Psalms 84:10-12 -- On Days and Decisions

"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee."
Psalms 84:10-12


I like the idea that one day with God is better than a thousand anywhere else.  That's a good thing to remember as we weigh our decisions.  We often vastly discount what God offers us because something else seems more immediate... but honestly, it's like choosing to eat the tic tacs in our pocket because we don't want to take the time to walk across the street for some real food.  Those tic-tacs might be awesome, and our favorite flavor, but they aren't ever going to even begin to compare with the banquet that the Lord has prepared for us.

Today, let's walk uprightly so that God won't withhold any good things from us.  Let's trust in the Lord, and be blessed.  And let's remember that anything with God is better than everything there is without him.  And even though that choice may seem hard now, when we can see the full perspective, it really isn't.  It's trading stress for peace and contentment, and tic tacs for a banquet.  God wants to give us everything good... we just have to hang in there and have faith.

2 Nephi 7:4 -- On Waking Morning by Morning

"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season unto thee, O house of Israel. When ye are weary he waketh morning by morning. He waketh mine ear to hear as the learned."
2 Nephi 7:4


This is a verse that Jacob is reading to us from Isaiah.  His version of Isaiah and ours are a little bit different though.  Here is the version from Isaiah 50:4:

"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."

Pretty close, and could even just be different people transcribing what Isaiah said.  The Book of Mormon version is the only one that says "when ye are weary he waketh morning by morning" though, and I really like that idea.  Not that God isn't always there to talk to us and help us, but I like the sense that he is concerned for us when we are weary. :)

Let's be thankful for prophets who God has called to help us, especially when we are weary, and let us also be thankful that God is concerned about us when things are hard.  His perspective is very different than ours, but he certainly cares when things are hard for us, even when we caused our own hardship. :)  He truly loves us, and all he wants to do is help.  He is there for us, morning by morning.  Let's reach out to him in prayer, and invite him into our lives, and walk with him today.

Isaiah 8:12-14 -- On Being Wiser about our Worries

"Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."
Isaiah 8:12-14


I like the idea of fearing the Lord rather than anything else... if we're going to adjust our lives around something, it should be God.  Those other things are nothing compared to him, and losing contact with him, or allowing ourselves to do things that aren't in harmony with his commandments... that is what is worth fearing.  Maybe a little like meeting someone you really like... at first you are afraid they won't like you back, or that you'll do something stupid and make a horrible impression, right?  If we're going to be afraid of something, we should be afraid of offending God and not feeling like we can hang out with him anymore. :)

I also think it is interesting that God is a sanctuary, but also a "rock of offence" and a snare, and I wonder if that depends on our perspective and our relationship with God as well.  Christ... who was literally perfect... was an offense to many--not because he was offensive, but because they chose to take offense.  And we can get trapped easily in a lie or a deception if we try it with God.  He sees us to the core, and we can't hide anything from him.  Also, sometimes we fall into the trap of asking God for things that won't be good for us.  Let's pray that he doesn't answer those prayers .

Today, let's not be afraid of anything in the world except God.  Let's look to God as someone we want to hang out with more (and not offend).  Let's see him as a sanctuary and a friend rather than hiding from his scrutiny or asking for things that we should not.  If we're going to worry, let's be wiser about what to worry about. :)

Hosea 6:1-3 -- On Returning, Renewal, and Healing

"Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."
Hosea 6:1-3


Some of the Bible commentaries talk about the language used in the first verse as being borrowed from medical science, and I really like that idea.  A doctor sometimes has to perform surgery... or in other words, "tear" or harm us, in order to be able to later heal us.  It is similar to analogies in other areas of the scripture where the Lord talks about himself as a gardener, who needs to prune and dig about us so we don't grow wild and bad fruit.

The second verse, timing-wise, seems similar to the resurrection of Christ, but it also reminded me of the two prophets that it talks about in Isaiah 51:20 and in Revelation 11: 3-12, although the timing seems off.  Either way, the symbology seems to carry the idea of renewal and healing, even if it isn't a literal resurrection... perhaps a baptism image, but maybe also just carrying over from the verse before the idea of needing to recover from our healing and live "in his sight" renewed, and perhaps in heaven.

