4 Nephi 1:15 -- On Love and Contention

"And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people."
4 Nephi 1:15


I like the idea here that love trumps contention.

Contention means strife, competition, or argument.  Clarifying the difference between contention and similar words, Merriam-Webster tells us that "Contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy" (source).

It's interesting to try to imagine such a world, where that kind of strife doesn't happen.  What would people talk about on Social Media? ;)  ... Joking aside though, it sounds like a cool place.  Perhaps it's something that we can work on individually to help it spread. :)

Today, let's not just work on not arguing or competing/clashing with others.  Let's go further, learning to love them and to understand their perspective and concerns.  As we do, God's love can drive away the darkness and help us to purge contention from our hearts.  Not saying it is an easy thing to do... but definitely worth the effort. :)

Helaman 12:1-3 -- On Remembering God

"And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.
Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.
And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him."
Helaman 12:1-3


This is somewhat disheartening, but seems very accurate on a societal level.  This is often how we behave... forgetting God exactly when he is blessing us the most, and turning to him only when we feel lost and are desperate.  Does it have to be that way though?  Absolutely not.  Even if the majority of people are behaving that way, it doesn't mean that we have to let that cycle happen in our lives.  We can work to remember God more in our lives right now, and the longer we can keep reminding ourselves and turning to God, the more we can break the cycle.

There are a lot of things in our lives that can remind us of God.  Prayers are a really good way.  Having a prayer in our heart always is ideal of course, but good reminders are praying in the morning when we get up, at night when we go to bed, and at mealtimes.  That kind of schedule isn't because God only wants to hear from us at those certain times, or even that we're in trouble if we forget those times in our lives, but because of what these verses are all about--helping us remember, and not falter in our dedication to God right when he is helping us the most.

Other things we can do are putting up pictures or scriptures on the wall to remind us of God and the lessons that have been important to us.  One of my favorites is Psalms 94:17: "Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence."  Of course, there are many, many others just as good, and even better if they are of significance to you personally.  So many things in the gospel are designed to remind us of God and of Christ's sacrifice for us.  This last year has sometimes made it harder to participate regularly in all of those reminders... so all the more important to include those reminders in our lives every day, helping us to "feel so now" (Alma 5:26), and to "retain in remembrance" the greatness of God (Mosiah 4:11) and how much we need him in our lives.

Today, let's take some time to set up some additional reminders in our lives, and continue to work on the ones that are already there, so that we can always remember our Savior and our redeemer, and look to him in every thought (D&C 6:36).

2 Nephi 10:23 -- On Choosing For Ourselves

"Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."
2 Nephi 10:23


This is really cool, because it puts our salvation in our own hands on one level... obviously God provides it for us, but through our choices we can accept or reject that salvation that is offered to us.  It also means that no one else can steal that from us--no one else can stop us from partaking of the goodness of God. 

It's also a little scary, because that also means that we can't push the responsibility off on anyone else.  If we chase things that make us miserable and then we reap misery from those seeds that we have planted, we don't get to blame God for that.  It's on us.

Today, let's have some hope and joy in the fact that God remembers us, and that he offers us salvation and has made us free.  Let's work for that happiness and peace that are within our grasp as we turn to God and work for the good of others.  Let's choose the eternal life option, and let go of the dark parts of ourselves as we change for the better.

Proverbs 23:4-5 -- On God's Wisdom

"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."
Proverbs 23:4-5


This is a good reminder that we need to listen to God and not trust in our own wisdom... because no matter how cool we think we are, compared to God we really understand very little.  Wasting a large portion of our lives going after something that isn't going to be useful at all in the eternities... it's a mistake, and God tells us so. 

It's similar to Isaiah 55:2 and 2 Nephi 9:51 which both tell us not to spend money and labor for things that are worthless and unsatisfying, but those messages might be easier to hear because we think... okay, yeah, I get that.  Money is valuable so we shouldn't squander it... but there and here what God is really saying is don't waste time and resources and energy on things that don't matter... no matter how much we have, we should be focusing on the things that do matter and advancing our knowledge, especially of spiritual things, as well as improving and practicing good rather than only learning it. :)

Today, let's make sure we're thinking long-term as we make decisions about what we are going to work for and become in our lives.  Let's invest in things that permanently matter, not in temporary payoffs.  Let's work with God to understand where to focus, walking his path and trusting in God's wisdom rather than our own.

