Alma 41:12-15 -- On Restoration and Repentance

"And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature? O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish——good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful. Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again. For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all."
Alma 41:12-15


I am not sure if this is the same as the idea of karma in Hinduism and other religions, but it does sound a lot like the way we use it in modern society. The same idea is reflected in Galatians 6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Of course, the idea of repentance is mixed in here with a lot of mercy, so that we can change who we are, so we aren't lost forever for past mistakes. Perhaps today we can resolve to take the idea of restoration a little more seriously though, remembering that who we are now is reflective of who we will be in eternity. Let's dig in and make sure that our actions and our treatment of others are building the person we want to be, long-term. And if it isn't, let's repent and reset and try again... asking God for his help, which is always offered.

Alma 40:23-26 -- On Resurrection and Eternity

"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
And now, my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets—
And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God.
But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for they die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God; but they are cast out, and consigned to partake of the fruits of their labors or their works, which have been evil; and they drink the dregs of a bitter cup."
Alma 40:23-26


The resurrection seems to be the ultimate dream... perfect bodies that never grow old or get sick. Eternal life so you can read all the books and never worry about breaking your glasses, and learn piano and ice sculpture... and whatever else eternity has in store. The "restoration" part is kind of scary though. Being restored to what we are now rather than some ideal that we have never been... that's a little more scary. Maybe today let's think about whether who we are is our ultimate dream, and who we want to be for eternity, and then if we aren't who we want to be, let's take a single step in a better direction. Those steps will add up, if we keep at it... and God can and will help if we ask. He wants us to like ourselves too, and he can help us get there.

Alma 38:3-5 -- On Patience and Lift

"I say unto you, my son, that I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy patience and thy long-suffering among the people of the Zoramites.
For I know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I also know that thou wast stoned for the word’s sake; and thou didst bear all these things with patience because the Lord was with thee; and now thou knowest that the Lord did deliver thee.
And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
Alma 38:3-5


I like the hint here that patience comes as the Lord is with us, so cultivating the Spirit and praying and reading our scriptures and all those things that help us to have the sweet, peaceful calm of the Spirit, even if things around us are crazy. That's the key to patience. A hard one for sure, and one that I haven't mastered yet. The rest of the verse helps us understand that God will meet our effort though... so even if we are only doing a little, he'll still help us a little. The more we work at it, the more he will help. More trust = more deliverance. Trust takes practice and mental effort, and practicing the gospel takes effort as well. Like maintaining a relationship, working on a project, or even binge watching a favorite show. Reading the scriptures is not that hard. We have to move our eyes, take the time to listen to it as an audiobook or something. Mental effort to pay attention and know the plot though. :) And more effort to think about it, remember, and apply the lessons in our lives.

Whatever level of effort we put forth in trusting God and doing what he says, God will bless us and deliver us to the same level of effort... sometimes more, of course, but right here he promises that much. If we put a tiny glimmer of thought into thinking about and talking to God today, then we will have a tiny glimmer of hope. And the more we pour into it, like most things, the more we will get out of it, but with God, multipied by grace and mercy. :) Today, let's put in the effort, so that we can learn some patience, be lifted up, and so many other things, and see the blessings of God in our lives as we learn to trust him more and more.

Leviticus 26:3-12 -- On God's Promises

"If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;
Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.
And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.
And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.
And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.
And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.
And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.
And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people"
Leviticus 26:3-12


This is a pretty good list of cool things that follow keeping the commandments. It's similar to modern promises, but with more of an emphasis on enemies and lawlessness because it comes from the general anarchy of the Old Testament. Not that we don't have enemies today, but I think few of us are out there fighting them with swords. I think the promise still holds true though, that God will help us against our enemies, and help us learn and avoid the traps that are laid with scams, phishing, ransomware, and other bad actors, and of course more serious organized crime that threatens us as individuals and our society in general.

We still need rain, and food, and though we might not be harvesting that food in person, God has given us wise recommendations about food storage and preparing for emergencies, and as we keep those commandments as well, he will help us and provide for us. God is still willing to establish a covenant with each of us individually, and we can all become collectively part of his people through baptism. He promises to walk among us, and to be our God, which is especially amazing considering the miracles that preceded this promise, and is still true. If we do his will, we will see miracles in our own lives as well. Today, let's do God's will and establish a covenant with him, or renew it and recommit to it. If we have gone astray from our promises, let's repent and return. God is still here, waiting for us to walk with him again.

2 Nephi 18:13-15 -- On Sanctuary and Stumbling

"Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
And many among them shall stumble and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken."
2 Nephi 18:13-15


Interesting imagery here with God being a sanctuary, but also a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, etc. We know that God is unchangeable (Moroni 8:18), so it must be our perception of him that makes the difference here. To some he is a sanctuary, and to some he is an offense, not because he is different, but likely because some of us accept his help, and others rejecting, wanting something different... expecting God to conform to them instead.

Too many of us are looking for a God and a church that accepts us, along with our sins. And if this or that one doesn't, then they can't be right, because obviously we are right. Instead though, perhaps we should be looking for God and for the truth... to know the reality of his existence, and then properly to learn truth from him. If we run up against God's rock and break ourselves, it isn't God that is trying to shatter us, but perhaps we need to crack open our outer shell to let in the light. We need to see the truth and change ourselves to be in tune with it, not the other way around.

God loves us, and wants us to come to him. He offers us sanctuary. Let's find whatever it is within ourselves that is holding us back from that, and let's pray to learn and change. God isn't trying to destroy us, but he gently reminds us that he is wiser than we are. He will teach us the errors of our ways and help us to understand, if we can be open to the truth.

Isaiah 49:8-10 -- On an Acceptable Time to Come

"Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them."
Isaiah 49:8-10


What this made me think of today was the resurrection. The idea of bringing everyone back out of darkness to inherit the Earth, guided by God. An interesting mental image, and although I really have no idea if these verses relate to that or not, I think the idea is the same. Whether soon or late, God will help us all and grant us an inheritance. We are never forgotten or unloved. Now is just a "small moment," (Isaiah 54:7, 2 Corinthians 4:17, 3 Nephi 22:7, D&C 121:7, etc.) and God will restore us all and fulfil his work, which is exactly that ... helping us. :) Today, let's endure and prosper in this moment, waiting for another moment (1 Corinthians 15:52) to come.

Isaiah 9:2,6 -- On the Greatest Gift of Christ

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
. . .
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:2,6


Skipping a few verses in between here, not because they aren't interesting, but because I wanted to skip ahead to the light that the first verse is referencing, which is Christ. The wording here may have been what the angel was referencing in Luke 2: "Unto you is born this day ... a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." That "unto us / unto you" phrasing emphasizes the nature of the event as a gift.

I think sometimes the problem is that we don't accept the gift in our lives. We focus on the trappings of the season, worried about making sure everyone has gifts and stocking stuffers and food, being "careful and troubled about many things," but we forget to step back and focus on the "one thing [that] is needful" (Luke 10:41-42).

