Mark 8:14-21 -- On Understanding the Lord

"Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?"
Mark 8:14-21


This is an interesting exchange where Christ and the disciples were definitely on different pages. Christ was talking symbolically about the influence of powerful groups in more of a political way, and the disciples were focused on the literal meaning of leaven, perhaps because they were hungry, or feeling bad about not being prepared.

Christ makes it very clear though that they don't need to think about whether they have enough bread... and I think the overall message to us is here as well. We're worried about the wrong things. We're not trusting God enough, and not thinking enough about his words. Today, let's try to do better in both of those areas, and put God's concerns above our own desires and guilt so that we can see the bigger picture, with God's help. :)

Mark 5:35-40 -- On Being There for the Miracle

"While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying."
Mark 5:35-40


When Christ tells them that she is just asleep, he might have been explaining that she was in a coma or just unresponsive, rather than being dead, but it has little to do with the miracle. We can't know the actual medical condition of this girl, but whatever it was, at this point she would have been mourned and buried. It reminds me of Victorian era "safety coffins." Scary. Christ restored her life, either way.

What really struck me here was not the statement that she wasn't dead though, it was how carefully he chose his companions, and put everyone else out. The people laughing and scorning weren't able to be present for the miracle, perhaps because he needed concentrated faith, or maybe just because they were distracting from the serious spiritual event.

I wonder how many miracles we miss out on because we are incredulous and disbelieving. How many spiritual moments do we miss because of mockery? Today, let's work at keeping our doubting mouths shut and our physical and spirital senses open, and see if we can participate a little more in the spiritual glory of the universe and hear God's voice echoing through everything around us.

Job 42:5-6 -- On Realization

"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job 42:5-6


Job's reaction to seeing God is amazing. The fact that he was brave enough to address him is already huge, but he did really well, and it is telling that all the things that he had gone through were as nothing compared to encountering the Lord. He knew instantly that all of his complaints were misplaced. I don't think that means we have to hate ourselves, but the comparison would make us feel like something we don't want to be.

Today, let's remember that God is more wonderful and amazing than we imagine. Let's stop treating him like a more powerful version of ourselves, and remember that he is so far beyond us that we can't imagine how glorious he really is. Let's prepare to meet him again by praying and listening to God's advice through his prophets and scriptures.

Mark 2:3-5 -- On Faith, Healing, and Working Together for Good

"And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."
Mark 2:3-5


What strikes me today about this is that Jesus saw "their" faith, as a group. In other healing situations he asks if people believe, or tells them that their faith has played a part, helping us to understand that faith is part of the process, and that we can't just passively wait for God to change us. We have to be believing in, and willingly participating in the change. This goes further and helps us to understand our power as united believers. The power of the faith of many, working together... the power of prayer, not just one voice, but many united in faith and action. These friends of the sick man were also part of the process, their physical actions to get their friend there AND their belief that Jesus was the answer and the cure were both integral to the process.

The other awesome thing I noticed especially is that Christ healed him spiritually first, and as they discuss later, this was the more important healing. In the verses that follow, the man is also physically healed (verses 9-11), but this group faith helps in spiritual as well as physical ways. Not against the will of God, of course... God is the core part of the process. Faith moves mountains, but it happens through the willing participation of God. It can't do anything without that partnership of us and God together.

Today, let's apply our individual and our group faith to things that matter, and that will make things better. Let's talk to God, and consider the spiritual needs as well as the physical needs of those we serve and help. Let's pray for help, strength, and even for miracles, always remembering to allow room for the Lord's will to be done rather than our own. Faith involves God, and welcomes all, and it can make a difference in the world, as we work together for good. :)

Ephesians 3:17-19 -- On Love and Fullness

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
Ephesians 3:17-19


I really like that consistently, the scriptures and the teachings of Christ are "grounded in love." Satan gets us with a parody of love sometimes, and tries to convince us it is the real deal, but the love of God is so much more than the counterfeits. It truly "passeth knowledge," and just a taste of how much God loves us can banish everything else from the mind as we realize that is what truly matters. Today, let's pray to feel that love from God, and to also feel it for others, so that we can share it with them and lift them up and help them understand what life is really about. Let's turn to God who is the only one who can fill us so that there is no more emptiness.

1 Nephi 16:20 -- On Murmurs and Mornings

"And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord."
1 Nephi 16:20


I think we are all tempted to murmur at times, when things are hard. It seems easier to believe in God when he is blessing and prospering us than when he is allowing us to experience hardship. The conditions of our lives don't change the reality of God though. No matter what we go through and how bad it gets, we can never be harmed more than God has the power to heal. He will swallow up every bit of our sorrow with his joy, as we continue on the path. The road sometimes look bleak in chapter 5, but let's keep reading. The destination that God has set for all of us still leads to a happy ending, with joy beyond imagining. Let's remember that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." It's not always literally one night, but it's the promise that joy always comes again. We're not stuck in the darkness. With God there is always hope, and a new sunrise coming.

1 Nephi 8:33 -- On Strange Buildings and Sticking With God

"And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not."
1 Nephi 8:33 This is from Lehi's dream, talking about the people who went to the great and spacious building, described here as "strange," and who mock the people who are dedicated to Christ. ... Reading this today, I think we need to be careful of not becoming those people. Spacious buildings and large friend groups seem cool, and maybe that is the draw, being popular or cool, or fitting in, or feeling competent and superior. Problem is, we're trying to fill an emptiness in ourselves, longing for love, acceptance, importance, and none of those things can actually come from the world in a satisfying way. We are trying to fill a God-shaped hole with inadequate duct tape and painful things like barbed wire. Let's take a look at our lives and step back from criticizing, scorning, or mocking others, no matter how much we think they deserve it. Instead, let's talk to God about what we need and want, and let him fill us and help us to be better than we have been. And when misguided people mock us for belief in the greatest thing in the universe, let's smile and move on, letting our example and our love be the return message from God, inviting them in as well.

Romans 9:33 -- On Stumbling and Shame

"As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
Romans 9:33


We see a variation of this in the next chapter, which says "Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (Romans 10:11), and there are messages about being ashamed in lots of other places. Isaiah tells us "ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end" (Isaiah 45:17). We also hear "my people shall never be ashamed" (Joel 2:26), "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16), "hope maketh not ashamed" (Romans 5:5), and "the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed" (2 Nephi 6:13). Some of them are from God's perspective, as in "God is not ashamed to be called their God" (Hebrews 11:16), and some are definitely from our side, like in Lehi's dream where it says that some people "after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost" (1 Nephi 8:28).

This particular verse talks about laying a stumblingstone and a rock of offense, perhaps indicating that this is an expected obstacle and test. Staying on the Lehi's dream theme, just like the rod of iron gets us through the mist of darkness when we can't see, in order to make it to the tree, and the mist of darkness isn't something that we can just avoid by walking around it, so also is mockery and people attempting to shower us with shame for believing in and following Christ. In Lehi's dream, the people in the great and spacious building were mocking the people at the tree (1 Nephi 8:27), which perhaps to us seems like a minor part of the story, but to those enduring the mockery, that can be just as large of a trial as the dark and dreary wilderness or the mist of darkness.

God's message to us is multilayered. He is saying "Do not be ashamed," but also "I won't let shame harm you" and "I will not be ashamed of you." God is telling us that yes, we do need to feel bad when we do something wrong, and repent, but none of that impacts our *worth* as His children. We are glorious beings of light, and he loves us and will do all things for us to save us. All we have to do is hang in there and keep trying. We are of infinite worth, and each of us is vitally important to God, as we should be to each other.

