Jacob 5:26-27 -- On Being Spared a Little Longer

"And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck off the branches that have not brought forth good fruit, and cast them into the fire.
But behold, the servant said unto him: Let us prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it a little longer, that perhaps it may bring forth good fruit unto thee, that thou canst lay it up against the season."
Jacob 5:26-27


I like this idea of waiting a little longer, because I think it encompasses a lot of what the atonement is about, and what God is willing to do for us. The servant asks the Lord to wait a little longer so that more can be saved... so that we can learn and grow and change and ripen, and hopefully end up as good fruit rather than evil.

Later in the allegory we read "And thou beheldest that a part thereof brought forth good fruit, and a part thereof brought forth wild fruit; and because I plucked not the branches thereof and cast them into the fire, behold, they have overcome the good branch that it hath withered away" (verse 45). ... God knows that by prolonging our time here that we might wither away, or on the other hand that we might cause others to wither away. In other words, he knows that we are going to have a bad influence on and harm each other sometimes. And he takes that risk, knowing the consequences, to help give us space to repent and change.

In the end, God will cut away all the bad, restore the good fruit to his vineyard, and eventually complete the harvest. Until then though, we have some extra time to ripen and flourish. Let's take advantage of that time that we are given, for "a little longer," and infuse ourselves and the world with good. Let's be the good fruit and influence others for good rather than evil. And let's be thankful to God for the time we have to explore and discover, finding joy and goodness in the world around us.

Mosiah 24:16 -- On Faith and Patience

"And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage."
Mosiah 24:16


I really like the recipe here of faith and patience leading to deliverance. Both are hard things, and I don't think that they can exist without each other, at least in a gospel context. To have patience, we have to have some faith that things are going to work out, and in order to have faith, we have to have it over a period of time, not just in one bright moment... patience teaches us faith. I think they also build on each other. If we have a little of one, then we can have a little of the other, and keep working on that, back and forth, learning from God, and learning to trust his Spirit, his word, and his deliverance. Today, let's work on our faith and our patience as we look to God for health, strength, compassion, and deliverance.

Mormon 7:7 -- On Fallibility, Humility, and Repentance

"Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved."
Mormon 7:7


This is a good reminder that we are all fallible... that we need improvement, that we need help and guidance. That knowledge helps us to be humble and learn to accept help instead of thinking that we can do it all alone, or that we don't need God. That knowledge is also essential so that we can learn to repent--to admit that we often don't know what we are doing, and with God's help to change ourselves so that we aren't the people who made those mistakes anymore. Let's be humble and repentent today. Let's remember our fallibility, and God's infallibility, and get his help in repenting and doing all we can to improve, and heal where we have harmed, and thank God for his atonement that allows us to grow and change and which eventually can resolve all of the problems we created and can't undo.

Joseph Smith History 1:13 -- On Asking God

"At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture."
Joseph Smith History 1:13


I love that this is Joseph contemplating James 1:5 and then deciding to ask God, and that this is now a verse of scripture that can inspire us to do the same thing. God offers to teach us, to help us, to grant us wisdome, as well as so many other promises... to remember important things, to learn to love, to help us to change our hearts and to learn to have a disposition to do good.

We don't have to wander in the darkness. God is a God of Light, and wants us to understand and to see clearly. Let's take him up on his offer to help, and learn all that we can. We are all in need of wisdom, just as Joseph was. We also need light, and love, and so many things that God offers us freely. Let's let go of distractions, and take some time to learn of God and catch a glimpse of the far better future that he offers us.

Psalms 58:4-5 -- On Snakes and Charmers and Hearing God with our Hearts

"Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely."
Psalms 58:4-5


This was an interesting one to me today, talking about the wicked that speak lies. Comparing to snakes I was thinking about what it would mean to be a deaf adder.

Wikipedia tells me that snakes are able to sense sound, but not actually hear the music, so the movement is what they follow which is interesting, but I think the point here is that even a snake, which is symbolic of evil perhaps here, and definitely other places in scripture, will allow itself to be lulled or entranced for a time, not attacking, but by comparison the wicked just stay evil all the time, and don't even soften that much.

So perhaps the lesson to us is that we shouldn't be deaf to the Lord's music. Instead of being deaf and wicked (and snakes), we should choose to listen, choose to act righteously and uprightly, and match our hearts to those actions rather than hiding evil in our hearts. Today, let's turn to the Lord and hear his voice. Even if we do have evil in our hearts, let's hear his voice and allow him to teach us how to let it go.

Psalms 25:7-8 -- On Learning and Changing

"Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way."
Psalms 25:7-8


I like the idea here that God is willing to forgive our sins as we change and improve, and that (because of Christ's atonement), we don't have to be stuck in the "sins of [our] youth" forever.

Today, let's be thankful that the Lord is willing to teach us as sinners, and that perfection isn't required for prayer... so that there is hope for us all, and always a way to reach out to the Lord.

John 10:10 -- On Seeking Abundant Life

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 10:10


Christ is talking about himself as the good shepherd here, and I love the idea that we are God's, and he will never take advantage of us, harm us, or even just neglect us. He is the one whose job, and joy, it is to love and care for us, and he wants us to not only just survive, or endure, but thrive and be happy. Everything that he does is designed for our good.

Today, let's remember that, and trust God, turning to him when we need help and relying on his advice, rather than prioritizing the voices of others or even ourselves. We don't always know what is good for us as well as God does, and doing things his way will always work out better in the end, even if it takes us a while to understand why. As we choose God, we choose a better, more abundant, life. :)

Psalms 9:9-10 -- On Seeking God

"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
Psalms 9:9-10


Good reminder that God can be our refuge, if we know how to include him in our lives, by calling on his name and by always seeking him and his will. Today, let's try to be a little better than we were yesterday, and look to God for our help.

Mosiah 20:24 -- On Peace

"And it came to pass that the king was pacified towards his people; and he said unto them: Let us go forth to meet my people, without arms; and I swear unto you with an oath that my people shall not slay thy people."
Mosiah 20:24


The whole idea of meeting an incoming army without weapons seems kind of scary/dangerous, but I like that they did it and it worked, and the whole idea of confronting aggression with peace. I think this works with individuals as well as armies. Sometimes a soft answer really does turn away wrath. We don't have to meet violence with violence.

Today as we meeting challenging situations, let's meet them with peace, and see if we can turn them around. As we look to God in our lives, the better ways to deal with things will get clearer.

Helaman 3:29-30 -- On Cutting Through the Snares

"Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out."
Helaman 3:29-30


I really like the idea of cutting through snares of the devil here. Sometimes it seems like there are a lot of those, and Satan is working overtime to drag us down... but despite the traps and the troubles, God can lead us through and bring us safe to heaven. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Today, let's pray about our troubles, ask for his help, and then trust him, and follow his instructions. As we turn to him, he can cut through the snares and help us find our way out of any trouble.

Helaman 4:14-15 -- On Consequences and Repentance

"But behold, Moronihah did preach many things unto the people because of their iniquity, and also Nephi and Lehi, who were the sons of Helaman, did preach many things unto the people, yea, and did prophesy many things unto them concerning their iniquities, and what should come unto them if they did not repent of their sins.
And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they did repent they did begin to prosper."
Helaman 4:14-15


Knowing the consequences is definitely not always fun, but it does give us some important context for our choices. We make some pretty awful choices sometimes, and it is important that we understand where those choices lead, so that we have the motivation to repent and change... to take the second (etc.) chances that Christ died to offer us.

Today, let's consider our ways, and understand the weight of our actions. If we want the consequences that we see before us, then we are free to choose a life without God. But God encourages us to improve our options through repentance. Let's recognize the truth when it is presented to us, and be brave enough to follow God's true path.

