Proverbs 1:30-33 -- On Hearkening to the Lord and the Curse of Our Own Way

"They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."
Proverbs 1:30-33

This seems like a good reminder for the end of the year.  Eating the fruit of our own ways and being filled with our own devices is basically a curse here, because left to ourselves we tend to not do too well.  Even things that seem great aren't going to work out well when we're not listening to the Lord.

This year, as we are turning over new leaves and endeavoring to make real changes in our lives, let's do this one thing and hearken to the Lord.  As we do, he promises us safety and quietness in some good ways, and just learning to listen to God and tune into that frequency more often I think is one of the greatest changes that we can make in our lives... something that will really make a difference and help us to have a better year. :)

Psalms 102:16-20 -- On Prayers and Groanings

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

Psalms 102:16-20


There are a lot of scriptures about the Lord caring for the poor and for prisoners, and perhaps that is something we should pause to consider... the difference between the way that our society treats those groups of people and the way that the Lord wishes them to be treated.  

Today, let's think about what we can do to make the lives of those specific groups better, and of course not neglect everyone else. :)  And let's be confident that the Lord also hears *our* prayers and groanings when we are suffering and in need.

Zechariah 2:1 -- On Measuring Up

"I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand."

Zechariah 2:1

This made me think about the way that God deals with us.  I think often he just measures our lives rather than judging them.  He shows us the facts and figures, allowing us to draw our own conclusions and improve.

Today, let's be grateful for the way that God measures our lives, and let's be willing to "measure up" by improving our lives with that feedback.

Matthew 7:3 -- On Obstructed Vision

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

Matthew 7:3

This is a really good principle... the idea is to take a look at our own lives rather than the lives of others. Fix ourselves rather than trying to fix them. :)  The implication is that our own problems are a lot bigger than the ones that we are nitpicking others about. :)  Perhaps we do that as a distraction from our own gigantic problems, but God asks us to face our own faults before trying to address the faults of others. Seems like a really healthy idea too... I think we hurt ourselves *and* others frequently when we do things the other way around.

Today, let's address our own behavior patterns and attitude problems rather than those of others.  Let's get those beams out of our eyes, and then, in some far future date when we've managed that, and we no longer have obstructed vision, then we can start considering those motes. :)

D&C 58:6-9 -- On Reasons

"Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you—that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come;

And also that you might be honored in laying the foundation, and in bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand;

And also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail;

Yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all nations shall be invited."

Doctrine and Covenants 58:6-9

It's interesting to read about the reasons God has for things, and what God has in mind.  These verses are specifically about sending some people to Jackson County, Missouri, but I think this is all also something that we can be a part of... building Zion.

I love the idea of laying the foundation of Zion, and also in being a part of the fulfillment of lifting people up so that there will always be "no poor among them" (Moses 7:18).  I also like that one of the purposes mentioned is obedience... we probably all need to work on that at least a little.

Today, let's be part of the amazing works of God.  Let's get our hearts prepared for what is to come, and be ready to bear testimony and offer a reason for hope.  Let's also be part of lifting each other up, and eradicating poverty.  Let's be part of the Zion ideal and ensure that everyone is provided for.

2 Nephi 26:25 -- On Invitations

"Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price."

2 Nephi 26:25

This verse is comforting in terms of knowing that God still loves us and wants us in his life and in the church.  Even when we've sinned, God still loves us and invites us to come unto him.  Let's remember that God gives us the chance to improve and to learn to be better than we are.  Today, let's take him up on the offer. :)  

1 Samuel 2:9 -- On Prevailing

"He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail." 1 Samuel 2:9 I like the idea here that we can't succeed through strength alone because the Lord is in charge. Let's look to the Lord for guidance and cultivate our relationship with deity as we consider how to prevail in life. :)

Luke 2:11 -- On the Central Role of Christ

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11

I don't think that we fully realize how big of a deal Christ's life was and is.  It's hard to see it in the gospel context of being the central event of all human history.  Without him, nothing works.  Today, as we move forward celebrating the birth and life of Christ, let's remember the pivotal role that Christ had in human history,  and make sure we are allowing him to similarly play the central role in our lives.

Proverbs 6:22-23 -- On The Light of Law

"When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:"
Proverbs 6:22-23

Thinking about this today... the idea that commandments are light and guidance and a path--maps for our spiritual progress--rather than restrictions and limitations that inhibit us.  God's law is a way in the darkness, helping us to find hope after the terror of being lost.

Today, let's allow the commandments to speak to us and set boundaries and fences around us to keep us safe, and to keep us from running headlong off the cliff, which we are unfortunately wont to do.  Let's see the law as friends that are helping rather than enemies we have to find some way to undermine. :)  Let's trust God and walk in the light of his way.

Alma 22:13-14 -- On Stings and Hope

"And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.

And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king."

Alma 22:13-14

I like this little summary of the atonement, and the idea that "the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory."  That seems true about everything that Christ does for us, and perhaps extra meaningful this year as we celebrate the birth of the Savior.  Death does sting, and so do so many other things that we go through on earth as we struggle through trying to figure out who we are, who we want to be, and learn more about God and about this life.  ... And Christ can take the sting out of all of it, no matter how awful or painful, and make us new and perfect through his mercy in giving us the ability to repent and redo. :)

Today, let's remember Christ and all he did for us, and let's work on going to him and allowing Christ's hope to engulf us and blot out the sting of everything else as we are welcomed into his arms.

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7 -- On Choosing Experience

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7

The idea here that "all these things" shall be for our good is more than conciliation.  I think God is teaching us something about life.  Too often we fall into the trap of thinking that if we are doing things right that we won't have any trials... but that is very far from the case.  God could give us lives with fewer struggles, but he knows that the struggles that he *is* giving us are the ones that will lead us to becoming more amazing and awesome than we would learn to be without challenges.  These things are designed for our good.

What it comes down to, like most other things, is just whether we trust God or not.  If we do, then we'll understand that whatever is before us is there for a good reason, and that facing it and overcoming or enduring it will help prepare us for the future.

Not that any of us love trials, given.  I don't particularly want to learn how to love cockroaches right now, and I think we all have those specific things that we would like to avoid. :)  Perhaps rather than just praying to avoid trials though, we could have a conversation with God about it.  If we're trying to learn a lesson actively in a different way, maybe a trial could be modified for us... just like prophets in the scriptures asked for a famine rather than a war.  God is willing to work with us about *how* we learn patience (and other things), but we still need the lesson.  Let's not try to pray away our learning opportunities, or expect that we can learn to become heavenly beings without trials.

Today, let's choose experience that will be for our good rather than trying to stay safe in our bubble wrap of comfort and habit.  It isn't always easy to choose to put ourselves out there and to learn to be vulnerable or know that we might fail or get criticized, but it is an expression of our trust in God to be out there, engaged and learning, willing to face new experiences and trials and to learn from them as part of the refining process. :)

Psalms 101:3 -- On Setting Aside Evil

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me."

Psalms 101:3

I like the idea here of not looking on evil things.  Of course we have to live in this world, and we're going to see evil things, but I think that the point of this verse is that we aren't doing it ourselves or looking for it.  We're working on keeping our minds and hearts clean.