Nahum 1:7-9 -- On an Utter End to Affliction

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
What do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time."
Nahum 1:7-9


This chapter talks about the burning of the earth at the Second Coming (this part talks about a flood, but before this the hills are melting, etc.), and what struck me about this selection is the idea that "affliction shall not rise up the second time."

As mortals we get pretty used to the cycles in life... ups and downs, joy and sorrow, gain and loss, etc.  That helps us a lot with our overall hope when things are bad, because we know that "joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).  The coming joy becomes part of that sorrow, ameliorating it somewhat and helping us to cope.  By the same token though, our joys may also be blunted when we know that sorrow will come again, especially if it is soon.  That day without pain is a blessed day, but it is hard to believe that it will last. :)

Here, God tells us that affliction shall not rise up a second time.  Just the way that God healed completely and permanently when he was on earth (no rehabilitation or recovery necessary), when he solves problems at the Second Coming, they are going to be *permanently* solved.  ... That's why we're asked to repent now, because this is the time when there are second chances and good and evil and tolerance for sin and pain and affliction... but that won't last.  When God makes things right they are going to *stay* right.  No more people sliding back into bad habits or being tempted by things that really don't matter in the end.  There will be an "utter end" to all the corruption, and we'll learn with joy what life is like without all that.

From our perspective, that sounds both scary and beautiful.  Scary because... will we be ready for it?, and scary because wow, cleansing the earth is a lot of destruction.  But beautiful because that's exactly what has to happen before this earth can become permanently good... and we can live in a society without hatred and pain.

Today, let's look forward to the time when God will "God shall wipe away all tears" (Revelation 21:4), and things will never be bad again.

Psalms 126:5 -- On Sowing Tears and Reaping Joy

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."
Psalms 126:5


This is a great statement.  And of course it is tempered by the context of the passage, which means God has to be part of the equation... but then of course, why else would we be talking about this? :)

I love the idea that sorrow and effort lead to a harvest of joy... and I think that this is something that God promises to us all, that "if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt [us] on high" (D&C 121:8).

I've talked about this before I know, but it's like a book by a really good author.  There are going to be ups and downs in the plot.  There are going to be hard times for the hero, with temptations, pain, and setbacks.  In chapter 5, things might look pretty grim, and we have no idea how the hero will survive, even for another page.  But because we know the author, we are still confident that, somehow, things will turn out okay in the end... that no matter what the hero faces, he or she will be able to pull through and be victorious, overcoming every setback or challenge.

In God's story, we are all those heroes, and we all have a promised happy ending as long as we keep turning the pages, reading the author's words and being guided by him rather than just giving up in chapter 5 and never turning another page.  The future always leads us towards promised blessings, if we trust in God.

Today, no matter what tears we might be sowing, let's look forward to reaping in joy, because our trust is in God, our father and the author of our happy endings.

Exodus 9:27-28 -- On Motivation and Sincerity

"And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
Entreat the Lord (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer."
Exodus 9:27-28


This is interesting because Pharaoh seemed convinced of God's power and authority many times, but then promptly ignored the lesson many times.  It reminds me of Laman and Lemuel, who saw an angel, but as soon as they were out of its presence, started again to murmur.

I wonder how much we are all like that... how much of our own commitments to God are insincere, or based on temporary circumstances or hardships, and how often we turn back to dismissing the Lord as soon as we aren't scared anymore.  It's a very poor pattern to fall into, but one that is unfortunately also common, at least when we acknowledge God only because he is preventing us from getting our way. :)

I don't think that we're all in Pharaoh's shoes, but I'm guessing that we all have a little bit of misplaced motivation somewhere, about something.

Today, let's work on letting go of our pride and really examine our minds and our hearts, and figure out our motivations... and if we aren't doing things for the right reasons, we probably can't just snap our fingers and instantly gain the faith and trust that we need... but what we can do is turn to God in prayer and tell him exactly what we are thinking and feeling, and ask him to help us change our hearts and learn the love and the faith that we're missing.  He will hear when we call... that kind of message is exactly what he needs from us in order to help.  Sincerity and humble entreaty will go a long way.  Let's just keep praying like that to make sure that it lasts. :)

Ephesians 2:13-16 -- On the Deepest Peace

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:"
Ephesians 2:13-16


I love this idea of making of twain one new man... so many interesting things in there... becoming whole and unified within ourselves, the spiritual and the physical, and also the idea of unification with God and with the followers of God.