D&C 117:5-7 -- On Letting Go

"Let the properties of Kirtland be turned out for debts, saith the Lord. Let them go, saith the Lord, and whatsoever remaineth, let it remain in your hands, saith the Lord.
For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?
Therefore, will I not make solitary places to bud and to blossom, and to bring forth in abundance? saith the Lord."
Doctrine and Covenants 117:5-7


Good advice from the Lord on letting go. It is a hard thing for us, because we have learned ownership and how *not* to share from the world. God, even in the hardest of times, is helping us learn a better way of living, and ultimately to trust that he will do what he promises, and take care of us if we do his will and put him first. ... Doesn't mean it will always be perfect, but that is part of learning faith. Remembering God in the good times and the bad, and trusting that he is doing exactly the right thing for our lives every single time.

Today, let's work on letting go of whatever is standing in the way of trusting the Lord. As we learn to put God first, then he will bless us abundantly and grant our righteous desires... and in his hands we will prosper, as the Lord makes even the solitary places to blossom. :)

Ether 3:12 -- On Truth

"And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie."
Ether 3:12


I love the idea that God can't lie. Not that he is incapable, but it is antithetical to his nature. As the Brother of Jared says here, he is a God of Truth. When we can trust nothing else, including ourselves, we can still trust God. He will always tell us the truth, and welcome us when we turn to him.

Today, let's trust what God has to say, whether through the scriptures, his prophets, or through direct revelation. And let's work on making our lives more truthful as well.

Jonah 4:6 -- On Comfort

"And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd."
Jonah 4:6


I think it is cool that God did this for Jonah even while Jonah was mad at him. Later he turned it into a lesson, perhaps when Jonah was more ready to listen, but for the moment, he just comforted him with some shade. I think God does this for all of us at times. He provides us some temporary comfort even if we're causing our own distress... to help us through it, and saves the lesson for tomorrow. The lessons need to come, so that we can learn to change and grow into better people, but God loves us deeply and knows that we also need some time to work through it all.

Today, let's be thankful for his comfort and help.

Alma 30:45 -- On Signs

"And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this people, testifying unto them there is no God? And yet will ye deny against all these witnesses? And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show me a sign."
Alma 30:45


Korihor made a mistake here... one that benefitted the church, for sure, but since he was aiming at proving there wasn't a God, and he already knew there was one, he probably shouldn't have provoked God with a direct confrontation here. God isn't opposed to miracles, but demanding a sign? Seems like asking for trouble.
Today, let's have a little faith and even if we are confused and distraught, let's trust just enough to pray and talk to God about it, letting him show us the truth in his time and his way rather than demanding that God do things our way and show us a sign. When we do that we're very fortunate if it does not come, and God gives us time to rethink. If it does come, it is likely to come in a way that we aren't going to like, as in this case.

Alma 30:40-41 -- On Evidence, and Faith

"And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.
But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?"
Alma 30:40-41


I like this part because Alma flips Korihor's argument around... Korihor was saying that no one can know if there is a Christ, and Alma says I do know... where is your evidence? Everything that exists is evidence of a God. It's interesting to think about how hard it is to believe that all of creation is just a big coincidence, since society usually seems to have the oppostite viewpoint.

It might have been interesting to listen to this conversation further, to hear the prophet's side, but Korihor jumps right to asking for a sign, and he gets one, to his sorrow. ... Today, let's give God a chance. Let's trust him a little, and see where it leads. Rather than assuming that things we can't see aren't there, let's give miracles a chance, and grow to understand that our eyes aren't seeing the full picture. Our minds, our hearts, and our spiritual senses are all other ways to perceive, and if we give God the benefit of the doubt and take a step towards him, he will take a step towards us, as slowly we learn to make that connection.

Psalms 22:11 -- On Help When There Is No Help

"Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help."
Psalms 22:11


I love the central idea of this... that God can be near us and help us when we have nobody. And I think that is probably the only reason that this life is tolerable during the dark times... because God will not leave us comfortless, even if everyone else, including ourselves, hates us and knows that we caused our own downfall. God will still be there to love us and pick us up again. That is part of his perfection, and a giant reason to love him. Even more, we can learn to love that way too--learn to be like him, and learn to love and help others. Let's turn to God for help, and to learn all we can. :)

Amos 8:11-12 -- On Valuing the Word of the Lord

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:
And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."
Amos 8:11-12

This reminded me of Isaiah "I will make a man more precious than fine gold..." (Isaiah 13:12), I think because the contrast seems designed to emphasize the value of the thing that will be missing. God is asking us not to take things for granted, and specifically in these verses to be thankful for the word of the Lord. God did a lot of miracles to preserve the records for us, and they are here to help us in our lives... to teach us the right way, to help us towards happiness. Let's value the gift of the gospel and learn from what God has to say. I mean, he's only the creator of the universe... we can probably pick up a few things here and there. ;)

Obadiah 1:15 -- On Rewards and Actions

"For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
Obadiah 1:15


God's justice amazes me sometimes. I know that we see a lot of inequity and tragedy in the earth... not saying that isn't happening. God's justice isn't immediate, but his way is always fair to everyone in the end... those that haven't gotten a fair shake will get one. What amazes me that we all get the opportunity to make real choices... one of the reasons that evil has to exist, and time too. It is all about figuring ourselves out, understanding life, and making a real choice about whether to love other people and love God, or not. Our reward will return upon our heads, which could be a curse, but which could also be the tenderest blessing, depending on what our choices have been.

And if we stop and realize that we don't actually want what we've been dishing out, then God has given us repentance, so we can change and do better. It's better than any ranking or grading system... just getting back what we give. ... Today, let's try to give more, and do better.

Alma 5:38 -- On Our Fold

"Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd."
Alma 5:38


The next line after this asks us what fold we are in, if we aren't in Christ's fold. ... Sometimes I don't think that we really get that God's purpose... this whole world and everything around us is designed to save us. God wants to gather us in and help us, but so often we refuse him, thinking we can make our own fold and that somehow we'll be safe on our own, sheep without our shepherd.

Today, let's think seriously about our assumptions and make sure that we're not underestimating what God is, and everything that he is trying to do for us. A relationship with him is worth the time... indeed, it is worth more than any other single thing in our lives. Let's learn more about our creator, and reach out to him in prayer.

Jeremiah 10:23-24 -- On Humility and Correction

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing."
Jeremiah 10:23-24


Saying here that the way of man is not in ourselves is a good reminder that we need God, and his ways are higher than our ways. It seems like I spend a lot of my time relearning some of those basic lessons... that I need God--that I need to be humble and rely on God, allowing him to help and teach me rather than trying to shut him out and trying it alone, as I slip into far too often.

Today, let's remember that our ways are not in ourselves, and let's look to God and ask him to correct our paths, so that we don't end up in the wrong place.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 -- On Lovingkindness, Judgement, and Righteousness

"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."
Jeremiah 9:23-24


I love this reminder that wisdom, might, and riches can be good if used correctly, the things that we should be glorying in are a relationship with the Lord, and the fact that he can restore love, kindness, judgement, and righteousness to the earth. We don't seem to be able to do very well at that when left to our own devices.

Today, let's turn to the Lord to help us with the things that we can't do for ourselves, and learn more about him, and try to be more like him, little by little, so that we can someday learn how to be the kind of people that can enjoy living in a better world like that. :)

Jeremiah 6:16 -- On Old Paths and Good Paths

"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."
Jeremiah 6:16


I thought this was interesting today because saying "old paths" kind of sounds obsolete... which could be just me, but could also be something that we as a society are starting to buy into. We're used to having to replace things in a lot of cases rather than fixing them because they are old models, or sometimes we're forced into it through planned obsolescence. But this is God and he is asking us to walk the old paths, which I think means, at least in part, that we should read about those who have gone before us in the scriptures, and learn from them, and, especially in the case of reading and learning about Jesus Christ... walk in their ways.

The gospel doesn't get old or out of date. God might update policies and schedules as we learn more, but the gospel itself is eternal. It's always going to be about loving God and learning to love each other, no matter how the world changes around us. Today, let's be wise and follow God's advice rather than rejecting him and walking in our own ways. His way is the way of goodness, rest, and lasting happiness.

