Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 3:1-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 3:1-4
"And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Reminds me of things I learn in the temple. Joshua the high priest appears to be a good man for the angel of the Lord is before him. Satan is there to resist him. It would appear Joshua's garments are filthy not from his sins but from the sins of the world. He is being washed and cleansed from them, and put on a change of raiment. We likewise need to be cleansed from the sins of the world, and stand apart from it. Being in the world but not of it.

"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
(John 15:19)

"And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better."
(Doctrine and Covenants 25:10)

"And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;"
(Doctrine and Covenants 59:9)

Day 4048

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 51:6, 45

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 51:6, 45
"Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.
My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD."

What the Lord told Jeremiah is exactly what we are to do today, flee out of the midst of Babylon. Babylon represents the world and all its wickedness. We cannot serve two masters, the world and the Lord. We would hate the one and love the other. We are to flee, leave, come out of Babylon and turn to the Lord, and be healed. This is a decision only we can make for our own souls. It all comes down to where are hearts are and not our physical location.

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
(Matthew 6:24)

Day 4008

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 132:13

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 132:13
"And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God."

This is the ultimate "you can't take it with you". Everything of this world will burn. In the last few days I've heard multiple times, from various people, the thought of basically what is the real world. In reference to going to the temple and then leaving the "real world" behind you. Or leaving the temple to go back into the "real world". This perspective was wrong. What is "real" is all that is taking place in the temple. The outside world is temporary, not lasting, not eternal. It's almost like being in make believe. I've pondered on how others have been trying to describe this. It really is a paradigm shift.

“Time in the temple puts everything into an eternal frame,” she said. “What we experience inside the temple is real and really important.”
(Wendy Nelson, "Syracuse temple dedication" 8 Jun 2025; Church News "President Nelson dedicates Syracuse Utah Temple, 'a sacred place of revelation')

Day 3721

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 53:2, 7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 53:2, 7
"Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world.
And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen."

What does it mean to "forsake the world"? As I pondered on this I thought about how to forsake doesn't mean you just leave it behind. You must be filled with something in its place. That would be a heart turned to Jesus Christ and eternal life. The focus and heart's desire is for something better, and the things of the world will not stop you.

"Therefore, forsake the world and save your souls; for what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
(Matthew 16:29)

"What is the meaning of these scriptural cautions and commandments not to be “of the world” or the modern commandment to “forsake the world”? President Thomas S. Monson summarized these teachings: “We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "The Plan and the Proclamation", Oct 2017 General Conference)

"The Prophet said that if we would go where God is, we must be like him; that is, we must develop the characteristics and the attributes and the perfections which God has. The struggle which we face is whether we will overcome the world or whether we will be overcome by the world. All men forsake the world when they come into the Church; they then overcome the world if they continue in righteousness and in diligence in keeping the commandments of God.
No one has overcome the world, the world of carnality and corruption, until he has given his heart to Christ, until he uses all his talents, abilities, and strength in keeping the commandments of God, and in causing this great work to roll forth."
(Bruce R. McConkie, "Overcome the World", April 1955 General Conference)

"Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
“In the Church, we often state the couplet: ‘Be in the world but not of the world.’ …
“Perhaps we should state the couplet … as two separate admonitions. First, ‘Be in the world.’ Be involved; be informed. Try to be understanding and tolerant and to appreciate diversity. Make meaningful contributions to society through service and involvement. Second, ‘Be not of the world.’ Do not follow wrong paths or bend to accommodate or accept what is not right.
“… In spite of all of the wickedness in the world, and in spite of all the opposition to good that we find on every hand, we should not try to take ourselves or our children out of the world. Jesus said, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven,’ or yeast. (Matt. 13:33.) We are to lift the world and help all to rise above the wickedness that surrounds us” (“The Effects of Television,” Ensign, May 1989, 80).
(Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual "Chapter 20: Doctrine and Covenants 51-56")

Day 3642

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 30:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 30:1
"Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought."

I pondered on fearing man. I thought about how the fear of the Lord is really love and respect for Him, not trembling that you will be punished. You follow Him because you want to be like Him. On that same thread the fear of man could also be our love, respect and worship of a man instead of God. You rely on their wisdom and strength, instead of the Lord being your strength.

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."
(Proverbs 29:25)

Day 3619

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 2:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 2:1-3
"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."

