Abraham 5:7-9 -- On Long-Term Planning

"And the Gods formed man from the dust of the ground, and took his spirit (that is, the man’s spirit), and put it into him; and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.
And the Gods planted a garden, eastward in Eden, and there they put the man, whose spirit they had put into the body which they had formed.
And out of the ground made the Gods to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food; the tree of life, also, in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil."
Abraham 5:7-9


In this selection we learn about the creation of man, creating the body, and then putting the spirit inside it, those two parts becoming "a living soul." We also learn about planting the garden of Eden, which included every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, and also the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

I find it interesting that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was included at all.  If God really didn't want anyone to partake of it, then it's really simple... just don't plant it there.  No access, no mistakes.  But it *was* planted.  The fall had to happen and death had to come into the world as part of that plan, to allow us all to exist as living souls as well as giving us free agency and space between our choices and our consequences so that we could learn to repent and become better before being judged.  The atonement was also necessary, and provided for.

We often think that a lot of life is random chance, probably because that is the way we live, with no deep plans... just playing it by ear and trying to get through. God doesn't do that though.  He always has a plan, and he always knows what happens next for us.  He knew what he was doing then, and he knows what he is doing now.  Let's turn to him for help and answers when we need them, and not to other people who are just as clueless as we are. :)  There is a way for us to succeed... God always provides a way to salvation, just as he planned from the beginning.

Proverbs 8:33-36 -- On Finding Wisdom

"Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death."
Proverbs 8:33-36


The speaker here is the personification of wisdom, so whenever it says "me" we can substitute the word "wisdom" instead.

Wisdom is interesting, because it isn't always a highly valued attribute.  We tend to value intelligence or strength more, and those are good attributes, to be sure.  D&C 130:18 and D&C 93:36 talk about intelligence, and Psalms 18:1 and Psalms 46:1 talk about the importance of making God our strength.  Good things both, as well as other attributes of our lives.  Wisdom though is something we often overlook, because it is less showy perhaps, a little slower to gain, and it requires patience and faith.

What I thought was interesting here is the line about wronging our own souls.  As with all sin, making foolish choices and failing to heed wisdom (and God who is the source of it), though it might seem awesome at the time, is eventually going to land directly on our own heads.  It's a funny thing the way we think about it... thinking that we can hide our poor choices or find happiness in them when, if we actually stop and think about it, letting wisdom peer through the cracks, we know it can't last, and that we're destroying ourselves.

God can save us from our own foolishness, but first we have to stop believing in it, and turn to him, wanting to change, and learn some wisdom.  Today it is my prayer that we can find the strength to do that. :)  Let's work on it.

Alma 35:3 -- On Faith and Conflict

"And it came to pass that after the more popular part of the Zoramites had consulted together concerning the words which had been preached unto them, they were angry because of the word, for it did destroy their craft; therefore they would not hearken unto the words."
Alma 35:3


This is an interesting passage because I think it shows us one of our biggest weaknesses--when God's way interferes with our way, or what we want to do.  It is really tempting to choose our own path at that point and reject God, because, like these guys, God's work might destroy our craft... or forbid our desire, or reject the way we think about ourselves, or the people around us.

That's a hard thing, when our hearts and our minds want to go one way, and the Lord tells us no.  However, when we can step back and see it objectively, we know the answer is always God's answer.  He can see better and further than we can.  He knows the end from the beginning.  He *knows* that his way will lead us all to greater happiness and peace than our ways will.  We can't see that, but we can work on trusting him more, and doing things his way, based on that trust.  That's what faith is. :)

Today, when we run into a conflict between what we want and what God wants, let's do the hard thing and do it God's way.  Let's remember his goodness and his love for us, and trust that he would never lead us astray.  Let's reject the example of the Zoramites and not become like them... let's be faithful even when it conflicts with what we want.  If we can trust God in the hard things, we'll be blessed more and more with help to get us through our difficulties.

Psalms 117:1-2 -- On Truth

"O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord."
Psalms 117:1-2


These two verses are the entirety of this psalm, so a very short one.  I like it though, and one of the thing that stood out to me today is the idea that the truth of the Lord endureth forever.