I think we underestimate how much things can get to us and harm us and our outlook on life.  I'm not saying to bury our heads in the sand and just ignore all bad things, but I think we can curate what gets mental time a lot better and not let it "cleave" to us, for our own mental health as well as for our connection with God.  There's a reason why we can't feel the spirit in certain situations or contexts, and avoiding wickedness is part of cultivating our relationship with God.

Today let's look for the good and not the evil.  Let's cut some of the bad out and replace it with good, as the Lord directs. :)  As we do, I think that our relationship with God will improve, as well as our own anxiety levels.  Seeing the good in the world can remind us that things are going to be okay. :)

Proverbs 17:27-28 -- On Sparing Our Words

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
Proverbs 17:27-28

I like this good advice, to keep our mouths shut more often. :)

It's really tempting to speak up sometimes when we shouldn't... we want to be right, and we want to express our opinions, and we want other people to agree with us and to see/do things our way.  And it isn't bad to have opinions and know what we believe at all... but it is often wise to be silent as well, because it gives us time to listen and understand others rather than just trying to promote our own opinions, especially if there is contention involved (3 Nephi 11:29).

The other thing it helps us do is avoid saying the wrong thing... we all say stupid things sometimes that we don't even mean, but sometimes that we really do mean and only realize much later that were misinformed or cruel, and which we eventually regret saying.  Keeping our mouths shut more often lowers the possibility of putting our feet in there, and gives us time to consider other opinions and perspectives.  We all think that we're right, and the more we realize that we're sometimes mistaken, the easier it is to let go of a wrong opinion--especially when it conflicts with God's opinion. :)

I want to be clear that I am not asking anyone to be silent or not ask questions.  Diligent inquiry is what God asks of us, and a great way to learn.  Let's talk way more often to God... but let's also think about maybe saying less in any sort of argumentative situation, and even less than that in any way that could be interpreted as criticism.  Instead, let's keep our mouths shut a little more, be more positive, and love a lot more.  Let's process our words through our brains for a lot longer before we let any of them out through our mouths.  I think we'll be seen as a lot wiser, and maybe with time we really will be. :)

1 Kings 8:37-40 -- On Knowing the Plague of Our Hearts

"If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be;
What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:
Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)
That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."
1 Kings 8:37-40


There are several things here that stuck me, but I think my favorite is the juxtaposition of physical plague with knowing the plague of our own hearts.

During  this historical time of plague, we need to know our own hearts, and the plagues thereof, for ourselves.  This is important so that what we are spreading around us is a good thing rather than a bad thing--so that we are worried about how we stand before the Lord, or in other words our spiritual health, rather than being worried about the physical threats to our health.

Let's look to God and his temple and live according to what we believe and who we want to be (which is why we need to understand what that is).  As we draw closer to God, he will know our hearts as well, and bless us.

Acts 2:44-45 -- On Taking Care of Everyone

"And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." 

Acts 2:44-45


I love this idea of taking care of everyone. The common ownership part seems a little scary to me, but I think that is just because it is hard to trust people as opposed to God. If the system were being run by the church (rather than, say, the government), then I think it could work... but there would of course be hiccups along the way, and a lot of working through disagreements and unlearning so many things that we have learned in order to reimagine and relearn how to deal with ownership in order to live in that sort of society.  Worth learning, of course, so that we will be ready to live in that kind of Zion society someday.

Today, let's think of ways that we can be generous and care about the people around us, so that even though we aren't living with all things common, we can still move towards that Zionlike ideal of taking care of everyone.  Some ways to start are remembering our tithing and fast offerings, which really help others, especially around this time of year.  Let's talk to God about what we can do... and if we are in need, where we can get help. :)

Alma 29:5 -- On Choosing Joy or Remorse

"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 29:5


I love the overall idea that we get what we want in the end... but reading about desiring "remorse of conscience" makes the whole thing a lot more complex than our usual "wish-fulfillment" types of fantasies. The type of desires that God is talking about aren't just the ones that we profess, but the ones that we live. The ones that are right down at the core of our being.

It's hard to understand why we, or anyone, would choose remorse if it were just a straight choice--but in actual practice, sometimes we do.  We choose bad habits, obsessions, and sins over alternatives, even when we know there are consequences.  Even though we'd of course rather have no consequences, we understand the repercussions and we choose them anyway.  Unfortunately, if we don't turn it around and repent of those character flaws, then those consequences that we are willing to live with will be the same ones we live with in the eternities... and we have to consider honestly, is that what we want?  Is it okay with us to get that habit or sin along with the consequences, or are we looking for something better, with no aftertaste of remorse?  If we are, then God can hook us up with his path. :)

I think one of the reasons that repentance can be challenging in many cases is exactly this--we really wanted to do that, and to repent, we not only have to not DO it, we also have to learn to not WANT it. Today, let's work on choosing things that we want long-term, and repenting of things that carry negative consequences that we don't want. To avoid that remorse of conscience thing, we have to take a really hard look at our lives and figure out what we want... which is pretty hard all by itself, but as with all things, it is something that God can help us with, if we ask. :) 

1 Peter 1:7-9 -- On Precious Trials

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:7-9

This is often something that we don't realize or can't really see until after the fact, but the idea that our trials are precious is an important one, as we grow in our faith and realize that God isn't our adversary, but our ally... and really, the best friend we could ever have.

The verse before this acknowledges that sometimes "for a season, if need be, [we] are in heaviness," but, as we typically only see in hindsight, the hard times in our lives often give us the impetus and motivation to grow and improve.  Times when we feel the most bereft can be the times when we learn to truly rely on God.  And that lesson, as well as others learned in similar ways, is precious, even though it was hard to learn.

Today, even if we are going through the "tried with fire" types of difficulties in our lives, let's keep in mind the lesson here... that with God's help, even the worst of our trials work together for our good, helping us to become better, more refined people.  Let's see them as precious, if we can, even while we are going through them, and talk with God about what we can learn.  As we do, perhaps our perspectives will change a little bit and we'll be able to be more patient with trials and more confident in God, as he shows us more of his plan for us as individuals.

Revelation 8:3-6 -- On Prayers and the Second Coming

"And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound."
Revelation 8:3-6


This chapter is talking about the opening of the seventh seal before the Second Coming... and let's just be clear up front... I honestly don't know what this all means. What struck me today was an idea about it though, that maybe the prayers of the saints were the reason for it, and at least part of why it was happening.

I was in Jerusalem for work several years ago, and the CEO of our company took us on a tour of several sites... and I remember while being there I got an overwhelming feeling of waiting and yearning for God's hand to come down and make things right... that it was something that was in people's minds and hearts and prayed for each day.  And I think that we all feel some of that... perhaps not in such a universal way, depending on the situation, but I think there are times when we all yearn for God to come and make things right in a world where so many things are wrong and broken.

God knows the perfect timing of course, but I can't imagine that he doesn't feel those prayers ascending up to him from the abused and the downtrodden and from every one of us when we are suffering... and even though he can't make everything right immediately without destroying the whole purpose of his creations, he *will* come and make things right eventually, and I think that is what these verses, and the whole Second Coming, is about.  It is God answering the prayers of his people in the right place and at the right time, and the destruction spoken of in the rest of the chapter is similar to the destruction in 3rd Nephi... a cleansing and a preparation for a new society forged directly under the hand of God.