The idea that through Christ's atonement we can be free of our internal wars and find peace with ourselves is implied in the last verse, as well as being about becoming fellowcitizens and unified as part of his fold.  Thus the peace that is spoken of... God's peace... isn't just between nations or families, or even individuals.  It is something that heals us spiritually, removing our enmity with ourselves, and the partition and rift inside.

That kind of peace on the deepest levels is worth following the commandments and giving up all our sins (Alma 22:18), is it not?

Today, let's turn to God and work and pray for that kind of peace.

Psalms 23:1-4 -- On Sheep

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Psalms 23:1-4


This is a pretty well-known psalm, but perhaps because it is so familiar, it isn't one that we talk about a lot in terms of symbolism... and the symbolism is pretty good.  Being a sheep might be looked on in a derogatory way by some, but God isn't referring to us as sheep because he thinks that we are dumb or brainless.  He's just trying to protect and help us as we learn to be more like him... after all, one of the great images of Christ is the "Lamb of God."

The idea of God as a shepherd is an image where we are the sheep and he is in charge of keeping us safe and well... which is a comforting image.  The green pastures and still waters are symbolic of God leading us to exactly what we need to thrive, not just survive.

Then we switch to language that is a little more clearly not just about sheep... he restores our souls.  He leads us in the paths of righteousness.  This is basically what the last verse already said, but more clearly aimed at us as humans.

The last verse of the selection talks about times when we aren't in the green pastures anymore... but still we don't have to fear because God is there, and his rod and staff--symbolic of his guidelines and boundaries--are comforting because they help us not wander off to get eaten by a wolf, and we can count on the Lord to pull us out of trouble when we inevitably fall into it.

I like that overall idea of God watching our for us, and also on placing value on the things that God uses to guide, correct, and protect us, because those things are all designed to keep us safe.

Today, let's work on letting go of our stubborn rebellion that causes us to separate from the flock and place our souls in danger.  Let's turn to the Lord, and be grateful for the guidelines that he gives us to restore our souls and help us be safe while we are learning to walk his path.

Mosiah 27:37 -- On Publishing Peace

"And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth."
Mosiah 27:37


I like this idea of publishing peace.  I think we usually publish / express a lot of things besides peace... complaints maybe, or observations about the bad side of life, and one thing that we can always do to make the world better and uplift the people around us is to remember that there are good things around all of us as well, and point those things out and draw attention to them... reminding ourselves and each other that God is still a God of miracles and that he continues to do good works in every one of our lives.

Today, let's decide not to join in with the doomsaying and cynical predictions, and instead look for the good.  And when we see and remember the good, let's talk and write about that rather than about the bad.  Let's remember God, trust in his plan, and do all we can to uplift the people around us.

Psalms 40:12 -- On Being Saved From Ourselves

"For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me."
Psalms 40:12


One of the greatest things about these verses, and about God in general, is the idea of being able to saved even from ourselves, and our own mistakes.  I mean, that is the whole point of God's plan, because God knew that we were going to fail, and so he provided a Savior for us to give us space to improve and learn to overcome our weaknesses and faults.

Today, let's be humble, thankful, and prayerful, looking to God for deliverance and help... because he *is* pleased to deliver us... that is the whole purpose of his plan.  Let's do all we can to take the chance he has given us to improve our lives and rise above our iniquities to repent and become better. :)

Revelation 11:7-12 -- On Death as Temporary

"And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them."
Revelation 11:7-12


This reminds me of Abinadi in the Book of Mormon who wasn't allowed to be killed until he finished his testimony as well... and then he was.  And of course not that death is awesome or anything, but I think stories like this help us to understand that it isn't a permanent thing either... and that like everything else, it is under God's control.

I love the part where God tells them to "come up hither" and they do... impressive, and definitely a show for the unbelieving, illustrating to them the power of God even over death.