Today, let's do our best not to stumble because of the rocks that are strewn in our path, and when we do stumble, let's remember that it happens, and it is okay, and that we can get back up and keep going. Let's pay attention to where we are going, and hold tightly to God's word when the darkness comes. Let's remember our goal, and in whom we trust. God will help us, as we turn to him rather than letting the world drag us down. He will lift us up, heal us, and walk with us.

Romans 8:37 -- On Walls and Love

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Romans 8:37


The surrounding verses here give some examples of things that could get in the way or separate us from the love of God, but none of them can... Christ's love can defeat anything that comes between us. The only thing that can possibly separate us is our specific choice to walk away. And even then, Christ's arms are continually reaching for us, welcoming us back if we turn around. God's whole plan is built around making it possible to bridge the gap that separates us, so that we can return home, better.

Today, let's not turn away from God, but allow him into our lives. Existence is infinitely better with God in it. The day goes better if it starts with a prayer. Life goes better when God is there to help and heal us, and give us good advice, and teach us. Let's work on breaking down the walls, and the attitudes, that are standing between ourselves and Christ, so that we can be our best selves, and be reunited with the love that makes all else worthwhile.

Joseph Smith--Matthew 1:37 -- On Not Being Deceived

"And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Joseph Smith--Matthew 1:37


What strikes me about this verse is the idea that if we treasure up the word of God, we won't be deceived. That's a huge and very important promise in these days where AI voice and video have gotten to a point where in many cases, people honestly cannot tell the difference. Stories online are often fictional, or partly fictional, even when presented as factual news, not always intentionally, but that too.

Today, let's cling to the word of God and treasure it, trusting God to show us the way through the falseness and ground us in a higher truth, so that we know how to help others survive in our new reality. :)

Leviticus 21:18-23 -- On Blemishes and Perfection

"For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous, Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy. Only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the Lord do sanctify them."
Leviticus 21:18-23


There are a lot of things that are difficult to understand in the Old Testament, and the seeming exclusion of everyone with a physical blemish or abnormality seems like it could be concerning, if we thought that God could be discriminating and love one group a little less. Thankfully, I think this is all just about symbolism. Sacrifices were sybolically a type of Christ, and Christ, as a symbol, needs to be pure, whole, and a symbol of perfection.

It's clear that others were allowed into the temple from the "eating the bread of his God" part, and to confirm that God wants us all with him, we have only to pray. I think the prayer sincerely asking whether we are loved is one of the more reliably consistent questions we can ask. It obviously still depends on faith and sincerity, and God's timing... but he wants us to know that we are loved, and that there is always a place for us with him. Let's trust in that, praying for understanding and remembering that God will raise us all with perfect bodies in the resurrection.

Alma 42:23 -- On The Fall, and After

"But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice."
Alma 42:23


Was thinking about this verse today and how it says that the resurrection brings us back into the presence of God... which is basically a reversal of the Fall (verse 6) in the Garden of Eden. The fall brought a separation of us from the presence of the Lord, which gave us agency and the chance to choose for ourselves, but also brought about death. The resurrection solves that, while still giving us time on Earth to learn and become and choose. The resurrection also triggers judgement/restoration, which is where God restores to us what we have chosen.

Today, let's look forward to the resurrection with hope, and remember repentance, which Christ grants us so that we can let go of our sins before they are delivered back to us at the restoration. :) Let's take advantage of that gift, and work to change and improve.

Alma 42:27-29 -- On Restoration and Repentance

"Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds.
If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God.
And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance."
Alma 42:27-29


I really like this chapter... so many great things. It goes very deep into the plan of redemption--why death is necessary, why repentance is required, etc. as Alma explained it to his son Corianton. This summary is compelling, explaining that we get to choose, but whatever we choose will be restored to us. Today, let's let our sins / those things that we don't want restored to us / trouble us to the extent that we are willing to repent and change and work with God to clear those things from our lives and we can move forward again without those burdens. God can help us if we ask for his help.

John 4:48 -- On Signs and Wonders

"Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."
John 4:48


Christ was merciful to the man that he said this to, and healed his son... and the man and his household believed. And Thomas believed when he saw Christ as well (John 20:29), but we're told that we're more blessed if we believe without the proof in front of our eyes. Perhaps because the proof prevents us from learning and exercising faith. Faith is powerful, and combined with hope, and rooted in God, it can change our lives and allow us to experience miracles.

Today, instead of demanding that God show us proof, let's flex our faith a little bit, and learn that belief and trust and faithfulness to God that will help us through the rough patches. Let's reach out and explore who we are and what we believe without constant reassurance... which isn't bad, of course, but if we keep looking for that constantly then we are stuck there, revisiting our initial testimony rather than strengthening and deepening it. Let's build on what we know of God and trust that it will remain true as we continue to walk the path and develop our partnership with God to face the terrors of life and to find joy and peace, even in the midst of trial.

Alma 40:12,23 -- On Death and Resurrection

"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
-----
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."
Alma 40:12,23


These verses are separated by a lot of other discussion, which is very worthwhile, but what struck me today is the progression. The first verse is talking about "the state of the soul between death and the resurrection" (verse 11), and the final verse is talking about the resurrection itself. I love that when we die we go home to "that God who gave [us] life" (verse 11), and the peace and rest promised, which I think is what so many people is the end result after life, but there is so much more. Eventually, we will be resurrected in a "proper and perfext" body, and that's just the beginning of another, more infinite story. Today, let's look forward to an awesome, glorious future. God can help us get there, and prepare for meeting Him on that judgement day, if we look to him and learn from his words.

Matthew 14:13-16 -- On Solutions and Support

"When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat."
Matthew 14:13-16


Reading this today it reminded me of the Brother of Jared going to God with a problem. There was no light or way to refresh the air in the barges (Ether 2:19). He expected instructions, and he did get some... a way to solve the air problem. But for the light problem, the Lord turned the problem back over to the Brother of Jared. He asked "What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" and helped him by telling him a couple of things that would not work... no windows, no fire (Ether 2:23). God was helping him to think outside the box, to exercise his faith and come up with whatever solution he could imagine. And the solution that the Brother of Jared came up with was sixteen clear stones. And although it was inadequate without God's intervention, God made it work. Here, similarly, Jesus turns a problem back to the disciples. The conventional solution of making the multitude all go buy something wasn't going to work, so that solution was out. What else could they think of? And they tried what they could think of as well, coming up with the sum total of five loaves and two fishes. And God, again, made it work.

Today, as we are endeavoring to do God's will, and we encounter a problem that doesn't have a simple solution, let's turn to the Lord, and remember that sometimes God is going to turn it back to us to think about. He isn't always going to give us the answer, but as we consider the resources that we do have, in conjunction with the miraculous power of God, he will help us with the solution, as we keep working on it to find a way.

Matthew 13:34-35 -- On Parables

"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."
Matthew 13:34-35


I like the idea of Christ speaking in parables and providing analogies that the people could think about / we can think about. Nephi gloried in plainness, and some parables are full of that simplicity and clarity that he loved, but some of them have layers of meaning, like poetry, where we can ponder and learn more, as long as we have the Spirit to guide us. This helps God speak to all of us in individual ways as we read and listen and notice different ideas and aspects of the scriptures. Simple, profound truths and deep, thoughtful truths that we can ponder and learn more about. Today, let's remember that reading through the scriptures once never gleans all of their meaning. They are rich and varied and full of truth, and God will lead us to more and more of it as we study and open our hearts to learn.