I added all verses in this chapter for context, but it was the last verse that has been running for months through my mind. I have come to see the absolute wisdom and need for us to focus on our family history and providing temple ordinances for our dead. Being able to turn my heart to my ancestors and family relations has brought so much peace into my life. I think I would be overcome by the wickedness and chaos of the world if I didn't have such an endeavor to pursue. I can turn off the world and restore my soul as I quietly research at my desk. This is one of my holy places. I have also seen the healing power on the soul and mind. As well as the restoring of family relations, by those that were once lost, as they come to find their roots.

Day 3591

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 14:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Mosiah 14:2
"For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him."

I remember pondering on this during sacrament one time. I could not imagine that Christ had no physical beauty to look upon him. I could understand why we shouldn't look for the Messiah in such a physical manner, but I could never imagine him ugly or without any beauty. Then my heart began to understand, Christ has no worldly beauty. His pureness is not a desirable attribute to those that love the world. He was not adorned as a king in his mortal life. He would not show himself a warrior to fight their battles. His humility did not make him desirable to the natural man. Then I thought of those that have pride and arrogance in their mannerism and how some are drawn to that, but I am not.

Comeliness - The word comeliness comes from the adjective "comely," which means pleasurably conforming to notions of good appearance, suitability, or proportion.

Jesus Christ would not look suitable to be their Messiah when they looked upon him. To those that knew him he would be everything he should.

Day 3429

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: Revelation 7:9, 15

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 7:9, 15
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them."

I pondered on the great redeeming work taking place in the House of the Lord for both the living and dead. I reflected on the number of temples that now dot the earth and are still coming. When my parents wanted to make eternal covenants and have their children sealed to them we had to drive from New York to Utah. When I married the Washington D.C. temple was available and only a 10 hour trip. Now I live within 10 minutes of a temple. There have been many around the world that had to make greater sacrifices than my family and I. As the temples grow closer to the members, the numbers grow on both sides of the veil for those wearing white. We are preparing for the great day of the Lord and worshipping in the House of the Lord is key to this. I take interest in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple and how it mirrors this.

"That our garments may be pure, that we may be clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads, and reap eternal joy for all our sufferings."
(Doctrine and Covenants 109:76)

(click to expand)

Day 3333

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 2:15

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 John 2:15
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

I sat and pondered on all the ways that I am showing a love of the world. The conclusion I came to is my love of the world has changed over the years. One little thing that gives me an indication is how I spend my down time. There are movies that I used to love that I just can't watch anymore. I thought about my Facebook posts and how they reflect what is meaningful to me. It's full of my love of the scriptures and news of the church. As I reflected on areas I need to address I found it interesting that my desire to have them has changed too. It's not like you are giving something up, its that you want something better.

The other day I had something happen that I had every opportunity to be angry and lash out. Instead of ranting to others I sat down and had a conversation with God to help me get past it. It really helped. The desire for God's blessings was greater than the world's justice. I think that over everything showed a love of God over the world. It's not just things that are markers, its were you find comfort or even if you want it. Earlier, I would have just relished in a good old rant. Oh, there still are triggers that want to bubble things up but I keep whacking them down like weeds. I want a clean lawn not a wild untamed one.

Day 3320

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 1:2, 10

Today's Favorite Verse: Hebrews 1:2, 10
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:"

The Savior created the worlds under the direction of the Father. What stands out to me is worlds plural. There are more worlds than this one. Each has its own purpose.

"And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.
And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many."
(Doctrine and Covenants 1:33-34)

Day 3293

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 3:1

Today's Favorite Verse: Titus 3:1
"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"

This reminds me of this..."We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." (Article of Faith 12)

It's also what I thought of today as I was reading articles on the first 91 flags being raised on Temple Square plaza. The flags of 181 nations will be displayed there. This reflects the global nature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "The flags also represent the Church’s commitment to being a friend to all nations and its belief that the gospel will one day have “filled the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35). 90 flags will rotate every three months, with the American flag remaining in place. They will be displayed in alphabetical order. It's interesting how some are going to lengths to be nationalist, which is opposite of the church moving globally. The difference is being able to live in peace with others now and in the millennium.

Day 3291

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: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4, 6
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

What struck me this time was the mention of people saying "peace and safety" and then the Lord's coming will over take them, with no escape. I know I am promised peace in the midst of trial. That holy places will be a place of refuge and safety, but it gives me pause that the world feels a sense of peace and safety too. Then I though of how in the days of Noah man was marrying and giving in marriage. The flood would have taken them unaware during the midst of every day events. The only thing I can think of is the wicked have grown so custom to their wickedness, that they are at peace and satisfied with how they are living. They have a false sense of security that things have gone exactly as they desired. A feeling that they have won. Even in the Book of Mormon when their society broke down into tribes, they had a worldly peace for a while. Its interesting to think that while the world may feel a sense of peace that they are in fact blinded to their awful condition. It does make me think a little differently on the world feeling at peace.

