D&C 19:41 -- On Being Humble, Meek, and Wise

"Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me thy Savior. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 19:41


This is a good question... can we be humble and meek and conduct ourselves wisely before Christ? Perhaps not yet consistently, but with God's help, we can get there. Let's pray for help and work on it today.

Zechariah 13:6-9 -- On Layers of Meaning and Finding the Hope

"And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God."
Zechariah 13:6-9


I was reading in Mark today, and in Mark 14:27, Christ refers to verse 7 in this selection. The chapter heading talks about it referring to the Second Coming, but it obviously also refers to things that happened the first time. :) A lot of prophecies seem to be like that, with layers of meaning, and symbolic repetition (probably so that we catch on at some point).

One thing I love about these verses is that, whichever layer of meaning you are looking at, there is also the prophecy of hope. Tragedy strikes, but God holds some in reserve to endure, and to renew God's covenants with his people.

Today, whatever tragedy we face, let's focus on the hope that is always also there, and which persists in spite of death and suffering. Let's turn to the Lord and pray for help in figuring things out and choosing to do good and help others. Let's be part of God's solution.

Colossians 4:5-6 -- On Wise Words and Salty Seasoning

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Colossians 4:5-6


This is an interesting one about treating people outside the church with grace and kindness. The "seasoned with salt" phrase to a modern ear might suggest "being salty" or snarky/negative, but likely at the time it didn't have those overtones, but was rather a comment similar to the one in Mark 9:50, encouraging us to have salt in ourselves... since salt was a preservative, it saved food from going bad, and so having salt in us is a way to save/preserve us and keep us from rottenness and corruption. It could also just be talking about having a good flavor as well... kind of like asking us to be graceful and palatable to others, rather than sour or bitter.

Today, let's speak with grace and kindness to everyone, including people not in our religion, our circle of friends, our country, and even our enemies. God asks us to love all people. That is sometimes difficult, but as we follow God's acvice in the scriptures and turn to him in prayer, he can help us learn to do and be better.

Mormon 5:8-9 -- On Hidden Things and House-Tops

"And now behold, I, Mormon, do not desire to harrow up the souls of men in casting before them such an awful scene of blood and carnage as was laid before mine eyes; but I, knowing that these things must surely be made known, and that all things which are hid must be revealed upon the house-tops—
And also that a knowledge of these things must come unto the remnant of these people, and also unto the Gentiles, who the Lord hath said should scatter this people, and this people should be counted as naught among them—therefore I write a small abridgment, daring not to give a full account of the things which I have seen, because of the commandment which I have received, and also that ye might not have too great sorrow because of the wickedness of this people."
Mormon 5:8-9


I like that Mormon is trying to spare our feelings here. I think it shows the stark difference between him and the people around him.

The thing that struck me besides Mormon's kindness was the idea of all things that are hid will be made known upon the house-tops. Not sure where that house-tops idiom comes from, but the idea that everything will be revealed and nothing will be secret is clear.

It's interesting because our society faces a privacy dilemma right now. Not just trying to hide things, but also just trying to protect our information from being destroyed by malware, preventing our identities from being stolen, and hoping someone doesn't use AI to duplicate our likenesses and voices to decieve someone else. It can be hard to tell what's real, and what is true.

As a society we keep pulling back and trying to protect secrets, but at the same time the good guys and the bad guys are both building tools to find out all the secrets. And then those tools get abused to break into more things by the bad guys, and the cycle continues.

I think God's solution is different. We likely can't handle it right now, but when Christ comes again he'll reveal everything, which I think has to be part of the fear of judgement day, right? And once everything is known, there will be no hiding places anymore. It will be a super scary day for any of us / all of us who have something to hide.

Maybe today we should take a look at the things that we have to hide and start clearning those things up and making things right with God and with other people, so that when that day comes, we won't be asking the mountains to hide us because of our shame or guilt, but rather will be able to participate joyfully.

Mosiah 14:7 -- On Silence

"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth."
Mosiah 14:7


This is talking about Christ's death, and makes me wonder how hard it was for him to be silent about so much injustice. In our lives we complain a lot about things that aren't fair (to us). I wonder if silence, at least when we can't do anything about it, is a better strategy. No more thinking up retorts or trying to exact revenge, or broadcasting our displeasure. We'd probably have a lot more energy to invest in doing something good. Perhaps something to try today... a little silence in the right spots could improve things.