Leviticus 19:9-13 -- On Simple Truth and Lighting the Path

"And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God.
Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning."
Leviticus 19:9-13


I like reading about The Lord teaching the Children of Israel about the gospel because it reminds us of how much we also need to learn the gospel and learn some of these basic truths... don't hoard your stuff, but what you have left over, give to others. Don't be miserly... share. Don't steal or lie or deceive others (fiction/parables are okay. Just make sure others know that your stories aren't literally true when you spin them.). Don't risk using God's name inappropriately. Don't defraud or rob others, and pay people quickly.

It goes on with so much more to learn... but maybe we haven't even mastered this much yet, so we should stop, and pause, and ponder before moving on to more verses. :) I think maybe in this new age of not being able to tell what is true because it is so easy to fake voices and video with modern "AI" algorithms, it is so much more important that we are faithful and true, and provide a spot of authenticity and sanity to others. Let's be certain that we are not passing on internet lies or half-truths. Let's be careful and kind when we speak to others, especially if we disagree. Let's be worthy of being called disciples of Christ, and his holy people. With prayer and study and a lot of God's help, let's be the light and clarity to a darker and more confusing world.

1 Peter 5:8 -- On Avoiding Lions and Finding Happiness

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
1 Peter 5:8


This is a good reminder not to let ourselves become bait by playing near the lion's den. God will help us to find safe places to be, and safer activities to engage in. God's way is also the more joyful and interesting and fun way as well, despite the lies. Let's talk to God about what we really want in life, and be open and honest as we commune with him. There is a path to God for all of us, and yes, sometimes it requires great sacrifice and trust, but God never gives us something worse for something better. Moving towards God is always a step up towards a brighter, happier future.

Luke 21:37-38 -- On Hearing the Lord

"And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him."
Luke 21:37-38


I like this little insight into how Christ lived, and how the people found him. Today, let's remember to take time out of our schedules for Christ, to hear him. As we make that our priority, we will be able to carry that Spirit throughout our day, and it will make all of our more mundane obligations and interactions that much better, because we are starting with our minds and our hearts in the right place.

D&C 46:11-26 -- On Gifts and Interdependence

"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
And to others it is given to prophesy;
And to others the discerning of spirits.
And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God."
Doctrine and Covenants 46:11-26


A few verses before this, God encourages us to "seek ye earnestly the best gifts" (verse 8), and to remember for what they are given. I love the overall idea here of spiritual gifts that God gives us to help us through life, but not just for us individually... the idea is that we use them to help "that all may be profited" (verse 12). So they are things that give us strength that can help the community, helping us grow together and assist each other. We're working out our own salvation, but we're also doing all we can for others as well. Having something to contribute, and knowing that we need things that others can contribute, helps us to learn love and interdependence--the weaving that brings us all into the grand tapestry of God's kingdom.

Today, let's seek the best gifts, using our own gifts to bless others, and seeking out others who have gifts that we need, so we can learn and grow all together in the Lord, lifting each other up, and including God in all that we do.

D&C 42:49-52 -- On Faith and Leaping

"He who hath faith to see shall see.
He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:49-52


I like the emphasis placed on faith here. It's so easy to doubt and to believe that we just can't do it, that things will never work out, that things will always be the same, etc. God promises that change can happen--that even our doubting hearts and minds can be changed through faith on his name. To get there though, we have to make room for hope and faith. We have to stretch and at least start with a "desire to believe" (Alma 32:27), and work from there, letting more of God in as we go. We aren't static beings, or trapped in being the way we are right now. We are "blessed being[s] of light" (Do Your Part With All Your Heart, October 2025 General Conference), and God can still change and mold us, if we let him in and ask for help. He can heal us, and help us.

Today, let's have faith to see and hear and leap. Let's work on our faith and bear our own and others' infirmities as we strive together to become a faithful, believing community in faith and hope and love, with God's help to unify and strengthen us. Let's learn to hope and trust him more, and build the faith necessary to see miracles happen in our lives and all around us, and in learning to leap. :)

D&C 5:34 -- On the Lord's Timing

"Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee."
Doctrine and Covenants 5:34


This is a good reminder that the Lord's timing isn't always what we expect. Often we stop when the Lord wants us to move forward, but sometimes it is the opposite. When in doubt, we should move forward along God's path, striving to become more like him, because it is easier for God to course correct when we are moving rather than sitting still... but let's remember that sometimes the message is also stop. Regrouping, staying healthy, managing stress... these are all things that sometimes require slowing down physically, although we can keep moving forward spiritually in other ways. :) God can see what is coming and we cannot, so he can help us know when to move and when to stop, and when to slow down or speed up. The fastest, most efficient way is not always the best way. Sometimes we need to stop and learn something along the way, and sometimes we need to stop dallying and get on with it. :) As we include God in our decision-making, he will guide us in our paths, including the intended velocity. :) Today, let's pray and listen as we go about our daily activities, and notice when God prompts us about timing.

Leviticus 6:13 -- On Never Going Out

"The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out."
Leviticus 6:13


This struck me today, not as a rule about meat offerings, but as an idea... like making sure our faith never goes out. Too often I think we replay the whole conversion process within ourselves, finding faith and belief within ourselves, and feeling that spark of connection with God, but then not sustaining it and moving on to deeper faith and further lessons, but instead re-introducing doubt and fear and confusion, and having to go through the process over again to regain that spark. Instead, we should be feeding that spark, turning it into a fire and keeping it alive, and keeping us connected with the divine. I'm not suggesting arson here, but who can glory too much in the Lord, right? If we come out of it with a controlled burn, even if it is a raging inferno... that's all good. We just probably shouldn't burn or melt the things around us. :)

In all seriousness, we can be, symbolically, burning brightly with the Spirit every day, if we will talk to God about how to feed that spark and build it up. We don't need to reload and revisit doubt over and over again... this is just where we begin, and conversion is the trailhead, but the rest of the path is long, and sometimes hard, but always amazing. Today, let's keep the fire of faith ever burning, and never, ever go out.

On Age and Spirit and God's Power

"And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh."
Exodus 7:7


Moses being eighty years old when he went in to speak to Pharoah is what struck me today. Moses lived to be 120 or so, so he definitely had plenty of life left in him, but it made me think about how we percieve age. The scriptures are full of young men doing amazing things, like David taking on Goliath, or Joseph being sold into slavery and thriving, or Joseph Smith saying a simple prayer in a grove of trees. But God gives us examples of people being amazing when they are older as well, and of his gospel and his word being true, and powerful, at any age. Underneath, our Spirits are eternal. We are never too young or too old to be able to connect with God and to work with him. And someday our bodies will rise again, never to fail again--through Christ, we will all be immortal beings, with spirits and bodies that can never sicken or die.

Today, let's remember that we are blessed beings of light, only experiencing mortality as a temporary trainging ground that will help us choose and prepare for a far greater eternity. Let's choose happiness and love and follow God's instructions for how to survive, thrive, and succeed here--and let's remember both for ourselves and others that age is also temporary, and doesn't dictate our potential. We can walk in the footsteps of Christ at any age. Let's rely on the Lord and move forward, never fearing that it is too early or too late. The Lord's timing is all that matters.

Philippians 2:21 -- On Seeking Outside Ourselves

"For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s."
Philippians 2:21


This is a good reminder to think outside ourselves, and to seek to lift and help others. Today, let's think and pray about how to get outside the trap of selfishness and consider other people. Valuing ourselves is a good thing... we shouldn't wallow in self-hatred or demean ourselves either. Part of escaping that, though, is considering others and going to work to help rather than just considering ourselves... helping others can help them, and help the way that we think about ourselves. Let's work with God today to find ways to seek His will and spread His love.