Alma 3:19 -- On Curses

"Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves the curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed bring upon himself his own condemnation."
Alma 3:19


This struck me today because it is talking about a group of people marking themselves and fighting against another group. I don't think individuality or expressing ourselves is a bad thing, but I think the curseworthy thing here is dividing ourselves from others in order to attack them or force them to be more like we are, or to bring them under our control. God asks us to be unified, to help each other... to lift each other up, and that kind of division and intent to subjugate is basically the opposite of what God asks. Today, let's work on doing good to others, and emphasizing our commonalities rather than criticizing and attacking our differences.

Mosiah 18:7 -- On Building our Knowledge and Faith

"And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord."
Mosiah 18:7


I like how Alma kept things simple here... not that they are simplistic doctrines at all, but the focus was on repentance, redemption, and faith. Christ encouraged his disciples to limit what they preached as well... I think because we really need to grasp some of the basics before we try to build on that. Line upon line. Kind of like how you wouldn't be able to just give a computer to a society that didn't have electricity yet. I mean, you could, of course, but they wouldn't get it or be able to use it. You would have to start out a lot more basic, and the more they learned and developed, the more you could offer. I think that is kind of how God works with us. There are things that we just can't understand yet, but the more we learn and build on what we know, the more we will be able to grasp.

Today, let's explore repentance, and redemption, and faith. We've probably encountered these ideas before, but we can go back and revisit them, and build a little bit more on them as we seek greater understanding from the Lord. Let's continue this process as we can... learning a little more, integrating what we know into our lives a little bit more, prioritizing God a little bit more. Let's learn line by line, and keep moving forward, step by step, as we strive to be better people and to learn what God has to teach.

Mosiah 2:16-17 -- On Service

"Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
Mosiah 2:16-17


I like this idea that whatever we are doing, anywhere, anytime... if it is good and helps other people... is serving God. It isn't just prayer and scripture study or callings and Sunday worship... it's all of it. And I wonder if we really got into the habit of thinking about it that way, if we would do better with all of it.

Today, as we serve God in situations outside of the church framework, let's not forget that we are still serving God. Let's keep that in mind, and do our best to serve him, and our fellow beings, wherever we are.

Isaiah 55:12 -- Going Out with Joy

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."
Isaiah 55:12


I like the symbolism here... it has to be extreme happiness and peace if the mountains, hills, and trees are getting into it. I think it is another lesson in perspective for us perhaps... with God everything is possible, and everything leads to good. Even nature joins in the celebration and helps towards the goals of God. It's when we turn our back on God and refuse his invitations that things can seem hopeless or unsolvable. Today, let's turn to God as we are looking for help, and hope. Because Jesus Christ lives, he can help us even in the most difficult circumstances. We just need to pray and ask, and be open to listening to his advice.

D&C 109:21 -- On Transgression, Repentance, and Perspective

"And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house."
Doctrine and Covenants 109:21


This was part of the prayer given at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. I like the idea of helping us repent speedily. :) That's kind of a hard thing to plan for on a personal level, because if you are doing some pre-meditated sin and planning to repent later... the sincerity required to be truly sorry for what you did is going to be extremely hard to come by. On the other hand, we know that we are going to sin in general, so asking that we'll be able to recognize our mistakes and faults and learn quickly and make changes in our lives to become better... that seems pretty wise. :)

Part of it I think is the ideas of being in the world but not of it... being able to separate ourselves from our lives a little bit and step back. Perhaps a blessing from God to be able to see things more objectively, or at least see a glimpse of God's perspective, and know that our current circumstances don't define us, and that we can change, and that God will help us with anything good.

Today, let's try to capture that eternal mindset... to "think Celestial" as the prophet would say. :) Let's try to take a step back and examine ourselves, and see places where we can improve... and then follow through with that.

Abraham 4:16-18 -- On Watching and Organizing

"And the Gods organized the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; with the lesser light they set the stars also;
And the Gods set them in the expanse of the heavens, to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to cause to divide the light from the darkness.
And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed."
Abraham 4:16-18


I think it is interesting that in this version of the creation story, the heavens were "organized and formed" (verse 1), and even though it says that some things were set, it's like they were set in a spiritual pattern ahead of the physical reality... like instructions were given out, and then God just followed through and made sure that everyone did their jobs, making sure the stars knew where to go, etc. :)

I obviously don't know the details, but it's cool to think about the idea of all things working together for good, and that same thing could have been happening here. God can command the elements, so why not the stars? ... Today, let's take some time to think about God's power and the reason that we exist, and maybe talk to God about it. We are all here for a reason, and we can make a difference wherever we are. And God will watch, and watch over, us until we learn, and do.

Alma 5:30-31 -- On Mockery and Repentance

"And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?
Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved!"
Alma 5:30-31


This is a good question that Alma poses for us to think about. It's pretty easy to fall into the mockery trap and make fun of people who like things that we think are silly, or who act, dress, behave, look, vote, worship, eat, speak, or sin differently than we do.

Today, let's do as God asks and sincerely work on loving everyone, and esteeming them as ourselves. Let's try to see things from other perspectives, and be careful to respect others, to avoid mocking, and to repent of the mistakes we have made previously.

Alma 5:16 -- On Imagining and Improving

"I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?"
Alma 5:16


This is an interesting question to think about. If we can imagine that, that's probably good, as long as we are combining that with humility and listening closely to the Lord. If not, maybe we need to take a step back and ask ourselves why. It could be of course that we aren't giving ourselves enough credit, but it could also be that we need to improve or increase our good works. :)

Today, let's think about what we are doing to promote goodness and to help people. Wherever we are with that, let's talk with the Lord about what improvements we can make, and how we can help him, and help others.

D&C 133:21-25 -- On Becoming Whole

"And he shall utter his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from Jerusalem, and his voice shall be heard among all people;
And it shall be a voice as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, which shall break down the mountains, and the valleys shall not be found.
He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land;
And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.
And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh."
Doctrine and Covenants 133:21-25


I like the image here of a voice breaking down mountains, filling in the valleys, commanding the oceans, and joining the land. It seems like kind of a reversal of the change after the tower of Babel... instead of dividing the lands and the people, everthing will come together again, united and whole under Christ.

God doesn't only do that for geography, but for us. We are often internally divided and torn, both because we feel distance from God, but also because gaining our bodies has presented us with some internal conflict and the need to make decisions about what is the most important to us, and as we learn through those choices, we either become more divided or more whole. God helps us to get all the parts of ourselves on the same page... the page with him on it as well. Sin can pull us away, so today let's work on repentance and wholeness, joining with God in his effort to help everyone heal.

D&C 133:56 -- On the Song of the Lamb

"And the graves of the saints shall be opened; and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount Zion, and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem; and they shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever."
Doctrine and Covenants 133:56


I love the image here of singing forever. I was wondering if we would do it in shifts or just straight through. I suppose that if you are immortal you could probably sing as long as you wanted. :) I love singing, so maybe this doesn't seem as awesome to everyone as it does to me, but I feel like it could be fun to sing for a couple of weeks straight, especially with God right there to sing to. :) I can't really imagine forever because it starts to seem not fun anymore after a while, but that is because of exhaustion or getting hoarse or other things that an immortal body probably wouldn't even blink at... so who knows. :)

I imagine we'll also be doing other things with some of that forever, like taking classes about things we don't know. Maybe Walking on Water 101 or, for advanced students, maybe constructing a Liahona or something. But also maybe that kind of praise could be just a part of who we will be. Can you imagine a life where you just constantly feel so much joy that you want to break into song? I want to feel that. :) Today, let's stick with God, and learn to sing his song.

Enos 1:1-2 -- On Nurture and Admonition

"Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—
And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins."
Enos 1:1-2


I was reading this today, and I was impressed by this idea of nurture and admonition in how the Lord deals with us, which I think relates to the idea of "wrestling" with the Lord here as well. God is helping us every day, but also pointing out things that we need to change and improve. Our relationship with God is meant to be consistent, interactive, and engaging, not just drive-by prayers, or brilliant moments of insight (though of course those are awesome). God loves us and wants to help us even when no one else does, but at the same time, he wants us to grow and improve, and he will absolutely tell us when we are being mean, impatient, and hypocritical. Showing us our weaknesses doesn't mean that he doesn't care, but that he cares enough about our welfare that he encourages us to be better and to do the things in our lives that will bring us more happiness.