Today, let's ponder the greatest gift that we have been given, for this Christmas and all other days: the gift of Jesus Christ: his teachings and his atonement. Because of him, we have a path to study and use as an example. Because of him, we know that we can all be resurrected and live again. Because of him, we know that we can repent and change, being renewed not just in body, but if we choose, also in soul--being able to leave behind our mistakes and regrets and become new and better.... like Scrooge, and the Grinch, and the Prodigal Son. All stories of redemption are ultimately stories of Christ, who made it possible. :) Let's rejoice in our families and the time we have together, but not get so caught up in the trappings that we forget the most important thing of all. :) Jesus Christ has always been our greatest gift.

James 4:17 -- On Acting on Good Impulses

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
James 4:17


I like this... today, let's determine not to smother any good impulses, but rather to spread as much good as we can. :)

James 4:13-15 -- On Planning and the Lord's Will

"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
James 4:13-15


On a day of anticipation such as this, it was interesting to read about not knowing what shall be on the morrow. I like the perspective of not trusting in our own expectations, but rather in what the Lord wills. Maybe today we can add the "if the Lord will" caveat to our plans and thoughts, which will help us realize how dependent we are on the Lord, and perhaps us help us to be a little bit more humble and thankful for what the Lord has given.

James 4:7-8 -- You Are Part of the Plan

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
James 4:7-8


I like these simple steps. It doesn't always feel simple, but worth it to think about it on a basic level... don't resist God, but DO resist Satan. Choose who you are opening your soul to, and be wise. Work on having a relationship with God and he will match and multiply your effort. Don't give up or assume that prayer, or church, or whatever else is "not your thing" ... God has the power to help any of us, and even all of us, to be his true children, heirs of the Kingdom, and worthy. Ask for it, work for it... God is here to save us, not to reject us. Today, let's cleanse our hands and purify our hearts and know that the gospel is for us, individually as well as collectively. God didn't leave any of us out of his plan. Let's think about these verses today, and grow closer to God.

James 1:19-20 -- On Being Swift to Hear and Slow to Speak

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
James 1:19-20


Such great advice, and applies to email and posting online as well. :) Today, let's take our time and be deliberate and calm, avoiding wrath and learning from God how to have inner peace. :)

Matthew 2:1-2 -- On Wisdom

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
Matthew 2:1-2


I love that God helped so many people to know about what was happening, and how important it was. As Paul comments later in Acts, these things were "not done in a corner" (Acts 26:26). I think this is true today as well. God still help us to learn wisdom, and lets his prophets and those that have the spirit with them know what he is doing in the world. God can help us to know what to prepare for, and also help us with decisions and everything else that we need, if we look to him for wisdom (James 1:5).

John 13:34-35 -- Love and the Path to Heaven

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
John 13:34-35


Right after he sent Judas off to betray him, Jesus says this to the remaining disciples. Part of it was that they were going to face a lot of opposition in the near term and they needed to stick together... but I think Christ was reminding them how much he loved them, and that there is a deeper lesson here about how we treat each other in general. As we are learning to be heavenly, so that we will be comfortable in heaven, this is a crucial lesson. Zion (the idea of heaven on earth) is a place we build together. It isn't an isolated place, but rather a community of people who are trying to learn to live and love more perfectly. The city of Enoch was able to achieve this, and many other groups were able to sustain it for long periods of time. We have to help each other get there though, gathering, learning, teaching, practicing, apologizing, repenting, and trying again. Like any relationship, it takes work, and it takes learning to love and respect others and treating them like valuable, treasured friends.

Today, let's imagine what it would be like to treat more people like we do our best friends. What would change? Maybe something to try, as we experiment and try to get closer to heaven.

John 14:2-3 -- On Many Mansions

"In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
John 14:2-3


I like the comforting idea that Christ is preparing a place for us. Since he loves us so much that he was willing to die for us, I think that means he will prepare it with love and care, and it will be a good place.

The idea of "many mansions" has been explained as different kingdoms of glory, which already tells us that we'll be someplace we feel comfortable, but it also carries the ideas of spacious, well-furnished, comfortable, safe... a place where you can do things and hang out with people you love. We don't know a lot about what heaven will be like, but we know that much... that we can be with our families, and that sociality exists there as well, so presumably friends as well.

Today, as we deal with the immediacies of life, let's also remember the long-term goal of getting back to God, and being reunited and together with people that we care about in heaven. Let's not give that up for anything in the now, but rather have patience and work for something much, much better, with God's help.

Mosiah 2:34-35 -- On Debt and Choice and Perspective

"I say unto you, that there are not any among you, except it be your little children that have not been taught concerning these things, but what knoweth that ye are eternally indebted to your heavenly Father, to render to him all that you have and are; and also have been taught concerning the records which contain the prophecies which have been spoken by the holy prophets, even down to the time our father, Lehi, left Jerusalem;
And also, all that has been spoken by our fathers until now. And behold, also, they spake that which was commanded them of the Lord; therefore, they are just and true."
Mosiah 2:34-35


I think the prideful part of us sometimes wants to rebel against the idea that we owe anyone, God or parent, everything that we "have and are." That's a huge burden that seems pushed on us. As we grow, we realize how many sacrifices our parents made for us and hopefully learn to respect that. Likewise, as we learn about God and all that he has done for us, we learn to respect that as well. Additionally, the fact that our parents want us to grow into our own people, and that God gives us help and direction and choice, allowing us room to make mistakes and to develop opinions and personalities helps us to realize that the whole system works because of love, not oppression.

The opposite is true with Satan and often with eartly oppressors. In the verse previous to the selection it tells us that choosing "the evil spirit" is like drinking damnation to your own soul. Our reward for following evil is never love, peace, or joy. It might be briefly rewarding in some way, but the end result is pain, guilt, and unhappiness. We ruin our own souls by mocking and harming others, and by choosing the short term thrill over the long term good. Everything that God does on the other hand is designed for our good, to help us rather than to hurt us. Warnings to avoid things that will harm us long term are spiritual "surgeon general" warnings. We can ignore them, which seems cool while we're being rebellious, but not later when we are suffering the consequences of our actions.

Today, let's work on overcoming the detrimental part of our rebellion, and really examine our actions and where they are leading... let's choose love over hatred, and to lift and heal and unite, understanding why God wants our hearts and learning to give them willingly.

2 Corinthians 4:6 -- On Light-Filled Hearts

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."



I love this image of light shining out of darkness, and the connection to us, showing that we can have that same light to drive away our darkness. Today, whatever darkness is preventing us from enjoying our moments or clouding our eyes so that we can't see the good in the world, let's turn to Christ and pray that God will shine similarly to us this day. Let's remember the hope and peace that God promises, that no matter what is going on around us, God can be our peace and our strength, enabling us to face anything external because his love is in our hearts.

1 Corinthians 15:19 -- On Eternal Hope

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
1 Corinthians 15:19


Paul is speaking here of the importance of the resurrection, and his point is well taken. God's plan isn't just for this life. This is just a tiny sliver of who we are. A huge, important sliver where we learn who we are and who we want and choose to be, and which will affect who we become for eternity... but a sliver nonetheless. If we focus too much on the now, we lose sight of that eternal goal and often make really poor choices, which is why the prophets tell us to "Think Celestial" ... long term thinking about who we are becoming and who we want to be long-term helps us to be wiser in our choices, and remember that we are eternal beings, through Christ who made it possible for us to grow beyond this life only.

Today, let's not wallow in the misery of limitation and death, but remember that Christ's hope is larger than a day or a season, and stretches into eternity. Let's stretch with it and become the amazing, eternal versions of ourselves that Christ is helping us visualize and become.