D&C 42:2 -- On Repetition

"Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:2


The Lord tells us many things over and over and over again, because we aren't listening or it isn't getting through to the place where we care and listen and act. Today, let's think about what the Lord is saying to us, and really listen this time. Then let's talk to the Lord about how to move forward on his path.

D&C 42:27 -- On Doing No Harm

"Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:27


This is a jam-packed section, with so much in it. Earlier it has "if ye have not the spirit, ye shall not teach" which is what I was originally going to write about, but as I was reading through the commandments, this one struck me. It isn't very specific with specific instructions like some of the others about killing and adultery, for instance, but instead it is a general guideline, which seems to indicate that we shouldn't say anything bad about others and shouldn't hurt them in any way--mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. No harm. Which is one of the reasons that God asks us to be "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and pervese nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15). Harmless here not meaning "not really able to affect things" as we sometimes use it now, dismissively, but sincerely "without harm" ... not willing to harm others.

Today let's take a step back and really think about whether we are doing harm, and then let's counsel with the Lord about becoming less harmful.

James 4:10 -- On Humility, Comparison, and Change

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
James 4:10


Thinking about humility today, as the opposite of pride. I've never been great at learning it, but I think at least a beginning is recognizing God and his greatness, and that compared to that, we have a lot to learn, although "a lot" is a laughable understantement. :) Perhaps the harder part is the "supposing that [we] are better one than another" (Alma 5:54). I think we learn that comparison and judgement from the world, but abandoning it is hard because that is the way we think about things sometimes. Maybe the answer there (well, the answer is always God, but I mean a mental way of thinking about it) is just comparing ourselves to ourselves. Are we better than we were before... are we growing or regressing? Instead of just coasting through life and letting things happen, are we recording who we are? Do we have goals for becoming better? If we put as much effort into self-improvement (in God's way of course) as we do into the rank/power/political games of corporate America, or politics, or even unfortunately interpersonal relationships, then I think we could improve greatly.

Today, let's recognize our humility in the presence of God, but also, let's change the way we compare. Let's compare ourselves to ourselves. Let's consider our own failings rather than the failings of others. Let's plan improvement and changes for our own behavior. When we consider God's word, let's think about how we can change to accomodate God rather than about someone else who needs to change. Let's give others grace and love, and not judgement. We have enough to worry about trying to sort ourselves out. :)

Alma 29:4-5 -- On Desiring Goodness

"I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience."
Alma 29:4-5


Reading about how God grants people according to their desires, on one hand it seems crazy for anyone to want destruction or remorse of conscience... but then again, thinking about our own lives, sometimes that's exactly what we are choosing, knowing ahead of time that there will be consequences and choosing it anyway, and even sometimes trying to talk ourselves into something bad by disparaging God's offers, saying that being good is boring or ... whatever it is that we tell ourselves to block the knowledge that this is wrong and we need to go the other direction.

But goodness isn't boring, and being bound to Satan with self-forged chains is infinitely worse than being chosen in the family of our Father, with access to oceans and worlds of knowledge, and his infinite and abiding love--the one thing that can actually fill the emptiness. We think sometimes that we can't change, that through nature or habit our minds and/or bodies are firmly set on the path to hell, or somewhere besides heaven, which is essentially the same thing. But there is no depth into which God cannot reach to save us, if we are willing to change. He can change our hearts. He can help us be the people we want to be rather than the people that we are. It is not too late. Today, let's reach out to him and listen to his advice, and take a step towards God rather than away. If God is going to give us what we most desire, let's let him help us change our desires into something that will make us truly happy rather than eternally miserable.

Alma 34:4 -- On Moving Forward with Christ

"My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us.
And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and to patience—
Yea, even that ye would have so much faith as even to plant the word in your hearts, that ye may try the experiment of its goodness."
Alma 34:4


I like Amulek's words here in support of Alma, pulling all the threads together for his listeners. I also love that God is willing to show us the truth and to answer our prayers, allowing us to "experiment" on God's words. Alma 32:28 is where Alma compares the word to a seed, and is an excellent read. As Amulek moves past this experiment stage with them he centers on Christ, because us mortals aren't the power or doing any of the convincing here. It is all God, who speaks to us all, proving his words, and convincing our hearts... and as we ask, giving us power to accomplish anything that he asks of us, as we seek to know him in humility, patience, and faith. Today, let's start where we are, and seek the Lord, who will help us believe, build on our testimonies, and help and serve others.

Helaman 3:31-32 -- On Peace, Rejoicing, and Interest

"And in this year there was continual rejoicing in the land of Zarahemla, and in all the regions round about, even in all the land which was possessed by the Nephites.
And it came to pass that there was peace and exceedingly great joy in the remainder of the forty and ninth year; yea, and also there was continual peace and great joy in the fiftieth year of the reign of the judges."
Helaman 3:31-32


I like the mentions of the times of peace. Usually when we hear news or read history (including the scriptures), the focus is on something dramatic and "newsworthy," but it is good to read about times of rejoicing and peace as well, knowing that is what we are striving for... trying to make those times last, through remaining dedicated to God. In the next verse we read about the pride that starts the downward spiral, but here I love that there was just rejoicing and peace for a couple of years. Learning peace is also important, if we are to become peacemakers. We have to learn how to be okay with peace, and not be always in need of, or instigators of, drama. :)

That doesn't mean that life has to be boring. I don't think for a second that God wants us to be boring, or that heaven is boring. It just means that the kind of excitement that the Lord offers is different than the kind that Satan offers. Instead of conflict or prideful comparison, maybe we'll be learning walking on water, the mysteries of the Jaredite stones or the Liahona, or mountain-moving. We can dedicate our attention and interest to buiding something amazing that lasts, rather than something destructive and temporary. Perhaps today in talking with God, we can come up with some good ideas.

Daniel 4:27-31 -- On Heeding God's Warnings

"Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee."
Daniel 4:27-31


This is a good reminder to heed God's warnings. God warns us when we are going astray. We don't always hear it, or take it seriously, but he cares, and he wants us to have a chance to turn around. When God helps us out with such a warning, let's listen. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, unlike Pharoah, unlike Laman and Lemuel... let's learn from their mistakes and change course. Let's develop some humility, and avoid the really bad consequences of thinking that ignoring God is a good idea. He is trying to help and save us from worse.

Psalms 120:1-7 -- On Inner Conflict and Changed Selves

"In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war."
Psalms 120:1-7


I love the poetry of this. It reminds me of John Donne's Holy Sonnet 14, where he asks the Lord to "batter [his] heart" and force his way in, because he was trying and failing to drop his defences and let him in himself... basically, his reason conflicting with his faith. Here, David expresses a similar emotion... that part of him (in this case his tongue and his lips) are rebelling against what he truly wants.

This echoes back to a scripture we talked about recently, where Christ tells us that if our hand or foot offend us, then cut them off. Not I think telling us to intentionally maim ourselves, but to force us to confront our choices with that alternative in mind. If the alternative is getting rid of our reason, or our tongue and lips, or whatever it is that is within us that is blocking what we say we want... then we have to choose. If we want God, we have to accept him completely, and not hold out. We have to convince our reason... we have to tame our mouths. Sometimes we do have to let go of part of our self-definition, and it can feel like an amputation. God can help us through it, if we truly choose him.

C.S. Lewis explained a similar necessity for choice in his introduction to his book The Great Divorce. He says "I do not think that all who choose wrong roads perish; but their rescue consists in being put back on the right road. A wrong sum can be put right: but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on. Evil can be undone, but it cannot "develop" into good. Time does not heal it. . . . It is still "either-or." If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell."