Maybe what we get out of the whole thing is a good lesson in perspective.  God is always in control... we don't have to fear death.  If it comes, it is part of the plan, and it is temporary.  Not that it isn't sad of course, or that we shouldn't try to avoid it.  ... There are a lot of things to accomplish in our lives. :)  But it also isn't something that we need to compromise our principles over, or avoid at the cost of other lives.  Easy to say, I know.

Today, let's try to catch a glimpse of God's perspective, and know that this scripture to Joseph Smith applies to all of us as well, as we stay on God's path: "Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever" (D&C 122:9). 

Ecclesiastes 5:8-10 -- On Marveling Not

"If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity."
Ecclesiastes 5:8-10


These are some good verses to keep life in perspective.  Our lives and the world around us seem so dramatic / scary at times, but this advice to "marvel not" is a good reminder that we're dealing with things that other people have been faced with, and that the Lord is still in charge, and everyone will answer to him eventually.

I think it's also good to remember that the abundance of the earth is for everyone, and that often the things that we wish for, like riches, aren't things that can satisfy us.

Today, let's try taking a step back and realize that no matter how dramatic things seem, that we're okay and this is something that we can handle.  Other people have faced similar challenges, and God got them through, and if we stick with him and listen to him, God can get us through as well.

Let's also work on being satisfied with what we have, and seeing the good in where we are, and the things around us.  Let's not waste our time wishing for things that we can't currently have, and which probably wouldn't satisfy us anyway.  Instead, let's pray to God about our needs and wants, and leave it in his hands.

Joshua 4:1-3 -- On Spiritual Memories

"And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying,
Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night."
Joshua 4:1-3


This is an interesting part of the story of crossing the Jordan, with God instructing Joshua about how to get people to remember the miracle and pass the story on to their children.   It made me think that we're probably all pretty forgetful about the miracles that we have witnessed in our lives, and unless they come up as part of a certain story in our lives, we don't always pass them on to anyone.

So, what are our symbolic stones?  What helps us remember those things in our lives, and how can we keep those spiritual events from being forgotten... by us, and by others?  There are so many disheartening stories out there right now... maybe we need a spiritual tide going the other direction. :)

Today, let's take some time to specifically remember the miracles that we have witnessed in our lives, and then let's find a way to retain their memory.  Let's tell them to someone, write them down--record them in some way so that those stories can be remembered and shared.  Let's remember God's hand in our lives, and renew our trust and faith.

Ezekiel 16:4-6 -- On Rescue and Obedience

"And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.
None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born.
And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live."
Ezekiel 16:4-6


The Lord makes an interesting analogy here, comparing Jerusalem to an abandoned newborn child that he saved from certain death.  Later in the chapter, he talks about the unthankfulness and atrocious behavior thereafter, and I think that is something that applies to us all, since Jerusalem is symbolically the people of the Lord, so if we're his, then this is the basic situation.  He's done everything for us, and we not only aren't grateful, but we often do things that are basically spitting in his face.

The thing is, the Lord is still the same person... always willing us to live, and saving us from abandonment and danger, but we too often think that we've grown past that and don't need God anymore, when the truth is that we need him always, and we put our lives back in danger anytime we move away from him.  We're totally not grown up yet... not compared to God, and we really need to listen to him and not wander off into traffic, no matter how exciting it sounds. :)

Today, let's remember that God has done everything for us, and is still willing to help us ... if we will accept him in our lives and listen.  He can help us and save us, but we have to follow his guidance and not jump off cliffs and eat tacks, and all of those other things that he tells us not to do.  They will hurt us, and he is trying to help us avoid that kind of pain.

Alma 22:3-4 -- On Another Way

"And now, O king, if thou wilt spare our lives, we will be thy servants. And the king said unto them: Arise, for I will grant unto you your lives, and I will not suffer that ye shall be my servants; but I will insist that ye shall administer unto me; for I have been somewhat troubled in mind because of the generosity and the greatness of the words of thy brother Ammon; and I desire to know the cause why he has not come up out of Middoni with thee.
And Aaron said unto the king: Behold, the Spirit of the Lord has called him another way; he has gone to the land of Ishmael, to teach the people of Lamoni."
Alma 22:3-4


This is part of a cool missionary story with the father of Lamoni.  At the beginning though, it is Aaron and his brethren coming before the king and not really being certain that they were going to be treated well, because the king had never seen them before.  The king had met Ammon, and wanted to talk to him instead.