Today, let's work to be instruments in God's hands to make things as right as we can now by walking in God's path and serving the people around us... and then let's raise our voices to heaven and pray for God to do what we cannot, in his time... which is part of how Christ taught us to pray in Luke 11:2, to ask for God's kingdom to be established and his will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven. :)  Let's remember that the Second Coming isn't just a scary thing to worry about in the future, but a glorious thing to look forward to, and an answer to all of our prayers.

1 Timothy 4:12 -- On Being Poster Children for God

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

The phrase here "an example of the believers" struck me today, and I think that if we actually think about what that means and we start putting it into practice, that itself could change our lives, and possibly the world.

We live in a world that seems to be becoming more and more polarized, with so many people unwilling to consider people "on the other side" brothers and sisters, or part of a larger whole, united in Christ.  ... And the world needs examples of that... of coming together and truly caring for one another and working for peace as children of God.

What if we are those examples right now?  Are we setting our lights on a hill and showing the world what God wants for each of us?  If so, let's keep at it, and maybe do even more.  And if not, then perhaps we need to rethink, and pray and learn and do the hard work of learning to be the Zion people that God wants us to be.

Today, let's talk the idea over with God, and ask him to help us learn to be examples of the believers.  Let's work on making sure that there are examples of kindness and caring out there in a world filled with anger and antagonism.  Everyone thinks that they are the good guys, but let's be better than choosing one side or another... let's be the poster children for doing things God's way. :)

1 Corinthians 12:21-26 -- On Unity and Value

"And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."
1 Corinthians 12:21-26

This is an interesting way of saying that we need to be united.  Using the analogy of a body, Paul explains that even though each part of our bodies is different and not all are attractive, all are essential, and we all suffer and rejoice together.  ... And we are like that.  We have different roles, different personalities, different gifts from God, but we are all essential to each other, and we need each other to build a Zion society... and maybe that is where we're currently broken, right?

We often think that we don't need other people in our lives... or at least *certain* other people.  Perhaps the ones on the other side of the political spectrum from us... or on the other side of a number of different spectra, but basically people who are unlike us we tend to think in many ways that we don't need around to disagree with us. :)  But right here God is telling us that we DO need those people, just as a body needs a brain and a heart.  Very different, but equally essential.

I wonder what would change if we really considered everyone essential.  That's back to the idea of loving others as we love ourselves, and building Zion.  Of course there would be no poor among us if we considered the poor people essential to us, right?  We would help them and lift them up so that they could do their essential part in our work that we are accomplishing together.  And honestly, isn't that why Christ died for us--?  Because he and the father considered us essential, despite the fact that they knew we were going to mess things up a lot.

The verse after this selection tells us that we are members of the body of Christ... one in him, working together for the whole.  Today, let's try to understand what that means, and perhaps work on the way that we value and love each other, no matter how different.

Proverbs 22:19-21 -- On the Certainty of the Words of Truth

"That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?" 

Proverbs 22:19-21


I like the phrase "the certainty of the words of truth."  ... One of the great things about God is that we don't have to doubt his word or wonder if it will actually happen, or if it is accurate.  God's word offers us confidence and certainty.

Now of course I don't mean that we shouldn't use our critical thinking skills when it comes to religion... only that, after we have learned the truth of God for ourselves (which he will teach us, or "make us know" as we seek him), we can exercise our brains in more fun and interesting ways.  Because we know that God's word is truth, we can be looking for how his words fit together in our lives, and how they will come to pass in the world, and what they mean for us in our own lives.  We can build on the foundation of our knowledge and progress.  Having his word as solidity in our lives helps us have an anchor that connects us to everything else.

Today, let's take what we already know of God and build on it, having faith and hope, and talking to God about how everything fits together.  Let's lay our foundations in the certainty of God's word.

Matthew 20:11-15 -- On Evil Eyes

"And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?"
Matthew 20:11-15


This is the ending to the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, and I think what is interesting to me is the statement "thou hast made them equal unto us," as though that were a bad thing, and then the correction from the householder, calling out the evil eye, or in other words, the perspective that wants things to be unbalanced as long as they are in our favor, but then turns around and asks for fairness/equality when we are "losing" in comparison with others.  To this type of thinking God says "ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal.  Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?" (Ezekiel 18:25, 29).

It's a really tough lesson to learn because we really honestly believe that some people are better than others... and we live in a social system that reinforces the idea that some people have more stuff because they have more "merit" than others, for various reasons.  And although this system seems perfectly valid to us (unless we are in the middle of a medical disaster or limited by our opportunities, etc.), since we were raised in it, there are some stark differences between the world's system and God's ideal of a Zion society.  Not saying that our system doesn't have a lot of good things about it, but there are a lot of poor things about it as well, which result in a lot of inequality.  And God tells us that we "are to be equal" (D&C 82:17), or at least "in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly" (D&C 70:14).

Today, let's learn to love more perfectly, and avoid having an evil eye and seeing other people's blessings as somehow diminishing us... or other people's tragedy as just repayment for character flaws, when we are all similarly flawed, albeit in different areas.  Let's be grateful that God is willing to save us, and save others, even though we're all different and all so very imperfect.

1 Corinthians 10:21 -- On Dining with Deity or Devils

"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils."
1 Corinthians 10:21


This is similar to what we hear elsewhere in the scriptures... we can't serve two masters, or in this case, eat over at two people's houses.  It is the Lord or devils, not both.  Following God means putting him first in our lives, and we can't put anything else first... our dedication to God dictates the rest of our priorities... and I'm sure the dinner conversation is immeasurably better as well.

I think this is a good thing for us to remember, because we so often try to put more than one thing at the top, or fit something before God.  That initial prioritization solves a lot of other problems for us, if we allow it to.  Today, let's work on that, making sure we aren't trying to share the spotlight or divide our loyalty to God with anyone or anything else.  Let's eat with God. :)

1 Thessalonians 5:19 -- On Quenching and Quietness

"Quench not the Spirit."
1 Thessalonians 5:19


In this context, quench is synonymous with "extinguish," so in other words we shouldn't drive the spirit away, and that idea, of living so that we can always have the spirit with us, is our quest for the ideal life.

Not that it is always easy of course.  God gives us tons of clues in scripture and some very clear guidance in our lives, but because it is something we feel, we at least partially have to learn it over time by finding out what things draw the spirit and what things drive it away.

Because we don't always know, then the admonition is telling us not to do it on purpose, and basically also asking us to learn what will drive the spirit away so that we don't. :)

Today, let's learn more about the Spirit in our lives, and welcome it in rather than driving it away.  Let's have enough quietness of soul to make sure that we can hear God when he talks to us, and that we are open to his inspiration in our lives.

2 Peter 1:14-16 -- On Faith and Fables

"Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty."


I like the idea of "putting off" a tabernacle and working towards the future that will happen after your death... leaving a legacy.  I also love that it is the way that Jesus Christ showed him.

Today let's remember that death is just another step along the path, and Christ showed us the way, even there.  Let's have faith knowing that Christ isn't a fable, but an eternal, glorious reality.

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 -- On Mortality and Eternal Life

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life."

2 Corinthians 5:1-4

I like the idea here that we are homesick for heaven, wanting to escape mortality and get back to eternity.  ... Not that we need to rush that, mind you, or that we don't have plenty to accomplish in this life, but I really love that death isn't a dark portal to an unwanted future, but rather a passage to a better world that we want to return to.  I love that it isn't something that we need to be afraid of, but something that can bless us with peace and fill us with joy, despite the earthly sorrow we feel at the temporary absence of our loved ones who pass on.