I like the rain part as well.  It seems very poetic, but also conveys the passage of time... that if we follow the Lord we will learn to know him, and he will come to us as the rain, which I take to mean in a gentle and welcome way, as part of our lives rather than there needing to be lightning and drama. :) ... But of course this is rain we are talking about, so I could be wrong about the storm part.  Overall though, I think it is another image of renewal and growth and new life.

Today, come... let us return unto the Lord. :)

1 Nephi 1:9-12 -- On Book Recommendations from Christ

"And it came to pass that he saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day.
And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament.
And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read.
And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord."
1 Nephi 1:9-12


I love the idea of heavenly books, and am looking forward to seeing God's library.  Wouldn't that be amazing?  A couple of verses later it says "my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things," so I am not sure if that is part book and part vision, or if the heavenly books have visual elements, which would also be pretty cool... the book and the movie in one. :)

Also, talk about an amazing book recommendation, right from Christ.  Speaking of which, 3 Nephi 23:1 is a clear recommendation from Christ as well: "And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah."  (Not to mention advice from prophets about reading other scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon.) :)

Today, let's listen to Christ, whether in vision, from a book, or through diligent prayer, and accept his recommendations.  Let's read and study and learn and look forward to that heavenly library someday. :)

Ether 12:23-27 -- On Powerful and Mighty Words and Weak things Becoming Strong

"And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;
And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them.
Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words.
And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
Ether 12:23-27


I enjoyed this today for several reasons:

• Even Moroni stressed about what people would think, and God helped comfort him in that regard.
• I love the idea of being "mighty in writing" like the Brother of Jared.  I mean he moved a mountain with faith, but Moroni is admiring his writing.  I would love to be able to read that someday.  Now I just have to learn the Jaredite language... or obtain the gift of tongues. :)
• Similarly, I like the idea that the Nephites used words that were so "powerful and great" that they couldn't write them.  It would be cool to hear a Nephite speech.  I also wonder if that is why the Nephites were always falling down at spiritual moments... did their words have a physical *and* spiritual effect?  Ours can too, but I've never seen fainting as a missionary or in church, so ... are we stronger, are our words less powerful, or none of the above and something else I have never thought of? :)
• I love, love, love the last verse about weaknesses, and that God gives them to us for a reason, and they help to teach us.  We don't typically enjoy weakness, but learning humility is worth all of the frustration.  Humility goes a long way with God, in spiritual things and in earthly things.
• I also love that God will turn our weaknesses into strengths as we are humble and have faith.  I know this one is easy to doubt, but I know it works, and am so thankful that it does, and that God can work mighty changes in us.  The idea of God's grace being sufficient for all men, as long as we do our part, is powerful.

Today, let's turn to the Lord in our weaknesses and work on our humility and our faith, so that God can work his grace in our lives.  Also, we might want to work on our powerful speech and mighty writing, just because those things are super cool, and will help us spread the good word. :)

D&C 88:118 -- On Study and Faith

"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."
Doctrine and Covenants 88:118


I like that God gives us options that we can do even when our faith is weak.  Not that we shouldn't be working on that of course, but I like the fact that wherever we are, God reaches out to help us.

In this case, God advises us to learn through books and studying as well as through faith, which is good because even though we might want to jump into walking on water and moving mountains, study helps us get the basics down about how faith works, and how God works, which prepares us for those bigger things when they come.

Today, let's make sure we take the time to learn more about the gospel and build our relationship with God by learning more about him.

D&C 104:78-80 -- On Debts

"And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts.
And it is my will that you shall humble yourselves before me, and obtain this blessing by your diligence and humility and the prayer of faith.
And inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, and exercise the prayer of faith, behold, I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I shall send means unto you for your deliverance."
D&C 104:78-80


I like that God involves himself in all parts of our lives, and not just what seems especially spiritual.  I mean, of course the whole universe is part of God's work, but we sometimes see God as separate from some parts of our lives, and it is good to remember that he is there to help us with all of it.