Today, let's keep a line open with God even when we are doing other things. Let's work on sharing our lives with him, and keeping up a constant dialogue of prayer. The more we interact with God, the more we can grow, and feel his love... and the better our lives can become.

Acts 3:17-19 -- On Ignorance and Repentance

"And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
Acts 3:17-19


Here Peter is talking about the death of Christ, and that the people they are talking to participated in his death, but through ignorance rather than malice. That's a huge thing to say to someone, and it made me wonder how it would feel to realize what a huge mistake you made... not only being a part of killing someone, but the worst possible person for anyone to kill.

I don't think any of us have a regret quite that extreme, but I think we can all imagine it, because we all have our own regrets, and horrible mistakes that we wish we could take back. We can't, and that's hard... but as Peter urges here, we *can* repent, and repentance can cleanse us from the pain and the regret of even the worst things, because Christ is willing to forgive us. In fact, to be able to grant us that kind of mercy is one of the reasons that he lived among us in the first place.

Today, let's listen to God's word, and repent of our ignorance and our mistakes and our intentional missteps (harder, but still possible), and let's turn towards God and live better than we have.

Jacob 7:19 -- On Lying to God

"And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God."
Jacob 7:19


It's interesting here that Sherem talks about lying to God as an unpardonable sin... first, how is it even possible to lie to God, and second, why is it so serious?

I wasn't there of course, and can't know for sure, but I think there are some hints in the story that shed a little light. It talks about him having a "perfect knowledge" of the language and using much flattery, and he sought out Jacob specificially even though he knew he was the least susceptible to his arguments... so it seems like he was actively seeking drama and attention... he wanted to twist his words and gain points with the onlookers so that he would look good and have more sway with them perhaps.

Then, when he asks (very unwisely) for a sign, Jacob says "What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true?" (verse 14). I think that is probably the core thing right there. Sherem knew that the gospel was true, and he was spreading lies anyway. For it to be unpardonable, it seems like he would have had to have a sure, certain testimony and then chose to go and lead people away from God anyway.

Today, let's make sure that we hold true to the knowledge and testimony of God that we have.

Abraham 2:3 -- On Leaving the Familiar and Finding God

"Now the Lord had said unto me: Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee."
Abraham 2:3


This is a theme that is repeated throughout the scriptures--God telling people to leave where they are and venture into something new, to find a new, promised land.

I feel like we all go through this at some point in our lives--perhaps not as literally as Abraham, or Moses, or Noah, or Lehi, but still... the very idea of losing ourselves to find ourselves, or of baptism as rebirth into the gospel, and growing up in God. It's all about leaving the familiar and the expected behind and forging something new in cooperation with God. And it is our end goal as well... to leave our country and kindred and find the promised land of heaven.

Today, wherever we are, let's make sure that we are leaving behing the things that are holding us back from joining God on the journey, and let's move forward towards the new land and new life and new home that God offers.

Amos 8:9-11 -- On Famine, Death, and Connection with God

"And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:
And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:"
Amos 8:9-11


The idea here of darkness, mourning, bitterness, and a famine because we are missing the words of the Lord reminds me of the idea of spiritual death, which isn't a dead spirit, because that can't happen, but rather separation from God. ... Similarly dramatic, because God isn't around. And that's basically the same idea. If we don't have the word of the Lord and we don't have his word, then we are starving and dying.

In the beginning of the Book of Mormon, that is why Laban had to die as well... because without the word of the Lord, Lehi's descendants would suffer because of that loss.

Today, maybe we should ponder how much we truly need God and remember the times in our lives when we felt distance from him, and how much harder that is than living with his guidance and help. Let's turn to God, and read his word and reach out to him in prayer so that we don't have to starve or die without that essential core of hope and happiness in our lives. Let's rely on the Lord for help and advice and not waste or ignore our chance to connect with him... the source of life and truth and love, and everything good.

Numbers 2:34 -- On Doing As the Lord Commands

"And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers."
Numbers 2:34


The Old Testament is interesting in how specific the commandments get, and how exacting the children of Israel were in following God, through his prophet. I think maybe now that the laws are less specific about how to follow them, sometimes we forget that prophets are just as important and deserve the same respect as they did then. God still speaks through his prophets, and we should still listen, and do what the Lord commands. :)

Today, let's be willing to learn, and to do, what God instructs us to do through his prophets.

Isaiah 8:22 -- On Light and Darkness

"And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness."
Isaiah 8:22


A couple of verses before this it talks about people that have "no light in them," so they can't see the truth, and I think the culmination of that is here, when it talks about them being "driven to darkness." Perhaps driving themselves to darkness because they can't see the light, or perhaps being deceived into it... also because they can't see/feel/understand/know the light. I think the point here is that we need to cleave to the light of God with everything that we are.

Today, if we are feeling surrounded by darkness, within or without, let's remember that God is the truth, and that He is light, and then let's kneel and humbly pray for God's help in being able to see the light again... the light of Christ, of hope, of faith... of goodness, so that we can see God's path and walk in it. Darkness and dimness--despair, hopelessness--that is the deception, and if we turn to God he will show us the hope, help us to see with new eyes and a better perspective, and guide us all to our potential and to eternal happiness. :) Let's choose light.

Mark 4:18-19 -- On Cares of the World

"And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
Mark 4:18-19


A good reminder for today that it is very easy to let the cares of the world distract us from the things that truly matter... the word of God, and his gospel of hope and love. Today, let's avoid the choking distractions that can drive us away from God, and let's focus on the important things... learning about and loving God, and with his help, loving not just those close to us, but *everyone* else. Doing God's will is sometimes difficult, but overall the burden is lighter than the cares of the world, because God is there to help us and carry it with us. Let's trust him and turn to him rather than the world.

2 Corinthians 8:11-12 -- On Doing What We Can

"Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not."
2 Corinthians 8:11-12


I like the idea of God taking into account our capabilities. If we are willing to serve him... to make the world better, to help pthers, then we should act on it, knowing that God isn't going to expect us to be perfect at it, but that he accepts what we have to give, and doesn't expect us to be someone else, or grade on a curve. :) He only considers what we can do, and that is enough. ... And he will help us learn to be better. Today, let's jump in and do the good that is in our hearts, and work with God to help and serve and make things better. If we do that, God will magnify our efforts and help us improve.

3 Nephi 1:19-20 -- On Signs, Prophets, and Testimony

"And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets."
3 Nephi 1:19-20


I love this sign, showing the people that Christ was born, even though they were in a different land. It's cool to see the timelines of different scriptural accounts match up perfectly like this. Also cool that the sign was given with perfect timing to save the people and convince so many of the truth.

In just a few verses though, they begin to be decieved again by Satan, and in a couple of chapters back to full-scale wickedness... so, as with Laman and Lemuel, we see that these dramatic signs aren't the real conversion tools that we sometimes want them to be. A dramatic sign from the Lord can be amazing, but if we don't build on that and learn more of the gospel, learn to walk in the Spirit, and learn more about God, then we are in danger of falling away from the truth as quickly as we turned towards it in that important moment.

Today, let's listen to the prophets even when we don't see a dramatic sign, and let's build our testimonies by studying the words of Christ and by learning of him. Let's appreciate signs for what they are, and turn to God, but also remember that we grow up in God little by little with sustained effort rather than all in that one dramatic moment :)

Ether 12:4 -- On Belief and Hope and a Better World

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
Ether 12:4


I love the idea here of belief in God leading directly to hope, and stability and good works. We don't always make those connections as we are learning our way in the gospel, but they are definitely there. Hoping in the better world that God promises us helps us to see what could be kind of superimposed over what is, and it opens us up to possibilities, not only for ourselves and our growth, but we can see the hope that there is for others as well... the chance that we all have to grow and change and unify under God's protection and leadership, as he teaches us to overcome the world and ourselves and become those "otherworldly," better people, ready to live the higher law of a better place and uplift everything and everyone around us. Today, let's catch the vision of this verse and be part of pitching in with good works and confidence as we build a better world after God's instructions and pattern. That's what life is for... to improve and ascend to a higher level of perfection and joy, little by little, with God helping us learn as we go.