Romans 12:21 -- On Expanding and Increasing the Good

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21


So much good in this chapter, but this is the best part I think. There is some great guidance throughout, but if we can leave with just one takeaway, it is this. Don't bend to evil, and return that to others. That just makes us evil. Instead, we have to expand and increase the good that we do... *that* is what overcomes evil. Today, let's think of some big projects to spread some good. God will be behind us in those efforts.

2 Peter 1:2-9 -- On Abounding and Remembering

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."
2 Peter 1:2-9


I like how it talks about escaping corruption and gives a list of things to aspire to. It's interesting that he adds "and abound" near the end, making it clear that none of this is passive. :)

Today, let's remember that we were purged from our old sins, and live in newness of life, embracing and abounding in faith, virtue, knowledge, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. We can't be perfect all at once, but Simon Peter (and God) give us some great suggestions for things to work on and pray about here. :)

John 8:34 -- On the Trap of Sin

"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
John 8:34


Sin is a trap. It's why God warns us against it... because sin ensnares us and challenges our priorities and our devotion. Sin can deceive us because we want what it promises, even though it can't actually deliver happiness or peace or maintain anything else for very long. Those things come from God, and there isn't another path. All roads to eternal joy go through Jesus Christ.

Today, let's avoid the snares and walk in God's path. Improving ourselves does require effort, but it is worthwhile as we grow into people that we like better and that we want to be... an investment in eternity, which we wouldn't have without the atonement. Let's take a step away from sin and towards God, even if it is just a little one. God can help us keep moving.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 -- On the Love of Truth

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12


This is talking about the Second Coming. Jesus Christ will overcome lying wonders and the "mystery of iniquity" (verse 7). It seems like those who are not decieved are people with a real love for the truth, which is verse 10 is clearly something we receive. Perhaps today is a good day to question and study and pray to make sure we are on God's side, which is the side of truth, and work with God to get that gift of the love of truth, and nurture it and learn how to spiritually discern between truth and error.

Zephaniah 1:7 -- On the Lord's Guests

"Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests."
Zephaniah 1:7


It talks in these verses about the destruction of Jerusalem, which is also symbolic of the second coming, so the two ideas/events are mixed together here. This verse in particular reminded me of the parable of the ten virgins. Leading up to this it doesn't sound like anyone is going to survive, but then here we are reminded that the Lord has invited us to dinner on this night. And if we are watching and waiting for his return, then we will be invited in before the door is shut, which at least in the context of this chapter seems to mean the burning of everything (as in the allegory of the olive trees as well--the season and the end.).

Today, let's make sure we are diligently watching and waiting and communicating with God, prepared as only he can prepare us, for his coming.

2 Nephi 5:34 -- On Happiness and War

"And it sufficeth me to say that forty years had passed away, and we had already had wars and contentions with our brethren."
2 Nephi 5:34


By itself, this verse sounds like things were kind of bleak. But in verse 27, Nephi says "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness." And then we get here and we find out that wars and conflicts were happing during that happiness.

I think it reinforces the lesson that happiness isn't dictated by external factors, but instead is a product of both our focus and attitude and our connection with God, who brings us hope and joy even when we personally can't see past the current darkness.

Today, no matter what is going on around us, let's remember that we can still live after the manner of happiness. Let's call on God for help and be diligent to find the joy that he sends.

D&C 11:12-13 -- On Spirit and Joy

"And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;"
Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-13


I really like this description of the Spirit. It leads us to do good and brings us joy, among other really good things that we need. If we're stuck on something, the spirit will enlighten our minds. If we're prideful, the spirit can help us instill some humility. It helps us make better choices and judgements, to treat each other fairly, and to do good to others. Those are things that we desperately need in our lives.

Today, let's turn to the Lord and feel the spirit in our lives, which can make everything better and happier.

D&C 11:4-5 -- On the Personalized Gospel

"Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.
Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you."
Doctrine and Covenants 11:4-5


Obviously God can't give us everything we want in this life (because, like children, we often want things that are harmful to us, thinking that playing in traffic might be fun, etc.), but it amazes me sometimes how much his gospel *is* catered to what we want. If we jump in and do the work, then we are pre-approved, and God cares about the things that we ask and the things that we want access to. There are eternal truths that guide everything, but God really does personalize the gospel for each of us, teaching us in ways that we will understand and rewarding us according to our desires.