These verses were directed towards the church as an entity, but the principle applies for all of us.  As we work to do as God asks and pay our debts, and to be humble and prayerful, he will help us with our financial concerns as well as our more obviously spiritual concerns. :) ... Perhaps a good thing to keep in mind as tax time approaches.

Today, whether it is financial or not, let's turn to the Lord for help with fulfilling our obligations and being free from our burdens.

D&C 89:3 -- On Adaptation and Progress

"Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints."
Doctrine and Covenants 89:3


I really like the idea of principles that can be adapted to the capacity of all of us.  And although the end goal is always going to be perfection, God doesn't ask that we get there overnight.  He truly helps us out where we are, encouraging us to take another step along his path, getting incrementally closer to heaven and to the "perfect day."

This particular verse is about the Word of Wisdom, but it could be about faith, or patience, or testimony, or staying close to the Spirit, or even repentance.  We need to learn all the things on all the levels, but we don't have to worry about that today... we have enough to do facing this thing on this level.

God always provides a way for us to follow his commandments, but we don't automatically jump up from learning to swim in toddler class to graduate level walking on water. :)  It takes time, and patience with ourselves and with the process.

Today, let's learn from God, who always teaches us on whatever level we are, and encourages us to take the next step.   Let's remember that we can do this, and also that our potential is often much more than we think it is.  Let's not sell ourselves short, believing that we can't do it... let's just aim for a small change, and build on that with God's help.

Colossians 4:1-2 -- On Authority, Prayer, and Thanks

"Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"
Colossians 4:1-2


I like this idea of people being in positions of authority needing to specifically take care of those they manage or rule over, because they in turn are managed and ruled over by God.  It is a good thing to remember so that our egos don't grow oversized. :)  If we desire to be treated well, then we should treat others well.

I also like the combination of prayer and thanksgiving, again drawing us out of our focus on self and only using prayer to ask for things.  Thanking God throughout the day can be a powerful thing, and maybe one that we should put into practice.  When we get that focus on God and the amazing things that he has done around us, I think that we're automatically a little happier because our focus is on seeing the good.

Today, let's remember to treat others well, and to pray with thanksgiving. :)

Acts 2:21 -- On Prayer and Salvation

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Acts 2:21


Peter is speaking here and preaching about Jesus.  I think this statement shows us how powerful prayer is, all by itself... because if we have that communication channel open with God, we are listening, and allowing him to influence our lives for the better.  We also are doing things on our part to improve our lives, or else we aren't making that connection with the spirit, as with the famous Huck Finn quote "You can't pray a lie." :)

It isn't just a one-time thing where we call on God's name and we're golden forever.  We have to build that connection, and keep it alive.  As with other relationships, we have to put in some effort rather than just ignoring the person after meeting them. :)  Today, let's work on making sure we have an active connection with God.  As we work on that, and work on the suggestions that God has for our lives, we will be led to salvation. :)

John 7:3-5 -- On Believing in Him

"His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
For neither did his brethren believe in him."
John 7:3-5


The "neither did his brethren believe in him" part made me think about how hard it must have been to be Christ.  Not just the burden of the sins of the world, which of course already is bigger than anyone else could bear, but also just regular life.  At this point he is hanging out with family in Galilee, and it is well known that some people are trying to kill him, and they tell him that he can't hide. :)  In some ways that is true, but in other ways... I mean, are you willing to risk his life like that?  Not cool.  So he tells them to go up to the feast without him, and he travels in secret afterward, popping up later to teach in the temple.

And of course we don't know, but I imagine all that led to this point, how different he was from the people around him and not really fitting in, some healthy doses of envy from others, and huge expectations from people other than his Heavenly Father.  Some kindness and understanding would have gone a long way.