Mosiah 27:29 -- On Being Snatched, and Saved, and Becoming New

"My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more."
Mosiah 27:29


I love the idea of being snatched here. Not as in kidnapped, but snatched "out of an everlasting burning" as it mentions in the previous verse. The idea of being saved... but not only saved, but born again, set on a new path--one full of hope and light rather than what and where we were before, becoming "new creatures" as it mentions in verse 26.

That is what God does for us. His kind of saving is complete, not just snatching us out of the fire, but teaching us to avoid it and go to a better place where we can be happy forever. ... Today, let's work on learning that lesson and traveling God's path, the path of hope, in our newness of life, letting go of the old self and reaching for what God offers--believing in that vision.

D&C 121:28 -- On Nothing Withheld

"A time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many gods, they shall be manifest."
Doctrine and Covenants 121:28


This is interesting. We have several versions of the creation story and whether the word God is plural or singular changes depending on what version you read... and I think it is kind of cool to say in this verse that we'll understand it all eventually. And also, it sort of implies that that isn't the most crucial question of eternity, which means maybe we spend too much time debating it here. We know that we pray to God, our heavenly father, and we know that Jesus Christ died for our sins and still lives to guide and help us, and that the Holy Ghost helps us every day to recognize truth... maybe we don't need to debate it further. We can just trust God and know that he will answer all of our questions in time.

Today, let's embrace the things that we know and that we have learned from God, and maybe step back and let go of some of our worry about the things that we don't know. Not that we shouldn't be curious and seek answers from the Lord, for sure, but perhaps we can be more patient and more faithful, knowing that God knows what he is doing, even when we don't understand exactly what that is all the time. Someday we will, and until then let's work on our patience and faith and developing our relationship with God.

Ephesians 4:11-15 -- On Perfecting and Growing Up

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

Ephesians 4:11-15


I like the idea here of all of these resources that are all designed to help us through the perfecting process, or growing up into Godliness. ... I think we sometimes expect God to be mysterious and complex... he is God and knows everything after all, but he also knows that we are children, making silly, childish mistake, at least in a spiritual sense, and he has very plain things to say to us. Hold on to truth and love, stick with what God says and not what people say.

Today, let's do all we can to grow towards God--to put that goal first in our lives, and let other things take lower priorities or fall off the list if they aren't compatible with that first item. This is our life, and all of it was given to us so we could learn this spiritual stuff and figure out our lives and our desires and our true selves, with God. He can help us with the hard questions, with going from who we are to who we truly want to be. Let's stick with him, and partake of his hope, and move forward and upward, towards eventual, but thankfully not immediately expected, perfection.

D&C 80:3 -- On Going Forth

"Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss."
Doctrine and Covenants 80:3


David Bednar mentioned this scripture today in a meeting that I attended, and I really liked the idea that he pointed out here, that God is just asking people to move. The direction doesn't matter, because if they are going with the Spirit and communicating with God, he will lead them along, and there is likely plenty of God's work to be done everywhere. :)

I kind of love the idea of not being able to fail/go the wrong direction ("ye cannot go amiss"), as long as we are doing what the Lord asks. It makes all of it a little less scary, right? We can choose whatever direction we want to help, and God will help us get where we need to go. Today, let's go forth to do God's will, and trust God to teach us the way, and to guide us to where we can do good.

1 Timothy 6:4-8 -- On Contentment

"He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
1 Timothy 6:4-8


Reading this today got me thinking about contentment. Like happiness, and so many other things, we often expect those things to be externally granted... to find a place in our lives where we finally have what we need to be happy, or content, or at peace... and I think that what God is teaching us here, and elsewhere in the scriptures, is that those things aren't external. As long as we have what we need to sustain life (here, food and raiment), we can find contentment within.

I don't think that God is telling us that we can't think about interesting things, but like anything else that we let into our minds, we should be choosy about how it affects us and the people around us. Are we just arguing and making ourselves upset, or are we learning about other viewpoints and spreading goodness? Probably a big difference in how we approach things like conversing online, just as there is with what television and music we listen to... or the kinds of language we choose to use. Everything we choose can bring us closer to God and other people, or pull us farther away.

Today, let's make sure our surmisings aren't evil, and inasmuch as we know how, let's choose contentment, peace, happiness, and all good things, rather than inviting the opposite into our lives. If we aren't sure how, then let's go to God and open ourselves up to his lessons on learning that. He is always willing to help, through his scriptures and through direct life experience. :)

John 5:5-6 -- On Healing

"And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?"
John 5:5-6


Thirty-eight years seems like a long time to deal with an infirmity, and it reminds me also of the woman that touched the hem of Christ's clothes and who had been dealing with a problem for quite a while as well. ... It makes me think that healing will come for everyone, and is available to everyone.

Our challenges aren't always visible, or physical, but we all have weaknesses and things that are hard for us to deal with. God gives us weaknesses so that we can learn to overcome them and find our inner strength. And God is there with us along the way, to help, and guide, and eventually, to heal, perfect, and make whole.

The trouble of course is not only our unbelief, but our impatience. We want things to be instantly perfect. But if they were, we wouldn't learn much. Perhaps today we can take a step back and focus on the learning opportunities that are all around us. Meanwhile, we can also believe in and hope for the healing to come.

1 Corinthians 6:7-8 -- On Our Brethren

"Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren."
1 Corinthians 6:7-8


I feel like it is so easy to see the wrong side on this one... accepting wrong just seems so hard to accept, and allowing someone to cheat you... wow. But then, stepping back, it is also easier to see God's perspective on this. What else is forgiveness about, if we can't let go of something that has been done to us... and what else is love and learning to be a Zion people if we don't give other people the same benefit of the doubt as we would wish for ourselves, or that we would grant to other members of our family.

And they *are* family, which I think is the core of God's message here, right? Why are we harming and cheating each other, when we are brothers and sisters? And maybe today that is what we need to remember most of all... all of those people out there that we are complaining about and that we might not like... they are our family. Let's do all we can to learn to love them and forgive them, as we would anyone we think of as our own. God can help us learn, because he truly loves us all, and knows the goodness within each of us.

Words of Mormon 1:7 -- On Whispers and Trust

"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 1:7


I love the perfect knowledge of God, and that through his Spirit he prepares us for things to come, even though we have no idea how it will work, he guides our paths. With the advantage of hindsight we can sometimes look back and see how important certain events and choices were, but in the moment we're often dismayed or worried about them becuase we don't know why things aren't working out the way we wanted them to. Luckily, God's way is always better, and so, if we can step back and God grants us a little of his perspective, we can learn to trust that, whatever comes, God knows what he is doing. If we can do that, then we can always learn to adjust to our circumstances, knowing that there is a reason.

Today, let's remember that there is a wise purpose. That doesn't mean we should walk through life as Zombies, believing that what we do doesn't matter. That isn't true. But when things work out differently than we expect, let's trust that God knows the path, and that if we stick with him, we are always going to get to someplace better than before. :)

Enos 1:12 -- Prayer and Labor

"And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith."
Enos 1:12


I like the idea of prayer being a labor... not because prayer is a hard thing to learn, but because building a relationship with God is hard work, but also noble effort that gets us closer to everything good in life, and even after life is over. It teaches us to love, and to be better than we are.

Today, let's try the virtue of the word of God and pput some effort into prayer. As we do, and as we get better at it, and learn more about God, we'll start being on the same page with God more often, and we'll know how to ask for the right things that God longs to assist us with. :)

Jacob 4:10 -- On Taking Counsel

"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works."
Jacob 4:10


Another good reminder to listen to the Lord. It's easy to think that we know the proper way to go, or that the ideal that we have in our minds of the way our lives and the course of the world should go is the right one, but we can't see what God sees, and compared to him, we really know very little about how things fit together... but he is willing to teach us, if we will listen and learn and take his advice.