Today, let's remember that with God mortality can be swallowed up with life... that because Christ rose again, life won against death, and he grants that blessing to us all... a guarantee that we will live again, and a real way back not just to immortality, but to eternal happiness through God's plan and the strait and narrow path laid before us by Christ.  Let's take the opportunities that Christ has given us and walk that path back to God, to be part of the triumph of life.

D&C 121:13 -- On Corrupted Hearts

"Also because their hearts are corrupted, and the things which they are willing to bring upon others, and love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves to the very uttermost;"

Doctrine and Covenants 121:13

This is about people who persecute prophets, but it seems like something that it could be wise for all of use to keep in mind, because we are all going to face a similar restoration from God.  Whatever we are willing to do to others and to see others experience, whether that is good or bad, is going to come back to us, perhaps much more strongly.  Like so many other things in the gospel and in life, that can be a blessing or a curse, and it depends on our choices.

Today, let's examine our hearts, and make sure they aren't corrupted, and that we aren't going to bring upon ourselves something that we don't want, and shouldn't be wishing upon others... and hey, let's start wishing for some positive things for others and caring for them as well. :)

Galatians 5:22-26 -- On Fruits of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."
Galatians 5:22-26

I like this last part of the chapter... in much of the first part, Paul talks to the people about a lot of things that they shouldn't do, and I like that he follows up with advice about how to recognize the spirit and find good things to work on.

I also like the idea that these good things are kind of like calorie-free snacks or something.  No side effects or consequences... "against such there is no law," right?  So, if we learn those things then we can have plenty of things to practice that don't offend the spirit and can't get us in trouble. :)  (Although of course we have to be careful to understand what God's definition of those things are.)

Today, let's embrace the fruits of the Spirit and work to draw closer to God in our lives, engaging in good things that can't get us into trouble. :)

Luke 4:38-39 -- On Prayer and the Power to Heal

"And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them."

Luke 4:38-39

I like the idea of being able to rebuke a fever, and of God having power to heal and make us whole in every way.  I think these are things that we still have access to through priesthood blessings--and although God's timing and will is often different from our own, I wonder if, sometimes... or perhaps often, the only thing holding us back from these blessings is that we don't ask.

Sometimes we don't ask because we just don't think of it, or maybe we don't have faith that we and God are on the same page about the outcome we desire.  I think in every case though, it is worth taking to the Lord initially in prayer and talking to him about it, and seeing how he directs us... those opportunities to feel his inspiration can help us to feel better about things either way.

Today, let's go to God about the things that we need healed in our lives, whether they are physical ailments or emotional, mental, or spiritual.  Let's ask him what he wants and seek his advice about what to do.  Miracles can happen... whether they are healing or being able to find comfort.  Let's give God the chance to help us by going to him and asking.

Matthew 17:1-3 -- On Seeing Beyond This Life

"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him."

Matthew 17:1-3

This is awesome.  There are stories in the modern world about "seeing dead people" and ghost hunting and such, but this account isn't about ectoplasm or mixing the streams or being haunted... just about being able to talk to people who are beyond the veil, on the other side of death.  Since we know that God is eternal and is granting us also eternal life, it doesn't seem that strange to realize that there are people that still exist even though we can't see them.  It's like a spiritual version of object permanence that we need to learn even though we already learned that concept physically as children.

If we pray, we are already functionally reaching beyond the veil in talking with God, and I love the idea of being able to chat with awesome people we're read about, including Moses and Elias.  Wouldn't it be cool to have their advice on things?  I love that idea of knowing that everyone we love that has died, plus all of the people we ever wanted to talk to from history... they are all just barely beyond this life, and that it is a blessing that God is willing to provide in special circumstances.

Today, let's remember that death isn't even close to the end, and that all of us have a future beyond this life.  Let's keep in touch with God, and stay in tune with the spirit, so that we can feel those times when the veil is thin, especially in the temple.

Alma 40:5 -- On Rising Toward Eternity

"Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case—that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead."

Alma 40:5

This is Alma, talking to his son Corianton, sharing some information and hoping to encourage him to make better choices.  I love that one of the things that he shares us just the fact that all of us are going to rise from the dead.  I think just the fact that we are all going to have life beyond mortal life is a huge truth, and something that can help us change our perspectives about what is important.

One of the things that it might have helped Corianton realize is that living only for today is (by definition) shortsighted.  God does want us to "seize the day" ... every day, and to live fully and deeply.  It isn't about living a boring life.  It is the fact that all of this is leading up to a glorious eternity, and learning how to be the person that can return to God and lay hold upon the blessings of eternity means we need to start cramming knowledge into our heads and find other better things to do than sin, which just poisons the water and makes overcoming ourselves and taking the next step harder.

Today, let's let the idea of eternity sink in, and let it change the way we think about things.  Let's value God more and temporary things less.  Let's look beyond our current anxieties and have faith in the glorious (and eternal) future that God has promised to all that come unto him.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 -- On Prayers and Thanks for Everyone

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

1 Timothy 2:1-4

This talks about praying for everyone... including political leaders.  I think that is interesting and likely hard for many of us, considering that many people feel polarized about the recent election in the United States, no matter which side they were rooting for.

I like that Timothy explains the reason for such prayers... that it is both important for ourselves *and* for them... we are looking for quiet and peaceable lives, and that will be much more likely if we aren't raging against our our leaders, and also that God is working on saving all men, and perhaps our prayers can make a much bigger difference than our complaints.

It might be even harder on one level to do what Timothy mentions next and actually give thanks for our leaders than to just pray for them in general, since maybe we don't feel all that thankful either way.  ... But here the idea is that we should be thankful for everyone, because no matter how we feel about other people in the moment, we *are* all brothers and sisters in the Lord's family, and we're part of each other.

Today, let's pray and give thanks, even for people that we didn't vote for or don't admire.  Let's remember that all of us are beloved of God, and there are good spirits in there, no matter who we are or what we've done.  God can see the goodness in us, and to honor him, we should do our best to see the good in each other as well.  Let's build peace rather than conflict, and work for God's will, even when it isn't our own. :)

Luke 12:29-32 -- On Seeking the Kingdom of God

"And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Luke 12:29-32

The idea of seeking the kingdom of God first is something that we see in several places throughout the scriptures (for instance, Matthew 6:33), and the idea of everything coming to us naturally once we get our priorities in order is a really amazing idea.  Christ is a great example of this, and many of the prophets to one degree or another.  It's essentially the same idea that Nephi related when he said "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" (1 Nephi 3:7)  ... The Lord prepares a way for us to put him first.  That *is* the way, and if we walk in it, then things will work out.

Now, of course, it is difficult to not be "of doubtful mind" and to have the faith to really take this to heart and live it.  The Lord, as always, doesn't expect perfection immediately, and teaches us line by line.  However, also as it is with so many things, the blessings are tied in with learning the principle.  As we learn to have faith and to walk the Lord's way by seeking his kingdom first, he will provide for us, and we will always find a way forward.  ... Of course it won't always be easy, or the first thing we try, and it won't always be the way we expect, but if we persist, God will always help us find the way.

Today, let's work on putting the Lord first and seeking his will as our top priority.  As we work on it with the Lord, we'll find that other things we might normally worry about will fall into place, and we'll get a taste of what it is like to really trust and rely on the Lord.  I think because of our doubts it always seems scary at first, but once we start actually doing it, it can feel miraculous, and we can start to feel our "confidence wax strong in the presence of God" (D&C 121:45).