Today, let's cry to the Lord in our distress... and let's be willing to set whatever is holding us back on the altar, offering it to the Lord, either to purify or to consume. In Alma 19 when Lamoni and his household are converted, they explain that their hearts had been changed. They had no more desire to do evil. God does that for us, if we go to him in humility, willing to let go of all of our "souvenirs of Hell." It isn't easy, and it isn't painless, but it is the way to happiness and peace. God will strengthen us, be with us, and protect us as we sincerely choose Him, even over our own body. He will help us be at peace within ourselves if we open our hearts to him and let him change us. Instantly, or little by little, in God's time and not ours... choosing Christ is always the answer.

Psalms 119:32 -- On Dependence and Choice

"I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart."
Psalms 119:32


This struck me today because it seems to show our dependence on God really well. We depend on him even to help us keep his commandments... we need life and breath, and yes, a new perspective and greater love sometimes. All that we have is dependent on him. The one thing we have is choice. We can choose which direction we are going. We can choose whether to accept God or to reject him. Those things don't change the reality of God, but they greatly affect our ability to learn from him and to improve our lives because we're either willing to learn and change or we are stubbornly trying to do things our own way... or Satan's way... which will always fail in the end. God's way is the way that leads to happiness, AND to freedom and light, even though I know we can get that twisted around in our brains and think that God is leaving us in the dark and restricting our freedom. That's Satan talking. He's the one that is trying to bind us with our own habits and desires.

Today, let's pray for an expanded ability to love, to learn, and to see the truth. God is supporting us in every moment. Let's accept his help, and learn more.

Obadiah 1:15 -- On Compassion and Love

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


This is a verse after God has explained that people shouldn't have rejoiced in the calamity of his people, or taken advantage of their downfall. It's a good reminder perhaps that even if we aren't the actual people doing the evil things that are hurting others, we're still not supposed to rejoice in those bad acts or take advantage of the people that are in distress. It's not our doing, but if we embrace it rather than trying to help, then we face the same consequences that God offers to everyone: As thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee.

If we want compassion, understanding, and mercy, let's be sure to show those qualities to others. Let's take a step back and examine our lives and make sure that we aren't treating anyone in a way that we don't want to be treated, and that we are working on improving our love for all people, even, and perhaps especially, our enemies or people that we find it hard to relate to or understand. If we're having trouble feeling it, let's pray our hearts out, asking God to help us care and love, as we would hope others would do for us in similar circumstances.

Matthew 18:8-9 -- On Body and Spirit

"Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire."
Matthew 18:8-9


These verses seem extreme, I'm sure intentionally. Christ is trying to get our attention and make sure that we understand that our quest for heaven is more important than our bodies. God isn't actually asking us to maim outselves, but instead explaining that it's better to not have a body part than to let our bodies get in the way of our long-term happiness (both on earth and in the eternities because those concepts are tied together as we learn in Mormon 9:14). The best answer is to solve it a different way than maiming, but the maiming part is in here for those of us stubborn enough to argue that we can't. :)

Today, let's recognize when our bodies are getting in our way spiritually, and let's find a way, with God, to follow him anyway. I trust that, with God's help, we will be able to do that without harming ourselves. :)

Jonah 1:1-3 -- On The Word of the Lord

"Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.
But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."
Jonah 1:1-3


Sometimes God asks us to do something and our first instinct is to run away or hide. Not that it works, of course, because there is no hiding from the Lord, but still we try. We don't want to do it... we're scared, or we have our own plans, or whatever it is. God's way though is always better, and listening to the Lord helps us to understand him in the future. Another ultra-important part is that God is leading us to happiness... no matter what he is asking us to do, or how much we're scared of it, it is always the way to happiness, because God doesn't lead us anywhere else.

Today, let's work on listening to the voice of the Lord and not running away from what he asks us to do. Let's stretch, rely on God for help, and do it anyway, so that God can continue to lead us where we need to go.

Obadiah 1:3-4 -- On Self-Deception and Help from God

"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord."
Obadiah 1:3-4


This is a good reminder to beware of pride and self-deception, especially thinking that we are higher or better than other people, or God. Our thoughts and actions are not hidden from him, and at some point we will stand before him to account for our actions. Why not accept that humility now, while we have time to improve and change? Rather than being just our judge, God is willing to be our guide to help us learn to be different, and better than we are. He is willing to bless us with confidence based in the knowledge that with his help we have learned to be truly good, which can replace that inflated, and false, feeling of being "superior." Let's work with God on seeing others with love and a desire to lift and help.

Moroni 7:45 -- On Charity

"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Moroni 7:45


In the verse after this we're told that "charity never faileth" even when "all things" fail, and so it seems worthwhile to take a closer look at the indestructible answer, which is pure, godly love. This verse gives us some excellent pointers on how to love, even our enemies, as Christ taught.

There are a lot of things here, but a couple that stand out to me right now are purity (thinking no evil) and hope. Maybe today we can work on these. Let's watch out for things that corrupt our minds and hearts. The things that we allow to play on the stage of our minds dictate so much of who we are and the actions we take, so let's start there and do a deep cleaning. And as we do, let's have hope.

We're never too far gone for the Lord. Like the prodigal son, he can help us escape from the consequences of our own actions and bring us home. That's what being saved means... if we repent and are willing to change and follow Christ, God can remake our whole selves and clean us from our sins. Let's turn to him and counsel with him, and learn of his love for us, and his love for other people. That love can fill our emptiness.

Alma 38:2-5 -- On Looking, Praying, and Trusting

"And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.
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 38:2-5


I like the connection here between looking to the Lord and trusting him, and being delivered. I don't think that kind of faith is easy. It takes practive, and observation, and learning more about ourselves and about the Lord. It takes prayer and developing a relationship with the Lord. So, not making light of it like it was a genie and a lamp... but faith does work, if it is faith in the Lord and his gospel, and if we are working at it, like the man who asked Christ to help him with his unbelief. And it IS something that we can learn, if we don't feel like we have it.

God doesn't set us down here and give us commandments and make them impossible to fulfill. He also didn't make us as static beings that can never change. He gives us power, and the ability to change. So if we lack faith, let's pray for it and work for it. If we are awful at prayer, then let's try little by little to develop the habit. If we hang in there and keep working at it, our spiritual senses will develop, and we will feel that connection come.

Today, let's be steady and faithful and look to the Lord, and work with him.

3 Nephi 7:18-19 -- On Belief, Anger, and Real Change

"And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.
And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people."
3 Nephi 7:18-19


This is Nephi, the son of Helaman, that the they are talking about. It's so interesting here that it was "not possible that they could disbelieve his words" ... but even though they believed him and knew he was right, they were just angry, and not realizing they were in the wrong, or repentant. Not willing to change. Just mad that they couldn't control him. It reminds me of Laman and Lemuel, still determined to have their way even after talking to an angel. Or Lot's Wife, still wanting to go back even when God was trying to save her from destruction. Or us, sometimes, right? Making the bad choice not because we are ignorant of the wrongness of it, but because we are actively choosing bad over good, trying to tell ourselves that we can make exceptions and avoid the consequences of evil, but then letting it bake into us rather than letting God prevail in our lives, and losing ground to Satan.

