D&C 58:15 -- On Taking Heed

"But if he repent not of his sins, which are unbelief and blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he fall."
Doctrine and Covenants 58:15

This is interesting to me because I don't think I really thought about unbelief and blindness (even of heart) as sins, but more as things that are just kind of default in our lives, as the nature of part of ourselves in the mortal condition... but in really considering it, I think I see the issue here, and that ignorance of the truth might not start out as a sin, but if we don't take our uncertainties and work through them with God, or try praying and find out for ourselves if God exists, if that is what stage we are at... or whatever questions we have about the gospel, if we don't actually ask them or do the work to learn about them, then unbelief, etc. can become a sin, because God is giving us the path to truth and we are either intentionally avoiding it or deluding ourselves that we haven't already seen the truth and need to follow it.

As with other things, I don't think God is sending a flash of lightning from the sky to condemn us instantly... he's just encouraging us to think about it... telling us to take heed lest we fall, and that if we're not out there learning about God then we're kind of like the guy with one talent.  We're not willing to do anything with what God has given us... not willing to change and grow and learn, and make as much as we can with what we have.

Today, let's work with God to overcome our unbelief and blindness of heart, and find the answers to our questions... lest we fall.

1 Nephi 8:8 -- On Banishing the Darkness

"And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies."

1 Nephi 8:8

What struck me about this verse today is the "many hours in darkness" part, and how long we often spend in the darkness before we call on God.  ... And I don't think that it needs to be that way.  God is willing to help us back into the light whenever we get lost.  Today, let's try to spend less time in darkness, and be quicker call on the Lord for mercy.

At first maybe it won't seem like our lives are lightening, but if we keep practicing on turning to the Lord whenever that darkness comes, we'll start learning to banish it faster, and then even how to keep it away for longer and longer... until the perfect day when there is no more darkness. :)

JST Matthew 16:29 -- On Soul Bartering

"Therefore, forsake the world, and save your souls; for what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
JST Matthew 16:29

This is an interesting juxtaposition with the fabled idea of "selling your soul" to get something, and a good reminder that nothing is worth that loss... not even the whole world. :)

Today, as we think about our ambitions or aspirations, let's remember that, and put our desires and passions into that context, making sure that we guard our souls from being taken over by any bodily appetite or lust of the eyes, or even worse, bartering them away for things that won't last and won't matter in the end.  Let's let go of the world and cleave unto God.  As we do, he will teach us his ways, and help us to keep our souls safe, even from ourselves.

Deuteronomy 22:8 -- On Building Battlements

"When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence."

Deuteronomy 22:8

Reading this today, I thought it was pretty cool that God wants us to be safety-conscious, and to be proactive in protecting others from potential hazards.  I mean, that doesn't mean we have to wrap ourselves in bubble-wrap and avoid anything that will ruffle our feathers a little... he still wants us to engage with the world (in it, but not OF it), and learn and help. :)  I like the idea that even in something like building a house though, that God wants us to think about and care for others... not just in church situations, but rather in all situations, because his gospel and his love aren't just for Sundays. :)

Today, whether we're building houses or not, let's think about how we can protect and help others, without removing free agency of course.  Let's counsel with the Lord about everything that we are doing, and heed his counsel.  He wants to help us with everything that we do, and when we listen to him, things will go much, much better than otherwise.

Haggai 1:5-7 -- On Considering Our Ways

"Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways."
Haggai 1:5-7


I like the idea of the Lord telling us to sit down and think about what we're doing.  In context, the people were complaining about building a temple, thinking that things weren't going so well, and they needed to wait.  God tells them though that the reason that things aren't going so well is that they are prioritizing the wrong things, and that if they put God's house before their own, then things will be better.

Really, I think that is the lesson that God has for all of us as well.  Sometimes when things aren't going so well, we want to retreat inside ourselves and put up walls to keep us safe, and of course some measure of space and time is needed when we are dealing with a lot.  However, isolating isn't what is going to help long-term.  It is when we open back up to God and to serving and blessing others that we find relief from  our own troubles.