Today, let's remember that we are not the source of all wisdom, and that God *is* exactly that. :)

Jacob 4:7 -- On Weakness

"Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things."
Jacob 4:7


It isn't often very fun to realize our weaknesses, but it's likely essential knowledge so that we can learn humility, and remember how much we need God. If we could just handle everything by ourselves, we'd never (in most circumstances) make big changes in our lives, and take the leap to change and grow in new and different ways. It helps ground us so that we can't kid ourselves that we are better than anyone else, but that we are all alike in our deep need for God, and his atonement and mercy.

Today, let's recognize our weaknesses as God shows them to us, and work on them... but also recognize that God can make up for them, and help us with them, and that we're not failures just because we fail... the point is to get up and keep trying, and let God teach us how to do better. It's part of growing up, and we are still children, spiritually. We don't have to control everything. We can let God do that, and focus on trying to love God and the people around us better.

Alma 7:15 -- On Committing to God

"Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth abeset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism."
Alma 7:15


What strikes me today as I read this is that our relationship with God is a committment. It isn't just a one way thing where God helps us and get a perfect life... he does help, but our lives are supposed to have trials, and dedication to God also requires a committment from us to work at keeping the commandments, at living a good life. We don't have to be instantly perfect, of course, but we're committing to do our best, and prioritize God in our lives.

Today, let's remember to work on our committment to God, and put in some effort in doing as he asks, even if it is just a small thing as we start out. Read a few verses of scripture (as above), say a prayer. ... The little things accumulate, and, with God's help, assist us in becoming better, and learning more--little by little, leading to a better future with God.

Romans 10:13 -- On Prayer

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 10:13


I like the simplicity here. As it goes on it talks about the chain of things that have to be true if you are calling on God, and I don't think that it is a one-time only, get-out-of-jail-free type thing that you do and then you are golden, but the overall principle is truly simple. Prayer works. It matters.

Today, let's call on the name of the Lord, and continue to do so, so that we can learn how our lives can change and improve over time as we learn to communicate with the Lord and trust his will over our own.

Romans 5:3-5 -- On Tribulation, Patience, Hope, and Love

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 5:3-5


This strikes me today because I think it is saying there at the end that we can't be ashamed of hope because the Holy Ghost helps us to ground our hope in things as they actually will be... the happy ending, in other words, is real. :)

I'm not sure I enjoy learning patience, but it is a very good teacher, and learning it more and more improves our lives, helps us to get some perspective and experience, and teaches us hope and love.

Today, let's embrace the opportunity to learn, even if it is through trubulation sometimes... and let's grow in hope and love and in faith in the Lord and the surety of his promises.

Isaiah 18:3 -- On Readiness

"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."
Isaiah 18:3


The flag and the trumpet here are probably symbolic, but a good reminder to look out for them anyway. When God tells us that he will lift up an ensign (flag/sign), or blow a trumpet, he is telling us that there are signs, if we have our eyes and ears open to him, and basically that we should be ready.

Today, let's improve our readiness by sticking close to the Spirit through prayer and scripture study. Let's be of service to God and our fellow beings. As we follow God's commandments and work to do his will, we'll be more prepared to see the signs of God's coming as they are presented.

Isaiah 15:3 -- On Bad Days

"In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly."
Isaiah 15:3


This doesn't sound like a good day. I was thinking though... just like the cloud of darkness or the storm or the dark and dreary waste that all come when we are trying to seek God... God warns us that there are bad days to come. That even though we are trying to stay on the path, storms and darkness are going to beset us and we have to hold on to the iron rod to make it through.

God also promises us that after all the bad days will come a glorious happy eternity though, and that is the goal that we should have our minds set on... the whole "Think Celestial" idea is about that happy eternity that comes after we weather the storms and the trials... and even though it is absolutely not fun in the moment... it is heartbreaking and desolate to go through the sackcloth and weeping stages... those things, if we use them to motivate ourselves and stick close to God... they can help us learn and help us become the better, Celestial people that we have the potential to be.

Today, let's work on learning from the bad days and trusting in God for the good eternity to come. :)

Isaiah 5:7 -- On Trusting and Following

"For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry."
Isaiah 5:7


I like the explanation of the symbolism here, and a good warning about being careless or cruel with our fellow humans. Today, let's trust in God and work with him to make things better. He has prepared all things, and offered his help. We just have to accept that help, and follow his instructions.

Proverbs 19:11 -- On Letting Go

"The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression."
Proverbs 19:11


I like the idea here of deferring anger and passing over transgression. I think it is a message from God telling us that sometimes we just need to let it go. Maybe more than sometimes.

Today, let's try to let our anger go, and give people a pass when they do something wrong where it makes sense. That isn't always appropriate, but God can help us know what to stand up for and what to let go. Either way, let's work on being kind and forgiving wherever we can, embracing mercy, and trusting God to deal with necessary justice.

Proverbs 24:21-22 -- On Trusting God and His Changelessness

"My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?"
Proverbs 24:21-22


The "given to change" part is interesting... God is eternal and changeless, but individually, we definitely need to change in order to improve. I think the idea in this verse is more one of not fomenting the overthrow of the government or wanting to be ruled by someone besides God.

Maybe today we can work on recognizing the wisdom of God's will and his commandments. They will help us work towards a perfect society and towards becoming our best selves. That isn't always true of rulers, but it is definitely always true of God.

Nephi 16:10 --

"And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round aball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one bpointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness."
1 Nephi 16:10


I love this story for a lot of reasons. First, it is really cool just to wake up and find some new gadget at your door. More importantly though, God's guidance as a physical device? Wow. And it works just like the priesthood and the rest of God's power... if you are doing the right things, then you are in tune and it functions. If not, not. Self-limiting power like that is awesome as well. Incorruptible... you can't use the power if you are choosing the "dark side."

Symbolically, it is really God reinforcing his love through giving us the gift of his guidance... and although we don't all get a cool Liahona, we all can partake of that guidance in many other ways... the scrptures being perhaps the best example. With them, God can inspire him with different writing from time to time, just as he did with this device, and he can also teach us the way to go.

Today, let's work on following God's directions and being grateful for his gifts and guidance. :)

Proverbs 20:3 -- On Ceasing Strife

"It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling."
Proverbs 20:3


I think sometimes about how the whole world would change if we all just followed one commandment... any one. If we all stopped lying for instance, or even just if no one stole. This one is interesting too, and it would change a lot of things for the better if we could let go of strife.

Of course the whole world doesn't have to do it for it to have an impact. Even if just one person follows a commandment, it makes a difference, to ourselves, to the people around us, and as we set those examples... that's what builds up to making a difference for the whole world.

Today, let's cease from strife. Let's understand what triggers anger and bitterness in ourselves, and learn to first avoid, and eventually overcome those weaknesses, with God's help. Let's find ways to work with other people positively, and when we can't, at least we can learn to let go of the poisonous emotions that threaten our peace.

Let's remember that it is always possible to repent and change and improve with God's help, and let's ask for that help and work for better selves and a better world.

Proverbs 23:4 -- On Trusting God's Wisdom

"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom."
Proverbs 23:4


Good advice here, reminding us that we shouldn't set riches as the ultimate goal of our lives, and not our own wisdom either. Instead of these things, we should be trusting God, and what he has to say. And if we're not getting a specific revelation today, then we always have the scriptures, the commandments, and the words of the prophets to fall back on. God is merciful to us and gives us guides and instructions that we can follow, no matter what level of spirituality we have obtained.

Today, let's remember to listen to God first, and prioritize what he asks us to prioritize... love, generosity, kindness, etc. As we do, then God's blessings will flow to us so that we can continue to help and to make the world better. Putting God first is the bast way to prepare for everything. :)

Proverbs 27:5 -- On Openness

"Open rebuke is better than secret love."
Proverbs 27:5


This strikes me today, because it isn't just talking about honesty, but about openness... revealing who we are to others rather than hiding it. On the most basic level, it is just about being real with people rather than being fake.