This chapter is from a time where things had gotten so bad that they had just destroyed the government by murdering the chief judge. They are starting to divide into tribes and spiraling down, and yet Nephi and his brother are out there preaching, trying to pull them back from the edge, calling people to repentance. Christ's coming, for them, is a mere four chapters away, and they are teetering on the edge. But it isn't an edge of ignorance. It is an edge of choice. And we, in our day, are on a similar edge, and God is trying to pull us back, to save us from hurling ourselves into the void. Let's be certain-sure that we are taking the knowledge that we have of God and doing something with it to change things, not just becoming angry. Let's listen to the truth and stop embracing evil. Let's make real changes in our lives and maybe even stop playing on the tops of cliffs in the first place? Let's turn to God, stay far away from cliffs, and do all we can to help others as well. :)

Helaman 5:9-10 -- On Remembering

"O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.
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."
Helaman 5:9-10


I love that Nephi and Lehi, the sons of Helaman, are remembering these words as adults and looking back on what their father taught them from the scriptures. It alwo reminds me of Alma 37, where it talks about how the scriptures have "enlarged the memory of this people" which led many to salvation (verse 8). The scriptures help us know of God's dealings with our ancestors and the whole human family. They help us to enlarge our memories and to learn how regular people dealt with hardships and problems, and were helped by God in all of it. Today, let's remember, remember that Jesus Christ can, and will, save us, and work on our part, which is repenting, exercising our faith, and staying true to God's purpose by following his commandments to love everyone.

2 Corinthians 13:4 -- On Weakness and Power

"For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you."
2 Corinthians 13:4


The idea here seems to be that the crucifixion was possible because of the weakness of the body, but overcoming it was possible by the power of God. And that the same is true for us. Our weaknesses are also overshadowed by the power of God, no matter what consequences we see because of those weaknesses. Christ lives, though he died, and we are saved, though we have sinned... all because of God, and Because Christ died, for us. He gives us the power to change and to become more than our weaknesses. Today, let's work on rising above our limitations, through our connection to God's unlimited love and power, and on being part of his work to help and to strengthen others.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 -- On Weakness

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10


We often are afraid of weaknesses... scared of failure, afraid of breaking and not living up to who we want to be and what others (including God) expect of us. I think that in that context, what God says here is very comforting. He knows our weaknesses, and his grace is sufficient for them... instead of taking Paul's weakness away, he strengthened him in other ways, and Paul's ability to manage despite his weakness showed God's hand in his life. Similar for us. God blesses us magnificently, but he won't take away 100% of our weaknesses and challenges. They are part of what life is meant to be. We learn to do God's will and to find happiness despite our limitations and the circumstances of our lives. We learn who we are, at least in part, because of the things that we endure.

Today, let's let our weaknesses make us humble, and more willing to invite God's Spirit into our lives. Let's learn to rely on God every day, rather than just calling upon him when we think we can't do it ourselves. Partnering with God on everything will make us better in all that we do. Our weaknesses will never exceed our Father's grace and love, and ability to help. Weak as we are, let's go forward confidently, knowing that God will help us as we look to him in faith and obedience.

Isaiah 24:14 -- On Voices in the Midst of Destruction

"They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord, they shall cry aloud from the sea."
Isaiah 24:14 I like this bit of joy in the midst of darkness. Three verses before this, it tells us that "all joy is darkened" and four verses after it talks about the earth being broken down and "clean dissolved" ... both of which are individually terrifying for anyone who wants to live here. :) But in the middle is this little verse about the isles of the sea, and singing for the majesty of the Lord. It reminds me of third Nephi a little, with all the destruction and noise and darkness, but then in the middle of it all, a voice. God calling to his people. This is the other way around. God's creations calling to him. I think the idea of connection is the same though. Let's keep looking for the Lord in our lives, in times of darkness and times of light, and we will find him, reaching out to us as well.

Job 11:13-16 -- On Prepared Hearts and Stretched-Forth Hands

"If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;
If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:
Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away."
Job 11:13-16


I love the idea of preparing our hearts and stretching out our hands to God. If we put iniquity away, then we don't need to fear God at all, and he will help us forget our misery... and even more promises after this, but in general, the message is clear and simple, and one we have heard many times. Repent and be saved. :) Today, let's see that message as an invitation and not a condemnation. Let's accept God's offer, prepare our hearts, and run to him with open arms.

Luke 12:16-21 -- On Barns and Building

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Luke 12:16-21


The moral of this story is already laid out for us, and the lesson goes even further after this. The next verse is Christ instructing the disciples to "take no thought for your life," but to trust in the Lord and later to "seek ye the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you" (verse 31), and even to sell what we have to give to others (verse 33). Clearly, the things of God come before the things of man.

So I guess the question is then, is God asking us all to become spiritual nomads, and to not build barns at all? Certainly, that is how he lived during his ministry, with God preparing the way before him. Missionaries taste a little bit of this idea, moving from place to place and teaching rather than settling down and building anything. However, God through his prophets also asks us to be prepared, and to "prepare every needful thing" in order to build, not barns, but temples, and people in the scriptures didn't all live as spiritual nomads... many of the missionaries did in the Book of Mormon, for a time, but they eventually went home to preach and to raise families as well.

I think the point here is not to tear down all the barns, but to recognize that our physical wealth is ephemeral. We should take care of our bodies and our families, but not obsess over building up physical wealth. We need to focus on being rich towards God, and if we run into the situation in the initial verse where we have an abundance that we can't store, then instead of building bigger barns, we should realize that we have enough, and God has given us the abundance in order to help others. Everything that we have, we should be willing to give up for God (including relationships/people and even our own lives where necessary as in Luke 14:26-26-33), but just as with Abraham and Isaac, we aren't always called to give it up, but rather to care for others and to use any material wealth we have to further God's work.

So, perhaps yes on being willing and ready to be a spiritual nomad for God when he asks us to go on a mission or move to a new area or to do something we might not be ready for... leaving our loved ones behind and going out into the unknown. But we should also be ready to do anything else for him, which means preparing and building sometimes, including maybe building a barn or other storage as Joseph did in Egypt to save everyone from the seven years of famine. The bottom line is to always be ready and willing to do as God asks, and to build treasure that we *can* take with us by becoming truly good people. God loves us... he wants us to be able to live, and love, and pursue the things that we love as well. We just have to remember that sometimes we go the wrong direction, and just as Amulek did in Alma 10, we need to pivot when the Lord asks us to pivot, and build what *he* asks us to build.

Luke 6:22-23 -- On Hatred and Joy

"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."
Luke 6:22-23


As is often the case, here God is asking us to change our perspective. So much of how we see life and the world is about what we are focused on, and whose opinion we value. If we're focused on God, and his opinion, then there are so many times where what might seem like a tragedy from the world's perspective is actually a triumph and a reason to rejoice. ... Not that we should seek trouble or contention, or work towards being hated, for sure, but if we are hated for doing service to God or for loving him and acknowledging his existence, well... that's a reason to rejoice, because we stood up for God when it mattered, and we didn't back down from the truth because of the world's opinion.

It can be hard to be hated, and God does care. He loves us and will help us see the good and the reasons to rejoice as we ask him for help. Let's just make sure that if we are hated, it is for doing good, and being true to God. If those are the reasons, then we are in very good company, and there are crowds of people in the spirit world cheering us on. :)

Matthew 23:8-12 -- On Greatness and Service

"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
Matthew 23:8-12


This is a good passage to remind us that Christ is who we should be turning to for leadership, and for advice, rather than other people. The idea of becoming great by serving others is also amazing... and it is exactly what Christ did in his life. Everything for us. Today, let's do everything we can to help God in his still-ongoing work, to help everyone, lift them up, and help them understand where all joy and peace can be found--in Him.