I'm not saying it is easy to believe in, support, or love everyone, but we have the chance to make things a little bit better for others with huge burdens, whether we know about those or not.  All it takes is some kindness and support... having faith in their ability to succeed, looking out for their best interests, etc.  And it almost feels like we can do that retroactively for Christ, because he tells us that "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40).  Today, let's make an extra effort to be believe in other people, and to treat them with kindness, respect, and love in his name.

Acts 3:19-21 -- On Refreshing, Restoration, and Repentance

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
Acts 3:19-21


"The times of refreshing" sound kind of cool.  Many textual scholars claim it should say "that the times of refreshing may come," but either way it isn't clear whether this is something that happens upon repentance (near future), kind of like a soul cleanse or something, or whether it is talking about a specific time in the future (farther future), perhaps resurrection or maybe even the parting of the veil, because I think when we get those memories back we are going to regret a lot of things if we haven't repented. :)

I also love the idea of the "times of restitution of all things."  I think that many will see long-awaited justice at this point--in fact, maybe that is what Judgement Day is all about.  Again, though, important to make sure we repent in case that justice was going to fall on us.  The idea of getting back what we put out there can be really comforting at times, but it can also be super scary.  Today, let's make sure we are sending out exactly what we want to get back, so that restitution/restoration doesn't come at us like a death boomerang.

Helaman 13:38-39 -- On Procrastinating Our Salvation

"But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.
O ye people of the land, that ye would hear my words! And I pray that the anger of the Lord be turned away from you, and that ye would repent and be saved."
Helaman 13:38-39


This is something we definitely don't want to hear about ourselves. :)   And maybe we should think about it so that we understand how to avoid it, you know?  I think we do often seek things that we can't obtain.  For instance, pleasing the world and pleasing God, trying to play both sides and not actually make the choice.  And too often we seek happiness in doing iniquity as well... 

Sad thoughts, but the awesome thing is that it is NOT everlastingly too late for us.  When we see that we are going in the wrong direction and not finding true happiness, God can help us turn around and repent, and still be saved.

Today, let's not procrastinate our salvation. :)  Let's get right on that, and once we're on track there, we can worry about other things.  Let's definitely avoid this message being addressed to us.

1 Nephi 6:4 -- On Motivation

"For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved."
1 Nephi 6:4


This made me think of the acting line "what's my motivation?" and that maybe we need to ask that question in our real lives as well. :)  ... This is a pretty good one.  And that same idea is behind our commandment to be a light to the world, right?  So, how are we getting this message across in our own lives--or what message are we sending instead in some cases?

Today, maybe we can just ponder our motivation a little bit, and perhaps think of a couple of things that we could do that would bring a little more light, or help people see the hand of God a little more.

3 Nephi 16:1-3 -- On Other Sheep and Looking Forward with Patience

"And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.
For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.
But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them."
3 Nephi 16:1-3


I think it is interesting and cool that we know that there is at least one more testament of the personal visitation of Christ to another people.  So, if it ever comes to light, we shouldn't be surprised or afraid of additional scripture--Christ tells us right here that he is going to visit another group somewhere besides the two places we already know of.

Things like this are super cool, but thinking about them, sometimes we want to know everything about the gospel at once, and if we can't understand certain parts or we just don't know about other parts, then we are concerned or can be unwilling to go forward without all the information.  Let's remember though that the gospel literally comprises the entirety of all the knowledge in the universe.  God knows that we have to assimilate that little by little, or our minds would probably explode. :)

Let's attempt to be patient as we seek additional knowledge from the Lord.  He intends to reveal ALL things to us.  It just has to happen line upon line, as we learn more and can incorporate it into our lives.  And let's look forward to all of the amazingly cool things that God has in store for us in the future. :)

3 Nephi 12:23-24 -- On Reconciliation

"Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee—
Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive you."
3 Nephi 12:23-24


This is an important thing to remember I think.  As we work to build a relationship with God, our conflicts with other people can get in the way of that.  We need to clear those things up so that we aren't distracted or left with guilt in our lives that can pull us away from God.  Only when our consciences are clear can we go unto God with "full purpose of heart."