Like a perfect teacher, he pays attention to the individual and caters all of his lessons to us, in the context of our needs and our desires. God can help us to change our hearts, but he never does it without our willing participation. respecting both who we believe ourselves to be, and who he knows that we can be. He urges us to raise our sights and improve, aiming at becoming our ideal (and heavenly) selves.

Today, let's have hope and aim higher, trusting in God to help us accomplish much more than we could accomplish alone, and to teach us to be better than we now are.

4 Nephi 1:16 -- On Finding Happiness

"And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God."
4 Nephi 1:16


It's interesting here that we're shown happiness by the lack of certain things rather than the presence of certain things. I think it shows just how much freedom and joy that God offers us just by promising us a better world, free of strife. Now, of course, we don't inherit that world in our sins. We have to be willing to repent and change into the type of person that could live there... one that doesn't create strife, for instance, but it's also not something we have to be perfect at immediately. God is willing to take the time to teach us and help us get there, as long as we are willing to change.

Today, let's not look for happiness in acquisitiveness or cool toys, but instead aim for a better world, and work on being better people.

2 Corinthians 5:17 -- On Newness

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians 5:17


I love the promise of newness here... leaving behind sins and mistakes and moving on trying to be new and better, and God allows everyone that same grace. The ability to start over and try again, no matter how much you've messed things up.

Today, let's turn to God and embrace newness and repentance and the chance for all of us to change and grow and improve.

Ephesians 4:31-32 -- On Bitterness and Love

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:31-32


I think this is hard to do... to let go of bitterness, wrath, etc. ... Sometimes injustice has been done, and soemtimes we've just been embarrassed or ignored. But all that bitterness, malice, etc. poisons our souls. Love is the cure, and God can teach us how to love those who have wronged us... and anyone else as well. Let's turn to the Lord for help, so that we can rid our souls of the poison of bitterness and learn how to forgive.

D&C 27:15 -- On Lifting Up Our Hearts and Rejoicing

"Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand."
Doctrine and Covenants 27:15


I like that beginning of this verse is asking us to rejoice. God's armor is there to protect us, but I think part of rejoicing is nor getting caught up in, or becoming part of, the evil around us, but rather being resilient and seeing the good that is out there, and being part of *that* instead.

Today, let's take upon ourselves the armor of God, but also remember that it begins with attitude and trust that in God, and knowing that in Him, there is always reason to rejoice.

D&C 5:19-20 -- On the Brightness of the Lord's Coming

"For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming.
Behold, I tell you these things, even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem; and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified."
Doctrine and Covenants 5:19-20


This reminds me of the allegory of the Olive trees. This "desolating scourge" could be the pruning, and the clearing away the bad as the good shall grow. (I am not claiming that only bad people die in any scourges. Just generally comparing the predictions.)

The idea of the earth being empty is kind of mind-boggling, but it goes along with scriptureal predictions of the earth finally being able to rest, and growing in glory. Whether anyone lives through the "end" that way or not, we know that God still has plans for us, and for the earth, so all will work out according to his will in the end.

It was hard for the people in Jerusalem to believe that no stone would be left on top of another, and so many blew the idea off, but let's be diligent and repent and prepare spiritually so that we aren't caught unprepared with no time left, like the five foolish virgins in another parable. Today, let's listen, and believe, and pray, and prepare.

D&C 22:4 -- On Seeking to Counsel God

"Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 22:4


This answr from God is interesting. He was responding to some people who wanted to join the church without rebaptism, but I think that it can apply to any time we think that we can do things our own way rather than God's way. And we do tend to question or even think that we are right and God is wrong sometimes.

Today, let's turn to God with our questions, and let him guide us. He listens, and helps us understand. Let's also be careful to be humble and to remember that God's path is the correct path. Going our own way will just result in having to turn around and get back on God's path anyway, so let's put the effort in ahead of time and be open to God teaching us why his way is right, and helping us get on the same page.