That doesn't mean that God is forcing us all to be extroverts.  Only that we need to learn to communicate and love and serve in whatever circumstances that we are in, and to put God's will before our own.  As we do, he will bless us and help us to find better rewards and better ways.

D&C 4:6 -- 10 Things God Wants Us to Remember

"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence." 

Doctrine and Covenants 4:6

There is a lot more to this section, but I think that this list is more than enough to take in at once. :)  When we're distracted trying to juggle all the obligations in our lives, these are sometimes things that we can forget.

Today, let's trust God a little more, let's be truly good a little bit more.  Let's learn a little more, and be more moderate in how we satisfy our appetites and passions.  Let's be more patient with ourselves and with others.  Let's be truly kind in more circumstances, strive to be more like God, learn to see people as God sees them a little bit more, less prideful, and more dedicated to God's will.

We're not going to master the list overnight, but it's a good list of 10 things that we can keep handy (or memorize) as a good thing to mentally run through before any important or questionable decision.  These are things that God stands for, and if the decision doesn't pass the test for these, then it might be worth re-thinking. :)  Today, let's keep the list in mind, and do what we can to improve.

2 Nephi 31:20-21 -- On Hope and Love and The Way.

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen."

2 Nephi 31:20-21

Some great reminders here for helping us know how to go forward.  It isn't always easy to have hope and love in our hearts, but offering those things to us as a goal is a blessing, helping us not only to know what to strive for, but that God doesn't want to beat ourselves... or others... up, but that he wants us to have hope instead that we can all overcome ourselves and our challenges, with God's help.

I also like that God and Nephi tell us here that "this is the way."  It's easy to lose the way, or think that God wants us to constantly struggle and sacrifice in a way where we can't be happy.  There are obviously going to be struggles and sacrifice... hard times and things that we don't always understand, but he tells us here that we can rise above it.  We can still have hope, and love, and joy.  Endurance doesn't equal suffering.  Just like in Alma 24:15, we can learn to be okay, and even cheerful, no matter what we are going through, as long as we rely on the Lord... doesn't mean that God is going to snap and solve all of our problems, but instead that with him, we can rise above anything.

Today, let's press forward positively, remembering that God wants us to be genuinely happy, and everything is pointing towards that, not some future filled with pain. :)  Let's trust God and walk in his way.

Psalms 126:5 -- On Sorrow, Anxiety, Planting, and Joy

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."

Psalms 126:5

I like the idea here of looking toward the future.  Too often when we are sorrowful we focus so much of our grief that we shut down, and we stop doing basic things like taking care of ourselves, our homes, an our jobs or other obligations.  We let responsibilities and relationships slip.  And while that is totally understandable, if we let things go too much, then that sorrow is going to last even longer, not only now, but also through the consequences later, and facing that ever-growing pile of obligations gets scarier and scarier the more they pile up.

I don't think that God ever says to us that our emotions don't matter or that we shouldn't grieve.  He understands better than anyone what it feels like to suffer and how hard to deal with life can be.  I think his message here is kinder than that, reminding us that in order to manage our own anxiety and to overcome the obstacles in our lives, we often need to face them rather than run away from them, so they don't get too large and scary and our of proportion so that we don't feel it is possible to escape our doom.

If we let things get that bad, none of this means that God won't help us.  He will always help us recover and rest until we're ready to try again.  As long as we keep trying, he won't give up on us... I think the danger that he is trying to save us from here is getting to the point where WE give up.