We live in a world where truth often seems variable and in some cases impossible to find out.  Because of the fear of theft, cruelty, and evil, we are slow to trust and we work to restrict information.  Because of the desire for profit and power, blatant lies are spread in order to cover up or distract from the truth, or sometimes just in order to inflate ego or popularity.  Promises and agreements are commonly considered worthless if they are unenforceable.

By contrast, the Lord is unchanging, constant, and never breaks his word.  His truth is a rock in the sea of ever-changing opinion and a light that can break through the fog of falsehoods.

God urges us to walk his path, and much of that path involves truth.  Perhaps today is a good day to sit down and think about our relationship with truth in our lives.  Are we on good terms?  Does our word mean something?  If not, perhaps we should work on that... and even if so, we can likely improve by a lot. :)  Let's follow God and be people of truth, and hold to his example and his never-changing truth when we're lost in this world of deception.  That is indeed, great reason to praise him. :)

2 Nephi 22:1-3 -- On Drawing Water with Joy

"And in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.
Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."
2 Nephi 22:1-3


Sometimes it is cool to look ahead at the Millennium, as these verses do, because it reminds us of what we are aiming for, and of the hope and joy that is to come, despite the challenges we face, and will face in the intervening chapters. :)

I love the imagery of drawing water from the wells of salvation. :)  How glorious that must taste, right?  And no anger, and no fear, ... comfort, singing... what could be better, really? :)

I mean if we need other cool things there is the previous chapter that tells us about the wolf and the lamb getting along with one another (I think we might need to invent some new fairy tales) and that asps won't harm children if they come too close.  In fact "they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain" ... which is amazing.

I think we're included in that too.  We won't be hurting or destroying each other, which unfortunately we do way too much of currently.

Today, let's take this glimpse of the future and trust in it.  Let's have faith that we are going to get there, through devotion to God and with his help, no matter what we currently face.  God waits by the well for us, continually helping us find the path to him, and to the joy that is promised. :)

Helaman 16:6 -- On Miracles and Devils

"But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him."
Helaman 16:6


This verse is interesting in the context of what other people chose to do.  In verse 3, it tells us that when some of the people saw this miracle, that they couldn't hit the prophet with stones and arrows, they believed his words, and they sought out Nephi (another prophet) to be baptized.

Unfortunately that was the lesser part of the people, and most of them didn't believe him and attributed the miracle to "a devil."  ... And maybe this is something we should think about, because when we run into miracles we want to understand what they are, and exactly what God is asking us to do... and be like the verse 3 guys and not the verse 6 guys, right?

Perhaps sometimes we are so wrapped up in believing what we want to believe that we aren't really listening to what God has to say.  Perhaps we're too willing to "call evil good, and good evil" (2 Nephi 15:20).

Something to think about... today, let's take a step back and really examine our lives in the context of the gospel.  Let's be sure that we are on the Lord's side and not wanting to stone the prophets because we don't like what they are saying.

James 3:13-18 -- On Peace and Strife

"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
James 3:13-18


This is some great advice, to show our wisdom in conversation and works, with meekness and wisdom. :)  Envy and strife poison us.

God points out the qualities of what we are looking for: pure, peaceable, gentle, etc., and all of these things lead to peace.  It's a good heads-up that if our actions are leading us elsewhere (strife rather than peace for instance), we're probably not going in the right direction.

Today, let's work on moving towards peace, and letting go of the things that are leading us elsewhere. :)

Psalms 94:1-3 -- On Justice and Mercy

"O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?"
Psalms 94:1-3


I think we go back and forth between wanting God to be more just, and wanting him to be more merciful... we usually want justice when it comes to other people's impact on our lives, and mercy when it comes to our impact on others' lives. :)

The amazing thing about God's plan is that it is designed to deliver both.  Not immediately... the whole point is to give us time *between* action and reward so that we have time to change and repent.  That time, granted to us by the Savior, is our mercy, and in the end, everyone will get justice.

Today, let's try not to worry too much about God delivering justice to others.  Praying about it when needed is great, but let's not let it ruin our days.  There is a delay built into the plan so that we all have time to repent and change and have that second (and 94th) chance to be who we really want to be.  Let's take it, and work to improve, so that when justice does come, it will find us much improved. :)

Luke 5:12-13 -- On Faith and Will

"And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him."
Luke 5:12-13


This is an interesting story from the New Testament.  One thing that I really like about it is that the sick man expressed his faith in Christ by stating that he had the ability to heal him, if he willed.  It reminds me of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego when they stood before Nebuchadnezzar and expressed their faith that God could save them from the flames if he chose to (Daniel 3:17-18).