This definitely isn't a simple thing.  Repentance can be difficult, and sometimes it is hard to tell which offenses we need to apologize directly for, and which we can just let go of, especially after a long time has passed.  I definitely am not the expert on that difference, but I think that the verse gives us a hint.  If it is something that we keep remembering, then that is likely the spirit prompting us to do something about it.  If we can face God or think of the Judgement Day without that popping up, then maybe we're okay, and we just need to resolve it with God.  God will help us know the difference as we pray and work to become people with clear consciences.

God loves his other children as well as he loves us, and if sometimes we need an apology or resolution to a wrong in our lives, maybe they do too.  The most important thing though is likely "if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (3 Nephi 13:14).  We need to work on being at peace with other people both through repentance and forgiveness... and hopefully even beyond that, friendship.  It's not a mistake that we are here on Earth with others rather than running solo simulations about different choices. :)  People and relationships are part of the program, and the source of great joy.

Today, let's work on reconciliation and repentance so that God will receive us, and also so that we can be at peace with others, and maybe even get some enjoyment out of those relationships again.

Proverbs 6:16-19 -- On Things to Avoid

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
Proverbs 6:16-19


Some things that the Lord hates, so obviously things we should avoid.  Some seem easy and some seem hard... and which is which might depend on the individual, but I don't think any of us have mastered all of these. 

So, today, perhaps we should pick something from the list and work on avoiding that a little bit more.  Usually better to replace a bad habit with a good one rather than nothing, so coming up with the appropriate action in each case is a good thing to practice.  Once we have figured out something to do instead, it often becomes easier to avoid the bad thing.

1 Nephi 11:1-2 -- On Asking

"For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.
And the Spirit said unto me: Behold, what desirest thou?"
1 Nephi 11:1-2


These verses give us a little bit of insight into the way the Lord works.  We communicate with God well when we are away from distractions and we are calm and thinking about God and what we want to know.  Also, God answers specific questions, and it is worth our time to think carefully about our questions and requests.

Sometimes we want God to just come and tell us what to do rather than waiting until we ask questions, but this is actually a really good way God uses to teach us.  We typically learn better when we have questions than we do when we are just presented with information.  That's why watching General Conference with specific questions is a great idea.  It gives God an opportunity to help us focus on the answers, and it prepares our minds to get that help.

Today, let's try to be humble enough to know that we don't have all the answers, thoughtful enough to think about our questions, and faithful enough to ask God to help us find the answers.  Let's be like Nephi, preparing ourselves with desire, belief, and contemplation, and then let's go before the Lord and ask for what we need.

Mosiah 5:2 -- On Changing Dispositions

"And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."
Mosiah 5:2


The whole "disposition to do evil" thing sounds a lot like what we often say about ourselves.   Our dispositions are just who we are inherently, so when we say that that's just the way we are, or other things like not being a "people" (or whatever) person, or that we were born that way, or "not feeling it."

We experience conflict in our lives between our spiritual selves and our natural selves... body and spirit, but it doesn't always feel that way.  Sometimes it feels like we are all in and could never feel otherwise, the other perspective is so foreign to us.  ... And though it is extremely difficult to imagine when we begin the journey, this "authentic self" feeling is *exactly* what Christ offers to change for us.  When we hear of the "mighty change" here and also in Alma 5:14, that is what the gospel can do... change our very natures (never by force... only if we seek it).

Maybe a good analogy is dieting.  At first we can't imagine not eating chocolate cake every day... I mean, that stuff is amazing, but we also want to be able to keep wearing pants, so we put in some effort.  Over time, as we change our diet and the way we think about food, we start feeling a little bit differently about it, and realize that we feel healthier or better, and slowly we get to the point where we wake up one day and we realize that we don't have any desire to eat unhealthy foods, at least if no one puts it right in front of us. :)  It's a change in who we are, in how we think, but it is one that we're okay with and that we wanted.