Alma 12:8-11 -- On the Mysteries of God

"And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God. And he said unto Alma: What does this mean which Amulek hath spoken concerning the resurrection of the dead, that all shall rise from the dead, both the just and the unjust, and are brought to stand before God to be judged according to their works?

And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.

And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell."

Alma 12:8-11

Zeezrom, who was trying to prove Alma and Amulek wrong, here has the beginning of his change of heart, realizing that he believes them and wants to know what they know.  Perhaps because he had been trying to trap them in their words previously though, when Alma responds to him he doesn't immediately answer his question, but explains how the "mysteries of God" work, which is really good for all of us, because this is important to know.

The idea here is that the more that we accept God's word, the more we will get.  That is said elsewhere in the scriptures as well, but perhaps nowhere else more plainly.  I think the scariest part here is that Alma makes it clear that what we have already isn't just static knowledge, but that we gain *and* lose knowledge depending on how we treat the knowledge we already have.  That seems crazy at first that our minds could just leak that much, but I think anyone who has gone back and read something they've written several years in the past can understand the concept... even when you know that you wrote it, it can still somehow seem foreign, because we've changed, and we don't always have a good hold on what the goals and desires of our former selves were.  It's scary to think of losing things that we know, but it is also valuable to be reminded that if we don't value and nurture what we have, we could lose it.

Today, let's be careful to keep the spirit and to maintain and nurture what we know so that we can build on it rather than losing it. :)

2 Nephi 31:16 -- On Enduring to the End

"And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved."

2 Nephi 31:16

The idea of enduring to the end can seem overwhelming, but I don't think it is meant to be that way.  It's more just continuing to get up and try again, rather than quitting.

Sure, if we've failed several times it can seem like prolonging the torture, but if Nephi had thought that way, then they would never have gotten the Brass Plates.  Even the brother of Jared didn't have the complete plan for the barges at first.  He had to keep searching and trying to figure out the problems.  ... Of course God could have solved the problems for him, and for us, but continuing to work and find things out helps us learn to face challenges and continue to grow... so God often gives us enough information to move forward and figure it out ourselves.  Clues rather than blueprints. :)

Today, let's hang in there and endure to the end, continuing to learn and to try.  If we do, then we're on the path to perfection, which isn't impossible.  Somewhere in eternity is the "end" on that perfect day. ... We just have to keep walking. :)

Alma 37:46 -- On the Easiness of The Way

"O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever."
Alma 37:46


It is interesting to talk about "the easiness of the way" because we don't often think about salvation (or life) as easy... however, perhaps in some ways it is.  I think that we make things much harder than they actually are by how we react to things, particularly when we are afraid of facing them, or feel overwhelmed by them.  In many cases in my own life I know that anxiety, procrastination, and/or impatience seem to be 80% of the difficulty level.

Then there's rebellion/unbelief of course.  Kind of like Moses lifting up the brass serpent for the people to be saved--how many times in our lives do we have a solution before us that we just assume is TOO simple or that just won't work, and so we don't even raise our eyes to look, or make the simple effort to try?

Remembering stories from Christ's life make me think that the easy way he is talking about isn't just some random path... it is a specific, narrow one.  His way is *THE* way.  When Christ was on earth he knew when to get money out of a fish's mouth, where to get a donkey to ride, where to eat, with only the preparation that his father had made for him ahead of time.  The way was prepared, and if he walked in that way, everything would be there for him that he needed.

I think what this verse is saying is that God has done this for ALL of us.  If we reach out with trust and faith, the way is prepared... just like the red sea, Laban falling down drunk, the brass serpent, or the walls of Jericho.  There is an easier way for all of us, if we listen to the spirit, and pray and talk to the Lord.  We can't be slothful because then, like the ancient Israelites, we might have to spend 40 years in the wilderness because we don't have the faith to go now... or like the more modern early latter-day-saints who were unable to lay hold on all of the blessings that the Lord offered them.  We still have an awful lot to learn, and we are still living well beneath our privileges.  Not because God doesn't want to give them to us, but because we aren't including God in our lives and having faith to walk with him, trusting in the future rather than afraid of it.

... I'm not saying it is easy to do all of these things.  I am only saying I think it *can* be... that it is designed to be.  The more we trust God and legitimately and sincerely rely on him, having faith that he can do exactly what he has told us countless times that he can do... the more God will show us that truth, and the more we can walk in the way... his way, which is much, much easier than the way that we are trying to make without his help.

Today, let's work on walking in his way, and I think we will find that it is easier than the anxious, fearful, and rebellious way that we have been walking. :)

Phillippians 4:4-8 -- On Mental Health Advice from God

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Phillippians 4:4-8


Reading this today, it seemed like some good advice from God about our mental health.  We're all going to have bad days of course, but instead of giving in to despair and hopelessness long term, we can work on finding reasons to rejoice.

Rather than being anxious (the meaning of "careful" in this context), we should pray and ask God, with thanksgiving.  And then a list of things to think about instead of letting ourselves get caught up in the negative things.

If we do these things, then the Lord will bless us with peace that is beyond our understanding. :)  Wow.

Today, let's take some advice from God about what to focus on and what to think about.  This doesn't mean that some negativity from time to time is failure that God is going to condemn us for--that is also Satan talking, trying to get us to focus on the darkness.  Christ always invites us into the light, encouraging us to find joy in him and in the world around us.  He's trying to help us here, not lay another burden on our shoulders.  Let's try his advice and see if it helps us to smile a little more. :)

D&C 46:7 -- On Asking and Considering

"But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils."

D&C 46:7

I wonder sometimes if we spend most of our lives settling for less spiritually... not because we can't have a close connection with God, but because we assume we can't, and we don't ever ask for that, or work for it.

God commands us to ask... and that is a huge thing.  It shows us that God is willing to give, that he wants to know our needs and desires, but more than that, that he wants us to have opinions and figure out what we want. :)  Too often we think that the ideal is wanting nothing, fearing that we will be "bothering" people, or that wanting things is greedy or something... and you know, if we're manipulating people and stepping on them to get what we want, then yes, we've definitely gone too far, but God doesn't ask us not to want things.  He asks us to share what we have with others.  The ideal is to figure out what we want, and are willing to work for, and ask for it.  Not just physically, but I think especially spiritually.  What kind of relationship do we want with God?  How close do we want to be to the spirit... how familiar with the scriptures, etc.   God wants us to ask him in all things, and then to act on those things, working with God to bring good things to pass.

I also like that prayer and thanksgiving seem to be protections against asking for the wrong things... being seduced by the dark side. :)  Today, let's pray and give thanks first, and then let's ask God for what we need and what we want, and talk that over with him as well.  It's going to require figuring ourselves out a little, and figuring out who we want to be--but that's good.  It's part of the process of salvation, right?  Let's join with God in holiness of heart, walking uprightly and consider that long-term goal as we think about what to ask, and who we want to become. :)

Luke 22:19 -- On Giving Thanks and Remembrance

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

Luke 22:19

Reading this, it is kind of amazing to see how so many things are wrapped together here.  Christ is preparing his disciples to be without his physical presence--instituting the sacrament so that they will have a consistent reminder, but also giving thanks.  And everything wrapped up in those thanks to his heavenly father... knowing that he was about to suffer, and be betrayed, and die... but still being grateful for what he had, and the opportunity to prepare, and the chance to be there in that moment.