I like the part where Aaron tells the king that the Lord has called Ammon another way, because I think that is something that happens with all of us.  Things don't go the way that we wanted or expected... a lot.  We aren't always sent where we expect to go either, but the Lord works with each of us in different ways.  I think this idea of "another way" or there being many ways that the spirit can guide us, and many good choices, helps us to adjust our expectations, both for ourselves and of others.

Instead of being rigid about how God works with us, or strict about exactly how other people should follow God's teachings, maybe we can relax a little bit, understanding that God is working with all of us to bring to pass his will, and focusing on our own relationship with God and letting him work with others another way.  That doesn't mean that there is more than one straight and narrow path of course, but perhaps we sometimes focus on comparing speed or walking style rather than being focused on where we're going. :)

Today let's do our best to trust in God and in the way that he works in our lives, whatever comes--including who he brings into our lives, and where he sends us.  He knows better than we do, and he is directing all things to work together for good.  Eventually, things will work out, and all will be made right.  It just might not be in the way we expect.  That's okay, because God can see further than we can, so he can avoid the tangles that would likely result if we were in charge, and lead all of us to his happy ending. :)

Romans 8:14-19 -- On Sons of God

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God."
Romans 8:14-19


I like the reminder here that to God we are not slaves or prisoners, but children.  I think sometimes we have the idea of our relationship with God really mixed up, and so we don't understand how we should approach God, or really whether we should at all.  I think that knowing our relationship to God helps us a lot, not just in knowing how to approach and treat him, but in knowing how he plans to treat us, with kindness and love, and also patience and correction.

Today, let's remember that that God wants us to learn, but is always there, watching, and working to help us.  Our sufferings will eventually pale in comparison with the glory that he has prepared for us.  Let's stick with him through our trials like the family that we are, and work towards that day when we can return home to him, and the happy ending that he wants us all to achieve.

Jeremiah 23:12 -- On Slippery Ways in the Darkness

"Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord."
Jeremiah 23:12


The Lord mentions specifically adulterers, swearers, false prophets, and irreligious priests before he says this verse, but I think it probably can apply to us all, because all of our paths become dark and slippery when we distance ourselves from God, and it is way too easy to fall.

Today, let's remember this good symbolic warning and stay away from the slippery paths in darkness that we come across when we are lost without the light of Christ in our lives.  Let's stick with God and his illumination. :)

Proverbs 11:17-19 -- On Mercy and Life and Cruelty and Death

"The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death."
Proverbs 11:17-19


These verses seem to be a good reminder that our actions are answered on our own heads, for good or evil.  If we offer mercy to others, then we help ourselves, and if we are cruel, then we are hurting ourselves.  Every choice we make is who we become, little by little, over a lifetime, and there is no way to make evil choices and not be tainted by them, or to be cruel to others and not thereby become poisoned.  And if we continue, then we are slowly killing ourselves, becoming petty, resentful, evil creatures instead of the noble, clean, and confident people that God can help us become.

Today, let's think twice about the choices that we are making, and what kind of people we are choosing to be.  If we don't like what we see in ourselves, then let's stop and turn towards God, and ask for his help is doing some course correction.  It's not too late to change.  It's certainly tough, but it is possible, and much, much happier. :)  Let's work towards life rather than death, and work with God to find the way out of our darkness.

Moroni 9:3-5 -- On Anger and Loss of Love

"And now behold, my son, I fear lest the Lamanites shall destroy this people; for they do not repent, and Satan stirreth them up continually to anger one with another.
Behold, I am laboring with them continually; and when I speak the word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me; and when I use no sharpness they harden their hearts against it; wherefore, I fear lest the Spirit of the Lord hath ceased striving with them.
For so exceedingly do they anger that it seemeth me that they have no fear of death; and they have lost their love, one towards another; and they thirst after blood and revenge continually."
Moroni 9:3-5


These verses I think illustrate the idea of becoming "past feeling" (1 Nephi 17:45, Moroni 9:20).  I like the illustration here... well, not sure I *like* it, but it does a good job of showing how anger can harden us until we basically blank out all other emotions... and although some people will talk about "righteous anger," and while God might be able to pull that off, I'm not convinced that any of us mortals is capable of such a thing.  If we are, it is very rare.  When we open ourselves to anger, we usually let our brains drop out, along with any connection that we had with the spirit.  And if we let it continue, and revel in it, then it grows ever more ugly, losing not only our love, but stifling all of the more tender emotions until we are left with nothing but a burning hatred... and unlike books and movies glorifying revenge, in real life, burning hatred never, ever leads to anything good.