Christ's response is perfect (of course), confirming the man's faith and also showing that Christ wanted to heal him.

Honestly, I think that all of us are in the same situation as this man and the men before Nebuchadnezzar.  God can do all things in our lives to save us and help us, if he will.  It's up to us to believe that and to go to God in prayer, confident in God's ability to do so, but also being sensitive to his will... because he knows when the time is right to do all of these things.

Today, let's show our faith by going before God and talking to him about our needs, and leaving it in his hands.  As we do, we will be blessed, whether in the way that we expect or not. :)

Matthew 6:9-13 -- On Prayer

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
Matthew 6:9-13


This is a really good example prayer.  It shows respect for God and deference to his will while also asking for the things that we need... the daily requirements of life, and forgiveness.  It shows an awareness of the principle of restitution... that if we forgive others, then we will receive forgiveness in return, and then pleads for God to help us with the things that we can't control... external temptations and evil, again acknowledging that he is the source of our help and salvation.

Today, let's think about these principles as we pray... not to say the same exact prayer, repeating the words by rote, but let's think about each part of this prayer and then pray what we feel, and what we need, communicating with all of our hearts to our heavenly father who loves us and who wants to help us. :)

Proverbs 23:26 -- On Hearts and Ways

"My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."
Proverbs 23:26


I like this verse because God is asking us to trust him with our hearts, and follow his example, and he will help us find the right way, and help heal and change our hearts so that they become pure and perfect, rather than leaving them broken.

We so often misunderstand God's messages to us as demands for subservience, when in reality they are offers to lead, help, and save us.  Being worried about power struggles with God is pretty hilarious anyway.  Humility just helps us acknowledge reality, and where we can get help... it doesn't make us any less.  God is trying to lift us, not step on us. :)

Today, let's be willing to give our hearts to God, and to study his ways, so that we can learn and emulate him as he leads us to salvation.

James 5:16-18 -- On Confession and Prayer

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit."
James 5:16-18


I like the idea of confessing your faults at the beginning of this selection.  It's something that we avoid most of the time, for fear of looking weak (or fear of being weak), and it is hard to be vulnerable with others in that way.  It probably teaches us some good lessons in humility though, and helps us remember that we aren't perfect or better than each other.  We all need help from God.

Which brings us to the main point of the selection: prayer.  Our prayers can accomplish a lot if they are sincere, and in tune with God's will.  We hear the story of Elias, and I think the idea here is that even though we do have those faults we are asked to confess... it doesn't make us weak.  In fact, our humility probably makes us stronger because we aren't justifying or lying to ourselves or others about who we are.  And despite our faults, if we are trying to do the right things, God hears and helps us, and we can be effective in helping each other.

Today, let's confess our faults, and pray for each other, that we may be healed.  Let's remember Elias' example, and that even with our weaknesses and faults, God will sustain and support us as we choose righteousness.

JST Matthew 11:13 -- On Violence and Power

"But the days will come, when the violent shall have no power; for all the prophets and the law prophesied that it should be thus until John."
JST Matthew 11:13


This is an interesting verse from the Joseph Smith Translation, indicating that in a time to come "the violent shall have no power," which really struck me today.   We get frustrated sometimes when change isn't happening fast enough, and we want to force it somehow, but this is a good reminder that violence is not the answer.  In order to have the Lord's help, we need to do things the Lord's way.

The Lord has commanded his people to do violent things in the past (think Nephi being instructed to kill Laban), but it seems to always be as a last resort, when there is no other way to accomplish his will, and most importantly, only when he commands.  God prefers that we accomplish things through love and patience whenever it is possible. :)

Today, let's not give in to violent desires, but rather work on our patience and faith, working with and trusting in God to find a better way to solve our problems.  He has the true power.  Things will get better as we pray and work with God, and this promised day will come, when the violent will have no power at all to disturb out joy. :)