Perhaps this is a good lesson about how to look at and appreciate our lives and enjoy the goodness around us, even though the immediate future is uncertain.  Christ knew that suffering and even death were temporary states, and that the long term triumph and ability to help all of us were the ultimate goals.  Because of him, our physical deaths are also temporary, and if we keep working at it, we can overcome spiritual death as well.

Today, let's give thanks for what we have now, remember Christ, and work towards the eventual reunion with God that he made possible.  Let's also give thanks for Christ and his willingness to suffer in our stead so that we could keep trying and keep improving.

Ephesians 5:4 -- On Communicating and Giving Thanks

"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."

Ephesians 5:4

I love this idea of not just refraining from filthiness and foolishness, but replacing those things with thankfulness.  That is something that I have seen recently from people that I admire... thanks rather than argument and contention--and with the election and covid, that's really an amazing transformation.

The jesting thing goes along with the idea of refraining from loud laughter... not because God doesn't have a sense of humor, because he definitely does... but I think more along the lines of drowning out the spirit because we are always joking or snarky about something, or when we overwhelm or even offend the people around us with our joking, which is possible even if the joking itself isn't inappropriate because we're just too loud or overbearing and not giving others a chance to speak or to say something serious because they know we'll just joke about it.

Today, let's work on keeping filthiness and foolishness out of our communication, as well as any jesting that inhibits the spirit.  Let's communicate thanks instead.  Let's give thanks for the multitude of blessings that God has granted us, even in the midst of our trials.  Let's fill the world with thanks rather than negativity and conflict. :)

Romans 14:13 -- On Helping rather than Harming

"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way."

Romans 14:13

This is a really important thing to remember.  When we eventually stand before God I really think this is going to be the key--were we about helping or about harming?  

That's something that we can choose every day, every time we open our mouths, every time we take an action.  Too often we coast through life not really thinking about how what we say and do affects others... but we do affect others, all the time.  In fast, it would require some supernatural powers to NOT affect other people.  In general, we are good influences or bad influences... we are always helping or harming, whether by action or inaction.

Today, let's do our best to be influences for good.  Let's pray and talk to God about how we can help... and let's bend over backwards to avoid hurting anyone, whether they seem to deserve it or not.  Let's treat others as we (at our best) treat friends, family, and ourselves.  As we lift each other, God will afford us the same courtesy, inviting us to love and to hope and to return to him.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 -- On the Election of God

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God."

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

I like the idea here of the "election of God" ... and usually it means being chosen by God, but since everyone has the option of being chosen, it is also us actively choosing/electing God.  And that imagery of an election highlights what we really need to be doing in our lives each day... choosing God rather than choosing anyone or anything else.  When we choose him, then we are also choosing other things that are good, and when we don't choose him, then we are risking everything, for nothing lasts without God at its core.  He is very literally truth and life, and our opposite choices of deception and death are where other choices all eventually lead.

On some level I think that we can feel this... walking away from God feels wrong.  Unfortunately, often we try to overcome these feelings, attempting to wash away the guilt or overcome the shame we feel at doing something that we know is wrong on an instinctual level.  When we do that, we're desensitizing ourselves to the influence of the Spirit in our lives, when we should be nurturing that connection with God and trying to live by it more, rather than less.

Today, let's choose God and work to grow closer to the Spirit through prayer, faith, love, patience, and all good works.  Let's stand on the side of truth and goodness, even if it means that we need to revise our choices and ourselves a little more to the good. :)

2 Corinthians 2:14 -- On Triumph in Christ

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place."
2 Corinthians 2:14

I like the idea of triumphing in Christ.  No matter how much we feel like failures, or even when we legitimately fail by all measures. :)  In Christ, we still triumph.  

Why?  Because he gives us do-overs.  We get to try again to get things right, to be who we want to be... who Christ knows that we can be.  Truly good... no matter how many times we've messed up in the past.  With God, the only real failure is giving up, because if we hang in there and we keep trying, even if we only improve tiny bit by miniscule fraction... we're still improving, getting closer and closer to being perfect, and with eternity stretching before us, Christ can help us get there. :)

Today, let's keep trying, making improvements little by little.  As we stay in touch with God, he will make "manifest the savour of his knowledge" ... or in other words, we'll feel his presence, and he will help us and bless us with hope.  Let's always choose to triumph in Christ rather than giving up.

Mark 14:11 -- On Convenience and Prioritization

"And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him."

Mark 14:11

That word "conveniently" is interesting... and something that we perhaps place as too high a priority.  Things that are easy for us are definitely not inherently bad--those things are often our talents, and areas where we can help others, and making people's lives easier through technology or providing a service is often an excellent pursuit.  However, when we value personal convenience above God and his gospel, then we're lost, just as Judas was in this verse, seeking an easy way to betray his Lord for money.

It's very easy to turn even a good thing into a bad thing by placing it above God.  That's why Christ talked about not putting family before him (Matthew 10:37), and basically that is what modern idol worship is.  Cars, internet, toys, careers, friends, and hobbies aren't inherently bad things either, but if we put them before God, then they become bad things for us until we learn to prioritize them properly.

Today, when we're examining our priorities, let's make sure God is at the top.  That way, when "easy,"  "fun," and other good things come up, they'll be guilt-free and joyful.

1 Chronicles 25:5-7 -- On Songs of the Lord

"All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king’s order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight."
1 Chronicles 25:5-7


I love the idea here of so many people being dedicated to "song in the house of the Lord" and that they were "instructed in the songs of the Lord."  Uplifting music can help us in many of the same ways that scriptures do, but hymns at church are also a community experience, which I love--joining with others to praise the Lord through song. :)

Christ and his disciples sung hymns, as we learn in Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26.  Many talks in conference have been about worshiping through music, the power of hymns, and emphasized congregational singing.  Many more quote hymns as they teach.  Today, let's learn more about the songs of the Lord, and be willing to be part of that kind of worship. :)

Psalm 97:10-12 -- On Harvesting Light and Gladness

"Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness."
Psalm 97:10-12


I really like the idea of the Lord planting light and gladness for us, ready for us to harvest at just the right moment. :)  Just like we saw when Christ was alive, he knew how things would happen, what fish would be carrying a piece of money, where they could get a donkey to ride, who would have an open room for a feast... and he knows our lives too, so he can do his work of preserving and delivering us, even when it looks really bleak, it doesn't matter... the way is already prepared.  We just need to keep walking his path, and it will work out.

Today, let's remember that all things work together for our good when we are walking God's path... let's keep walking, ready to harvest the light and the gladness that God has planted in our way. :)

Psalms 6:1-2 -- On Doing Homework

"O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed."

Psalms 6:1-2

This is something that perhaps we have all felt when coming to the Lord... please don't be mad... please help me.  It sounds like something that a child would say to a parent in our mortal context as well... and loving parents, earthly or heavenly, would respond by helping.

What I was thinking about today though is that sometimes we want the relief and the freedom from consequences, but we don't want to change, or to actually make things right.  We just want God to give us permission to continue to do wrong... and what we lose if we keep repeating this over and over again.

