Proverbs 1:30-33 -- On Hearkening to the Lord and the Curse of Our Own Way

"They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."
Proverbs 1:30-33

This seems like a good reminder for the end of the year.  Eating the fruit of our own ways and being filled with our own devices is basically a curse here, because left to ourselves we tend to not do too well.  Even things that seem great aren't going to work out well when we're not listening to the Lord.

This year, as we are turning over new leaves and endeavoring to make real changes in our lives, let's do this one thing and hearken to the Lord.  As we do, he promises us safety and quietness in some good ways, and just learning to listen to God and tune into that frequency more often I think is one of the greatest changes that we can make in our lives... something that will really make a difference and help us to have a better year. :)

Psalms 102:16-20 -- On Prayers and Groanings

"When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord.
For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;"

Psalms 102:16-20


There are a lot of scriptures about the Lord caring for the poor and for prisoners, and perhaps that is something we should pause to consider... the difference between the way that our society treats those groups of people and the way that the Lord wishes them to be treated.  

Today, let's think about what we can do to make the lives of those specific groups better, and of course not neglect everyone else. :)  And let's be confident that the Lord also hears *our* prayers and groanings when we are suffering and in need.

Zechariah 2:1 -- On Measuring Up

"I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand."

Zechariah 2:1

This made me think about the way that God deals with us.  I think often he just measures our lives rather than judging them.  He shows us the facts and figures, allowing us to draw our own conclusions and improve.

Today, let's be grateful for the way that God measures our lives, and let's be willing to "measure up" by improving our lives with that feedback.

Matthew 7:3 -- On Obstructed Vision

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

Matthew 7:3

This is a really good principle... the idea is to take a look at our own lives rather than the lives of others. Fix ourselves rather than trying to fix them. :)  The implication is that our own problems are a lot bigger than the ones that we are nitpicking others about. :)  Perhaps we do that as a distraction from our own gigantic problems, but God asks us to face our own faults before trying to address the faults of others. Seems like a really healthy idea too... I think we hurt ourselves *and* others frequently when we do things the other way around.

Today, let's address our own behavior patterns and attitude problems rather than those of others.  Let's get those beams out of our eyes, and then, in some far future date when we've managed that, and we no longer have obstructed vision, then we can start considering those motes. :)

D&C 58:6-9 -- On Reasons

"Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you—that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come;

And also that you might be honored in laying the foundation, and in bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand;

And also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail;

Yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all nations shall be invited."

Doctrine and Covenants 58:6-9

It's interesting to read about the reasons God has for things, and what God has in mind.  These verses are specifically about sending some people to Jackson County, Missouri, but I think this is all also something that we can be a part of... building Zion.

I love the idea of laying the foundation of Zion, and also in being a part of the fulfillment of lifting people up so that there will always be "no poor among them" (Moses 7:18).  I also like that one of the purposes mentioned is obedience... we probably all need to work on that at least a little.

Today, let's be part of the amazing works of God.  Let's get our hearts prepared for what is to come, and be ready to bear testimony and offer a reason for hope.  Let's also be part of lifting each other up, and eradicating poverty.  Let's be part of the Zion ideal and ensure that everyone is provided for.

2 Nephi 26:25 -- On Invitations

"Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price."

2 Nephi 26:25

This verse is comforting in terms of knowing that God still loves us and wants us in his life and in the church.  Even when we've sinned, God still loves us and invites us to come unto him.  Let's remember that God gives us the chance to improve and to learn to be better than we are.  Today, let's take him up on the offer. :)  

1 Samuel 2:9 -- On Prevailing

"He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail." 1 Samuel 2:9 I like the idea here that we can't succeed through strength alone because the Lord is in charge. Let's look to the Lord for guidance and cultivate our relationship with deity as we consider how to prevail in life. :)

Luke 2:11 -- On the Central Role of Christ

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11

I don't think that we fully realize how big of a deal Christ's life was and is.  It's hard to see it in the gospel context of being the central event of all human history.  Without him, nothing works.  Today, as we move forward celebrating the birth and life of Christ, let's remember the pivotal role that Christ had in human history,  and make sure we are allowing him to similarly play the central role in our lives.