The world seems pretty crazy sometimes, and we don't always know what is next, and that can be scary and make us want to deal with anything for a while.  So, that's okay.  Today, let's give ourselves some time to breathe and step back.  But let's also remember this verse and make sure we don't run away too far or too long from our lives, and that we make sure we keep our lines of communication with God open, even in our sorrow.  If we have him there beside us, he will help us in our sorrow, and help us also to remember to do the necessary planting so that our sorrow can turn to joy, by and by. :)

Ether 12:6 -- On Essential Uncertainty

"And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Ether 12:6

The whole "receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" seems so *unfair* sometimes, doesn't it?  It's so hard making decisions based on thoughts and impressions and not certainty.  ... And yet, how else could it possibly work?  How else could we learn to listen to the spirit or to make our own choices?  Life is designed to teach us to know who we are individually, and help us to find out what we want, and where we want to go... and it just couldn't do that if certainty was always granted to us.

Today, when we're uncertain and lost, let's exercise our faith.  ... Exercise is an appropriate word here because it takes practice and learning and dedication, but it isn't about immediate perfection.  It's a process.  Let's study and learn more about God, and pray and talk things over with him, so that it is more than just an occasional thought or feeling, and we can learn to discern the voice of God more consistently... and understand more clearly why we need him in our lives.

Let's hope for light and love and certainty, and learn the less certain and less bright lessons on the way that are essential to achieving that perfect pureness someday. :)

Exodus 33:10 -- On Facing in the Right Direction

"And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door."
Exodus 33:10


I like the idea here of worshipping from home, but still being part of the larger community that is worshipping together.  I think that is pretty reflective of what we all have been doing lately.

There is a good lesson here about being dedicated to God as well... about being aware and facing ourselves and our homes in the right direction, which can be a challenge, but which I think gives us more hope and lift in our lives.

Today, let's rise up and worship God and pay attention to the things that God is doing to get our attention.  He has work for us, and he wants to bless us with peace and hope... but first we have to be faced in the right direction and attentive.  Let's read and pray and learn more about facing in the right direction and dedicating ourselves to his service.

2 Nephi 3:8 -- On Working for the Lord

"And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work."

2 Nephi 3:8

I like this idea of working for God... and from one perspective you could ask why would God require someone to only do his work, and not their own?  On the other hand though, the idea is to make God's work and our work the same, right?  It *is* his will that we pursue goodness. :)

I think God loves it when we have fulfilling lives with friends and family and hobbies and work that we enjoy... and I actually think that when God gives us work to do that it is actually a gift in a lot of ways.  We spend too much time in this life feeling unfulfilled, and wondering if anything we do makes a difference... and working for God--even just obeying his commandments and doing his will generally if we don't have a specific calling--always makes a difference and allows us to be a part of improving the world and making people's lives better.

Today, let's think about what we can do to work for God... what can we do to make a positive difference?  And then let's put a plan into motion, even if it is just something small.  If we keep working at it, with God's help, we can all make a difference. :)

Alma 26:37 -- On Mindfulness and Mercy

"Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen."

Alma 26:37

I like this reminder that God loves everyone, everywhere.  We get into the mental trap sometimes of thinking that God likes people who are similar to us more than he does others... who share the same politics, live in the same country, or sin the same types of sins.  But God loves everyone, and he asks us to learn to love everyone too... and I think that is something we can probably all work on.

How?  Well one way may be to try to see things from other perspectives.  When we're reading the scriptures for instance, we might relate to Nephi, or to his brothers, to understand both sides a little better.  We might read some of the stories of Christ and relate to Mary or Martha or the woman taken in adultery, or the rich young man.  When we consider our own lives, it is worthwhile to consider the position of someone else as well, especially if we can't initially understand their viewpoint.

Today, let's work on learning from God why each person is valuable and worthy of love, and let's jump in and recognize the amazing people around us, and love and lift them with mindfulness and mercy, as God does.

Hebrews 8:7-13 -- On Minds and Hearts and Covenants

"For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth bold is ready to vanish away."
Hebrews 8:7-13


This is kind of a long passage, but I think it includes a more complete idea this way, of the old covenant and the new covenant, and I like the idea here that God will be merciful to our unrighteousness... as humans throughout history..., and is still willing to work with us, and loves us enough to offer us a new and better covenant, and work with us so that we can still improve and become all that he knows that we can be.

