaho Devotional, 22 Feb 2026)

As I was listening to Elder Andersen's talk I thought about the other things I could have been watching or listening to. If I had been distracted by them, I would have totally missed what the prophets are saying. Oh, I need to be wise and careful about my time.

Day 3980

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 2:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 2:10
"Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth."

Before reading in Psalms I read this in the Book of Mormon.

"O be wise; what can I say more?"
(Jacob 6:12)

What does it mean to be wise, and in particular spiritually?

"As a Church and a people it behooves us to be wise, and to seek to know the will of God, and then be willing to do it; for “blessed is he that heareth the word of the Lord, and keepeth it,” say the Scriptures. Watch and pray always,” says our Savior, “that ye may be accounted worthy to escape the things that are to come on the earth, and to stand before the Son of Man.” If Enoch, Abraham, Moses, and the children of Israel, and all God’s people were saved by keeping the commandments of God, we, if saved at all, shall be saved upon the same principle. As God governed Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as families, and the children of Israel as a nation; so we, as a Church, must be under His guidance if we are prospered, preserved and sustained. Our only confidence can be in God; our only wisdom obtained from Him; and He alone must be our protector and safeguard, spiritually and temporally, or we fall."
(Joseph Smith, Jr. "Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p.253)

Day 3903

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 113:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 113:7-8
"Questions by Elias Higbee: What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52d chapter, 1st verse, which saith: Put on thy strength, O Zion—and what people had Isaiah reference to?
He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost."

There were some questions that Joseph Smith and others had on the writings of Isaiah. This chapter has questions they asked and the answers received. I love these question and answer sessions. I really do wish they had asked more. This is verse in Isaiah the question was about.

"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean."
(Isaiah 52:1)

This is talking about us. With the phrase "put on thy beautiful garments" it makes me wonder why, of all times, would an endowed member want to find excuses to stop wearing them? I don't really want to understand their reasoning. I truly feel they are on shaky ground and may not know it yet. That thought makes me really, really sad. It also makes me think of the five foolish virgins. Could you imagine them asking the five wise virgins to give them their garments because they don't have any with them? There is a reason we are told to be covenant keeping, temple going people.

"I am so grateful for the privilege of wearing the garment of the holy priesthood to remind me that the Savior and the blessings of His infinite Atonement constantly cover me throughout my mortal journey. It also reminds me that as I keep the covenants I have made with God in the house of the Lord, I have symbolically put on Christ, who Himself is an armor of light. He will protect me from evil, give me power and increased capacity, and be my light and guide through the darkness and difficulties of this world.
There is deep and beautiful symbolic meaning in the garment of the holy priesthood and its relationship to Christ. I believe that my willingness to wear the holy garment becomes my symbol to Him. It is my own personal sign to God, not a sign to others."
(Sister J. Anette Dennis, "Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ", April 2024 General Conference)

Day 3702

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 2:6-10
"And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their voices concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges.
And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people.
Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those who were not in his favor.
And it came to pass that they gathered themselves together, and did consecrate Amlici to be their king.
Now when Amlici was made king over them he commanded them that they should take up arms against their brethren; and this he did that he might subject them to him."

I really, really, hope and pray that this election, history does not repeat itself. We've emulated enough of the downfall of the people in the Book of Mormon. There is a reason we study the Book of Mormon every four years in the church, which also happens to be during our presidential elections.

"O be wise; what can I say more?"
(Jacob 6:12)

Day 3446

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 39:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 39:2, 6

"And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD."

It made me think of individuals I have seen show off the things they have organized and have stored. They are very pleased with what they have and want to have others admit them too. I cannot really fault them. When I clean or organize something I would love to share how neat and pretty it looks. I have always held back because its just not a wise thing to do. You never know who is watching and what their intent is. This is exactly what happened to Hezekiah after showing off all that he had to men from Babylon. This story in the bible is an example of wisdom we are to apply in our every day life.

Day 2877

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: 1 Samuel 18:8-9, 12, 14

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 18:8-9, 12, 14

And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.