God just helps us do it with sin.  When we work with God on a sin, at first of course the desire to do it will still be there, but as we develop and grow and change, eventually it *won't* be there because our actual dispositions have changed to what we want them to be.  God will free us of those chains of desire if we so choose.

Today, let's remember that we aren't trapped into anything in life, and that if we want to change it, it is possible with God's help.  Not saying it will always be fun or easy, especially at first, but as with everything God, it's totally worth it in the end.

1 Nephi 4:1-3 -- On Leaving Room for Miracles

"And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?
Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea.
Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians."
1 Nephi 4:1-3


I think this is something that we have a hard time with too.  Laman and Lemuel were understandably reluctant to try again to talk to a man who had robbed them and tried to have them killed.  Without the commandment-from-God detail, the whole idea has now become crazy.  They tried to do as their father asked.  They tried to reason with the guy, and they tried to buy what they needed.  They did what they could, within the limits of law and sanity, right?

And so it is with us.  When we reason things out with our limited perspective, many things might seem not to make sense.  Paying tithing when we are in debt, perhaps, or loving our enemies, or commandments about marriage that seem to be discriminatory from the world's perspective.  In this case, Laman and Lemuel couldn't see into the future and know what would happen to their posterity if they failed.  And they didn't trust God to do something miraculous.

Trying to follow Nephi's example rather than Laman and Lemuel's requires a few things.  First, we have to trust God without reservation, second, we have to have faith that he can solve any problem in the way of doing his will, and third, we have to act on that trust and faith.  Going back to the tithing example, for instance, we have to trust that God has a reason for asking us to do so, no matter the circumstances of our finances.  Studying and reading more about the commandments that we are having trouble with can help, and God is more than willing to teach us as we are able to understand, but to start, we just need to believe that God knows what he is doing.  Then we have to believe that God is going to make a way for us to be able to pay our tithing.  Then we have to do it.

Not saying it is easy.  It certainly wasn't easy for Laman and Lemuel, and I'm betting it wasn't easy for Nephi either, not knowing what he would be asked to do, or how it would work out, but moving forward anyway.

Today, let's stretch our minds a little bit and leave room for miracles.  No matter what we run into in life or how impossible any of it seems, if God asks us to overcome it, we *can.*  Let's practice on little things, and when we see the hand of God working in our lives, perhaps our faith will be strengthened enough that we can graduate to bigger things, eventually becoming impossibly perfect over time, hand-in-hand with God.

Ezekiel 34:4 -- On Caring for Others and Learning Love

"The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them."
Ezekiel 34:4


This chapter is directed to shepherds, which could be interpreted as religious leaders, but since the chapter previous to this refers to a similar group as watchmen, I'm guessing that this just means leaders in general, or people in positions of authority over anyone.  God states that we, as leaders, have let a lot of people fall through the cracks, and we haven't strengthened, healed, helped, or found them, but instead just tried to get our own way.

In verse 16, God tells us that he will right all of these wrongs, and destroy the bad shepherds.  Lest we feel that God isn't talking to us, however, he adds in the next verse "And as for you, O my flock..." which definitely includes us. :)

He tells us that as a flock we have eaten up the good pasture and then trampled and spoiled the rest, and that we have "thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad" (verse 18-21).

All of this kind of seems like the basics... we need to learn to sincerely care about the people around us and not just surreptitiously move them aside so we can get our way.  ... However, the basics aren't always easy.  We often really care about a few people, but loving everyone sincerely is a lot harder.