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 -- On Gifts and Wishlists

"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
1 Corinthians 12:8-11


I like the discussion of these spiritual gifts, given to us by God. I think sometimes, because we talk about them as "gifts," that we think there is no work involved... God either gives you faith, or interpretation, or he doesn't, and it is mostly just an effortless thing for you, if you have the gift. While I do think that we all have things that are easier or harder for us, I don't think any of them come with zero effort. That's why God encourages us to use our talents, and not to bury them.

Spiritual gifts and talents are given to us to use to make the world around us, our communities and families and relationships better... to lift each other us, and help even our enemies. If we go out and do good with them, then we're practicing and multiplying and making the talent better at the same time we're making the world better.

Even though it is also a tempting thought, I also don't think that we can get off the hook by saying that we aren't good at something or that God didn't give us that gift. He tells us to seek earnestly the best gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31 / D&C 46:8-9), and we can work with him to learn whatever is important to us.

Today, let's practice using our gifts to make the world a better place, and let's remember that God is ready to teach us more. Let's talk with him and tell him what is on our wishlist, and that we are willing to work for. :)

Mosiah 6:7 -- On Building Celestial Communities

"And king Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might not become burdensome to his people, that he might do according to that which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention among all his people for the space of three years."
Mosiah 6:7


I really like the idea here of the king worried about "being burdensome" to his people, and that he participated in the work of the community. I think that is part of God's recipe for Celestial/Zion people--that we all care about and work for each other, no matter our current position or status. It brings to mind stories about General Authorities leaving all of their clothing behind except those they are wearing, because as they traveled someplace, they ran into people who needed those things more than they did.

Today, let's think more about the people around us, and make sure that we're lifting and helping and contributing rather than being burdensome. :)

Mosiah 4:13 -- On Love and the Spirit

"And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due."
Mosiah 4:13


This is part of King Benjamin's address to his people, and he is talking about the love of God here. The idea of "living peaceably" is tied in with helping rather than hurting, and specifically not taking advantage of others, but "rendering" according to what is due, which I take to mean paying our debts, and giving credit to others for their ideas and hard work, etc. All of this seems tied in to our ability to feel the Spirit, because the Spirit helps us to do all of these things, but learning to feel that and knowing what the Spirit is prompting us to do takes experience and practice.

Rendering to others might be more than earthly wealth and credit too. We all have different gifts, and sharing those with others could also be involved. All of us are learning step by step and we have strengths and weaknesses. If we are stronger in one thing, then we help others in that thing, so that we can all learn from each other, cover our own weaknesses, and be perfected together. :) You could argue that we owe people that help, not because it is an earthly obligation, but because we all are part of God's recruitment drive to get everyone signed up for the return trip to heaven. Not just on a proselytizing level, but on a helping-each-other-learn-how-to-be-decent-people level. :)

It all comes down to that love of God that began the sermon. When we love people, we don't treat them as less then ourselves and think that we deserve a better share or a bigger piece of whatever pie. We *love* them, and that means doing things for them and helping them and surprising them with cool things that will make them smile. Today, let's double-down on learning to love, really love, not just fulfil an obligation. Let's pray to feel God's love for others, and make it our own. Then our minds will change, so we won't want to injure... but also our hearts will change and we will look at everyone in a new way.

Luke 17:20-21 -- On the Kingdom of God

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."
Luke 17:20-21


I like this. The kingdom of God is not an Earthly place, but a united people, dedicated to God, independent of any national boundaries. Perhaps at the Second Coming the whole thing will be a little bit more literal, but until that day, we serve God's kingdom by uniting in serving the Lord, not by flying any particular flag or preferring one country over another. God asks us to lift each other up, to learn to love and help... that's the way that we can become part of his kingdom.

Luke 14:15-24 -- On the Lord's Supper

"And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."
Luke 14:15-24


This parable seems similar to the one in the parable of the ten virgins, where five of them go in and five of them are shut out because they weren't ready. In this case, it isn't necessarily that they aren't ready, but the guests each prioritize something else over the invitation, finding excuses not to come. Part of this I think is showing that the people that seem important, that were the invited guests, are not the ones that are going to be eating of the Lord's supper, perhaps because they feel something else is more important. Rather, those that are humble and regonize the invitation for what it is will drop everything else and be ready to attend at the last minute.

The last part is the point that seems central. Here, hopefully we aren't the invited guests, but rather the ones that are being scooped up from the roadside, and we need to be ready to drop everything, and put the Lord's invitation above everything else. The ten virgins story does give hope to the invited guests though... in that story at least half of them made it in, so as long as we have oil in our lamps and don't prioritize other things over God's invitations, we're good.

I think that part of life is learning that last point though, and we shouldn't despair completely if we haven't been putting God first and responding to his invitations in a timely manner. We can repent, and learn better to recognize the Spirit and act on those promptings. The warning of the story is that we need to be working to learn this before it is too late though, so today, let's take God seriously and work to place his will before our own.

John 20:30-21 -- On Life Through His Name

"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 20:30-21


The idea that there are so many things that happened in Jesus' life that we miss out on knowing is not really surprising... it's a whole life... but it is a little frustrating, because everything about Christ is interesting and cool, and I want to have insider access, not like a fan, but like a friend. Other people's lives can be similarly intriguing. I think everyone has their own way of being interesting and cool, but Christ's life obviously transcends everything else. I also really like the idea of all of this being written to help us. Hearing about him and believing in all that he did is our first step to having "life through his name," because he offers us more than we could ever have alone, including better selves. The chance to be the kind of people that we can currently only dream of... the good, true, pure, lovely, consistent, generous, kind, wise, gracious, happy, whole people that currently we just are not, but that we so want to be. Christ is the way that our impatient, flawed, unrighteous selves can actually have the hope to get there, and to be able to function in a society of people that currently would just be way beyond us. Life is the way there, and trust and repentance, and faith in the atonement that he died to offer us.

Today, let's embrace the hope of a better life through his name, and offer thanks, and work on becoming who he made it possible to become.

Luke 12:51 -- On Division and Peace

"Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:"
Luke 12:51


It is interesting that Christ, the Prince of Peace, says this. It doesn't mean that promoting and publishing peace isn't a good idea. The scriptures reinforce elsewhere that this is a good idea. I think what Christ is talking about here is that peace isn't the ultimate, most important goal. If it were, then perhaps any peace would do... an ignorant sleep where we stop worrying about things and just go with the flow for instance. Christ is the champion of Good, and his peace is a peace of love, service, generosity, and good tidings. It is a peace where we help each other and lift each other up, working to repair relationships and heal hearts. It is a peace that does not embrace evil or sacrifice principles, but that loves people where they are, as they are trying to become better.

There will be division, as the sheep from the goats, or the wheat from the tares, but our job isn't to stop division or beat it into submission, but rather to show that God, and the peace and happiness that He brings is the right choice. We can help Christ as we work to get ourselves and other people over to his side, where we can learn His peace... a lasting, sustainable peace that stays in our hearts long after the holiday season is over. Eventually there will be peace on Earth, but first we have to work for it, and teach ourselves to be peacemakers, finding ways to do all that we do in His name and in His way, working to internalize his teachings and become the kind of people who can build a Zion society.