Alma 40:23 -- On Resurrection and Restoration

"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame."
Alma 40:23


I love the whole idea of resurrection, and am looking forward to it very much. ... I'm totally grateful for my body now of course, but sometimes it can be frustrating when you run into sickness or other physical ailments that seem to limit what you want to be able to do.  Imagining the whole perfect body / "run and not be weary" (Isaiah 40:31, D&C 89:20) / no sorrow or pain (Revelation 21:4,  D&C 101:29) thing, it seems incredible, and maybe it offers a little hope to us for the future, so that we are better able to endure our present circumstances, knowing that everything gets better. :)

It also I think reminds us of eternity, and helps us focus on what we want to be then... this verse is coupled with verses about the judgement because after we're resurrected and restored, we are "brought to stand before God, and ... judged according to [our] works" (verse 21).  Those perfect bodies we're going to have deserve some perfect souls to go along with them. :)  Today, let's work on that, and remember that in the future we're going to be awesome, so let's live and work towards that, with God's help who makes all of it possible.

D&C 6:7-8 -- On Desiring and Doing Good

"Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation."
Doctrine and Covenants 6:7-8


The idea of getting what we desire is a recurring theme in the scriptures, and sometimes it is a scary idea, depending on what we desire, but here God gives us some suggestions about what would be good things to seek/desire.  He mentions that wisdom is going to be better than riches, and lets us know that we could be the means of doing a lot of good, if that is something that we want.

Today, let's think about seeking wisdom and not riches.  How are we approaching that goal in our lives?  Do we have our priorities in order?  Let's also think about how we could do much good... and talk with God about that.  If we knew we could make a difference, where would we focus that effort--and then trust God when he says that we can.

Christ tells us "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21, Luke 12:34, 3 Nephi 13:21).  Let's figure out where are hearts are, and, if needed, switch up the treasure that we are aiming at, so that our hearts will come along as well. :)

Matthew 7:3 -- On Improving our 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 good question about something we do a lot... deflect an ideal and apply it to others rather than ourselves.  This is a pattern we like because it means we can turn our critical focus on others rather than doing the hard work of correcting ourselves, and making changes in our own lives.  It's counterproductive though, since it isn't our job to change others. :)  It is our job to change ourselves.

In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Christ phrases it like this probably because that is how we justify it to ourselves... we're helping them see their faults or change. :)  However, he notes that when we do that, we are usually deflecting ourselves away from a larger issue within.

If we really want to help others, then we need to make sure that we are free from fault first... kind of like when Jesus told the men that if they were without sin, they could stone the woman taken in adultery.  None of them condemned her, because they needed to go home and clean up their own lives before presuming to judge.

Today, let's work with God on our beams rather than commenting on the motes.  Let's make it a general practice to consider and apply commandments to ourselves rather than to others, which will hopefully help clear up our vision overall, and be a little bit more humble, and a little bit less critical. :)

Luke 3:5 -- On Rough Ways and Finding Wholeness

"Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;"
Luke 3:5


This is John the Baptist quoting Isaiah 40:4, although the wording is slightly different.  Isaiah was prophesying about John, at least in part, and John is fulfilling that prophecy, but also talking about something that will really happen... I think both physically and symbolically. 

Although I will miss the mountains for sure, I love the idea of rough places being made smooth, both in a larger earth way and in a personal us way, because we have a lot of rough patches. :)

This also seems to be to be symbolic of repentance and wholeness... how God can renew anything... not just repairing, but making it as good as new, including us. :)

Today, let's work with God towards newness and wholeness, in the world and in our individual lives.

Psalms 78:5-7 -- On Learning and Spreading Hope

"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:"
Psalms 78:5-7


Reading this today, it seemed to be saying that everything that God did was to give hope to children.  And although there is obviously more to it, that isn't far off, because we are all his children, and every day he teaches us hope.  Even the bad days, it is there, if we look for it.

I think these verses also are saying something about responsibility... not just to teach our children about the law of God, but I think, further, that we have a responsibility to be hopeful and to teach hope.  ... In saying that I am not saying that we have to wear a constant fake smile.  It's obviously okay to feel our emotions and to be sad when sad things happen, but God also teaches us that despair cometh of iniquity and that he that is happy now shall be happy still ... he's trying to teach us positive emotion, and how to work through the hard times and always look for the good.  If we are going to teach hope to the next generation, then we need to work on learning it as well. :)

If we can't see the hope, then let's dig into the scriptures, and pray earnestly, and find examples of hope.  God will show them to us in the scriptures, in conference talks, in the world around us, and even as we look back upon our own lives, if we ask him.