Acts 12:5-8 -- On Following

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me."
Acts 12:5-8


I love this angel-assisted jailbreak. :) It's a good reminder that God is in charge, and no matter how we try to stop God's work, it will keep rolling forward. Today, let's work with God rather than against him, and we will therefore be on the side with the angels and the unstoppable good. It often seems to us in our limited mortal forms that evil is winning... but it never can. It can only have power in the middle chapters, but the story is the Lord's, and evil will never triumph. It's self-limiting, because it can only take advantage of others, and when it can't, it self-destructs. As we choose good, to follow the Lord and walk away from evil, we become part of a greater work and a greater power. In the end, God will triumph, and save us all. If it takes angel-assisted jailbreaks, or moving mountains, it will be done. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

Matthew 21:6-11 -- On Praise and Preparation

"And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."
Matthew 21:6-11


I really love this part of Christ's story, because in this brief moment of time, he is recognized and celebrated appropriately. The people love him and show him respect. His life wasn't lived for this purpose, but I think that it is very good that God granted him this triumphant moment during his mortal ministry, although it was just part of a longer-term preparation for the great work of his life.

I don't think that our lives are made for short-term praise and accolades either. This life is a test, and not an easy one. It takes sustained effort over a long time to learn the things that we need to learn and to actively choose to be more than we are, and to follow God's path to salvation. However, God grants us brief moments of understanding and celebration as well. Let's be grateful and thankful for the good times that help us endure and remember what we are striving for, and the long-term joy that is set before us. Let's choose joy in the hard times, helping others and knowing that God is teaching us and preparing us all for more, and better.

Luke 22:31-32 -- On Faith and Strength

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Luke 22:31-32


I imagine that the Lord feels this way about each of us. Satan wants us, but Christ holds on, and prays for us, so that we can keep having faith and become coverted... and then when that happens, he still supports us, but asks us to join his work and support others as well. Today, let's be strong in faith, stay connected to God, and strengthen the people around us.

Alma 10:7 -- On Hearing the Lord

"As I was journeying to see a very near kindred, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto me and said: Amulek, return to thine own house, for thou shalt feed a prophet of the Lord; yea, a holy man, who is a chosen man of God; for he has fasted many days because of the sins of this people, and he is an hungered, and thou shalt receive him into thy house and feed him, and he shall bless thee and thy house; and the blessing of the Lord shall rest upon thee and thy house."
Alma 10:7


Reading this today made me wonder how flexible we are in changing our lives and our plans for the Lord. When the Lord asks us to do something, do we say no because it doesn't fit into our lives, or do we find a way to restructure so that we can do the Lord's will? Something to think about, and to perhaps plan around, today.

D&C 42:27 -- On Not Speaking Evil

"Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:27


I really like this. I am not saying I am good at it, but I love it as an ideal, and something I need to work towards. We usually align on the not being violent part of this, and condemn physical abuse, but criticizing is a whole different animal. And let's note that this scripture doesn't clarify that we can speak evil of our neighbor if it is true, but just not lie about it... the whole deception thing is definitely condemned, but that's a different commandment. This one is clear... don't speak evil. Which I think goes back to not judging, and learning to love our enemies.

I want to be this kind of person... one who recognizes faults in others, perhaps, but never judges or condemns them. Only jumps in to help, gently correcting when the Spirit whispers, but otherwise letting them realize in their own (and God's) time that they need to change--just as we are allowed to do in our lives, with our own faults. We need help and not judgement, and that is how we should treat others. One experience I think of as writing this... I've always loved to sing ever since I was very young, but I remember a time that a family member laughed at me because I was off pitch, which brought self-doubt into the equation, and I sang less, and less confidently from then on, wondering if I couldn't hear my own errors.

Later, after I had regained some confidence in singing, a person on my mission who claimed to have perfect pitch would cringe when I was singing, triggering the same doubts in me. Now, of course, I don't know if my singing is off, even now... but I occasionally get compliments that help me think that I am at least not breaking people's ears every time I try, so I keep trying. I think sometimes, unintentionally, we can crush people's hope and confidence in a similar way by mocking and criticizing what they are doing. Even when we can clearly hear that it is wrong, maybe they can't. Maybe they are doing their best. Wrong, perhaps, but slamming them because they are wrong isn't going to teach them why, or how to do better. God is working on that with them, and if we can't kindly help God with that, in a way that he approves, and with the Spirit, then let's back off. We probably already have plenty to do, working on our own faults anyway. :)

D&C 41:12 -- On the Words of God

"These words are given unto you, and they are pure before me; wherefore, beware how you hold them, for they are to be answered upon your souls in the day of judgment. Even so. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 41:12


This struck me today not as a warning about specific words in a specific section, but as more of a warning about how we treat the scriptures and the words of the prophets. Too often I think that we try to fit them into our lives when we should rather be trying to fit ourselves into God's sacred tapestry of life. If we look at these words as something that may or may not fit into our lives or work for us, then we aren't really getting what is going on here... God, inviting us and teaching us how to become who we need to be in order to thrive in a glorious eternity. If that doesn't fit into our plans, then I mean, they are the wrong plans.

Today, let's jump in and learn and listen and build and assist and magnify all that God has given us. Let's be aware of how carefully we are holding and using the words of God.

Alma 7:21-24 -- On Motivated Learning

"And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness or anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God; therefore I say unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who is filthy shall remain in his filthiness.
And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received.
And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."
Alma 7:21-24


This is some great advice. What struck me here was the idea of filthiness and somehow being stuck that way at the last day, which is a disgusting and horrible thought... the idea of being dirty and not being able to get clean, compounded by the idea of that not just physically but spiritually. Yikes. So, after that idea comes some advice on how to avoid that, which is welcome. Let's work on these things. Sometimes they are very difficult, but humility and patience, and all the rest... they seem very much worth learning in order to avoid the idea of eternal filthiness. :)

Malachi 3:13-18 -- On Blessings and Backstories

"Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?
And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."
Malachi 3:13-18


What I see here is a complaint that is focused on the current moment rather than long-term patience. God is basically saying "wait and see" because he knows all of those complaints are based on mortal short-sightedness. Which is understandable on one hand, because we are mortal and we can't see God's whole plan. But if we truly believe in God and his plan, then we have to look further. I use the analogy all the time I know, but it works. God is writing this story, and yeah, maybe the bad guys are winning in Chapter 5, but they do NOT win in the end. Let's keep that in mind as we navigate this day, and our lives in general. God is talking about the entire plot, not just this chapter, and we haven't read the rest yet, and we have no room to judge until we do. There is a difference, and we will see it in time.

I think it is also important to note that God is *not* saying that we just have to suffer... that our lives will be awful be we will rise in the resurrection and suddenly be happy. He says earlier in this chapter "Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). Mormon 9:14 reminds us that at the judgement that "He that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still." In the scriptures God gave people power to "submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord" even when they were mistreated slaves, and he will give us the same power if we turn to him. As Russell M. Nelson taught, "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives."

Today, let's stop comparing ourselves with the bad guys, and focus on God, and on the good in the world around us. Let's make things better for others. Let's serve and love and reach out to bless others. As we do, we will find happiness, blessings, and purpose... we'll be able to find joy in fulfilling the Lord's plan for us individually and on making a difference where we are. These early chapters are the backstory of how we become the triumphant hero that we are destined to be in the end. :)

Genesis 50:19-21 -- On Forgiveness and God's Will

"And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them."
Genesis 50:19-21


This is after Jacob dies, and Joseph's brothers think that *now* he will take revenge on them for plotting to kill him, and instead selling him into slavery. But he doesn't, noting that it was God's will.