John 15:4-5 -- On Vines and Fruit and Opportunity

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
John 15:4-5


This is a good analogy and lesson. Every good thing comes from God, and we rely on him for health, strength, and power. It is his power that we exercise in our lives to do everything, and I think part of what the parable of the talents is all about. It isn't just this or that ability... it is every ability, the life force that we have, the life that we have. And what are we going to use those gifts for? What are we going to accomplish with our lives? This is our chance to make a difference, to choose what we will. Today, let's take Christ's gifts and use them for good, to make a positive difference. Let's build community and help each other and love everyone, and be unifying rather than divisive. Let's help other people know that they have the power to change and make a difference too. Let's be bold and do good things. :)

James 3:17-18 -- On Wisdom from Above and Growing Peace

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
James 3:17-18


I like this description of God's wisdom, and also the idea of "sown" peace... that it is something that we can plant and harvest, and that we are involved in growing it. Today, let's think about God's wisdom, both how to accept and apply it in our lives, but also how to plant and grow it, in our hearts and in the world around us.

Mosiah 15:14-18 -- On Publishing Peace

"And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!
And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!
And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people;"
Mosiah 15:14-18


I love the idea here of publishing peace and bringing good tidings of good. It seems to me to be a call for us to be positive and focus on the good. I don't think that means that we should ignore evil... we definitely need to choose the good rather than just passively agreeing to evil, but I think the point here is that God is calling us to find ways to draw attention to the light, and to broadcast and multiply that light. God will work on pruning the evil as we grow the good. Today, let's follow Christ and establish and proclaim peace in all that we do. Let's show that there is a good, clear path in a confusing world where many people aren't sure where to look to find the good. Let's work with God to find and show others the good and peaceful things all around us.

Exodus 14:12-14 -- On Change and Peace

"Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."
Exodus 14:12-14


This is an interesting verse, as the children of Israel, escaping from Pharaoh, see the Egyptians coming behind them with an army, and are understandably concerned. They complain to Moses, saying that it would have been better to stay where they were, even though they were slaves. Moses reassures them, telling them that the Lord will fight for them.

I think this is something that happens to us a lot in life... not a literal Egyptian army following us, but that time between miracles when we fear and doubt, uncertain whether the next miracle will come, and uncomfortable with change, we wish we could just crawl back into our old life, even though it was worse. At least it wasn't so uncomfortable and exposed and scary and full of effort.

I think God was helping these people learn to readjust to freedom, but also to making bold choices and thinking for themselves... to becoming more than a cog, but realizing their own power and ability to do hard things and to become more than they had been. And he is doing the same for us. ... Promised lands are usually not at the end of a luxury cruise, or supplied with all of the comfort and amenities of home. It's a long walk in the wilderness, with tents and privation, and sometimes barges or arks. It's hard to set out for someplace new and break ground and start over.

As God taught Abraham, and Moses, the Israelites, the Jaredites, Noah, Lehi, Nephi, Joseph Smith, and so many others though... his path is the worthy one. He wants us to be the powerful people that we can be and make a change in the world. He wants us to step up and be a light, and be an example of strength and goodness.

Today, and the next time we get caught between miracles and Satan tries to get at us with fear and doubt, let's choose peace over panic. Let's trust that God has the next miracle in store, and keep going, and keep praying, knowing that our promised land is at the end of the journey. Let's not turn back, physically or spiritually as Lot's Wife did, but instead let's pray and follow the Lord's advice, accepting the discomfort of discovery and change in order to grow, trusting that the Lord will fight for us, and guide us to where we are needed.

John 14:27-28 -- A Better Peace

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I."
John 14:27-28


The peace that the Lord offers is definitely different than what the world offers. We're often attuned to the world where if comfort isn't immediate and tangible, it isn't worthwhile... the kind of short-term thinking that can get us into a world of spiritual trouble. God offers us peace that is more powerful and long-lasting, but it requires a change in perspective, like the understanding sought here. In death, Christ would return to our Father, which is a reason to rejoice. For the disciples at the time, and also for us, it seems difficult to rejoice when the focus is on now and not on eternity. This isn't to say that God doesn't have compassion for our sorrow. He wept for Lazarus and his family even though he knew that Lazarus would rise again. He gets it, but he also asks us to learn to get his perspective as well, and allow him to help us see further, so that we can focus on eternal consequences rather than earthly ones. Today, let's work on accepting a better kind of peace.

Zechariah 8:16-17 -- On Truth and Peace and Love

"These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord."
Zechariah 8:16-17


These are some good things to focus on: truth and peace, which seem to encompass the other advice, but always good to remember specifically not to imagine evil against others (since that definitely doesn't lead to peace), and not to love lies either, since that doesn't help us stay dedicated to truth.

It's difficult to do sometimes, because our society has a different view, which is reinforced in a lot of our media... that some lies, deception, and violence are okay, depending on the people we're lying to. Indeed, the scriptures back this up in some cases, with people infiltrating opposing organizations or armies, wars fought against other nations, etc. God commands, and supports his servants in making decisions for the greater good. However, I think it is dangerous to assume that we are exceptions. That gets us into conditional obedience where we find ways to justify our actions, belittling others and seeing them as enemies of God so that we can justify our treatment of them. That is definitley not what God wants. He wants us to go way out of our way to love other people, as he did, whatever their sins.

Christ, during his mortal ministry, was popular and powerful. He could easily have started a revolution and led his people to victory. He could have chosen to fight his enemies and to conquer the world. Instead he chose to teach love, kindness, compassion, and peace. He fulfilled the will of his Father, promoting God's plan over individual desires, even though that led to his death. And in his suffering and death, he saved us all. Today, let's be willing to endure some opposing opinions and bad behavior in pursuit of God's goals of truth and peace and love. Let's speak the truth to others and ask God to help us change our hearts so that we don't imagine evil or love false oaths. Let's do ask God asks and not wish bad things upon our enemies, but instead find a way to love them, as he does.

Isaiah 45:5-6 -- On Power and Authority

"I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else."
Isaiah 45:5-6


I like this message from God to Cyrus that the blessings that he has seen in his life, the help, the strength... that was all God. Perhaps because he is speaking to a king, who is used to power, he explains that there is no one else that challenges God's power. He is at the top, and later warns against striving with your maker. :) For us, it's of course good to remember that we shouldn't ever assume that we are right and God is wrong. When one of us needs to change, it's always us. We're the children (and potsherds) here (see verse 9). I think more importantly though, it is good to remember that there is only one place to look to for salvation, and that is God's great plan of happiness through Jesus Christ, his son. We are his children and he wants the best for us... but we need to, at some point, stop fighting him, and let him into our hearts and minds and feelings so that he can teach us, and help us, and we can grow up into our best selves with his help. Let's open our hearts to him today, and listen to his advice. It's true that there is no one else to turn to... but also, he loves us.

John 12:14-16 -- On Spiritual Hindsight

"And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him."
John 12:14-16


The disciples here didn't know in the moment that scripture was being fulfilled, and that they were witnessing what so many prophets had foretold. Later though, they realized, and connected the dots, and wrote it down. Likewise, I think that there are times in our own lives that we don't understand fully until we look back (not in a Lot's Wife way, wanting to go back and away from God, but in a hindsight way, just using the past to learn from).