Today, maybe a first step would be thinking about what else we can do for someone.  We get pretty used to doing a minimum amount and not taking those extra steps, even though we know they are there.  Today, let's change that and actually go out of our way for someone we wouldn't normally do that for.  Let's try to help and restore and show kindness, whether we are leaders or just fellow flock members. :)  If we practice doing just a little bit more for a few more people, and we pray and ask Christ to help us know how to love people better, he will teach us, and our capacity for love will increase as we learn and practice and grow. :)

Proverbs 27:1 -- On Plans and Will

"Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."
Proverbs 27:1


Boasting is probably not a good idea in the first place, but boasting about tomorrow is really getting ahead of ourselves.  We can't count on being as cool tomorrow, or at least not in the same way, because a lot of that determination is up to God and not up to us. :)

That doesn't mean that we can't plan. God wants us to be prepared for the future.  It's only that we also need to be aware that our plans don't always go as *we* want them to.  We need to leave room for God's will.

Today, with our boasting and our preparations, let's plan in a way that allows us to adjust a little more to whatever God has in store, and recognize that it is okay when things don't go our way.  If we have faith and hope in God, and work on our plans with him, he will help things happen in a way that comes out much, much better than we could ever have planned alone.

1 Kings 18:4 -- On Prophets

"For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water."
1 Kings 18:4


This is part of an excellent story, but what struck me today was not the plot, but the amount of prophets.  Obadiah saved 100 prophets, and I am guessing that there were even more than that.  It reminds me of Moses when he said "would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:29).

Although of course not everyone can be "the" Prophet and receive revelation for the whole church, having multiple prophets isn't all that strange.  It is kind of like going to General Conference, right?  All of those speakers are there to offer inspired instruction to help guide us and remind us of our covenants based on revelation that they have received from God.  Also, every one of us has the potential to become a prophet in the sense that we have the spirit and receive revelation for our own lives and responsibilities.  In fact, God very much wants us to have that power in our lives to help us.

Today, let's remember that we can do amazing things and be more than we are with God's help.  Let's work with God and listen to his guidance as he leads us to eternal happiness, and let's share our joy with others and help them too. :)

Proverbs 24:16 -- On Becoming Shatterproof

"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief."
Proverbs 24:16


I like the idea that the just/righteous people are more persistent and hopeful, and the idea of the wicked falling into mischief seems to back up the idea that we really end up just destroying our own lives if we sin.

Today, let's be faithful and persistent in seeking God.  Let's stick with God and be shatterproof, always getting up again when we fall.  Let's learn from our mistakes and never fall into the same mischief twice. :)

Proverbs 21:5 -- On Thoughts and Patience

"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want."
Proverbs 21:5


This is an interesting idea about how our focus and the results that we get in life are tied together.  Bad things happen to us all, but sometimes we are resilient and sometimes not so much.  What makes the difference between whether we bounce back or whether we wallow a little?  Perhaps a big part of it is how we think about things.  Even when good things happen, if we are focused on the negative, we are unlikely to be satisfied, and bad things just justify our expectations.  If we are focused on the good things, perhaps bad things appear in a better context as temporary setbacks on our way to a glorious future. :)

Patience seems to be a large factor in all of it, since a positive outlook requires long-term thinking, and seeing the whole picture (with God's help), rather than just the immediate situation.  Impatience or hastiness also seems to have a lot of undesirable consequences all on its own.

Today, let's try to focus on the good, and plenteousness, rather than want.  Let's see life as overall good with bad patches rather than overall bad with brief moments of good. :)  With God's help, let's work on our patience, and look forward with faith and hope.

Alma 7:23-24 -- On Lists and Good Works

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."
Alma 7:23-24


Lists are nice sometimes, because they give us something specific to work on rather than just "perfection" … and even when the list pretty much encompasses everything, like this one, we can still pick out something to work on.

I like the idea of just needing three things in order to abound in good works... faith, hope, and charity.  So then, if we aren't exactly abounding, we can examine ourselves and figure out which one might need a boost, and then maybe study and pray more about that specific thing. :)

I also like that part of the list is asking for the things that we need, and thanking the Lord for the things that we receive.  Those are things that any of us can do, and maybe a good place to start today. :)

Book of Mormon Introduction, Paragraph 8 -- On Finding Out

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost."
Book of Mormon Introduction, Paragraph 8


This paragraph (referencing Moroni 10:3-5) reminded me of a huge theme, not only throughout the Book of Mormon, but one that God constantly teaches us.  He wants us to try living his way and see if it works... and if we do it sincerely, believing that it can work, then God will help us see the truth behind all of it... and we still get to choose what to do about that.  It applies to the Book of Mormon, but also to "all things" (Moroni 10:5).