Today, let's learn some hope, and spread it around. :)

D&C 84:54-57 -- On Dark and Doing

"And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—"
Doctrine and Covenants 84:54-57


These are some good reminders, that we need to take the things of God seriously, and work to keep the commandments and to do God's will... especially in this case reading the scriptures and actually doing what God asks rather than just saying the right things. :)

It's interesting that God tells us here that that is why our minds have been darkened... it seems, like so many other things in the scriptures, to be a natural consequence of our actions rather than some arbitrary punishment, and I think it really applies to a lot of things.  If we don't apply ourselves to anything that we care about, like playing the piano, then we can lose the skill, and sometimes not even remember the things that we learned in the past.  When we blow things off, then we lose them.

We could probably all learn a little bit more about actually doing what we say and living our beliefs.  Today, let's learn what God asks us to learn, and let's take it seriously, and work on building a relationship with God, and making ourselves into the people that God can help us become.

Genesis 2:1-5 -- On Spiritual Centers

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had crested from all his work which God created and made.
These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,
And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground."
Genesis 2:1-5


It is interesting that this talks about the day of rest and everything being finished, but all before anything was created physically.  The real work seems to have been all spiritual.  And that is cool too... that everything that God made had a spiritual aspect, not just humanity and "the soul," but all of it, including herbs and plants as mentioned here, but likely other things as well.  Moses 3:5 clarifies this for us with "For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth."

Obviously we don't know all of the science behind it, but God does explain some of it to us through Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 131:7-8: "There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; / We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter."

I guess the moral of the story for today is that we should take our spiritual selves, and the whole spirit realm, more seriously.  We focus on the physical for the most part, and put thoughts of our spiritual lives on the back burner, and of course some of that makes sense because here we are, living in a physical world... but let's remember that it is a spiritual world too, underneath the surface, and also that our eternal futures are tied to the spiritual outcomes of this life.  Let's make the choice to engage with God and to learn more about the spiritual core of who we are, and of the world around us, rather than just focusing on the shallow outer shell. :)

1 Samuel 17:45-47 -- On The Lord's Battle

"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands."
1 Samuel 17:45-47


The utter confidence of David going up against Goliath just floors me.  Earlier in the chapter (verses 34-37), David explains to Saul that the Lord delivered him from a bear and a lion in the past, and perhaps that is what prepared him and gave him the confidence in the Lord that he has when facing Goliath.  I think that is probably why we are often asked to remember in the Scriptures, and also one of the reasons that these stories are here... so that we can remember the great things that the Lord has done for our fathers (Ether 6:30, Ether 7:27) and also "how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until [this] time" (Moroni 10:3).  Knowing these great stories of faith can help us be faithful if we internalize them and learn from them, as from our own experiences.

It's tough to see beyond physical sight, and what we've learned about power and physical might, and trust that "they that be with us are more than they that be with them" (2 Kings 6:16), but that is nevertheless the lesson here as well. :)

Today, let's work on relying less on the world and more on God.  This doesn't mean, of course, that we should stop working to make the best choices possible with the information we have, or that we should just ignore good advice because we are expecting the Lord to come through with a miracle, but I think one place where we can apply this advice without any hesitation is on having hope for the future.  Things sometimes seem bleak or impossible, the way they probably looked to every single witness of David going to stand before Goliath.  And yet God can strengthen and help us when we stand up in his name, and work to bring to pass his will.  No matter how weak we are individually, we can be made strong in Christ, and the Lord will surely fight against despair, hopelessness, and fear if we trust in him.. and once we have confidence that he will help us in those circumstances, then perhaps we can work with God to learn more, and work up to the kind of confidence that David had. :)

Luke 18:9-14 -- On Comparison and Humility

"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Luke 18:9-14


One of Christ's parables today.  This is a good reminder for us, because I think it is really easy for us to think that we are better than others in some ways... even when we don't feel great about ourselves.  In fact, sometimes we do the comparison thing *more* often when we don't feel great about ourselves because we think that certain comparisons are going to make us feel better.