I don't know everything involved here of course, but to me the whole idea of not having to teach each other sounds sort of like the Millennium, with the whole earth just infused with the spirit of the Lord.  That's something we can have a piece of now though too.  We can teach and help each other, but true conversion only comes through God, and that personal experience with him.  It takes work of course, but that is the only way, and as we study and pray, and work to learn about and get to know God, we grow closer to that absolute conviction that it talks about here, where God's laws are part of our minds and hearts.

It seems to me that recent events are encouraging us in this direction as well.  The focus on home-centered church, and being without the weekly habit of church to lean on, I think we really have to internalize things more than perhaps we have before... and it is really good for us, if we are acting on that, because we aren't just observers in this process anymore... our minds and our hearts are being infused with that dedication to the Lord that we need to fulfil our side of the new covenant.

Today, let's work on filling our minds and our hearts with God and his law, and looking forwards to the incredibly awesome consequences of that, and the rest of what God has in store for us as we walk his path.

John 1:35-41 -- On Finding Treasure

"Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."

John 1:35-41

This reminds me of 3 Nephi when the people had seen the Christ and they "did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself..." (3 Nephi 19:3).  ... I think overall the idea shared among the two selections is that the discovery of the Savior is so amazing that you immediately want to share it with those that you love.

And really, think about that.  When we find a new group or show or book or place that we love, we want to share it.  Typically, even our favorite thing just isn't quite as good if we can't share it or talk about it with someone.

In so many ways, that's what God is... and more, of course, but definitely that delightful thing that we find that is so surpassingly good that we want everyone else to have it too.  No wonder Andrew left John the Baptist to follow Jesus, and no wonder he told his brother.  This is that treasure that we sell all that we have to get (Matthew 13:44).

Sometimes our devotion to this best thing means that we don't have as much time to dedicate to other people, like Andrew had less time for John the Baptist, and sometimes it means that we actually have to give up something, like the woman taken in adultery was asked to do, or even Martha who was worried about other things.  When we find something this good, it has to move to the top of the list, and other things are going to move down or fall off the list entirely, and that's okay.  It's us making our lives what we truly want, and valuing things properly.

We get into trouble sometimes when we freeze up and can't make choices.  We can't let go of things, which might lead to hoarding, and might also lead to spiritual paralysis.  As we read in Joshua, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve," and if we're frozen and unable to make that choice, then we're in trouble, because there is no neutrality here.  Not choosing God is by default choosing something else to come first in our lives--even if it is only our own uncertainty.

Today, to shake ourselves out of uncertainty and to help ourselves make a definite and positive choice, let's get on our knees before the Lord and tell him all that we're concerned about and whatever is holding us back.  As we trust God, and learn more about him, he will help us to see through the confusion, to see the true value of the gospel in our lives, and help us to let go of lesser things, claiming the treasure of God and his gospel in our lives, and the privilege of sharing it with others. :)

D&C 61:20 -- On Starting Over

"I, the Lord, was angry with you yesterday, but today mine anger is turned away."
Doctrine and Covenants 61:20


I like the idea of being able to start over, and I think in general that is what this is about... and what the whole idea of repentance is about.  ... And truly, it is amazing that even though we have made mistakes and done bad things, that the Lord still loves us and gives us another chance without holding any of that against us... just honestly helping us to learn how to change and become better.

Today, let's remember that no matter who or what we have been, even if our relationship with God has been strained, God is willing to forgive and allow us to start over.  Let's take advantage of that, and also we willing to forgive ourselves and work on changing and doing better.

Let's also extend this same idea to others, letting go of past mistakes or bad feelings and giving other people a chance to start over when they are trying to do better as well.

1 Corinthians 13:9-12 -- On Faith in the Future

"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

1 Corinthians 13:9-12

I like the idea of progression here, comparing growing from a child to an adult to the transition of earthly life to heavenly life... I think it is a good reminder that there are many things that we won't be able to understand completely until we get there, but as with the analogy, there are many things that we can learn and can prepare for, if we stick with the advice of God/our parents.