In the Joseph Smith translation we read a somewhat different version of Ephesians 4:26-27: "Can ye be angry, and not sin? let not the sun go down upon your wrath; neither give place to the devil."  There are other places in the scriptures where we are warned about anger, but this is one of the clearest, and I think today's verse's give us some insight into why... because it blocks our ability to connect with God, and each other.

Today, let's take a step back and think about anything we might be angry about, and how that anger is affecting us, and inasmuch as we can, let's do our best to let it go so that it can no longer poison us.  Let's stay far, far away from becoming like the Nephites (or the Lamanites) in this chapter, who were unspeakably evil and had completely lost the concept of repentance or redemption... just stumbling blindly in their anger towards utter destruction.  Instead of hardening ourselves against the world, let's soften our hearts and look to God in every thought.  The world doesn't need more anger or hardened hearts.  It needs more compassion and more love... and so do we.  In working to stay open and loving, we not only make the world a better place, but we give our own souls the opportunity to hear God's voice and find our way to him.

Ruth 1:18-21 -- On Bitterness and Blessings

"When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?"
Ruth 1:18-21


So, this is part of the story of Ruth (if you hadn't guessed already). :)  Before this, Naomi's husband and her two sons die while they are living in Moab, and she is left alone with her sons' widows.  One of them returns to her family in Moab, but Ruth is determined to stay with Naomi.  This is what happens after that.

I think the story is interesting because all that happens afterward grows out of tragedy.  Naomi calls herself Mara, which means sad/bitter... her life, in her eyes, wasn't going well at all.  The choices that are made in this story are normal choices, but they add up to a miracle in the lives of the people that lived them, and part of the genealogy that leads to David, and to Christ.

I think if we could step back and see our lives the way that God sees them that all of our lives would be like Naomi's and like Ruth's.  We experience tragedy, but we don't see where that tragedy leads, and the changes that will lead to amazing things further down the line.  ... This doesn't mean of course that we are obligated to rejoice when bad things happen, but perhaps it gives us reason to hope in the midst of tragedy, because God still can see the end from the beginning and help all things to work together for our good, no matter how bitter our lives seem in a certain moment.

Today, instead of assuming that life is falling apart when it doesn't go our way, let's try assuming that our setbacks are leading to something good.  Let's have faith in God and in his plan, which will help us not only because he promises a happy ending, but because if we are looking forward to something positive, then we will be more aware of the positive things that are happening around us. :)  God blessed Naomi and Ruth to find happiness and peace after they had gone through a lot of suffering, and he will help us as well, if we look to him in faith. :)

Isaiah 1:11-18 -- On What God Wants

"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Isaiah 1:11-18


This is a really good reminder that God doesn't ask us to worship for the sake of worship.  Even in Old Testament times, it wasn't the sacrifices that were the point, but the symbolism of them, pointing towards Christ and teaching people to make God a priority and remember him in their lives.  When we pray or do anything that the Lord asks, we can't do it just for show or just go through the motions... unless it is sincere and we are actually trying to do the right things, it doesn't do anyone any good.

What God really wants he explains in the last half of the selection.  He wants us to repent and be clean, to learn to do good and not evil, to help people who are oppressed and suffering, paying particular attention to those that don't have anyone else to help them, like orphans and widows.  He wants us to work with him to find a way forward together, accepting his love and guidance.

Today, let's not go through the motions of worship or the empty gestures of resentful sacrifice, but let's actually talk to God in our prayers and figure out how things are between us.  There is no reason to pretend with God.  He knows our hearts, and more importantly, he can help us even when we think that there is no help to be had.  He's willing to take us as we are, if we are willing to give ourselves as we are and are willing to let him help us to change and to be better... not stepword wives, but our true and best selves with no resentment involved.  He can change our hearts, and we can be who we truly want to be.  If we will turn to him and talk it out, we can be perfectly clean.

