Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 15:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 15:8-9
"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

I had a few examples of people that came to mind that fit this. Then I thought about how this can apply to more people than I realize. All walks of life are not immune from vain worship. It is something we all have to guard against. I can't see the inside of a person and know what's going on. Now they do at times give themselves away by pride or being hypocrites. The most telling thing is when they teach the doctrines of men. That is also the most dangerous to me. That is why I am continually pondering and learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and his doctrine. I don't want to be deceived.

Day 4068

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 134:9
"We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied."

This chapter is "a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general". It was adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the church in 1835. As I reviewed each statement of belief this verse seems the most pressing concern for my day. It would be a terrible offense if Christian Nationalism was ever adopted in our land. We cannot force this nation to be Christian. Force does not go with true worship and belief.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (11th Article of Faith)

Day 3723

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:12 "There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." I reflected on how the act of religious devotion turned into political treason. Then for others their politics became a religion that they bowed down and worshipped because a man told them to. No where in this story do they say who that golden image represented. Only that Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold and set up. As I pondered on who the statue was, it made me wonder if it was an image of himself? Then I recalled the dream Nebuchadnezzar had, that was revealed to Daniel. He saw a great image of a man, with sections made from various metals and clay. The image's head was of fine gold. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar "Thou art this head of gold". So yes, I believe the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream he made in reality as an image of himself. This all went to his head. He not only took over the other parts of the body but he made it completely represent himself. Then others had to worship it. He was even willing to destroy others politically, or religiously in life or death. How very telling to know what kind of man would have an golden idol made of himself, or allowed one to be kept. That must be something we are warned about for our day. I take comfort in knowing this idol is eventually destroyed. Those that worship the true God, and not the idol are protected and not destroyed.

Day 3012

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 20:40-41

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 20:40-41

"For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen."

This made me reflect on the importance of attending the temple. How necessary it is for all the saints worldwide to have the same opportunity to worship there. Temple worship is where we can be brought out "from the people" or the world. This reminded me of Pastor Jeff McCullough and his wife's recent tour of the Saratoga Springs, UT temple. I loved his wife's comments on how it made her feel that "sense of longing, and desire for peace and rest, safety and refuge." We all need that.

Day 2981

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 11:12

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 11:12

"Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble."

This made me think of our favorite sins, and how hard they are to give up. That idols and false gods would be the same way. I thought of different things that people worship, that take them away from God. It doesn't have to be false religions it can be so many material things. Things that fill us with pride, and give us a sense of superiority over others. Things of man that we put our trust into, and feel will save us. I pondered on how Satan has his hands is so many facets of life. He is spread throughout social, educational, political and philosophical doctrines which run counter to the gospel. The key is to not be deceived. Come unto Christ, is our only hope.

Day 2915

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 49:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 49:3

"And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."

I pondered on the Lord's second coming and what an honor it will be to counted as His sheep. That because we will be there waiting for our Lord and King it will bring glory to Him. I had never thought of bringing glory to the Lord. How can one be glorified if there is no one there to worship and adore you? After all He has done for us, it will be an honor to show Him how much he means to me. This made me think of the Savior visiting the Nephites after his resurrection, and how they received Him and his joy was full.

"And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears.

And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full.

And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them."

(3 Nephi 17:10, 20-21)

Day 2887

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 47:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 47:7

"For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding."

I reflected on singing praise with understanding. How could I praise Him if I did not understand him? You cannot worship or praise the master you never served or loved. Otherwise, you could be hiding in the fold of believers, but He would know you not.

"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity"

(Matthew 7:23)

Day 2684

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 13:15-16, 19, 21

Today's Favorite Verse: Nehemiah 13:15-16, 19, 21

"In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath."

Nehemiah observed the Jews were breaking the Sabbath. In an effort to control the observance of the Sabbath the gates were shut during that time frame. That kept the merchants and sellers from coming in to sell their wares. The merchants were also ordered to not lodge themselves outside the walls or they would be punished.

This made me ponder on how stores used to be closed on Sundays when I was younger. Now its nothing to see the stores open and people shopping. Restaurants are open and full. I never could understand how people would go out to eat right after attending church. Unless we were traveling we didn't eat out. I thought about how keeping the merchants out, stores closed, and even sporting events off limits really did help a community and its attention to God on the Sabbath. I really miss what used to be. Now my observance of the Sabbath truly is a sign I give to God. There is no one saying what I can and cannot do on that day. It is my choice on how I worship Him. But, with that choice and greater freedom is the right to simply fall away and worship myself on that day.