I don't think that God needs us to be open with everyone... it's okay to keep details from scammers for instance. :) I do however, think that openness and vulnerability is part of what we need to learn about love. We can't both remain untouched by emotion and experience the full depth of emption that love requires.

Today, let's work on our authenticity... really being present with people and being our true selves. That doesn't mean just being heartless and cruel... we should work on our true selves if those are the things that bubble up to the top... but it does mean being open and not hiding who we are. We have to admit who are (sometimes discover who we are) before we can improve it, after all. :) Let's stick with God and work on staying open to love and to positive change.

Isaiah 65:17-19 -- On Reaching for God's Promise

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying."
Isaiah 65:17-19


I love the idea of new heaven/new earth... not only because it will bring joy and do away with sorrow, though of course that is huge. I think though that I like ti more because it symbolizes for me everything that God wants to do for us. He isn't just offering us a patched-up second chance. Everything that he offers us is new, and better. We're not aiming for some boring heaven, but one that is zillions of times better than anything we could possibly know now. So good that it will swallow up all the sorrow of today, and let us move on without psychological scarring.

Today, let's be thankful for all that God offers us, and be willing to reach for that promise.

Isaiah 6:8 -- On Volunteering For God

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
Isaiah 6:8


Reading this today, I was thinking about the way that God deals with us as his children, and I think the primary way is like this... he asks us to volunteer. He wants us to pitch in and learn to help each other and make a better world. And yeah, we might not know how to do that at first, or even how to not completely screw things up, but as we try, he has something to work with, and as we are open to it, that effort allows us to learn from him and incrementally get better.

Today, let's be willing to volunteer for God, and to be open to his advice as we work on improving ourselves and lightening the burdens of others.

Proverbs 7:2-3 -- On Commandments

"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart."
Proverbs 7:2-3


Important reminder today to keep God's commandments, and good advice to keep our focus and dedication on that committment so that we can't easily be led astray.

Today, let's talk with God about how to always remember and permanently etch our committments onto our souls in some way, keeping God's protection in our lives, and saving ourselves from the pits and traps we inevitably fall into when we attempt to go our own way.

Genesis 11:1 -- On Common Language

"And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech."
Genesis 11:1


The idea here of languages coming about as a punishment that led to divisions rather than division leading to different languages is interesting. I think it would be really cool to someday have a common language with everyone, and as other scriptures hint at, a language that is more pure and carries more meaning / power / beauty than any of the ones that we have. Perhaps a language that transcends mere speech but reaches into the mental and spiritual realm. I wonder... would that make literature and poetry more beautiful, or perhaps make them completely unneccesary, because you could convey all of that meaning in a word or a thought?

Today, let's use our language for good and to thank God rather than trying to challenge him. Let's seek the Lord and his help, and someday maybe we'll get to know what a society with a common language and a united purpose is capable of... and get to be part of it.

Jonah 4:4 -- On Stepping Back from Anger

"Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry?"
Jonah 4:4


A question from God that pretty much answers itself, but a good thing to think about. God doesn't ask because he is wondering, but because we (in this case, Jonah, but likening it unto ourselves) need to reevaluate what is driving those feelings and perhaps learn to expand our perspectives, understanding the other sides to the situation, but especially God's perspective, which is long-term and perfect.

Today, let's step back from our anger and remember that God is the weaver of the tapestry that we are all part of, and he can teach us and help us to see the pattern more clearly, if we seek him.

Psalms 105:7-8 -- On Covenants

"He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations."
Psalms 105:7-8


It seems like so many things come back to the basics of honesty and integrity. God keeps his promises... even when we do not, and invites us back into that covenant relationship over and over when we repent and try to do better. He cares, and he wants us to be able to return home.

In our modern world of ransomware, romance scams, political polarization, power games, and petty manipulations, God asks us to be different--to be true to our covenants, to keep our word, to stand for honesty and kindness. Today, let's do as God asks and join him in his work, to make the world better, and to help people return to him.

Alma 21:7 -- On Centering on the Atonement

"Now Aaron said unto him: Believest thou that the Son of God shall come to redeem mankind from their sins?" Alma 21:7


This is a relatively simple question that could be answered with a word, but an interesting one to start a conversation about the gospel. I think the idea here was to jump to the center and find out more about the ways that this group's believes diverged from God's word.

It could also be a great question for us to ponder today, as we review our own faith. The atonement is the center of the gospel and can drive us to learn more about Christ and his role in our salvation. Let's take some time to learn and ponder about Christ today.

Alma 14:12-13 -- On Trusting God's Plan, and TIming

"Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us also.
And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not."
Alma 14:12-13


I like the reminder here that even in dire circumstances God is still (and always) in charge. If it isn't according to his timing, it isn't happening. Today, perhaps we can remember that God is in charge, trust his plan, and rejoice in God's plan... pleading in prayer for any changes we favor as well as working for them, since it is important to go to the source, even we have considerable control over the situation, and even more so when we don't. :)

Revelation 22:17 -- On Being Invited to Come

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Revelation 22:17


I like the invitation here to partake of the waters of life. As noted in a previous verse, those who keep the commandments of God have "right to the tree of life" and are able to enter the gates into the city, so this verse coming after that seems to be God inviting us in... not a temporary invitation, but a lasting one, because God wants to hang out with us in eternity.

Today, let's remember that we are all invited. However many tries it takes, however much we have to learn on the way, God still, always, wants us to come and stay with Him. Let's accept the invitation and do the work to make sure we can make that meeting.

Psalms 102:16-20 -- On God's Help

"When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord.
For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;"
Psalms 102:16-20


I like this idea that the Lord will come to help the destitute, the prisoners, and the dying. People who society overlooks perhaps, but in other, more symbolic ways that could also mean most of us since we are desperately in need of things that we don't have and can't get alone. We are prisoners to our own addictions and all appointed to death. -- And I think that God is coming to help people in need physically and spiritually... to show love to those most in need and to help lift them up who no one else is helping.

Today, as much as we can, let's look after those people that are overlooked, and let's God's hands in making the world better. Let's also pray to God in our own need, and seek his help and his hope.

Psalms 98:4 -- On Joyful Noise

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
Psalms 98:4


I like the idea of a joyful noise here. What it brings to mind today is choice and focus... it is really easy to focus on the negative things in our lives and let them stress us out and control our perspective--but it isn't any less "real" to pay attention to and focus on the good things around us, and to praise God for the good that he has done and is doing... and will do. God is the realest thing around, and he wants us to be happy. Not in a forced or false way, but because even when bad things are happenings, good things are happening too. It is just challenging to notice them sometimes, and we need to train ourselves (with help from God) to see the good, in other people, in the world, and in ourselves when we forget.

Today, even though we might have every reason to cry, let's choose to rejoice instead, and sing praise to God who, even in the midst of trouble, is making a way for us to find happiness, and is blessing us with goodness and light. Let's look for the good, and make that our focus and our pursuit, as we follow God and learn to be forces for good in the world.

2 Nephi 7:10-11 -- On the True Light

"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?
Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of ayour fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled. bThis shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow."
2 Nephi 7:10-11


Talking about light in these two verses seems to indicate that we have to trust in the true light from God, and that if we try to substitute the light from another source instead that we won't really be able to see. I think it is the same as when we feel a void in our lives and we try to fill it with anything that we can find to fill that emptiness, not comprehending that the hole is vast and God-shaped, and nothing else can fill it.

Today, let's look to God for the true light and the completeness that we are looking for, and accept no substitutes, because they will only end in sorrow.

2 Nephi 3:14 -- On Promises

"And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise;"
2 Nephi 3:14


I like the idea of being sure of the promises of God way before they happen... even knowing that you would never be able to confirm it in your lifetime, but knowing still that God would do what he promised to do. .. And I think that we can all know that, and recieve assurances from the Lord about the things that he promises us as well. As we build our faith and our knowledge of God, we will gain confidence in his word. Indeed, it is our own word that we need to be careful of, since God is unerringly faithful to his.