Today, let's look back on our lives and pay attention to God's hand in our lives... the times when he stepped in and changed our direction. I know that there are many times in my life where I had a strong feeling that I needed to do something, or not do something, and I didn't always realize that was the Lord, or even know that I knew how to recognize the spirit as something different from my own thoughts, and yet it was there, watching out for me, and teaching me the way that I should go.

Let's look back and be grateful for God's guidance and blessings... and then move forward with confidence, knowing and trusting that God will step in and help us, always, when we need it.

John 8:28-29 -- On Obedience and Spirit

"Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."
John 8:28-29


Lots of times we see obedience as a burden or obligation, but Christ taught clearly here that it is a blessing. Christ did what the Father asked, and the Lord blessed him with the Spirit of his presence in his life, filling that God-sized hole that is a part of us, and that we only feel as a void when we are walking away.

Jesus is the Christ. We know this, as he predicted. And he taught us how to have God in our lives, guiding us and helping us to walk as he did. Let's notice and listen today, and do the work so that we can enjoy the blessings of obedience.

Alma 34:41 -- On the Temporary Nature of Afflictions

"But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions."
Alma 34:41


I really like this verse because it reinforces the temporary nature of afflictions (not just some, because the verse before specifies "all manner of afflictions"), and also lets us know that one day they will all be gone. Mortality is sometimes difficult, but even afflictions that last our whole lives will someday seem like the blink of an eye because *we* are not just mortal. We are eternal. We will survive death, and we will survive every one of our afflictions and trials, because God has a plan, and has provided for us. We will be resurrected as he was. We will prevail over the pains of mortality, and rise again to be judged for our actions. So today, let's work with God to make those actions better. Let's repent, and look forward with hope, seeing beyond our afflictions, and help others in their suffering and pain as well. Let's remember who we are as children of God, and work through the difficulties with patience and faith and a mind to help everyone else as well. ... I know sometimes it doesn't feel like we can handle it all, but there is an end, and there is hope. Let's trust in that promise from God.

John 4:25-26 -- On the Messiah

"The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he."
John 4:25-26


I love this whole conversation, but this is the best part I think, because Christ had been showing the woman at the well who he was, and that he knew her, and this is where she realizes, and has it confirmed, that he is the Messiah. Everything that she had been doing that day is immediately left behind and she leaves to go tell others, and bring them to him. She understands the impact and importance of what he is telling her, and acts on it immediately.

Today, let's also realize the amazing reality of having contact with the Savior of the World, and treasure it, and let it change not only our actions today, setting aside our own priorities for his, but let's also let it influence who we are, as we do his will to improve the world and make the lives of his children all around us better.

Mosiah 15:1 -- On The Founder of Peace

"And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people."
Mosiah 15:1


This is more Abinadi, who I just can't get over sometimes. All of this amazing thought was poured into a sermon to a hostile audience while he was a prisoner, basically waiting to be executed because they didn't like the truth. The reason it was recorded and we get to hear it is because he convinced one person, and from there it spread to whole nations. It's one of the many evidences in the scriptures that one person can make a difference.

That said, what I love about this verse is the idea of God as the one that brings good tidings, and who is the founder of peace. The idea of him being the good news in a world full of bad news, and the peace in the midst of turmoil is powerful, and something that he asks us also to do. We shouldn't be part of the argument / problem / conflict, but rather the problem-solvers, the peacemakers, and the people who are making things better.

Today, let's follow God (and Abinadi) in publishing good news, and promoting peace. Let's strengthen communities and build up other people. Let's be the good guys, and help God to make things right.

Mosiah 13:4-7 -- On Truth

"But I must fulfil the commandments wherewith God has commanded me; and because I have told you the truth ye are angry with me. And again, because I have spoken the word of God ye have judged me that I am mad.
Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord.
And he spake with power and authority from God; and he continued his words, saying:
Ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I finish my message. Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I tell you the truth concerning your iniquities."
Mosiah 13:4-7


In a discussion at work recently someone mentioned that trust had replaced truth, and that's what I thought of when reading this excerpt from the story of Abinadi today. The Lord preserved his life so that he could teach these men the truth, even though theoretically they were in positions where they should have been teaching the truth of God to the people. God steps in here to correct things, which causes all kinds of changes in their society, but the end result was a righteous people again. Today, in our world where it is harder and harder to find truth, or to know what we can trust, let's turn to God who is truth, for guidance. Let's read, study, and follow his word and rely on his guidance through his prophets to help us navigate, so that we don't get off track like King Noah and his priests.

Mosiah 4:8-10 -- On Doing

"And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you.
Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them."
Mosiah 4:8-10


I like the advice here to come to God, and how to do that. Today, let's turn to God through thought and action, repenting and trusting in His word.

Mosiah 3:20 --On Thanks and Praise

"I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—"
Mosiah 3:20


kind of an unfinished thought here, but today in Sacrament meeting we just had people choosing a verse of their favorite hymns, and then we sang them, over and over for the whole meeting. It was a great meeting, I think partially because we were all rendering "thanks and praise" with our whole souls. Today, let's take a moment and offer a prayer of thanks and praise to God, for all that he has done for us, and continues to do. :)

Helaman 4:13 -- On Mortal versus Godly Strength

"And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands."
Helaman 4:13


A good reminder that we can't do it without God. God honors our hard work, and our effort matters, but it isn't enough--part of the whole reason why we need a Saviour. When we are left to ourselves, we lose so much that we can be, and we need to remember that God supports us in everything, so that we don't wrongly assume that it's all us, and that we don't need Him. Today, let's remember some humility, and pray to the Lord for his help in all things.

Psalms 143:6-10 -- On Thirst for the Spirit and Learning from God

"I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."
Psalms 143:6-10


Some more cool scriptural poetry. I like the idea of thirsting for the Spirit, because we do... when our lives seem empty or meaningless, God is what we are missing. That is the hole that we feel in our lives from time to time, and that relationship with God is what can restore vibrancy and wholeness.

All of this is good, but I think my favorite part is pleading with God to teach us to do his will. As mortals it is hard to understand and to do, but God understands this, and he doesn't just leave us to figure it all out on our own. He loves and recognizes our efforts, but he is also willing to help us. Today, let's ask for that help. We can't fail if we work with him and take it in small steps. Let's keep working towards the future that God can see for us, which is better than any other.

Psalms 142:4-7 -- On Dealing Bountifully

"I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me."
Psalms 142:4-7


I like the poetry of this one as well as the ideas here. We start out with a desolate image of someone who feels very alone and ignored/abandoned. Realizing there is no help to be found in people, the person cries to the Lord, knowing that the Lord can overcome persecutors, prison, and really, any other obstacle. God can see us and help us even when we are trapped and alone. I love the idea of dealing bountifully as well. The supplicant here knows that the Lord will deal bountifully / give freely / provide loving assistance to those who call on him for help. I think that whole idea is something we can learn to incorporate in our lives as well. We can learn to treat others always as though they were our favorites... to go out of our way to help strangers just as we would our close friends or family. To be generous and deal bountifully with others sometimes makes us shrink because we are thinking in worldly ways. And I am not saying that we should squander or waste, or fail to prepare for the future, but I think that giving bountifully (like the widow's mite?) is always a good call. As we live in the Lord's sight, scarcity becomes an illusion. God provides for us, and the sacrifice of giving to others is almost no sacrifice at all, since we know that God will provide for us, and bless us for being generous and bountiful to others.

