Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 11:4

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 11:4
"And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."

I read the King James version of the Holy Bible, printed by "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".  What I love about this version is not only the impressive chapter headers that explain things, and the expansive footnotes, but the inclusions of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. This was a project the prophet was called to work on after translating the Book of Mormon. I check the references all the time and I love how this verse was translated.

JST Luke 11:4 "...And let us not be led unto temptation; but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and power. Amen."

What is so interesting about this is the recent changes another faith's leader made to this verse in the Lord's Prayer, that expresses a similar view as the Joseph Smith Translation. For it is not possible for God to led us into temptation. It is when we turn from God that others, ourselves, even the devil and his angels can do so. For when we are led by God we are led away from temptation. Otherwise we are left to ourselves and of our own choice will go there.

Day 1559

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 10:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 10:2
"Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."

When I think of this verse I typically think of missionary work. Today, I thought of temple work, and the work that is taking place on both sides of the veil. In the past 10 years I have seen more members involved in this work. Both in family history and taking their own family names to the temple, and at the temple performing the vicious ordinances for those that are not able to. Yet, I would say the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. There is much work that still needs to be done. Participating in this harvest does bring great joy. I think those not involved just need to dip their toes into the water to catch the spirit of it.

Day 1558

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 9:20

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 9:20
"He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God."

I pondered on how important this question is. It's the very one I think will be asked when I meet my Savior, Jesus Christ. I must know him and that he is the Christ. I feel within my heart that I do, that I don't need to see to believe. The eye of faith is overwhelming enough for my soul and sufficient for me. The rest I cannot comprehend. Though someday I know it will be.

"And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad"
(Ether 12:19)

Day 1557

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 8:10

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 8:10
"And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand."

I pondered how merciful the Lord is to speak in parables. I am not accountable for what I do not understand, when I am trying to. The beauty of the gospel is to learn line upon line, precept upon precept as I am ready to receive. The only condemnation comes when I am not even trying to learn or understand. I have loved these moments when understanding comes. The combination of personal experiences and other scriptures have made the parable take on new meaning. I can be months from the experience or scripture verse when reading the parable again makes it suddenly become clear. There are times I read a parable and see something, then come back later and see more. There is beautiful depth and simplicity in the parables. Something for all, even when just grasping the message on the surface. The practice of what is learned is what makes us better. Whatever I understand is what the spirit wanted to teach me. It doesn't matter the depth. I have learned to be very patient with myself in understanding. There isn't a quiz at the end and the one with all the answers wins. The Lord wants all to win if we just open our hearts and seek for understanding. The spirit will help us along the way as we ponder them in our hearts and seek to live up to what has been given..

Day 1556