I think it also reminds us to not invest our whole selves and sense of being into the incomplete present, because even though we can't see clearly now, there is so much more to come.  Faith is important in this, just as it is when we are young, and we have to trust that things get better, and that someday we will be big the way we want to be.  God promises us all that he has, and that there is eternal life and goodness beyond imagining that God is preparing for us.  In the world, we get tastes of it.  We get glimpses of the possibility, but as it says, we are seeing through a glass, darkly, and the real promise of it is beyond our understanding other than just the shadow and the spirit... we know it is there, but we have to trust God about how truly perfect it will be for all of us.

Today, let's open our minds to the truth of the future that God offers us, so that we don't idealize our limited and lesser present.  If we can retain faith and hope in a better and glorious future, then we can work for it, and eventually get there.

Hebrews 13:3 -- On Remembrance and Compassion

"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."
Hebrews 13:3

I like this because it is basically telling us to empathize and feel compassion for other people's challenges, as though they were our own.  ... I think that is what Christ did and does for all of us, and though it is a challenging thing to put into practice, for sure, it is also something that teaches us how to love.  Getting to know people well enough that we can understand their pain and their fears is something that I imagine would be very, very hard to do without also learning to love them.

Today let's remember people that are in bondage, and that are suffering, and let's consider those challenges as though they were our own.  Let's learn about other people and think of them as though we ourselves were in a similar situation... and as we work to do that, let's also work to assist people with their challenges and to do what we can to heal others and end their pain.  As we do, God will help us, and grant us greater access to his power so that we have an increased ability to make a difference for good in people's lives.

D&C 50:8 -- On Overcoming or Being Overcome

"But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world."

Doctrine and Covenants 50:8

In John 16:33 we learn that Christ overcame the world, but here we read about those who are overcome instead... which doesn't seem like a good thing.  It's an interesting idea though because we don't usually frame our choices by thinking about them that way... by either triumphing over the world, or losing to it.  Clearly though, that is how *God* frames at least some of our lives and decisions... so maybe a good thing to at least consider.  Running away from God isn't leading us to freedom or triumph, but rather serious loss, and perhaps allowing the natural man or our raw desires and passions to overcome our spirits, or the good parts of ourselves.

Today, let's try to think about things from God's perspective and figure out whether we are overcoming or being overcome... or in other words are we letting our bodies or our spirits take the driver's seat in our lives?  And if we are allowing our spirits to be overcome, then let's rethink and repent and change the shape of our lives into something that will help the best part of ourselves survive.

Proverbs 6:6 -- On Ants

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."

Proverbs 6:6

This reflects another idea that came across in conference this year I think... the idea of preparation.  Even though God doesn't remind us every day about this, it is something that we should know, and that we learn by doing.  When we prepare beforehand, things usually go better... just like when we pray at the start of each day, or consistently read our scriptures.  They don't seem like huge things when we're doing them, but over time we build up a solid relationship with God and contact with the Spirit, and over time we learn more about the scriptures, and it is easier for them to pop into our minds at appropriate times.  God works with what we have, and what we have learned. :)

Today, let's be like ants. :)  Let's not sit around until God prompts us to do something, but let's be anxiously engaged in preparing and living and loving the people around us, and doing those small things that help us to be ready for the future.  The more we give God to work with, the more he can inspire us and the more we can learn.

Alma 60:11 -- On Thrones and Talents

"Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain."
Alma 60:11


This is a good reminder that we have to take action in our lives in order to make things happen and get to the happy ending.  It's like the parable of the talents (beginning in Matthew 25:14).  We can't just bury what we have in the dirt and expect that to be enough.  Coasting, or staying the same... that isn't why we're here.  We need to build on what we have, become more than we are--take advantage of this time on earth to learn and to grow, and to lift and help others.

I think part of the idea is also to understand others as well... if we follow Christ's path, that is something that was part of every action he took in his mortal existence.  He reached out to others who were different and who were sinners and outsiders and in popular and unpopular careers, and who had different views of the political intricacies of the time, etc.  And he loved them all, and invited them all to come unto him.