Christ makes it clear here that we need to have some humility in our lives, and not assume we are super cool and shoe-ins at the heavenly gates. :)

Today, let's try to let go of the comparisons, and the disdain and hatred that we can feel for others.  If we have to compare, let's compare ourselves with God and focus on improving that relationship.  As we work to become more like God and include him more in our lives, we will feel better about ourselves through his love and through feeling like we're improving... we don't have to compare ourselves to others in order to feel good, and as we can see here, it is actually going to be detrimental if we feel so much pride that we think that we are better than others... or that we don't have a long, long way to go. :)

Ecclesiastes 7:9-10 -- On Looking Back

"Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this."
Ecclesiastes 7:9-10


Luke 17:32 Reminds us "Remember Lot's wife," and I think that is basically what the second first is also telling us... look forward rather than backward.  Find the hope and the joy today rather than wishing for yesterday.

I think that is probably also tied into the first verse because sometimes that comparison of how our lives were to how they are now, or comparing them to how we wish they were, sparks some resentment, jealousy, and anger.  And anger doesn't accomplish anything other than making us more miserable.

Today, no matter how hard things seem, let's work really hard to not compare today to anything else, but rather live in the now... doing our best to find the good around us, and to make things better for others. :)

Enos 1:5-8 -- On Faith and Wholeness

"And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.
And I said: Lord, how is it done?
And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole."
Enos 1:5-8


It's interesting here how faith and forgiveness are tied together.  We have to have faith in Christ's ability to forgive us and be willing to accept that blessing in our lives in order for it to have power in our lives.  And the statement that faith makes us whole is repeated many times in the New Testament when Christ is healing people physically, so it is kind of cool that forgiveness is just like spiritual healing. 

That's a much different perspective than the way we often look at sin.  Sometimes we see it as something forbidden but not actually harmful... just rules to hold us back.  I think that this makes it clearer that sin is toxic, and harms us when we engage in it.  Like drinking poison.  And sure, we can mask the flavor, but the poison is still there, slowly eating us away.  And only Christ can save us from that self-imposed death sentence.

Today, let's pray for forgiveness, and let's have faith. ... Faith enough to be healed of our sin, and also enough faith to adhere to God's guidelines and stop poisoning ourselves.

Doctrine and Covenants 46:8-11 -- On Seeking Spiritual Gifts

"Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.
And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.
For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God."
Doctrine and Covenants 46:8-11


I was taking some training at work today and it mentioned a study that showed motivation was a lot higher for many people when it was clear that hard work could help you get ahead, rather than talking about a job as though it were just a talent and you either had it or you didn't.  ... And I get that.  If you don't feel like you are good at something, and it is just an either or thing, then why try?  That's what made me think of spiritual gifts, and how here, God tells us clearly "seek ye earnestly the best gifts," making it radically clear that even though we do all have an inborn talent for something, that we can work and gain other gifts and talents.  This is sort of like the parable of the talents, right?  Even if we have an inborn talent for something, it won't do us a bit of good if we don't find it and use it, and if we do use our talents, then we can start getting more of them, and increase our spirituality greatly.

Today, let's make sure that we aren't talking about our spiritual gifts as though they aren't attainable by everyone.  We can all learn faith and confidence in God.  We can all build our testimonies.  We can all have a solid testimony of Jesus Christ, even if it isn't a gift of ours at this time.

God also wants us to know what the gifts are, and that is our homework for today... to get into this section and read the list (starting in verse 13), and think about them.  What we have already perhaps, and what we can work on.  And when we know what we want to have in our lives, then lets start on the diligent seeking by talking to God about it in prayer.  He wants us to learn these things, and if we go to him sincerely, willing to be obedient and work for them, he will teach us.

Luke 16:10-12 -- On Faithfulness as a Lifestyle

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?"
Luke 16:10-12


These are some good verses to ponder, because I think we justify ourselves a lot in being perhaps less faithful with things that belong to someone else, perhaps because we feel slighted, perhaps because they have way more than enough... or for whatever reason.  And maybe we are unjust in small things, thinking that tiny things don't really matter.  Here though, Christ teaches that faithfulness isn't something we can pick and choose according to the circumstance... it is part of who we are, and we need to learn it that way, as a lifestyle, not as an optional thing.