Day 2585

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:29

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:29

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness."

I really liked the sound of worshipping the Lord in the "beauty of holiness". After pondering on it I looked to see if anything was written about this. I found this general conference talk that expressed what I was thinking perfectly.

"I see the beauty of holiness in sisters whose hearts are centered on all that is good, who want to become more like the Savior. They offer their whole soul, heart, might, mind, and strength to the Lord in the way that they live every day. Holiness is in the striving and the struggle to keep the commandments and to honor the covenants we have made with God. Holiness is making the choices that will keep the Holy Ghost as our guide. Holiness is setting aside our natural tendencies and becoming “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord.” “Every moment of [our lives] must be holiness to the Lord."

(Carol F. McConkie, "The Beauty of Holiness", April 2017 General Conference)

Day 2513

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 18:3-4, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 18:3-4, 6

"And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.

He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.

For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses."

I was just so happy to read about Hezekiah reign as king of Judah. It seems like such a long dry spell of having a righteous king. Over two hundred years this has been a continual issue. I did wonder why it included breaking the brasen serpent that Moses made. This article shed even great light on the subject.

"Israelites often murmured against God and His prophet, Moses. The Lord sent among the people “fiery serpents” that threatened great destruction as a punishment. As a means of physical salvation and as a type of the spiritual salvation to be wrought by Jesus Christ, Moses made a serpent of brass, placed it on a pole, and taught his people that if they would gaze upon the serpent when they were bitten, physical healing would follow. The brass serpent was preserved in Israel and, in time, became an object of adoration and was worshiped by the Israelites much as they worshiped idols. In his zeal to eradicate all forms of idolatry in Judah, King Hezekiah had the brazen serpent destroyed along with the idols.The word nehushtan comes from the Hebrew and means an object made of brass. The implication may be that Hezekiah was speaking contemptuously of the object being worshiped, saying it was merely a “thing of brass” and nothing more."

(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, The Fall of the Northern Kingdom (2 Kings 14-20), (12-20)

It made me ponder on the importance of not worshipping craftmanship and history over the ordinances in the house of the Lord. If the brass serpent had long turned from being a symbol of looking to the Lord and living, to only an idol to worship, then yes it truly did need to be removed. It wasn't what Moses had fashioned for a particular need and time, it was the words that Moses taught of the Lord that needed to be honored and obeyed.

Day 2490

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 2:27

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 2:27
"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath."

Have you ever wondered why Christians went from worshiping the Sabbath on Saturday to Sunday? This verse I believe explains why.

The Lord rested on the seventh day after having created the world. Before Christ's coming the sabbath was worshiped on the seventh day being Saturday. In the New Testament it went to the "Lord's day" (Rev 1:10) observing the first day of the week, when Christ was resurrected from the tomb. (Act 20:7) Not unlike the Israelites being told to worship on the seventh day to commemorate when they were delivered from bondage. (Deut 5:12-15) It is a similitude of Christ delivering us from bondage through his resurrection.

The sabbath is for man's benefit, a day of prayer and rest, when we are to worship God. Not just any type of worship, but a public worship, dividing the believers from the nonbelievers. Where we can strengthen and instruct one another, and renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament. In fact I can totally understand how the early Christians wanted to separate themselves from the nonbelievers of Jesus Christ. They instead moved the sabbath day to worship on the day of his resurrection. It was sign between them and God that this day was set aside to worship the Father and the Son.

If the sabbath is made for man then it stands as reason to worship when we as a people can best honor him. To God I do not believe the day matters. It is the heart. Though there are conditions. Being a public worship we worship with our congregations on a day set aside every seven days. It is part of the perpetual covenant to worship in this time cycle. It is the time frame God has ordained as our needing rest, and worship, otherwise we cannot feed and heal body and soul. If the congregation is worshiping on Sunday then we cannot change and say oh, but I will worship on Friday this week.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not all worship on Sunday. The majority do, but there are congregations, particularly in the Middle East, that gather other days of the week. It is both in practicality in being able to work, and in order to not give offense to the customs in that area. It is necessary so the meetings can be held when members can be present. It is conditional, for authority is given them by the prophet to meet as a congregation on a day set aside for that area. I have heard of days ranging from Thursday to Sunday, but am not aware of any Monday-Wednesday congregations. Though the possibility could still be out there.