Today, let's get off of our thrones and reach out and make a difference.  Let's take action and do good.  It might not be easy to do so in more traditional ways right now, but let's not let that stop us.  Let's reach out in nontraditional ways, and find ways to touch lives and to learn and grow and become more like Christ.

2 Nephi 1:21 -- On Becoming United

"And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;"
2 Nephi 1:21


I like Lehi's advice to his sons here, specifically the phrase "...be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things...."  I think that this last conference had a theme going on about preparation for the Second Coming, and one of the most important parts of that is working towards unity rather than divisiveness.

In Alma we read about a time in Nephite history where they were politically divided, which caused a lot of problems, and it mentions that all of these things could have been avoided "if we had united our strength as we hitherto have done" rather than "contending among ourselves" (Alma 60:16).  And it strikes me that we all fall into that trap at one time or another... both as individuals and as societies.

D&C 38:27 reminds us that we need to be one.  God wants us to solve problems in this world together, learning how to be a part of something great and recognizing that everyone has something to offer, and that we are all needed.  We can't build Zion by uplifting some and dismissing others... we have to find a place for everyone.  Psalms 84:10 also reminds us that being a doorkeeper in the house of God is better than a luxurious life elsewhere.  It doesn't matter where God asks us to serve--the idea is to serve well wherever we are, helping the whole intricate mess of all of us work together well, and improving the lives that we touch... and when we all do that, then we become unified, all working for the good of each other rather than trying to "win."

Today, let's think about unity and becoming a Zion society, and how that overall goal might turn us towards God a little bit more and provide different ways for us to contribute and find happiness.  I don't think that it means we can't have some personal goals as well--God will help us know how to fit those things together where it is possible--but maybe the idea of unity, with God and with the people around us, will help us learn more about how to be Zion people. :)

Ezekiel 20:3 -- On Inquiring of the Lord

"Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you."
Ezekiel 20:3

Out of context, this verse kind of makes it seem as though the Lord is intolerant of questions, and doesn't want people inquiring about his will.  Reading the chapter though, and putting it into the context of the other things that the Lord says on the subject, I think that our minds, hearts, and intentions are what is at issue here, and not just asking questions.

God loves us and wants us to grow and learn from him, and in that context he welcomes questions... he wants us to be curious about the world and the things in it and to ask him about things and to figure out how things fit together within his creations.

What gets us into trouble often is when we treat God as though he were a fallible human and we question his decisions.  The questions that he isn't going to listen to are the prideful ones that we ask, saying in essence "Hey, God, I think you got this one wrong, because *I* would have done it better.  You obviously screwed up and don't actually love or care about anyone involved--care to try to justify yourself?"

God isn't going to answer that kind of question because our own pride is getting in the way.  Instead of asking God to help us understand his reasoning (which he is willing to do) so that we can learn and come to peace with the decision, we are instead assuming that he is wrong, and asking him to prove himself--and there is no answer to that but enough patient silence so that we can realize our error and humble ourselves enough to reframe the question.  Otherwise we won't be able to hear an answer anyway over the sound of our own egos.

Today, let's not be scared of inquiring of the Lord, but let's instead avoid assuming that God is wrong.  He isn't... and when we have a problem with his decisions, then we need to figure out how *we're* wrong, or how our perspective needs to be informed further to see the whole picture.  Let's work on having enough faith to remember that God knows what he is doing, and as we do so, then we'll be able to be in tune enough with the Spirit to hear the answers to our questions.

Zechariah 13:9 -- On Being God's People

"And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God."
Zechariah 13:9


This is talking about the Second Coming, and although the refining part sounds tough... that refining is largely what our lives are about, and I think one of the main goals of this life is to also finally get to a point where we are on the same page with the Lord, both acknowledging our roles, as people and God.  So, I think it is actually a triumphant idea, at least for those that it applies to, to get to that point and to be purified and truly one of God's own because of the things that they have learned through their trials and the choices that they have made to join themselves to the Lord.