Acts 10:34 -- On Learning Love

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons."
Acts 10:34


I got to this verse by looking at the footnotes for D&C 1:35, but wanted to use this one instead just because D&C is warning everyone, but here the context is offering everyone the same gifts and promises.

What about places where we read about God's chosen people? That sounds like being a respecter of persons. ... I don't think that is actually a contradiction though. It's more like the story of the talents or the parable of the prodigal son. There seems to be favoritism in general in both cases, but what it is is actually responsibility. If we join in God's work then we are chosen (called) to the work, and might get different levels of "talents" (whether spiritual gift or monetary unit) as we choose to serve God, or we might start out well, but then choose to squander our inheritance / blessings. The inequity is temporary, but the underlying lessons of responsibility and priorities are what matter.

It's a hard concept to understand on one level because we are respecters of persons, and we change how we act and how we treat people based on a lot of things. Today though, let's do our best at trying it God's way, treating everyone with kindness adn respect (in a good way), and not promoting inequity. As we work on it, God can teach us more about others and about how to be better people.

D&C 1:32-33 -- On Losing Light

"Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;
And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts."

Doctrine and Covenants 1:32-33


This life is a probationary time, and it seems, a time when we can have it both ways to some extent. Temporarily, some people might be able to profit from evil, and we can waffle a little in our dedication to God without losing the connection entirely. We at least have what we have learned in the past, and can look back and feel that... hopefully to inspire us to go further.

This verse tells us that it won't always be that way, which raises the importance of repentance to a critical level. If we don't repent, at some point it will be too late, and we will lose even the light that we have gained in the past. All progress lost... "as though there had been no redemption made" (Alma 12:18), because we rejected the chance to partake of God's mercy and change.

Today, let's take advantage of our time in this life, and welcome the opportunity to repent. Let's gather more light into our lives, being thankful for the atonement, and working to allow it full sway in our hearts, so that we can become better and not lose everything we already have, spiritually.

D&C 20:37 -- On Baptism

"And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church."
Doctrine and Covenants 20:37


I like this description of baptism, and the idea that we're doing it as a witness that we are humble and repentant. Being willing to take upon us the name of Christ is an ongoing promise that our humility and repentance aren't just a one-time thing, but a promise to keep coming back and putting God first in our lives, recognizing that salvation comes through Him. Today, let's work on upholding that promise that we made at baptism, or, if we aren't baptized yet, discussing it with God and being humble and willing to enter into this covenant with Him.

Omni 1:2 -- On Our Wickedness

"Wherefore, in my days, I would that ye should know that I fought much with the sword to preserve my people, the Nephites, from falling into the hands of their enemies, the Lamanites. But behold, I of myself am a wicked man, and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments of the Lord as I ought to have done."
Omni 1:2


This made me think about how we will judge ourselves, looking back on our lives. Omni recognizes that he fought for his people, but that he is wicked. ... Maybe today we should stop and look back a little sooner than Omni did, and if we realize that we are wicked, or off track, let's do something about it. If we don't know how or we think it is too hard, then let's go to the Lord. Nothing is too hard for him, and he loves it when we ask him to teach us how to make better choices. Let's do better, and not end our days as an Omni, accepting our own wickedness. Let's fight it and with God's help, overcome it.

Daniel 6:18-23 -- On Worry and Miracles

"Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God."
Daniel 6:18-23


I love the king in this story. He allows himself to be flattered into signing a law that is designed to get Daniel, his trusted counselor, killed, and the political forces of the time force him to go through with throwing Daniel into the den of lions. But as he is doing so he says "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." He believes, but has a really rough night, worried about Daniel, and he gets to the den really early and calls out in anguish, hoping that Daniel is somehow still alive. And he is, the night he likely spent petitioning God on Daniel's behalf has been heard and a miracle granted.

The miracle here isn't just for Daniel, who definitely deserved to be saved, but also for the King who is angry at himself for letting people talk him into this crazy law and who loves Daniel and wants him to live... and who trusted enough to go to the lion's dan early in the morning to find out.

Later, he sends out a decree telling people about the God of Daniel, calling him the "living God" (as opposed to idols perhaps), and celebrating his greatness... and I can't help thinking that he was honoring the God that helped him when he couldn't do anything himself, even with all his earthly power.

Today, let's also believe, and honor, and trust, the living God of miracles. Let's pray and study his word, and get to know him better and learn from him.