Job 10:1-3 -- On Complaints and Compassion

"My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.
Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?"
Job 10:1-3


The story of Job seems to be illustrative of our time in mortality. Things are normal/good, things are horrible/tragic, things are good again... and we learn. It's easy to say that outside of the cycle, looking in, when we're not in the middle of a crisis, and that is part of what I love about the way that God deals with us in our bad times. He knows that we will be okay in the end, and that complaints of injustice are unwarranted, but God doesn't hold them against us as betrayals. Instead, he comforts us in the moment, just as we would a young child who is full of incoherent rage, fighting against us. We know that the kid is tired and frustrated and doesn't see the whole picture. At those times, we hold the child, try to infuse some calm, and teach that this is a safe space, giving them time to adjust and learn some self-regulation.

God knows that even though we are adults, we're still mortals, and we can't see the bigger picture. As eternal beings, we're still young, and we can't see the bright future ahead, instead focusing on the obstacle right in front of us. God acknowleges what we are feeling, and sorrows with us. He doesn't discount our emotions, but he can see farther--past the current tragedy, and he wants to comfort and help us, if we can calm down and accept it. Christ overcame even death, and nothing is ever permanently lost.

Today, let's try to step back from our perspective of the world falling apart around us and let God strengthen us and take some of our pain. It might seem bad now, and like the bad guys are winning, but that isn't how the story ends. Let's take a moment, and a deep breath, trust in God, and keep turning the pages. Just as with Job, it will get gloriously better.

Mormon 9:9-10 -- On God and Miracles

"For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing? And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles."
Mormon 9:9-10


A good reminder that God is a God of miracles. There are miracles happening in our lives, no matter what else is going on. When things are tough, they might be hard to see, but even then we are being strengthened, assisted, protected, and even carried... although of course God's plan is to help us learn to be amazing and resilient, so he can't protect us from everything. Today, let's pray to have the spirit with us, so that we can see God's hand in our lives and the miracles all around us.

Mormon 9:4 -- On Celestial Comfort

"Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell"
Mormon 9:4


This is interesting, and I think gives a good reason why we aren't going to all go to heaven... because some of us would be miserable there. Not because it isn't a great and amazing place, but because those people aren't "our people" and we wouldn't feel comfortable there. And I guess you could call that a reason not to choose to go, but instead I think it is a reason to walk God's path more fully and to learn how to be those Zion people that we are not yet.

Today, let's walk God's path, and if possible find some human role models, which can help supplement our heavenly ones because they show us what it is like to be imperfectly flailing about and slowly getting it, which helps us relate.

Let's remember that we aren't there yet, but that God invites us all, and will help us learn and change and become the type of people that are welcome AND comfortable in heaven. It takes work, of course, to repent and to live a better life, but we'll pick it up, with God's help, and a good church family to practice on. :) Let's trust God and try. :)

Mormon 8:12 -- On Greater Things

"And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you."
Mormon 8:12


I like Moroni talking directly to us, even though we are reading these words hundreds of years after he wrote his advice. It's really cool, the whole whispering or crying out of the dust thing (Isaiah 29:4, 2 Nephi 33:13). It shows the ability of scripture to make a difference, and the word of God to transcend time. I also like the advice here, to seek the greater things that are to be found in the scripture before us. God didn't ask these people, his prophets, to make these records just for fun. They exist for us, to help us and guide us in the right way. Today, let's search them, and look for those greater things that the Lord wants to tell us, and follow up with God in prayer so that he can guide our steps as we read, and as we walk through our lives, showing us the way.

Alma 40:2-3 — On Seeking

"Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection—-or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality⁠, this corruption does not put on incorruption—until after the coming of Christ.
Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now, I unfold unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries which are kept⁠, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know—that is concerning the resurrection."
Alma 40:2-3


I know this stops in a weird place if you want to know what is about to be revealed about the resurrection, but what I like here is actually just the part where God explains things to us when we diligently seek to know. I think that is amazing, and like so many things with God, it works according to our belief. If we believe that God can do miracles in our lives, then he will. Today, let's seek, study, believe, and pray, and trust that God will help us learn the things that week seek to understand.

Matthew 2:12-13 — On Dreams

"And being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
Matthew 2:12-13


This is talking about the wise men and Joseph all being instructed through dreams. There are many other accounts in scripture of God using this method of communication as well, which makes me wonder if we should be paying more attention to our dreams. They aren't all inspired, but perhaps it would be instructive to remember them a little more. Today, let's keep a journal near where we sleep so that we can record the ideas and possibly instructions that the Lord sends to us in dreams, and of course, let us pray for the wisdom to know what is inspired and what is not.

Mormon 7:5 -- On Redemption, Repentance, and Resurrection

"Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up."
Mormon 7:5


I like this. In the last chapter, Mormon witnesses his whole people being destroyed except for 24 people who survived the dead. Understandably upset, he mourns their loss. But then in this next chapter, he writes to the descendants of the people who killed all of his people, knowing that they are the remnant that will be left in the last days. And instead of raging against them, he instead talks to them of redemption and repentance, and here about resurrection. I think it must have been hard for him to take the long view here, but it's awesome that God gives him a taste of hope and an investment in the future even after such an immense tragedy, and in having him write to the remnant, God also reminds him that the sting of death is swallowed up, and that no one is lost forever. Because of Christ, we will see our loved ones again who have passed on. Today, whatever we are going through, let's hold onto our connection with God and let him show us the long view, and the good that is yet to come.

Alma 62:3-5 -- On Leaders and Liberty

"And it came to pass that Moroni took a small number of men, according to the desire of Pahoran, and gave Lehi and Teancum command over the remainder of his army, and took his march towards the land of Gideon.
And he did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his march towards the land of Gideon.
And it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his standard, and did take up their swords in the defence of their freedom, that they might not come into bondage."
Alma 62:3-5


Most of the wars in the Book of Mormon are between believers and non-believers essentially, although I am sure that there were some of each on either side. In general though, the people divided themselves along those lines and the people who followed God fought the people who didn't, the people who didn't consistently being the aggressors.

This is an interesting departure from that, where they are divided along the lines of people who want a king and people who do not. It connects to the overall trend because the people who want a king make an agreement with the unbelievers that they will hold the central city/capitol, which they think will guarantee their success. And it does disrupt the whole nation a lot, ensuring that reinforcements aren't sent to the front lines in the greater war. This is just after the leader of the country asks the leader of the armies to step in and help him drive the king-men out. They have to solve this internal problem before they can drive out the unbelievers again.

In a way, the king-men were the unbelievers, because they wanted to set up a government that went against the laws that God had established, and of course their choice of allies was telling, but this was a difficult one for everyone. Pahoran didn't know whether it was justified to go against these people the same way they had gone against external threats. Moroni's letter solved that problem for him because God had instructed Moroni to solve the problem in the government, even though he didn't know what it was yet. :) ... It's a good lesson for us, perhaps because it is adds to the lessons on government we learn from the Old Testament (slavery is bad, follow God or you will lose, even Governments that God established will fall if they stop doing his will), and the New Testament (Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, follow God and do good even when they persecute and kill you for it). We have additional messages here. They can't contradict the lessons of Christ... (3 Nephi 12:39 "ye shall not resist evil, but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also) we are supposed to turn the other cheek and resist not evil individually. On the other hand, (Alma 61:10 "resist wickedness even unto bloodshed" and Alma 61:14 "whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords") God still is about freedom and agency and when he commands, then we shouldn't let a whole nation fall to tyranny. Just like he authorized Nephi's violence to prevent a whole nation from dwindling and perishing in unbelief.