Today, let's be willing to work on this ourselves, understanding that the refining process of our lives isn't meant to be easy, but rather to cleanse us of our impurities and to come out cleaner and stronger an purer.  Let's go to the Lord and recognize that relationship in our lives, as God and people, and have faith in acting accordingly, following our God and being willing to be taught and to gather and help each other, as his people.

3 Nephi 26:3-5 -- On Standing Before God

"And he did expound all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory—yea, even all things which should come upon the face of the earth, even until the elements should melt with fervent heat, and the earth should be wrapt together as a scroll, and the heavens and the earth should pass away;
And even unto the great and last day, when all people, and all kindreds, and all nations and tongues shall stand before God, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
If they be good, to the resurrection of everlasting life; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation; being on a parallel, the one on the one hand and the other on the other hand, according to the mercy, and the justice, and the holiness which is in Christ, who was before the world began."

3 Nephi 26:3-5

Standing before God is a sobering thought, and the juxtaposition of the resurrection of eternal life and the resurrection of damnation is dramatic in an interesting way.  Either way, we are resurrected and live forever, but the quality of that life is what is at issue... and we are reminded that a lot of things are involved in that decision, including justice and mercy and holiness.

We read elsewhere in the scriptures about the law of restoration, and that we get back what we put into life... if we are kind, we receive kindness, and all things are restored as we offer them.  ... That actually is super scary to those of us who have done cruel things and made bad choices, which is all of us.  Thankfully that is where Christ comes in.  Because of his atonement, mercy tempers justice, and we have many chances to change and repent before standing before God as is discussed here.

Today, let's remember what we're here to learn and do... graduating to an eternity that we showed that we wanted by our actions... and let's do our best to choose life rather than damnation, now and always.  ... And when we don't, let's repent and try again, as many times as it takes.  Surely Eternal Life is worth that effort. :)

D&C 108:7-8 -- On Blessings All Around

"Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.

And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 108:7-8

Two great ideas here... strengthening the people around us in all of our doings, and God's motivation to bless and deliver us forever.  Both infinitely positive things.

Today, I'm wondering if we could just focus on that... strengthening and supporting the people around us.  I think if we remember that as a goal today that it will make a difference in how we approach the day and in how we act and what we can accomplish.

It's also good to remember that God is always on our side, trying to lift and help *us* as we draw near to him and work to listen and learn.

If we're on everyone's side and on God's side, and he is on our side, then "who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). :)

Helaman 5:51 -- On Dropping Weapons and Hatred

"And as many as were convinced did lay down their weapons of war, and also their hatred and the tradition of their fathers."
Helaman 5:51


This is an interesting melding of the physical and spiritual as well.  Conversion to the gospel of Christ helped these people not only change their actions, but they changed their minds.

I think that we can do the same, with God's help.  We can become new both inside and out, letting go of our weapons *and* our hatred as they did... or whatever other bad external and internal choices that we've been making. :)

Today, let's be willing to let go of our negative actions and our negative emotions.   Let's be willing to do good and not evil to the people around us, both physically and spiritually.  Let's be willing to let go of our old selves and learn from God how to be the best selves we can be going forward.

Mosiah 3:19 -- On Inherent Division

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
Mosiah 3:19


We sometimes talk about people being inherently good or inherently evil, often argued as the difference between the perspectives of optimists and pessimists, or perhaps as the difference between good and evil people.

The truth is though that we are both, and many of the things that we find are part of ourselves need to be discarded or at least changed as we learn more and strive for inner peace.  We can argue that any inclination is inborn... and we're probably right.  But those are the inclinations of the mortal body which, as it says, "is an enemy to God."  It's a given that sin is a natural part of our desires.  The challenge is to let the ALSO inborn part of us that is naturally good win.