D&C 11:20-22 -- On Our Work

"Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.
Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.
But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto."
Doctrine and Covenants 11:20-22


There are several things that I like here.  One is that is a work to keep the commandments, and it is worth our time and our effort to focus on that.  I also think that it is important to spend time obtaining God's word.  Obviously we shouldn't use that as an excuse to keep our mouths shut, but this is good advice from God that we should really study, think about, and absorb the gospel before we jump into explaining things that we don't really understand yet.

It's also important to listen when God tells us to hold our peace. :)  Even when we are trying to do something perfectly good for all the right reasons, sometimes our timing is off, and the Lord tells us to wait.  When he does that, let's remember that is okay.  There are plenty of other good things to do, and it doesn't hurt to prepare a little bit more. :)  Learning patience will also help us. :)

Today, let's make sure that we focus on our work: putting effort into keeping God's commandments and into obtaining the word of God.  As we do that, then we will see opportunities for more, but these are things that are always worth some time. :)  When God asks us to slow down and focus, then let's let patience have her perfect work (James 1:4) and hold our peace... literally working on being at peace and taking the time to dive deeper rather than being anxious to move on to the next thing. :)

Job 42:1-6 -- On Hating Ourselves

"Then Job answered the Lord, and said,
I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job 42:1-6


What stood out to me in this selection is the end where Job says "I abhor myself."  I think that this is something we might all feel at times, when we make mistakes, especially big ones, and hurt someone or ruin something, or harm a relationship, or (like Job) just act like we know things when we really, really don't.

Those times are pretty bad, and they can test us mentally.  They are hard to get through because we really do hate ourselves, or at least our own actions and choices, and we don't always see a way to become not-ourselves in order to improve.  I really like that Job shows us the way to overcome that though... he goes to the Lord and tells him everything, including how he feels about himself, and he repents, wanting another chance to do better... and God gives him one.

God can change our hearts, and even if our mistakes are part of us, he can help us become who we want to be rather than who we are.  Perhaps our self-loathing helps us to achieve the humility it takes for real change, and if we come to the Lord in humility, admitting our faults and asking for help, God *will* help us.

Today, if we are hating ourselves even a little bit, let's do as Job did, and go to the Lord with all of it.  He is the one that can help us find a new way forward, and grant us hope in the midst of darkness.

D&C 88:78-80 -- On Teaching and Learning

"Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you."
Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-80


It's interesting here in the first verse of the selection where God tells us that if we teach diligently that his grace will be with us and will instruct us.  So, teaching leads to learning, and it's a good sustainable pattern, because the more we learn the more we can teach the things that we've learned. :)

I also really like the idea that learning "the perplexities of the nations" and about "countries and kingdoms" is part of what will help prepare us in "all things."  ... I think basically what God is saying is that the more we learn, the better we will be prepared and ready for him to be able to use us to teach and help others.  It's like magnifying our talents, right?  The more we do something with what God has given us, the more we learn, the more he helps us to learn more on top of that, and the more we help teach others about what God wants us to learn.  The fact that things at home and abroad and even learning about wars is mentioned really says to me that we should be absorbing everything we can get our hands on that we are the least bit interested in, and sharing with each other. :)

And hey, this is something that we can do now, today.  If we learn something cool, we can share it... put it out there.  Whatever it is, even if it doesn't seem all that spiritual, it's still learning and it is still helping us all to know more.  ... Now of course I don't mean gossip, mockery, and hatred, or focusing on tearing down someone else's ideas.  Rather that focus on negativity about anything we don't like, let's focus on positivity about things that we do like, promoting the cool things around us rather than telling others about the bad things that we run into. :)

Today, let's work on being instructed by God's grace, and as we learn and study and grow, let's share the knowledge and wisdom that God grants us with others, that all may be edified (D&C 84:110, 88:122). :)

D&C 68:6 -- On Cheer and Fear and Testimony

"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come."
Doctrine and Covenants 68:6


I like the message to be of good cheer here.  Easy to lose our senses of humor when things seem bleak, and forget the source of our hope, but God always comes back and reminds us again. :)  We have reason for being of good cheer and not fearing, because God is with us, and will stand beside us.

God also here gives us something to do on our side that will help... to bear record of him.  One of the ways that we can remind ourselves and others of God's workings in our lives is by writing it down.  Whether for our friends online or for our posterity, testimonies are powerful and can do us a lot of good, as well as those who are prompted to learn more about Christ themselves.