... The whole idea of violence being the answer is a scary one. I don't think that any of us should be running around taking cities over like Moses and David did, killing people like Nephi did, or putting down rebellions like Moroni and Pahoran did here. They were justified, but would not be unless explicitly commanded. The overall rule should be what Christ preached, and practiced, in healing an ear rather than cutting it off. But let's remember the exceptions as well, because the real rule behind all of it is always to Follow God. The same lesson that Abraham learned on the mount as he was about to sacrifice his son. We have to learn on some deep, fundamental level that God knows what is best. He can see the whole picture when we cannot. As we put him first, he will help us solve our problems, big and small. The right side is always HIS side. Let's take that to heart today, and always, and pray to know what is right.

James 4:5-8 -- On Humility

"Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
James 4:5-8


This is a good reminder that it is easy for us to get envious, and that we have a tendency to think that way, which is good to know so that, with God, we can learn to recognize that and work to overcome it. Today, let's work on that humility and recognizing when we are making ourselves discontent by looking elsewhere and comparing, and instead focus on what we have been given, and be thankful for it. As we purify our hearts, God will help us be able to focus and become more than we could have dreamed possible. :)

1 Timothy 4:12-16 -- On Example

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
1 Timothy 4:12-16


I like the idea here of being a good example, and learning from the gifts of God and also reading and meditating on the word of God. I also like that it isn't just for us, but our examples can help others as well, as they see us growing up and changing into better people. :) Today, let's work on being good examples, not in a prideful way, but in a humble and loving way, lifting up and helping not only ourselves, but the people around us.

Helaman 5:10-11 -- On Redemption and Repentance

"And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.
And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls."
Helaman 5:10-11


I like the idea here that Christ redeems us from, but not in, our sins... which means we have to get out of them. :) This is important because we aren't just being allowed into heaven with a waiver for our imperfection... we're being made perfect. When we get there we will be worthy of it, because Christ is giving us the b'zillion chances that we need to slowly, incrementally, improve to that level, of course with his essential help. We can't change on our own in a lot of cases. We desperately need his help, and his hope, and his forgiveness to keep going, and to eventually succeed. He can change our hearts if we ask him to, so even when we can't find it within us, he can help us.

Today, let's embrace repentance and stop assuming that we need to (or even can be) perfect alone. Let's accept Christ's help, and help others all that we can, so that we can all join together in the end, united and rejoicing.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 -- On Non-Drowsy Good Works

"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."
2 Thessalonians 3:13


I like the idea of being dauntless in doing good, and not getting tired of doing great things. Physically, we might get tired from time to time, but mentally I feel like it's more about what seems worthy of our time, and the rest we classify as "boring." Today, let's make sure that we aren't putting the things of God on that boring list, or spending so much time on trivial things that the good things get crowded out. Let's put God first by valuing and prioritizing good works, and letting other, lesser things be the trivial or boring things that we grow tired of. Just like our favorite activities, let's always have the time and a smile for the things of God. :)

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 -- On Being Called to Holiness

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit"
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8


Interesting things here. That lust seems to be defrauding, for one, but lots to think about elsewhere too. I like the fact that God is the avenger, that we don't despise others because that attitude is always towards God and his creation of the object of our derision. Today, let's think about how we treat others, and work on answering God's call to Holiness.

D&C 128:8 -- On Writing and Connection

"Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead."
Doctrine and Covenants 128:8


The whole idea here of records existing in heaven if they are made here is cool... that the sealing power is more than just about marriages, but about connecting... families, but also heaven and earth, the living and the dead, the past and the future in a way. We already have a little of that, in reading the records and books of the past we connect with the people and authors from the past, and what we write, people in the future may be able to read, so we have that literary connection already in a way, but it is cool that the power of God can take that tenuous connection and solidify it. Moroni hiding the plates up unto the Lord and Joseph Smith being led to them become a sure connection, just as God has done with prophets of the past. One that springs to mind is Abinadi, whose words we would never know unless Alma wrote them down... testimonies of the past bringing us the belief and words of the past, where they teach and perfect us now. And the good words that we write can influence the future, as God wills.

Today, let's think about this, and write something for the future, just as we read of the past, as God endeavors to connect us all and make us perfect. :) In heaven, we'll all be there, past and present, finally able to meet. Let's bring something to that joyful meeting. :)

John 4:14 -- On Living Water

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
John 4:14


I love the idea of never thirsting, especially in a spiritual sense, to never feel that emptiness or need for God, because we never break our connection to Him. The whole idea of something that doesn't run out... that's what God gives us, teaching us to look at the world with eyes and hearts of abundance, looking to share and give rather than out of need. :) Today, let's latch on to that idea, and drink deep of the water that will never fail.

Alma 6:5-6 -- A Day of Prayer

"Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God.
Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God."
Alma 6:5-6


I like the idea here that the Sabbath is not just a day of prayer, but a day of prayer for those that don't know God. A day to consider then and pray for thier souls. The Sabbath is also a day of repentance and recommitment, a day to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort... a day to be united as a community of believers and strengthen each other. This though seems like an important thing as well, praying for those who are lost, including praying for and loving our enemies. A day of love and compassion, and remembering what Christ has taught us. It's difficult sometimes to love each other in our divisive society, but let's make an extra effort today, and work on being people of love, kindness, and reason in a world of resentment and even hatred.

Colossians 3:12-15 -- On the Peace of God

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful"
Colossians 3:12-15


I like this solid advice about how to let peace rule, and to be in tune with God. It's easy to get riled up about a lot of things, but having peace in our lives and loving and helping others, and recognizing all that the God has done for us... those are things that can keep us firmly anchored and able to withstand the tempting dramatic emotions that threaten to overwhelm our peace. Today, let's let God prevail in our lives, and live in peace and thankfulness.

Alma 4:8 -- On Slippage

"For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure."
Alma 4:8


This verse is scary because I think it is easy to slip from being gung-ho and dedicated to just treading water, and then to not really wanting to put forth the effort, etc. Sometimes we are all there, on the same page with God, and then other days we're frantically searching the index for the right topic. And while it is scary in ourselves, it is sometimes so much more scary in people we love, because we can't read their minds or hearts and we don't know when or if they will come back, and even when we can't always see why it is best for us, we know it is best for them. :)

Today, let's renew our committment to God. Let's remember why we came, and all the things that God has done, for the earth and the people who came before us, but also specific ways that he has blessed us individually. Let's remember the danger of pride, and avoid scorn and persecution. Let's read, and pray, and remember... and keep God at the center of our lives so that we don't slip away.

Mosiah 28:3 -- The Things of God

"Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."
Mosiah 28:3


This is a really good reminder that our hearts should be on the things of God rather than tied up so much with the things of the world. Today, let's try to see God's perspective a little bit more and be concerned for other people and willing to help God help them. :)

Acts 10:34-35 -- Inviting All to God

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
Acts 10:34-35


I love this message, that God accepts anyone, from anywhere, people of all nations alike. Today, let's take a page from God's book and start expanding the circle of people that we feel comfortable with.