"And it came to pass in the thirty and first year that they were divided into tribes, every man according to his family, kindred and friends; nevertheless they had come to an agreement that they would not go to war one with another; but they were not united as to their laws, and their manner of government, for they were established according to the minds of those who were their chiefs and their leaders. But they did establish very strict laws that one tribe should not trespass against another, insomuch that in some degree they had peace in the land; nevertheless, their hearts were turned from the Lord their God, and they did stone the prophets and did cast them out from among them."
(3 Nephi 7:14)

Day 3275

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:10

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."

What is the difference between "Godly sorrow" and "worldly sorrow"?

Godly sorrow is repentance with an honest heart. It inspires us to change and have hope through the atonement of Jesus Christ. It leads to conversion. We will have a broken heart and contrite spirit willing to do anything that God asks of us.

Worldly sorrow is to be seen of the world because you were found out. Motivated by fear of people not of God. It pulls us down and extinguishes hope, and persuades us to give in to further temptation. The heart is not in it and we are not inspired to change for the better. We may mourn our mistakes but without true intent to mend them.

Day 3244

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:31

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:31

"And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away."

Today, I read and listened to two contrasting things. The world's message is being driven by anger, pride, contention and seeking after revenge. Then an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, reminded us to seek peace and be not of the world. Which words will be enduring for all time? It doesn't take much imagination to see where both extremes will lead us.

"We know that world peace and harmony are not prevalent in our world today.

We are bombarded with angry, contentious language and provocative, devastating actions that destroy peace and tranquility. In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility in our society.

Luckily, one of the most cherished titles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Ultimately His kingdom will be established including peace and love.

For us, personal peace—found in and through the Prince of 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 than now.

Gently the Savior reminds us, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23)."

(Quentin L. Cook, Facebook, 1 Feb 2024)

Day 3228

Today's Favorite Verse: John 18:18, 25

Today's Favorite Verse: John 18:18, 25

"And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not."

As I'm reading this I have a nice toasty heater sitting behind my chair. It's so relaxing and comfortable. I don't want to move. I could really picture Peter standing in the cold warming himself by the fire. How good that must have felt, especially with the added anxiety over what was happening with Jesus. Then when Peter is confronted and asked if he is one of Jesus' disciples he denies it. The error Peter made was leaving the side of the Savior to seek comfort elsewhere. It made me think about how sometimes the things of the world can give us so much comfort that it's easy to forget who we are, and our purpose. We may do what we later regret.

Day 3174

Today's Favorite Verse: John 8:23

Today's Favorite Verse: John 8:23

"And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world."

I realized Jesus was just referring to those that were against him. They were inspired from beneath, Satan. They were of this world. Those that follow Christ are like him, and not of this world. He is telling us where we should stand.

"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

(John 17:14-16)

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

(1 John 2:15)

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

(Colossians 3:2)

"And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better."

(Doctrine and Covenants 25:10)

Day 3164

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 9:61-62

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 9:61-62

"And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

I compared it to this verse.

"And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."

(Mark 5:18-19)

Why did the Lord give different commandments to two different men?

Was it because the man healed served a greater purpose by testifying to his family and friends what the Lord had done for him? Maybe it was to have compassion not only on him but his friends also that had long been denied his association. The man healed showed he was fully committed and ready to follow the Lord right now. The first man showed his life wasn't in order, he wasn't fully committed and ready to leave his home and family quite yet. He still had cares of the world. We serve were we are called, and when called we don't look back.

Day 3141

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 3:1, 3-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 3:1, 3-4

"And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment."

Resist = accuse

I pondered on the filthy garments and what it meant. Joshua didn't need to ask to be made clean, implying repentance and forgiveness. It was told to the angels to take away the filthy garment and for him to be given a change of raiment. I would think the filth then on the garments were not from Joshua's sins. The filth was on the outside and not on the inside. Before this happened it speaks of Satan standing there and accusing him. It mentions Joshua's office as high priest so it wasn't necessarily Joshua being railed against it was his office and what he represented. The filth on Joshua's garments were coming from the sins of the world. Joshua is being made clean of that. The change of garment can also represent doing away with old and putting on new. This made me reflect on the temple and the first time I went. How I made new covenants and put away the old and put on new.

Day 3073