Today, let's learn and study and grow our knowledge of, and our faith in, the Lord and his promises.

2 Nephi 1:5 -- On the Road and the Reward

"But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord."
2 Nephi 1:5


I really like the phrase here "notwithstanding our afflictions." I think it gets across the idea that the reward is worth the road, right? They went through a lot, and the promised land that Lehi is talking about here... he still had to have faith in the future here. He didn't arrive and walk into a hotel where he was waited on hand and foot. It was an unpopulated wilderness and they had to start from scratch... continuing to use the survival skills they had learned along the way. That's another cool thing though--the way that God prepares us for everything ahead of time. We don't know why we are going through a trial, and then later we realize what God was preparing us for.

Today, let's trust in God and have faith in his plan, knowing that the reward is worth the road we take to get there... nothwithstanding our afflictions. :)

Revelation 21:4-7 -- On All Things New

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
Revelation 21:4-7


There is a lot of cool stuff here... making all things new is amazing, I think because it includes us. We can let our old pains go because God has lifted us above all of that.

The primary thing to remember here though, at least for me, is that it is all possible. God isn't speaking here of some elite band of like twelve people who have done everything right and made the grade. Truthfully the only person who ever did that was Christ, and so all of the rest of us are in the same boat. We are all sinners and in need of God's grace and mercy and instruction and help so that we can learn and change into who we want to be... those people who can overcome the challenges of this world and inherit all that God offers.

It can seem impossible when we compare ourselves to God or even to other people, but God works with us individually to help us learn our own lessons in our own way, everything leading down the gospel path but not necessarily the same lessons in the same order, because we all have strengths and weaknesses and different things that we need and want to learn. It all leads back to God. Today, let's remember to walk God's path and keep learning... if we all keep doing what we can along the way, and keep seeking God, then he will help us drink of the water of life, and wipe the tears from our eyes so we can see everything new. Sounds worth it. :)

Revelation 20:13-15 -- On Lakes of Fire and Books of Life

"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
Revelation 20:13-15


I like the image here of death and hell being cast into the lake of fire. We know that Christ overcame death, and getting rid of it is awesome, once the whole period of mortality is over. Hell getting thrown into the lake of fire is weirder though, because I think those two things have a lot of crossover in our traditional idea of what hell is. I don't know the answer, but my opinion is that the lake of fire is temporary, symbolic of the pain of separation from God, which is what the second death represents. I think when we're resurrected and we remember who we were, both in our lives and before that, it is going to be painful to feel the difference, and then if we're judged and we know that we aren't going to get to be with God, that is going to be even more painful. I don't think it lasts for eternity though, because only people who are basically as bad as Satan are going to be without a kingdom of glory, and that's outer darkness, not a lake of fire. I could be wrong though... I suppose symbolically they could mean the same thing.

Either way though, a good reminder that we want to make sure that we are written in the Book of Life, and that we are going to be judged based on our works--so if we have good desires, let's also jump in and act on them, and remember to stay in touch with God and listen to the Spirit, so we don't have to go through that pain in the end, but instead finally get to live in a place where we can be with all of our loved ones again, and get to feel the love of God all the time. Today, let's work to be the kind of people who don't need to worry about lakes of fire.

Revelation 16:20 -- On Islands, Mountains, and Trust

"And every island fled away, and the amountains were not found."
Revelation 16:20


I've talked about this before, but verses like this are hard to wrap your mind around. No islands or mountains? That sounds like a wildly catastrophic event... and sort of sad for me because I like islands and mountains.

That feeling is good in some ways, because it helps us remember that God can see and do things on a level that we can't even imagine... but I think also that we are going to have to get over our unbelief, because when catastrophic things do happen to us... and all of us go through catastrophe at some point, whether physical or otherwise... at some point we are going to have to trust that all of this is part of the plan. Otherwise, how do we survive tragedy? God is the one that can make sense of it for us, and who can restore our hope.

Today, let's remember that when catastrophe happens, predicted in the scriptures or not, that God is still in charge, and that he will help us and still guide us to our happy ending (and eternity). :)

Revelation 13:9-10 -- On Hearing

"If any man have an ear, let him hear.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."
Revelation 13:9-10


This is a good reminder that the things we do come back to us. Restoration of all that we have done... good or bad. A good reason to not only hear as God advises, but to pay attention to what we are giving out, and to repent and change, so that we won't hate what comes back to us.

Revelation 10:5-6 -- On TIme No Longer

"And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:"
Revelation 10:5-6


The whole concept of time... is it cause and effect, or the motions of the planets... day/night cycle? Since it is something we've learned all of our lives, it is hard to imagine what will be different.

One thing I was thinking though is that God is unchangable and we are very changeable... and somehow, if we are going to follow his path, we need to become unchangeable as well. ... Today, let's think about what this means and talk to God about it to get his help in understanding it.

Psalms 22:19 -- On Pleading With The Lord

"But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me."
Psalms 22:19


I like the idea here of wanting God to stay close because we need his help constantly. And recognizing God as our true strength is also a good way to remember humility. Today, let's remember the humility of this prayer and plead with him for help in our lives as well. Making that connection with God and asking for help gives God the chance to respond and to show his love for us... not always by delivering us immediately of course, but by teaching us and helping us to deal with and to learn from our problems. Let's take that first step, and then follow through. :)

Revelation 7:16 -- On Food and Temperature

"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat."
Revelation 7:16


Can you imagine this? Not having to eat or drink, and apparently not being affected by light or heat? We read elsewhere that at the ressurection there will be no more sickness or sorrow, so this seems to go along with that really well, but still kind of mind blowing that things that seem so important here won't be important at all.

And perhaps that is true of almort everything in our lives... we waste a lot of time and effort on things that just don't matter long-term. And if it is something good that brings us and others joy, then awesome, but probably good to take a step back and think about it--what really matters, and is there a way that we can focus more of our efforts there?

Today, let's pause and consider eternity, and work for it.

Psalms 16:7-8 -- On Setting the Lord Before Us

"I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Psalms 16:7-8


I like the idea here of getting counsel from the Lord and setting him before us, or keeping him close... it is exactly that close relationship that can help us "in the night seasons" as well as during the other times in our lives.

Today, let's set the Lord before us, and talk to him about everything before we do anything else. Let's truly counsel with the Lord in all our doings, and our lives will be better, even during bad times, because we are together with the Lord through it.

Revelation 6:12-13 -- On Seals and Stars

"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind."
Revelation 6:12-13


The idea of the Sun being black and the stars falling to earth seems almost beyond comprehension, especially if you consider that in this narratice, people are still alive afterward. But as with everything else that we don't understand, we can go to God to get assistance with understanding and learning more.

I don't know how much is symbolic and how much is literal, but I do know that God is going to do some pretty dramatic things that will convince every person of who he is... and that seems like it is going to change at least some of our fundamental ideas of how the world and the universe work, which seems like a good start on a necessary perspective change.

Today, let's trust God and learn how to communicate with him better, both for the inherent benefits, but also so that we won't freak out when he leads us to places and ideas that are new or strange to us.

Alma 5:20 -- On Thinking of Salvation

"I say unto you, can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the devil?"
Alma 5:20


I think that this is what repentance is about on a lot of levels... clearing the channels between us and God. If we are working for Satan, first we have to quit that job in order to go to work for God. It's hard to change jobs, and hard to change ourselves sometimes and learn a different career, but God is a much better boss and offers superior benefits. ... Probably took the analogy too far, because God is a lot more than a boss to us, and our "employment" motivated by so much more than money, but you get the idea.

Today, let's quit the devil and make the changes that we need to be able to make our way back to God and everything that truly matters. Let's choose God so we can think of, and believe in, salvation.

Ephesians 6:13-17 -- On the Armor of God

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
Ephesians 6:13-17


I really like the idea of girding ourselves with spiritual armor here. God gives us some great ideas about how to defend ourselves the adversary. The only weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is symbolic of the word of God, which shows us the power of the word of God in our lives.
Today, let's armor up spiritually, and work with God to help ourselves and others stand firm for God.