Mortality is a time of internal struggle as we learn self-mastery and what desires and parts of ourselves we are going to keep and which we are going to discard. We are often at war within ourselves and we are going to have to solve that struggle in some way, either by letting one side smother the other, or else, with God's help, finding a unity and balance, learning to find righteous ways to satisfy our body's needs while satisfying our spiritual desires as well.

Today, let's work to conquer our inherent division.  Let's work with God to find balance and to make sure that we are feeding the spiritual side of ourselves, and not holding onto the bad side so much that we get stuck there, unable to let go or move forward.  Let's find a way to not be enemies, with God OR with the internal parts of ourselves, but instead find God's way to wholeness and peace. :)

1 Nephi 3:5 -- On the Requirements of the Lord

"And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord."
1 Nephi 3:5


This is Lehi talking to his son Nephi about going back to Jerusalem to get the plates from Laban.  Laman and Lemuel were complaining about their father's requirements, when actually it was the Lord's requirement.

And I think maybe we all do that sometimes.  We complain about things instead of accepting the will of the Lord.  And that isn't to say that the Lord wants us to suffer or something... but he does want us to learn.  It's kind of like a parent with a child, knowing they are going to go through some pain learning to deal with social situations, attend college, or learn to drive.  God isn't going to save us from pain by taking away those challenges.  We need them so that we can learn to navigate life.  He will be with us to comfort us and help us try again every time we fail though. :)

Our challenges, like the one that the sons of Lehi faced, are often hard.  We're going to be rejected, we might be threatened or robbed.  Our lives may be at risk... but if we accept our challenges as the Lord's will rather than railing against them, perhaps our perspective will change, and we will find the lesson, the hope, the joy, and the power to overcome them.

Today, let's do as the Lord requires, and face what is before us.  Let's do our best, and pray for guidance and help with the things we don't know how to handle.  Like he helped Nephi, our Heavenly Father will also help us and lead us in finding a way to accomplish whatever he requires.

Helaman 11:34 -- On Evil and Remembrance

"Now this great evil, which came unto the people because of their iniquity, did stir them up again in remembrance of the Lord their God."
Helaman 11:34


This verse strikes me because I think when we run into evil, we often give up or deflate.  We don't know how to deal with it, and we just want to avoid or run away... even if it is caused by us, which is a lot harder to run away from.

I like the idea here that what evil *should* do is stir up our remembrance of God... remind us of the supreme power of good, and how much we need God's positive influence in our lives.

Today, as we face evil and hardship and confusion, let's turn to God and remember that he is the source of our hope and the solution to all evil.

Deuteronomy 27:18 -- On Misleading the Blind

"Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Deuteronomy 27:18


Reading this today, it seemed weird to me that anyone would purposely lead astray someone that was blind... but then I thought how prevalent scams are, which are basically the same thing, just symbolically, preying upon people in their ignorance... trying to trick people into clicking on something so you can charge them money to get back what you stole... I mean these are quite similar things, and so I guess in a lot of ways it really isn't that strange... but it is still quite evil.

Maybe none of us reading this are involved in something so clearly wrong as trying to make a blind person lose their way, but let's make sure that we aren't shaming others for their limitations or trying to lead them astray in other ways as well.

Let's also remember that misleading the blind is *exactly* what Satan is all about, with us as the blind people.  Today let's work on following God, who leads us beside the still waters and restores our souls rather than encouraging us to lose our way... and let's do everything we can to help others find their way to him as well.

Alma 5:7 -- On Inner Change

"Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them."
Alma 5:7


This is part of Alma retelling the story of some of the subjects of wicked king Noah who repented and turned to the Lord. 

I really like this scripture because I think that it shows a major way that God works with us... according to our wills, as much as we allow him in, he helps us change ourselves into something better... who we want to be and who he knows that we can be.  We work with God on changing the world BY changing ourselves, not by forcing change on others.

God works from the inside out, though of course we don't have to become perfect before we reach out to assist others... just the first step is always reaching out to him, and learning to make that connection so that we can receive more guidance.

Today, let's reach out to God. Let's focus on what we can do to change and improve, and ask God to help us with it.  He will.