Joshua 6:20 -- On the Way Forward with God

"So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city."
Joshua 6:20


This reminded me today that God's answers aren't things that we can anticipate. He sees more, and is far wiser than we are, and so the things that he asks us to do and the answers that he gives us are not always going to be the answers that we expect or want... but they are always the right choice, because God can see how creation is woven together, and the end from the beginning.

Another thing that it means is that even when we can't see a solution or think that things are hopeless, the Lord knows of a solution, and offers hope. Again, it might not be the answer we want, but there is always a way forward with God.

1 Nephi 22:28 -- On Repentance

"But, behold, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel if it so be that they will repent."
1 Nephi 22:28


It would be difficult to overemphasize the importance of repentence. It's behind the whole purpose of this earth life... we come to learn and to become, and change (for the better) is a necessary part of that. Repentence is what allows us to change, because it is the act of regretting and letting go of who we used to be, and changing into who we want to be, and acting on that premise, getting closer and closer to God's will every time we change. Making mistakes, but learning from them, and trusting in God to teach us another lesson so that we can learn more from our all-wise teacher and coach, who is gentle when we need it and firm when we need it.

Today, let's realize that repentence doesn't have to be scary or bad... it isn't a punishment, but a way to change and become better. It is something to embrace and to invest in, as we listen to God and learn from him. He is helping us become our best selves. It's a long process, and often hard to let go of our souvenirs of hell, but if we stick with the process, and stay close to God, he will help us get to a higher and better self... and help us continue to improve and change into those awesome people that we want to be.

Luke 19:41-42 -- On the Things that Belong to our Peace

"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes."
Luke 19:41-42


This is a good reminder of how blind we are sometimes, and being blind to the things that belong to our peace seems like a tragedy. Today, let's take some time to commune with God and to pray for guidance so that we don't overlook the things that can lead us to peace, but instead hold fast to them and let other distractions fade instead.

D&C 91:4-6 -- On Cultivating the Spirit

"Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 91:4-6


This section is talking about the Apocrypha, but it also seems like a good overall rule... if we have the spirit with us, then we will be able to discern truth in the things that we read and in the world around us, and if we don't have the spirit, then we are left with little to no benefit.

Today, let's step up our game on cultivating the Spirit in our lives, rather than just slipping into a routine or habit that doesn't include the mindfulness and connection with God that we really need in our lives.

D&C 89:18-20 -- On Health, Wisdom, and Endurance

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint."
Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-20


I love that the blessings here are physical, mental, and spiritual. One of the greatest blessings that the Lord has given us are our bodies, and the chance to integrate our spirits with a physical aspect that also becomes a part of us... learning how to navigate that joining is part of what earth life is about. We learn how physical and spiritual relate to each other, and how to make a whole from disparate parts of ourselves that want different things. We learn to follow Christ's example and to follow God's advice not just in philosophical ways, but in actual day to day living.

Today, let's put effort into learning how to be more obedient and tap into blessings that the Lord still has in store for us, in so many different areas.

Galatians 6:7-8 -- On Sowing the Spirit

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
Galatians 6:7-8


An important thing to remember... what we get out of this life depends on what we put into it. Christ's atonement saves us when we repent, but even so it doesn't invent good actions to replace bad ones. Part of the repentance process is learning to change and make better choices.

Today let's work on seeking the Spirit, infusing goodness into our lives, and really focusing on who we want to be and what we are putting out into the world, because whether we are paying attention or not, that is what we are going to get back. Paying more attention and being more intentional with our lives, honoring God and serving other people, can teach us a lot, and make sure that we really know where we're going. :)

Jude 1:17-18 -- On Trusting God and Avoiding Satan's Traps

"But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts."
Jude 1:17-18


A good reminder that we need to be careful of being mockers and putting ungodly things before Godly things. It's easy to dismiss someone else's position and mock it, but much harder to examine it and really find out why they believe as they do... and to examine our own beliefs to avoid deception, which is so prevalent now. Even technology can't tell what is real 100% of the time anymore, so we need to rely on God (which has been the best choice from the beginning, of course.) :)

When all things fail, God will still be there to help us. Let's turn to him to help us to avoid deception and mockery, but also to avoid becoming the deceptive and the mockers to someone else.