Today, let's work on being of good cheer and not fearing, through our faith and confidence in God.  Let's also make sure we're helping God in his mission to bring light to the world by praying, reading our scriptures, and sharing God's light with others through bearing record of Christ.  It doesn't have to be earth-shattering... any effort helps. :)

To that end, I want you to know that I know Christ lives, that he loves us and wants us to hope and be happy and that he will help us succeed in doing good. :)  Let's work with him and feel that in our lives.

Luke 24:36-43 -- On Terror and Joy and Hope

"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them."
Luke 24:36-43


This scene where Christ comes and visits his disciples several days after they watched him die is pretty cool.  Can you imagine how you would feel if someone dead suddenly showed up?  I think we would definitely be "terrified and affrighted" as they were, but also later where it says that "they yet believed not for joy" part seems totally relatable as well.  Sometimes things are so astonishingly good that you just can't comprehend it at first, and it takes a minute. :)  I actually think maybe he asked for something to eat to give them a little bit to get used to him being there again. :)

Today, let's remember that Christ is very much alive. :)  Let's also look forward to the resurrection where we will be able to see everyone we love that has passed on again... and let's remember in the midst of our trials that there are so many things in store for us that will be so good that we can't initially believe it... let's have hope and faith in those days, and look forward to the happy ending that awaits all of us as we follow God's path. :)

Matthew 25:35-36 -- On Personalization and Participation

"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."

Matthew 25:35-36

I like this because even though I think we kind of gloss over how shocking some of this might be, these are things that we often avoid in our regular lives.  Feeding, clothing, and taking in strangers doesn't exactly seem safe.  And especially now, visiting the sick or visiting prisons seems like it would have a high risk factor.  ... These aren't easy things that the Lord is asking. :)  But when we reach out to others and help them in their extremities, then God blesses us as though we did it for him.  Because that's what he wants, is for us to treat each other like family.  If we instead exclude others or reject their needs, then he takes that personally as well, because that's his family too.

Today, let's think about what we can do for others even in the current world situation.  It's a group effort, all of us helping each other. :)  Let's participate and do what we can for our fellow men, and for God.  As we do, God will also make sure that we are cared for and lifted up as part of his family.  

Psalms 73:26 -- On Failing Hearts

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
Psalms 73:26


I like the idea here that even when we feel like we're falling apart, God is our strength and will help us through.  ... I think sometimes, on our strong days, we feel so good that we think that we can do without God, and perhaps we even start to feel that he is holding us back from the things that we want.  Unfortunately, it often isn't until those illusions are pulled away and we again feel desolate that we remember how much we desperately need God's help in our lives, and how rotten our lives turn when we rely only on our own strength.

Today, let's try to remember early and often that God is the strength of all our hearts and that he is our hope and what keeps us going when things fall apart and our hears fail us.

Isaiah 47:10 -- On Trusting in Wickedness

"For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me."
Isaiah 47:10


Independence is a good thing to learn in life... it helps us to learn self-reliance and not to lean too hard on others for things that we can learn to do for ourselves.  However, we can definitely take it too far, in forgetting our need for the Lord or in believing that we are superior to or not in need of learning anything from other people.

Today, let's not allow wisdom and knowledge, or anything else, to make us imagine our own superiority, or trust in our own wickedness as though we are not known.  Imagining that our lives are unwitnessed or that we don't affect the world around us can cause us to make some really poor prideful choices.  Let's remember that God is there and always knows us, and every desire of our hearts.  Let's work on our humility and our faithfulness to him, resisting pride and doing our best to not harm anyone... and when we have, let's do all we can to heal those wounds.

Alma 58:10-11 -- On Prayer and Peace

"Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.
Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him."
Alma 58:10-11


The context of these verses is the middle of a war in which they were outnumbered and had fewer resources than their enemies, so they felt that their situation was desperate.  I feel like this is applicable to our times of desperation as well.  If we pray to the Lord, he can help even when things seem darkest.

Today, let's not complain about or give in to our troubles, but instead, let's do as these faithful people did and pour out our souls in prayer to God.  As we do, God will grant us faith and deliverance, and whether that deliverance is immediate or not, he will be able to speak peace to our souls, and grant us hope. :)