Does it matter if some Christian faiths worship the sabbath on a Saturday or Sunday? For me, this is a matter that needs no contention.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (Articles of Faith 11)

I don't think God is going to ask when I worshiped him, but instead IF I worshiped as a perpetual covenant with Him.

Letter by President Harold B. Lee to the Jerusalem Branch 

regarding the Sabbath, dated November 20, 1972. 

 
Day 1534

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 23:5-6

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 23:5-6
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,"

This verse meant something to me today, because I was talking to someone that felt alone in a crowd of people. They are an introvert like me, and it was agony for them to try to be an extrovert. While we were talking about this the spirit taught me a truth. I was impressed to say, "I could never force myself to be an extrovert when it's not my nature. It would require me to have pride and a desire to be seen of men. If that is the case then the Lord would have me an introvert and work with it." That settled the matter for them, because they knew they needed to fit in their own skin, and work with the Lord. For the Lord's opinion of us is the only one that matters.

From there we discussed how for a natural extrovert it is not an issue of pride, it's in their nature to be outgoing. Though crossovers on either side can suffer from the same issue as the scribes and Pharisees. We can't do things insincerely to be seen of men. We have to bloom where we are planted, even in an introvert body. If we focus on the Savior and serve where he has sent us to serve opportunities open up to interact with others naturally. He knows where we need to be.

Besides all that, visiting with others in the chapel just isn't what the Lord wants us to do. There is to much of that, and it's getting far to loud and destroying the peace we are coming to seek. Seriously, I debated bringing ear plugs with me to church today so I could quietly sit and read the scriptures before our meeting began. If we are focusing on how others have lots of friends and are visiting and having fun, then our hearts are not in the right place on why we came to worship. If you want to get up and go join in with the crowd then that is exactly what the adversary is trying to make you do.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland even made an apostolic plea about this in April's General Conference talk "Behold the Lamb of God".

"In that same spirit, we make an apostolic plea for the reduction of clamor in the sanctuary of our buildings. We love to visit with each other, and we should—it is one of the joys of church attendance—but it ought not be pursued so vocally in space specifically dedicated for worship. I fear that visitors not of our faith are shocked by what can sometimes be noisy irreverence in a setting that is supposed to be characterized by prayer, testimony, revelation, and peace. Perhaps heaven is a little shocked as well."

The place to visit is outside of the chapel. That is the blessing of ministering and having callings. Of all places where it's good to feel alone is in the chapel. We need to take that time to focus on our relationship with Christ. In fact we both left feeling it was a blessing to be an introvert. It's like a special blessing being given us, to help us avoid pride and irreverence if we let it. Trying to understand humility and relying on Christ takes on deeper meanings. We will never feel alone. Things are just the way they are suppose to be.

Day 1527

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 9:4, 6

Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 9:4, 6
"And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house."

What Ezekiel sees, is for his time and for mine. So I was curious about the people to be preserved that were marked. Yet, in Revelations I read of the mark of the beast and what happens to them.

"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
And he caused all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
(Revelations 13:15-17)

"And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimestone."
(Revelation 19:20)

"And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image."
(Revelations 16:2)

So what is the difference between the people that are marked?  It is whom they are worshipping. In Revelations they are worshipping the beast and not the Lord. It is the beast's mark they identify with, and the Lord destroys. The people marked in Ezekiel have the Lord's mark upon them. They fear the Lord not the beast. It is sad that little children are included in both groups. I had not noticed that before. It seems the blessing or curse then would be upon the heads of the parents.

"And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents."
(Doctrine and Covenants 68:25)

Day 1386

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 8:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 8:2
"And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth."

One thing I have seen this time reading the Old Testament is that when the people start to practice sorcery, witchcraft, worshiping the stars and the moon, trees and in groves, they are ripe for destruction. That is why I grow concerned the more I see people leave God and worship the earth and nature. They even begin to put the earth above the value of human life. The thing is I don't even think they realize they are worshiping it. They are just following a movement or cause, yet they do not speak of the God that created the earth, or worship him. To them He is not real, he is a fable that does not exist, and to be mocked. They see no evidence of Him, even though his very creations speak of Him. Truly they love God's creation more than Him.