D&C 123:12-13 -- On Hidden Truth

"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it--
Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven"
Doctrine and Covenants 123:12-13


I really like the underlying idea here of bringing to light hidden truth... helping people to find it underneath the lies. That seems to be an ever-growing pile and the truth harder and harder to find within it, unless we turn to God, who will show us the way and help us see all that is there, the way it really is. God is not blinded by the storms and deceptions of life. Today, let's turn to him for guidance.

Acts 8:18-22 -- On Money and Power

"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
Acts 8:18-22


I like that Simon does repent after this, and that he doesn't just keep trying, and insist that everything has a price. :) It's a good reminder for us as well, that no matter how big a part money plays in modern society, the true reality of God's creations isn't about that. Lack of money can't stop God's purposes, overall OR in our individual lives. God is with us and he will provide a way for us to do the things that he asks us to do. In a world with so much rampant corruption, it is nice to see that true power cannot be bought, but instead can only be used for good, according to God's will.

Mosiah 27:8-9 -- On Change

"Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.
And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them."
Mosiah 27:8-9


I like this story because it shows the great power of repentance and how hard God works with us to help us see the error of our ways and to change. Here we see that Alma the Younger was "a great hinderment" to the church, setting a very bad example, and yet in the end of the story he comes out of all of this and changes his life, doing everything that he can to make things right. ... We can make a similar change, no matter how much of our lives we have done wrong or even worked against God (as was the case here). God didn't stop loving us, and he will welcome us back as the prodigal son, once we realize we have gone astray and make our way back.

Mosiah 18:8-10 -- On Covenanting With God

"And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"
Mosiah 18:8-10


This is Alma teaching the words of Abinadai at the waters of Mormon, and I love the idea here... we're here discussing and learning about what Abinadai said--let's take the next step and show our committment to God. Let's covenant with him and become his people. I think that is the next step for us too, whenever we learn something. We need to put it into practice and start living it. With God, thankfully, this is easy to do. We can get baptized, or if we already are, we can renew those covenants weekly when we take the sacrament, recommitting ourselves to follow him, to stand as his witnesses (as Abinadi did), and all the other amazing things here... to have compassion for others, to mourn with them, comfort them, and to bear one anothe's burdens. :) Today, let's remember Alma and Abinadai, and these people, and recommit ourselves to Christ and his teachings.

Mosiah 13:11 -- On the Plans of God

"And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives."
Mosiah 13:11


I love the lessons of Abinadi here. He was standing in front of a group that was going to kill him eventually, and yet God had a work for him to do... this lesson, going on for several chapters, originally for an audience of one. Alma was one of the wicked priests, and he believed Abinadi and wrote down his sayings after trying to save him (see chapter 17).
It's a great lesson in sacrifice, but also in redemption. Abinadi triumphed in death, and Alma overcame his folly and built up a righteous church again. Something awful turned into something wonderful, all planned by God, who cannot be stopped in his work of lifting and helping us. Everything bad that the world attempts to do to beat us down and destroy us, God will overcome by infusing hope where there is despair, by bringing to life all that were dead, by healing all of our hurt and harm. He offers us a chance to be part of his work and make a difference. Let's be like Abinadi and like Alma. Being willing to die, and live, for Him, and his work of healing and saving us all.

D&C 117:4-7 -- On Learning to Live By Faith

"Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord
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 117:4-7


I like God teaching us some perspective here, and that as attached as we become to property, that paying our debts and trusting in God's blessings are more important. It's hard to have faith sometimes and let those (seemingly) solid things go, but the whole earth is the Lord's and he will teach and guide us as he will, and learning to trust that helps us transcend, at least to some degree, our ties to the world and find our way to living by faith.

2 Corinthians 11:30 -- On Infirmities

"If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities."
2 Corinthians 11:30


In Relief Society this last week someone was calling weaknesses opportunities, and it wasn't just blind positivity, but made sense. Our weaknesses and infirmities/challenges are what make us into what we are... much stronger than we would be without them. I think we can see that much better as we look back, because in the moment it is awful, but as we meet each of those challenges, learn the lessons, and adapt, we end up in totally different places that where we would be otherwise. God leads us where he wants us to go through our trials and challenges. Just like the promised land didn't start out as a place of leisure just because it was promised, it became perfect because they built it up and learned more about themselves and the world around them. Today, let's lean in to learning and understand that lots of the things that we struggle with are really blessings that transform us into more amazing people. :)

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 -- On Giving

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
2 Corinthians 9:6-8


The first verse here seems similar to the parable of the talents, but this time about generosity and good works. If we plant abundantly and cheerfully, we will be abundantly blessed. I like the idea here that as we trust in God, we don't need to worry about scarcity. God will bless us for being generous, so the process can continue, as we trust in him... like the cruse of oil or the widow's might. We are willing to give all, and trust that God will provide. On the other hand, we are also asked to be self-sufficient, so planning ahead and budgeting are also good, and perhaps part of the overall miracle of God helping us to have enough. There is a lot of faith involved as well. Today, let's learn more of God's ways and practice faith.

2 Corinthians 8:21 -- On Honesty

"Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
2 Corinthians 8:21


I like this emphasis on honesty. With technological innovation speedrunning human mimicry, there is more and more capability for deception out there, and thus more and more importance for us to follow God's admonitions, and not be part of the problem. I don't think that means we can't participate in new technology, but it does mean that we shouldn't be using it to decieve. Let's make sure that we are doing as the verse says, and being honest with other people and with God. As we do, we'll be working with God to make things better, and become better ourselves. :)

D&C 108:7-8 -- On Strengthening Each Other

"Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.
And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 108:7-8


I really like the idea here that we should be lifting each other up, strengthening each other and praying for each other. Modern society doesn't teach much of that. It's more about getting ahead or winning. God's message is to help each other--compete less, cooperate more. Learn to see things from a different perspective and understand each other. Learn how to love and serve and heal and strengthen. :) Today, let's work on living God's way, and work on building each other up as a community rather than living only for ourselves.

Acts 6:10-15 -- On Accepting God's Spirit, Wisdom, and Truth

"And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel"
Acts 6:10-15


This seems so crazy to me. They couldn't resist his wisdom or the spirit of God... so basically they already knew they were wrong, but they still persisted, paying people to tell lies about him. And then they found out that you can't do an end run around God, because he knows exactly what you are doing.

Today, let's remember that God knows what is going on, and when we run up against something where we differ with God, let's defer to his wisdom and work on ourselves to learn to accept the truth rather than doubling down on even bigger mistakes and deceptions. Let's try for a tiny amount of trust in God. Enough to pray and talk to him. If we're willing to go just that far, he will meet us, and help us learn and trust further.

1 Corinthians 13:11 -- On Learning and Loving

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
1 Corinthians 13:11


I like the comparison to growing up here, because spiritually we have a long way to go. We're still learning a lot of basics. I also love the promise that things will be clearer in time, and that we'll be able to understand it all rather than just catch glimpses of the possibilities. :)

And then, a hint about what to focus on in life, as we move towards those possibilities. All good things, but charity (the pure love of God) is the most important, and something that it can never hurt to focus on. Let's work on that today. :)