I think there are a lot of bad things that happen to us in our lives that are God's will and part of the plan, but we don't realize it until later. It doesn't make what Joseph's brothers did right, and it doesn't make the bad things in our lives automatically good... but God uses everything to bring to pass his righteous purposes and turn us to good. Even the worst things, like Joseph's brothers hating him and selling him into slavery. God helped Joseph get over that and move on without bitterness and hate filling him up, and he can help us similarly to move on and to forgive. Let's talk to God about our circumstances and our hearts, and be willing to change our hearts and our heads with God's help, so we can move onward, and upward, towards God and a happier, better life filled with a new purpose.

Ephesians 6:12-17 -- On Armor and Adventure

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
Ephesians 6:12-17


This resonated with me today, I think because we can see similar things happening in our day, and we could probably use some armor. :) All of these things are good, don't get me wrong, but the ones that stand out to me right now are truth, faith, and the Spirit. Remembering and holding fast to the truth is so important in these days of deception. Our faith can protect us, but we need to maintain and strengthen it. And the Spirit, which is also the word of God, to cut through the darkness and the tangling vines of sin as we forge forward on our path.

It's interesting to compare a bit to Lehi's dream, where the word of God was represented by the iron rod that led to the tree, which was the Love of God. All of our armor and weapons and protections and helps and the way forward and our rearguard and even our cloak and clothing is all make of the same stuff... the light of Christ, the power of God, the sure promises of Salvation. These stories and dreams and symbolism help us to visualize it and hopefully internalize it, but it is all the same gospel, leading towards the same God, and ending in the same love and infinite joy, which is before us eternally. God has his arms open and extended to welcome us home, not to a boring eternity of sameness, but to an engaging, eternal adventure. Let's suit up and move towards those arms, and that goal... helping as many as we can along the way.

Genesis 46:2-4 -- On Comfort and the Word of God

"And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes."
Genesis 46:2-4


I like how God comforts Jacob here. Jacob is doing something scary and hard, and God reassures him and promises that things will be okay in the end. ... I think God does the same thing for us in our lives if we are open to it. Jacob's family grew into something huge, nurtured by the Egyptians, and God kept his promise to bring them out of there later and back to the land he had promised to their fathers. ... As he will keep his promises to us. Not in our time of course, but in His... all his words will be fulfilled. Which happens to be an excellent reason to study God's words, and to listen to them. Today, let's pray, and also study and learn of the word of God given to others throughout history.

Mosiah 24:10-12 -- On Pouring Out Our Hearts to God

"And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God.
And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death.
And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts."
Mosiah 24:10-12


I like the fact that prayer can't be stopped, since it can be out loud or silent, which is a good thing to remember here. Also though, the very first part where their afflictions were so great that they began to cry to God... I don't think they neglected to pray before that, but I think sometimes we do forget, and so another good thing to remember is to pray through all of it, the good times and the bad, because our relationship with God isn't just an emergency outlet... we need him all the time, even even though we don't always realize that need until things go wrong. Today, let's pray our hearts out to God and build that relationship so that prayer is like breathing... something that we just always do. As we get closer to that ideal, the more God can help direct our paths and lead us to happiness within, even when the circumstances we are in aren't exactly happy. :)

Mosiah 23:13-14 -- On Kings, Artificial Intelligence, and Trust

"And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.
And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."
Mosiah 23:13-14


Good reminder that systems have checks and balances for a reason, and king Noah was a great example of why kings can't be trusted. If they go off the rails, they take everyone else with them. The part that struck me today is the second verse of today's selection though... trust no one to be your teacher or minister, unless it is someone who follows God. Perhaps it is a strange thought, but my mind instantly went to AI. While AI can be an excellent *tool* ... it is definitely not something we can trust to teach or advise us in other ways.

Let's remember that for the real advice, we still need to go to God, and his servants who are following the commandments and have his spirit. What we are calling AI is trained to say yes to anything, and think that everything we come up with is a good idea. That is definitely not what we need when we have bad ideas and are getting off track... something that will just help us down the wrong path. God loves us... he will correct us, and get us facing the right way again, and so will anyone else who actually cares. AI does not care. Today, let's stick with God, and trust ONLY his spirit when we need real wisdom and truth.

Mosiah 22:1 -- On Planning for Salvation

"And now it came to pass that Ammon and king Limhi began to consult with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter."
Mosiah 22:1


Reading this today I was impressed that the king gathered everyone together to get their ideas and make a plan. The situation required it, of course, but I still get the feeling that a king like Limhi's father would have just commanded and expected to be obeyed. Instead, Limhi and Ammon really want to hear what everyone has to say, and talking about it together seems to have gotten them to the plan that they had to leave and go back to the land of Zarahemla. Gideon comes forth and helps them figure out how to make that overall plan work, and they escape.

For this plan, everyone had to be in on it, and I think God had made them ready to do something really hard, through wars and bad treatment, and internal dissent... so many things in their recent history, until they were ready to escape. And how cool of God, honestly, to save these people as well as Alma's group that had already left when king Noah was in charge? Both groups went through different things, but they both returned to God and got to the same place eventually.

God does a really good job of gathering and saving us, wherever we are. Let's consult with him today and talk to him about how to get to where we need to be for the next step in our own story, and how to accept the gift of salvation that he offers to all of us.

Genesis 45:25-28 -- On Happy Endings

"And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father,
And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not.
And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:
And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die."
Genesis 45:25-28


I love the last line where Jacob/Israel finally believes, and decides to go see his son before he dies. It's kind of like the story of Job, where everything gets taken away, and then restored... but better, because Joseph didn't die as he thought, but he is able to see him not just in the afterlife, but in the present. And everyone can see the truth at the end of the story... there is no question of Joseph's rulership anymore. No resentment from his brothers. Just understanding and forgiveness and the acknowledgment of the hand of the Lord.

Today, let's learn from this. Let's let the past be the past, and understand that God has taken us where we are for a reason. Let's let go of bitterness and see the underlying truth that God is in charge of all of it, and he blesses us with opportunities and relationships that we would never have without the good and the bad in our lives. Let's see the lessons and the hardships as a learning experience, and grow from there, and trust that God will bring us through all of it, just as with Joseph and with Jacob, if we trust him and follow him with all our hearts. And yeah, historically, this also set up a rough situation for the family's descendants, but they also, in turn, had their chance at their own happy endings as well... and on all the way to us. Let's not just believe IN God, but let's believe his teachings and his promises as well. As we do, he will lead us to happiness, now and later.

Genesis 39:1-3 -- On Prospering in Place

"And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand."
Genesis 39:1-3


So, here Joseph is a slave, but he prospers anyway. I think that we often hate our circumstances and let that poison the rest of our lives, but God always has a plan for us, in every circumstance, and will help us and guide us. Joseph went through a lot in his life, but his life shone as a light anyway, and he realized that God had sent him to this place, and to these circumstances, for a reason. Today, let's work on having the same kind of faith in our own circumstances. God is not punishing us--rather, he is putting us exactly where we need to be for a greater purpose. Let's shine brightly, wherever we are, and make the world better around us, any way that we can. Let's lighten burdens for others and call upon God for whatever help we need. He will guide us and help us, and if we need to escape, he will help us do that as well. Maybe it will be like Lehi, taking his family and finding a new land, or maybe it will be like Joseph, prospering and saving and leading his family to him... or any number of other plans that God has. Let's have patience and trust in God and his plan, and do as he asks, and we will be led to our happy ending. If we aren't happy yet, then it isn't the ending. Let's keep turning the pages, and God will get us there.