The downfall of Saul is pride, his inner peace is destroyed, and in turn he seeks to destroy David. He's eyeing him and trying to set him up. He sends him on an impossible mission to fight the Philistines because he wants him dead. It's interesting that as you seek to destroy someone else, you only destroy yourself. In this chapter is says four times that David behaved himself wisely. As I read this I thought of how the light of Christ guided his actions. I think of someone that acts wisely as someone that models their life after Christ, and has inner peace. This also made me think about how we need to become the peacemakers, and not the ones full of contention. This is how we invite others to partake of the light of Christ in their lives.

"Notwithstanding this vision of the millennial reign, we know that world peace and harmony are not prevalent in our day. In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility. We are bombarded with angry, contentious language and provocative, devastating actions that destroy peace and tranquility.

Peace in the world is not promised or assured until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Savior instructed His Apostles that His earthly mission would not achieve universal peace. He taught, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth.” Universal peace was not part of the Savior’s initial mortal ministry. Universal peace does not exist today.

However, personal peace can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and division that blight and corrupt our world today. It has never been more important to seek personal peace.

Agency was a principal issue in the premortal Council in Heaven and the conflict between those who chose to follow Christ and the followers of Satan. Letting go of pride and control and choosing the Savior would allow us to have His light and His peace. But personal peace would be challenged when people exercised their agency in harmful and hurtful ways.

The Savior can provide protection and peace to guide you ultimately to safety and shelter from life’s storms."

(Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Personal Peace in Challenging Times", Oct 2021 General Conference)

Day 2413

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 72:24-26

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 72:24-26

"A few words in addition to the laws of the kingdom, respecting the members of the church - they that are appointed by the Holy Spirit to go up unto Zion, and they who are privileged to go up unto Zion -

Let them carry up unto the bishop a certificate from three elders of the church, or a certificate from the bishop;

Otherwise he who shall go up unto the land of Zion shall not be accounted as a wise steward. This is also an ensample. Amen."

This made me think about temple recommends, and now important is to always have one. I also thought about Elder Ronald A. Rasband recent General Conference talk and reviewed it. Here are some highlights.

"I remember hearing President Howard W. Hunter in his first general conference address as the 14th President of the Church. He said: “It is the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church worthy to enter the temple. It would please the Lord if every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend.” I would add that a limited-use recommend will set a clear path for our precious youth.

We have been experiencing a time when temples have been closed or limited in use.....Being worthy to attend the temple, however, has not been suspended. Let me emphasize, whether you have access to a temple or not, you need a current temple recommend to stay firmly on the covenant path.

However, I felt prompted to encourage them to renew or receive temple recommends. Even though they could not present them at the temple, they would be presenting themselves before the Lord pure and prepared to serve Him. Being worthy to hold a current temple recommend is both a protection from the adversary, because you have made a firm commitment to the Lord about your life, and a promise that the Spirit will be with you."

(Elder Ronald A. Rasband, "Recommended to the Lord", Oct 2020 General Conference)

I don't ever want to be without a temple recommend. Even if I physically cannot go to temple I want a recommend for the moment I can go. Having a current temple recommend means I am a wise steward in what I am responsible for. I can just imagine when the pandemic is over and all the temples are fully open the mayhem that will ensue, with everyone with a lapsed temple recommend trying now to obtain one. I was thinking it would be just my lucky to having a normally expiring recommend at that time. So I marked my calendar to remind myself to try and renew my temple recommend a month prior. That way if there is a delay I don't have a lapse in my recommend being current.

Day 2075

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 6:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Jacob 6:12
"O be wise; what can I say more?"

In our family scripture reading today we got on the subject of intellectuals, and how great the challenge is to not show pride. As I sit and ponder on this more I cannot help but think of Jesus Christ and his example. He spoke in the language of the person so they could understand. He did not speak above their understanding. Yes, some parables are understood on a deeper level, but there is something for all. That is the pure beauty of the words of Christ. Of all people to walk this earth Jesus Christ had the greatest right to appear the wisest of us all, yet he was humble, and spoke to be understood. The most he asks is that we come to be as a little child, is not that the purest and plainest language there could be.

