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

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

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

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

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

1 Timothy 2:1-4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 12:29-32

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alma 12:8-11

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

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

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

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

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

2 Nephi 31:16

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

D&C 46:7

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

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

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

Luke 22:19 -- On Giving Thanks and Remembrance

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

Luke 22:19

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

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

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

Ephesians 5:4 -- On Communicating and Giving Thanks

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

Ephesians 5:4

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

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

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

Romans 14:13 -- On Helping rather than Harming

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

Romans 14:13

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

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

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

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

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

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God."

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 2:14 -- On Triumph in Christ

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

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

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

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

Mark 14:11 -- On Convenience and Prioritization

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

Mark 14:11

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Psalms 6:1-2 -- On Doing Homework

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

Psalms 6:1-2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants 98:1-2

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

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

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

Matthew 13:13 -- On Parables

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

Matthew 13:13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 5:12-13

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

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

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

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

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

John 14:18 -- On Letting God In

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

John 14:18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants 45:22-23

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

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

Revelation 21:4 -- On Happy Eternities to Come

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

Revelation 21:4

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

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

Genesis 3:17 -- On Curses and Hardships

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

Genesis 3:17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hebrews 10:11-14

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

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

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

3 Nephi 1:29 -- On Growing Up

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image by Mateusz F. from Pixabay

Ezekiel 17:24

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

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

Nahum 3:14 -- On Preparation and Prayer

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

Nahum 3:14

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 8:13 -- On Fear and Hate and Changing Hearts

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate."

Proverbs 8:13

We hear about the fear of the Lord in many places throughout the scriptures, but here it is defined.  I like that the idea here isn't what we usually associate with the word fear... it isn't about being afraid of God, but about hating evil, which is also interesting, because "hate" isn't usually a word we associate with the gospel either.  I think what it means is a respect for God, who is the embodiment of everything good, and avoiding everything bad... because evil is everything that is against God.

Today, let's hold on to the Lord, and reject everything that is evil... and not just reject it behaviorally, but let's get God's help with changing our hearts and learning to also not want anything that is against the Lord.