Please don't misunderstand... God is definitely willing to forgive, and is more merciful and loving than we imagine.  Only, we can't be the boy who cried wolf forever, and keep doing the same thing and then pleading for repentance--not because God isn't willing to grant us another chance, but because when we are pleading for mercy but not repenting, we stay stuck in that remedial cycle.  It is like taking a required class over and over again until we pass it--except every time we keep blowing it off, not doing any homework, and the result is the same.  To progress, we have to pass that class.  There isn't a way around it.  God will keep letting us retake it, but he won't let us graduate if we merely avoid it, and the longer we delay, the longer we delay our own future.  The consequences are to ourselves.

Today, let's take a hard look at our lives and the remedial classes that perhaps we have been avoiding... or failing on purpose.  Let's jump in with a renewed effort and take care of those prerequisites, so that we can move on to something more advanced and likely more interesting as well.  God will help us change our hearts and our minds and do what we may have previously considered impossible.  We can pass with his help.

D&C 98:1-2 -- On Prayers and Patience

"Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;

Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted."

Doctrine and Covenants 98:1-2

Comfort, joy, and thanksgiving seem appropriate at this time of year... even this year. :)

Reading this today, it seemed strange that the Lord would decree that all of our prayers will be granted.  I'm guessing that there might still be an exclusion for when we ask for something that will harm us, or harm others.  God still sometimes says no to things that are unwise.  However, I think that the verse is a lot more true than we understand, and the key point is at the beginning of that second verse... waiting patiently.  God is going to grant us everything that he has in time... that is what he wants for us.  As we strive to come unto him, we are on the path to happiness, and all things will work together for our good.  Even things that he can't grant us now... like extra time with a loved one, or relief from an illness... he will grant us eventually, and satisfy every righteous desire of our hearts.

Today, let's be comforted, joyful, and thankful, and wait patiently for the Lord to fulfil our prayers, as we strive to do good and keep his Spirit with us.

Matthew 13:13 -- On Parables

"Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."

Matthew 13:13

This verse seems to be saying that we just ignore what God says plainly (which is often true), but that parables are different.  ... And they are different from plain, clear commandments.  Whether that makes them easier or harder to understand might depend on the person... and whether easier or harder is what God intends might also depend on the person.

For instance, for me math has always been anathema... but if you make it a "story problem" and give it some context, then I'm hooked trying to figure it out. :)  Even though it is the same lesson, the same numbers, the context makes it different.  However, not everyone is a fan of fiction.  Similar or identical talks and stories and scriptures affect us in various ways, and a parable could obscure something from one person while revealing it to another, depending on how they approach it, or whether any part of them connects with the story in the context of their current life experience.  Some people prefer clear statements rather than symbolism, and luckily we have scripture written by people who embrace both styles and for people who embrace both styles... and he wants us to eventually learn from both styles. :)

So, is God writing parables so that we'll stay interested, dig deeper, and learn more?  Or is he giving us parables to obscure the truth, and hide golden nuggets of wisdom from the unworthy?  I think the answer is definitely both... and that maybe they are things that we have to grow into.  Maybe we don't understand one at first, but then, as we learn more and encounter it more, one day it does connect with us, and that particular hidden meaning blooms in our minds.  Another one we might understand right off... but even then, perhaps there is another layer of meaning we haven't gotten yet.

Today, let's remember that God teaches us in many ways, and helps us to understand as we are able to... so whether parables, or any other part of the gospel, is clear or obscured to us right now, that doesn't mean that it always will be.  God helps us to understand over time, and according to our desires to learn.  Let's reread some parables, and see if anything is clearer today than they were before. :)

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 -- On Accepting Correction

"For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

1 Corinthians 5:12-13

These are some interesting verses, and on the surface might seem to contradict what Christ himself did.  We learn from significant parables that he loved many sinners, and talked to them and interacted with them.  However, he also had specific problems with people misusing the temple, or pretending to be holy and being evil underneath, and I think that is the case that we are talking about here.

Paul is addressing people in the church, and counseling them that they need to not allow those things among the members of the church.  There needs to be consequences for sin in God's house.  That doesn't mean that God doesn't love us... of course he does. :)  But we also need to understand when we've done wrong, and that there are significant consequences to that in terms of our relationship to the gospel... if there were no consequences, then it would be really hard for us to realize that we have crossed a line, and be motivated to turn around and come back.  If God tells us that we're wicked, let's try to be un-wicked, not buy the T-shirt. :)

Christ loved the woman taken in adultery, and he refused to condemn her.  However, significantly, he didn't tell her that her sins were okay.  He told her to sin no more.  This chapter is similarly about sexual sin... and that is what God is saying here as well.  We have to repent and change.  We definitely can (and should) still love people, but we can't change the laws of God for them.  That's his call.

God "cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance" (D&C 1:31).  When I was younger I always felt depressed at that scripture, because I thought that it meant that God basically just hated me because I couldn't be perfect.  I think now I understand... or at least understand more, that it isn't about how much he loves me.  He always loves us.  It is about our growth and ability to be where he is.  This life is about preparation to return to God, and the place where we need to learn how to own and take care of our bodies. :)  Just like a parent can't just let a child keep neglecting or abusing a pet, God can't let us neglect or abuse ourselves and each other.  We *must* grow up and learn respect and selflessness.  We're not going to get there in a day, and God is patient with us as we learn, but we need to keep being reminded to turn in the right direction where we are learning real love and not just serving violence and lust and appetite.  We can't just wallow in sin.

Today, let's remember God's commandments are there for a reason.  We shouldn't condemn others, and judgment belongs to God, but if he reaches out to correct us, either personally or through his church, that isn't man's doing, and it doesn't mean hate.  "For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth" (Proverbs 3:12).  Let's be willing to accept correction, to change, and to learn how to love as God does.

John 14:18 -- On Letting God In

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

John 14:18

Sometimes things seem so bad around us that we tend to get more insular, focusing on ourselves so much that it is hard to reach out to others, or let them in... even God.  It's understandable when we react that way, because it's a protective instinct to withdraw like a turtle into our shell and want to make sure that we are okay before we can handle worrying about anything or anyone else.

Unfortunately, especially when it is God, we end up shutting out exactly what could help us and heal the hurt.  God is willing to come to us and comfort and help us even at the worst times, but we have to invite him in.  He isn't going to force us... I mean, really the idea of compelling someone into comfort is a little scary.  To access that comfort and help we need to trust and love God enough to allow him in and allow him to help.

Today, let's not let our fear or despair throw up barriers to our relationship with God.  Let's accept the potential vulnerability because we have faith that no matter what happens, God wants us to find happiness.  As we let him in and learn his ways, we will find more and more comfort, peace, and sanity, even as we also learn to deal with challenges and obstacles.  Let's trust him enough to let him in.

D&C 45:22-23 -- On Ends and Beginnings

"Ye say that ye know that the end of the world cometh; ye say also that ye know that the heavens and the earth shall pass away;

And in this ye say truly, for so it is; but these things which I have told you shall not pass away until all shall be fulfilled."

Doctrine and Covenants 45:22-23

I like this, both for the acknowledgement that the end is coming, but also the reminder that there are a lot of things that have to happen first, and that God will fulfil all of his promises.  I think it helps us to stay focused and motivated to fulfil our promises to him as well.