Today, let's think about our commitment to faithfulness, and the way that we treat those we see as unrighteous and people outside our circles?  When our faithfulness is tested, how do we do?  And then when we think of ways that we can do better, let's get on it. :)

Psalms 37:7 -- On Resting, Patience, and Fretting not

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
Psalms 37:7


I like the themes of rest and patience here.  We get worked up sometimes about things that we can't control, or people that we can't control... about the evil in the world or people who are doing things that they shouldn't.  And the Lord tells us here to basically make sure that we are right with God, and he will worry about other people in his own time.

Today, let's focus our efforts on our relationship with God and repenting of our own sins, which is work enough, and "fret not" about other people's actions or sins. :)  God will make everything right in the end.  Let's have faith in that, and not destroy our peace over things that aren't under our control.

Alma 58:39-41 -- On Freedom

"And those sons of the people of Ammon, of whom I have so highly spoken, are with me in the city of Manti; and the Lord has supported them, yea, and kept them from falling by the sword, insomuch that even one soul has not been slain.
But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come.
And now, my beloved brother, Moroni, may the Lord our God, who has redeemed us and made us free, keep you continually in his presence; yea, and may he favor this people, even that ye may have success in obtaining the possession of all that which the Lamanites have taken from us, which was for our support. And now, behold, I close mine epistle. I am Helaman, the son of Alma."
Alma 58:39-41


The way that we often interpret liberty and freedom seems at odds with the way that God thinks about it.  Here, the stripling warriors are standing fast in liberty, but also strictly remembering God and keeping his commandments.  Instead of being free *from* God, they are free *in,* or because of God.

I think that is the real disconnect in our lives.  If all we want is to be free from God, it is super easy to walk away from him.  But we can't be free from the consequences of our choices.  Walking away from God is going to make us miserable, soon or late.  Sticking with God is the way to happiness, despite any sorrow and hardship along the way.

Today, let's think about what we are really looking for, and seek the right kind of freedom: the freedom to choose and live and love, rather than getting bound down to sin and misery.

Daniel 3:20-21 -- On Hope and Happy Endings

"And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace."
Daniel 3:20-21


These verses seem pretty bleak on the surface, but if you know the story, you know it is just temporary worry, and things come out all right in the end... although honestly, without God's intervention, there was no reason to hope.

I really think that our lives are a lot like this.  We don't always know the end of the story, and without God, there honestly isn't always a reason to hope... and yet, the story that we are a part of is not a tragedy.  God will intervene, and there is hope.

Maybe today we can work on having faith in that promised happy ending, and remember that the stressful times aren't as bleak as they sometimes seem.  Things will be okay in the end, because God is the deciding factor in our stories, just as he was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.

Psalms 111:1 -- On Hearts and Praise

"Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation."
Psalms 111:1


What stood out to me about this verse today is the fact that the Psalmist is praising with his whole heart.  I think sometimes that what gets in the way of our relationship with God is that we're only half-hearted in our praise and worship. :)

Whenever we are placing something before God in our lives, that is a little bit of our heart that we are holding back from God... and that is holding us back from getting to know him and having him fully in our lives.  As with so many other things, it isn't a punishment that God witholds from us because he is upset, but it is a natural consequence of holding back.

Today, let's examine our lives and figure out what we are holding back.  The more we can correct those holdouts, the closer we will be able to get to God in our lives, and having his guidance in all things.

2 Nephi 2:11 -- On Opposition

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility."
2 Nephi 2:11


Reading this, I was thinking about how we usually want things to be easy.  I know I do.  Stresses me out when things mess up my normal activities.  Arguments, disasters, global pandemics... they all seem to get in the way of our goals.

And yet, God created the world with opposition so that we could learn.  When things are easy, we don't typically learn a lot.  It often takes some sort of a challenge before we force ourselves to learn how to cope, and thus improve in whatever way... changing our perspective, our ability to endure, our ability to find hope when things look bleak. :)

Today, let's look for the positive in the challenges we face.  We learn happiness in part by understanding grief... they are part of each other, and both sides are required in order for us to learn the difference between everything... good and bad, joy and sorrow, and to choose the good and the joyful. :)  Let's take advantage of every challenge and learn all we can, so that we will truly be able to appreciate heaven when we find it. :)