God is amazingly careful in protecting our freedom to choose.  Always inviting, teaching, and helping, but never forcing.  And I think that is something we have to confront at some point--that no matter how much power God has, our lives are still up to us.  He'll help, but not take over.  Sometimes we want him to take over so that we don't have to learn how to do it all ourselves, or we want to blame God for all of our problems and all the problems in the world, since he has the power to change things, after all.  But so do we, and I think that is what God is trying to help us understand.

Today, let's work on finding out for ourselves, whatever it is that we truly want to know.  If we're sincere and prayerful, God will teach us, maybe not all at once, especially for complex answers, but the answers will come.

D&C 128:24 -- On Standing

"Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation."
Doctrine and Covenants 128:24


Always before when I read this verse, I thought that the question "who can stand when he appeareth?" was rhetorical... that it was about the power of God and the fact that no one can withstand his power.  Today, though, I feel like it is actually asking us which of us will be able to stand before God when he returns... that it is possible, and that God stands ready to help us become purified, and whole, and holy... able to stand before him and be accepted.

Today, let's work with God to improve and learn and grow so that we will be able to stand, both at the last day, and now, as better people and worthy of all that God is willing to grant us.  … I know that we don't often feel worthy, especially thinking about such a momentous meeting, but isn't that part of the point?  God wants us to feel worthy, and loved, and accepted, and to overcome our weaknesses and to feel strong and positive and capable of succeeding.  God isn't here to tear us down like a drill sergeant, telling us how worthless we are and bullying us into shape.  He's here to lift us and help us and help us realize the good within us, and choose to be true to it.  Let's allow him to help us find that part of ourselves, no matter how lost we feel.

2 Nephi 26:32-33 -- On Removing Iniquity

"And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall perish.
For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."
2 Nephi 26:32-33


It says here that none of that whole list of iniquities comes of the Lord, which gives us at least a small idea of what Heaven, or a Zion society, would be like.  And even the obvious ones, like no murder, become mind-blowing when you think of a whole society without that... how would the media and the news be different even just with no murder, let alone some of the rest of the list.  I was just sitting here trying to think of entertainment without any of that, and I came up with a couple of video games and board games where you collect, trade, and build, or cooperate to solve a problem rather than fight, but it's a challenge to think of many things that don't have anything from the "bad" list.

I think the concern comes up sometimes that taking away all of those things that aren't of the Lord would make life boring, and yet I don't think that we're imagining very well if we can't think of interesting things that don't involve things from the list.  Admittedly, a lot of books and television would be plotless in a society where those bad things didn't happen, but on the other hand, think of the amazing things that we could accomplish and build and become without bad things holding us back.  What could we learn and imagine without dishonesty, envy, or malice for instance?

Today, let's work on thinking outside the list of bad things here, and if we can't imagine a world without those things, then let's start visualizing it, so we know where we're going, and why we want to be there. :)

2 Nephi 3:5 -- On Obtaining Promises from the Lord

"Wherefore, Joseph truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off, nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light—yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom."
2 Nephi 3:5


I like the idea here of obtaining a promise from the Lord.  We all have promises from the Lord that are shared with others, but like Joseph we all have the potential to gain additional promises, or glimpses of what God has in store for us, as we develop our relationship with God.

One of the reasons I love this idea is that it helps us focus on those long-term promises, and pulls us out of the day-to-day struggles a little bit, allowing us to see the bigger picture rather than getting stuck in our limited perspective, where short-term setbacks can bog us down.

Today, let's talk to God and maybe discuss that promises that the Lord has in store for us.  Let's focus on the future and the bright future that God has in store for all of us, and keep hope burning bright. :)