"For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding."
(2 Nephi 31:3)

"And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things."
(Ether 12:39)

"Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding."
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:24)

"For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ."
(Doctrine and Covenants 90:11)

"Now when it was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because they every man heard them speak in his own language."
(Acts 2:6)

"Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."
(3 Nephi 8:22)

Day 1824

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:11
"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

Wise counsel and advice both in and out of the church. One in which would make you a valuable employee. It would also make one a faithful members of the church.

Day 1688

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 10:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 10:12
"The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself."

What is "swallow up himself"? I think it is for someone to only speak or boast in themselves. So how is the wise man gracious? I pondered on how a wise man is capable of praising someone else solely to encourage and build. They do not tear down another to bring greater praise to themselves.

A few years back I was tired of finding fault in others. I devised a plan to not entertain the thought, but instead find a reason why that person was needed, and God loved them. I looked for their talents and gifts. I also tried really hard to complement others and speak positive encouraging words. It was an interesting experiment I felt a better person for it. It became easier to look for the positive instead of the negative. This is an experiment I think will never end. For there is much to be learned still until my heart it right in the matter.

Day 1244

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 9:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 9:8-9
"Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."

I know someone that cannot be told they have done anything wrong. They do not want to be told their flaw, even when they tell the story of what happened to them and wonder why?  You cannot say anything that would suggest they had a part in their misfortune. To do so means to be caught in their rage. It's been very sad to work with them. For you see the same error happening over and over again. They do not want to hear it. You have to be guarded in your interactions with them, for offense is so very easily taken.

How much more pleasant it is to work with people that want to improve. That gladly hear the hard words so they can keep from falling into the same pit. They learn and grow. Those that do not are stunted in their growth. History repeats itself, over and over until the day comes they must look at themselves. Truly to be wise is to learn from my mistakes.

Day 1212

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 19:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 19:7
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."

I have rejoiced in the simplicity and beauty of the gospel. I have found I was making it much harder than it is. The most beautiful of things to ponder on is faith, and how easily it is over looked.

A young man gave an excellent talk in sacrament last week that has stuck with me. He gave the analogy of faith and testimony. In seminary his teacher had given each of them a little seed to plant, of faith and testimony, and they got to bury it. The seminary teacher told them to be really careful not to go to deep. If you go to deep it won't get enough sunlight, water, etc. and won't grown. It is like our testimonies if you go to deep, and try to get into really deep doctrine, it won't do as much for us, it could choke and die. It is best to start out shallow and let our roots grow deep. We need to plant our testimony, it is basic for it to grown.

I am finding all the little primary answers are the most important things I need to understand. I can stay in primary forever, because there is just so much to learn there. There is much treasure in the simple things of the gospel. It is through them my eyes are made open to see what I never would have seen any other way. The simple does make me wise.

Day 1072

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 18:5, 14-15, 30

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Samuel 18:5, 14-15, 30
"And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.
Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by."

I noticed in this chapter that four times it says David "behaved himself wisely".  Saul wanted nothing more than to take David down. It was ever so important that David "behaved himself wisely".

It made me think of times when I have felt a great need to "behave myself wisely".  Being careful in word and deed, to not give offense or take offense by the actions of others. They have wanted nothing more than to find fault, use it as an opportunity against me, and take me down. Many times the warning has come to me to just remain silent, and let them pass.

The only way it is possible to behave myself wisely in these situations has been to draw near to the Lord and walk by the spirit. I have felt that armor of protection around me, and absolute peace in the storm because the spirit was with me. All I needed to do was listen to the spirit and I would be safe. As this world has grown increasingly darker, and the insanity of political correctness abounds, I have had the impression to "behave myself wisely" more and more.  I can see now that it was because David "behaved himself wisely" that the Lord was with him.


Day 829