Today, let's not worry to much about how things will end or when.  Let's leave that to God.  Instead, let's concentrate on what we can do now to help God, ourselves, and others to be on the right path so that when the end does come, we'll be ready to move on to what comes next. :)

Revelation 21:4 -- On Happy Eternities to Come

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Revelation 21:4

Spoiler: this is the ending that we are moving towards if we stick with God.  No death, no pain, no sorrow.  Things get better, life becomes more glorious than we can now imagine.

Let's remember this when things get rough.  As the psalmist tells us, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."  No earthly sorrow is permanent... no physical pain exists that God will not wipe away.  Today, let's have faith in God and in the happy ending... err... eternity to come. :)

Genesis 3:17 -- On Curses and Hardships

"And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life."

Genesis 3:17

One of the speakers at our Stake Conference mentioned this scripture to me, and it made me think about the phrase here "for thy sake."  What if this curse wasn't something that was a bad thing, but something that God was doing for Adam's benefit?  

Maybe, like so many things in life, it was both something that felt bad, but also something that taught him a lot.  It is a good reminder for all of us that hardships are placed in life for a reason... Adam and Eve chose the path of hardship because they realized that was the only way to learn and grow and eventually find eternal joy, and even though many times we don't actively choose it, our hardships are the same... they are the way that we change.  Without obstacles, we would coast through life and have no reason to make big changes in our lives.  We'd stagnate.  It's the tough things that push us to grow and improve.

Today, even in the midst of our trials, let's remember that God allows bad things to happen *for* us, and that he will eventually lead us to our happy ending and wipe away all tears from our eyes (Revelation 21:4).  All the trials will just be past memories, but we'll be our best selves because we chose to face the hardships, kept the faith, and learned to love.

3 Nephi 18:24 -- On Holding Up His Light

"Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up--that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed."
3 Nephi 18:24

What I was thinking while reading this today is that things get pretty dark sometimes and we really need light in our lives... and this verse helped me think about switching that around and sharing our own light.  Perhaps that is one way that we get light in our lives is by opening ourselves to others and trying to uplift them.

I also like the fact that Christ tells the people here that he is the light that they should hold up.  I think sometimes we hide our faith from others because we're worried about offending them, but that is exactly what can add light to their lives.  I don't think it is something that we have to be heavy-handed about or force on others, but sharing who we really are, and the joy that Christ brings into our lives is a good thing.  Christ is the one that offers people forgiveness and a way to overcome their mistakes, just as he does for us.

Today, let's remember that Christ is what the world needs ... what we need.  That is the light that we should be holding up, and it will help us all to see our way forward.  Let's find a way to be devoted to God in our personal and public lives, and show our light, and His light. :)

Hebrews 10:11-14 -- On Chastening and Peace

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" 

Hebrews 10:11-14

I like the idea that chastening turns into joy and peace in the long term.  I know that in my life many of the times that were hardest for me, or where I failed or made mistakes, were also times where I learned the most.  I think that is what it means when God tells us that all things will work together for our good (Romans 8:28)... that even the hardest parts of our lives are helping us and leading us to a happy ending.

That doesn't mean that things aren't hard, or that we aren't allowed to be sad... but it does mean that we can have faith that things will get better and that joy does come in the morning (Psalms 30:5).

Today, let's trust God to help us through the difficulties that we face, and to be at peace with all others as well.  Let's have faith in God and in his path, with a certainty that he is leading us to joy and goodness.

3 Nephi 1:29 -- On Growing Up

"And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers."
3 Nephi 1:29


What struck me about this verse today is the "cause of much sorrow" part... it's sad to watch people walk away from God, especially when it is someone close to us.  It's sad for others to watch *us* walk away from God as well, and I think the biggest sorrow, for friends, family, and for God, is that when any of us walk away from God we're walking away from potential and happiness.

In this case it was similar to the idea of innocent children growing up and joining the mafia.  The Gadianton robbers were the worst thing out there, openly embracing murder as a means to gain power.  Hopefully the departures in our own lives are less serious and still reversible... because that's the thing with the lies that Satan tells us, or that we tell ourselves.  They don't last.  The truth is always there, and it takes more and more effort to hide from it.

Today, if we've gone astray, let's grow up *toward* God rather than away from him.  He is willing to forgive, if we are willing to repent.  ... That's hard.  It means tearing down the lies, even the ones that we've told ourselves, and it means actually working for answers from God rather than just assuming that he acts arbitrarily.  It means really learning and changing, what we do and also the way we think about things.  It means we have to learn to love and learn to be better, and sometimes all of that is hard.  ... It also, though, gets us turned in the right direction--towards happiness and not away from it, and that of course is priceless. :)

Isaiah 55:8 -- On Thoughts and Ways and Perspective

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."
Isaiah 55:8

This is interesting because on the surface, it seems like God is reminding us that we are different beings... and our egos being what they are, maybe sometimes we forget. :)  The verse after this reminds us that his ways and thoughts are also higher and better. :)

I think one of the reasons that we came to earth was to establish our own identities... to find out who we were when we are on our own.  That's a hard thing to do sometimes... to have an opinion, to discover that we're not as noble as we'd hoped we'd be.  This reminder from God also helps us to remember that he *does* have it all figured out though, unlike us, and that we can go to him for help, and learn to be those people that we really want to be.

Today, let's remember that God's thoughts and ways are not automatically what we want, and that we should think about things from his perspective.  It helps us get outside ourselves and learn to be less selfish, for one, and it also helps us to see God's way as an example for our lives, so we have a pattern to follow... which helps make us not quite as lost. :)

Ezekiel 17:24 -- On Growing in the Light of God

"And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the Lord have spoken and have done it."

Image by Mateusz F. from Pixabay

Ezekiel 17:24

As with other places in the scriptures, this verse is talking about trees symbolically for people... saying that God will show the world that people who set themselves up in sin or pride aren't going to prevail, but those that God sets up.  His will triumphs over the world's expectations, and if we trust in him, then we need not fear, even if we feel overlooked or small.

Today, let's remember that we aren't trying to win any contest of life by the world's standards, but that we are trying to live up to God's standards by supporting each other rather than fighting each other.  Giving to others and helping each other is the way to "win" ... together.  Let's not worry about how high we are, but rather how well we are growing in gospel soil and in the light of God.

Nahum 3:14 -- On Preparation and Prayer

"Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the mortar, make strong the brickkiln."

Nahum 3:14

This is part of the story of the downfall of Nineveh, but in the midst of a lot of bad things that were going to happen to the city, I thought this advice of preparation was pretty good, even though we know from the context that it was going to be in vain... which reminded me of the verse from Psalm 127:1: "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen waketh but in vain."

So, this is a verse about preparation, but also a warning that we need to be prepared and ALSO have the Lord on our side, or our preparation won't matter.  ... And honestly, that is like everything in our lives.  God infuses all of it with meaning.  Life can be boring and pointless and dull, or scintillating, energizing, and magnificently beautiful and interesting... and it is the same life, and the same things could be happening.  It's God who can show us the difference, and help us engage in our lives more deeply, and find the meaning and the life that is there all around us.  It isn't just about preparation for a house or a siege... it's everything.  When we involve God in our lives, then everything turns out better.

So, today, let's prepare for the siege, or for building the house, or for whatever will come tomorrow... but whatever we're doing, let's do it unto the Lord.  Let's start by praying and talking to him about it.  Let's consider his will, and let's build his kingdom and make this world more like heaven.

As we do, things will not only be better for us, but we'll be instruments in God's hands to make the world around us better as well.  His way is the way to everything good.