Day 1328

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 1:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 1:4
"Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee."

Talk about a lot of symbolism. I know its not what it appears on the surface, because a romantic love poem wouldn't serve much purpose as scriptures. I had to sit and ponder on each element. I have come to the conclusion that this verse is speaking of ordinances. Both the sacrament and temple ordinances. Out of love of the Savior I will seek out his ordinances and worship him. I think I will leave it at that.

Day 1247

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 138:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 138:2
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

This made me ponder on facing the temple. I thought about my physical location to it while studying the scriptures and saying my prayers. Neither of them face the temple. I thought about how I might possibly rearrange things in my home to face towards the temple. If I was to do this I still wouldn't see it. It's a few miles away and the trees all block my view. If my home was gazing over the temple it would be worth every effort to just sit and look upon that lovely view. What value is it to face something I cannot see? I thought of how many different temples there are in the world today. How would anyone know what direction to face? I knew I was thinking a little crazy here. So what does it mean to "worship toward thy holy temple"?

Then my eyes opened up and I knew it meant that my worship needs to lead me towards the temple. It matter not my physical alignment facing towards it. It was where my heart was. Was my worship taking me there? Am I on the covenant path that is leading me towards Christ and his holy temple. I could sit and look upon the temple all day long and have it do absolutely nothing for me. It is my actions and desires of my heart that lead me there.

Washington, D.C. Temple

Day 1191

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 2:6

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 2:6
"Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion."

I know this is speaking of the anointed King. Yet I thought about how "my king" could be totally something or someone else, even Lucifer. We can worship a false god and set him up as our own little "zion". How very careful I have to be, as to the god I am worshiping. Scripture reading has taught me so many things to watch for to not be deceived. The spirit has also been given to me to protect from following false prophets and false gods. This world is ever increasing in false gods, and a constant vigilant battle in necessary in order to not be deceived. 

Day 1055

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 30:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Chronicles 30:9-10
"For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them."

Hezekiah invites all of Israel to come to Jerusalem and join in the Passover. Some accept but others laugh him to scorn. I could not help but ponder on what if this same event happened today? The world at large would laugh us to scorn. Our nation needs to turn back to God to heal us, and that is the very thing people would laugh at the suggestion. If not get down right angry to mention anything religious. That makes me incredibly sad.


Day 972

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 16:2-4

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Kings 16:2-4
"Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord his God, like David his father.
But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel.
And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."

As I have been reading through the reign of the different kings I have found it interesting how many times I am told that the king did right or wrong in the sight of the Lord, yet it goes on to mention that the "high places" remained. In these cases it is referencing pagan worshipping and not the holy temple. I have wondered how you can be a righteous king and let the "high places" remain? Maybe they didn't touch them but they gave their people the right to worship how they wanted? I do wonder what Israel would be like if just one of those kings had removed them completely from the land? Then I thought of my land and those that are pagan worshippers. Even if they know they are one or not. I can't remove them. Because they are around me doesn't make me wicked or effected by them. There will be opposition in all things. It seems the message is do what is right and the things of wickedness will have no power over you.

Ahaz not only sacrifices his son by fire, he then perverts the ways of the Lord and changes the method of sacrifices in the temple. This is the risk that you run when you touch the things you're not suppose too.


Day 904

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 12:26-28

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Kings 12:26-28
"And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:
If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.
Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt."

Jeroboam was only looking to himself and his gain. He is a classic story of someone setting up a priestcraft. He didn't want the people to go up to Jerusalem to worship in the house of the Lord, because he was afraid of losing them. Then he sets up his own version of things to worship. Even down to feasts. It's all an imitation of what God offers, mingled with what is pleasing to man. I pondered on how the people could even accept what he offered.

He offered them two golden calves to worship. Don't they know the story of Moses receiving the ten commandments and the the children of Israel having Aaron make the golden calf? Then I thought maybe they didn't. Maybe it has been so long since it happened that they no longer tell the stories to their children. Maybe they are not reading the scriptures as they should. I pondered on the danger the saints today can have too in not doing this. How important it is to read the scriptures daily. To know these stories and apply them in my life every day. There are so many lessons to learn from each story that I can never tire of studying the scriptures and pondering them in my heart. From this story I can see how easy it can be to be lead astray by false doctrine when I do not have the scriptures written upon my heart.


Day 878