Proverbs 6:22-23 -- On The Light of Law

"When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:"
Proverbs 6:22-23

Thinking about this today... the idea that commandments are light and guidance and a path--maps for our spiritual progress--rather than restrictions and limitations that inhibit us.  God's law is a way in the darkness, helping us to find hope after the terror of being lost.

Today, let's allow the commandments to speak to us and set boundaries and fences around us to keep us safe, and to keep us from running headlong off the cliff, which we are unfortunately wont to do.  Let's see the law as friends that are helping rather than enemies we have to find some way to undermine. :)  Let's trust God and walk in the light of his way.

Alma 22:13-14 -- On Stings and Hope

"And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.

And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king."

Alma 22:13-14

I like this little summary of the atonement, and the idea that "the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory."  That seems true about everything that Christ does for us, and perhaps extra meaningful this year as we celebrate the birth of the Savior.  Death does sting, and so do so many other things that we go through on earth as we struggle through trying to figure out who we are, who we want to be, and learn more about God and about this life.  ... And Christ can take the sting out of all of it, no matter how awful or painful, and make us new and perfect through his mercy in giving us the ability to repent and redo. :)

Today, let's remember Christ and all he did for us, and let's work on going to him and allowing Christ's hope to engulf us and blot out the sting of everything else as we are welcomed into his arms.

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7 -- On Choosing Experience

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7

The idea here that "all these things" shall be for our good is more than conciliation.  I think God is teaching us something about life.  Too often we fall into the trap of thinking that if we are doing things right that we won't have any trials... but that is very far from the case.  God could give us lives with fewer struggles, but he knows that the struggles that he *is* giving us are the ones that will lead us to becoming more amazing and awesome than we would learn to be without challenges.  These things are designed for our good.

What it comes down to, like most other things, is just whether we trust God or not.  If we do, then we'll understand that whatever is before us is there for a good reason, and that facing it and overcoming or enduring it will help prepare us for the future.

Not that any of us love trials, given.  I don't particularly want to learn how to love cockroaches right now, and I think we all have those specific things that we would like to avoid. :)  Perhaps rather than just praying to avoid trials though, we could have a conversation with God about it.  If we're trying to learn a lesson actively in a different way, maybe a trial could be modified for us... just like prophets in the scriptures asked for a famine rather than a war.  God is willing to work with us about *how* we learn patience (and other things), but we still need the lesson.  Let's not try to pray away our learning opportunities, or expect that we can learn to become heavenly beings without trials.

Today, let's choose experience that will be for our good rather than trying to stay safe in our bubble wrap of comfort and habit.  It isn't always easy to choose to put ourselves out there and to learn to be vulnerable or know that we might fail or get criticized, but it is an expression of our trust in God to be out there, engaged and learning, willing to face new experiences and trials and to learn from them as part of the refining process. :)

Psalms 101:3 -- On Setting Aside Evil

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me."

Psalms 101:3

I like the idea here of not looking on evil things.  Of course we have to live in this world, and we're going to see evil things, but I think that the point of this verse is that we aren't doing it ourselves or looking for it.  We're working on keeping our minds and hearts clean.

I think we underestimate how much things can get to us and harm us and our outlook on life.  I'm not saying to bury our heads in the sand and just ignore all bad things, but I think we can curate what gets mental time a lot better and not let it "cleave" to us, for our own mental health as well as for our connection with God.  There's a reason why we can't feel the spirit in certain situations or contexts, and avoiding wickedness is part of cultivating our relationship with God.

Today let's look for the good and not the evil.  Let's cut some of the bad out and replace it with good, as the Lord directs. :)  As we do, I think that our relationship with God will improve, as well as our own anxiety levels.  Seeing the good in the world can remind us that things are going to be okay. :)

Proverbs 17:27-28 -- On Sparing Our Words

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
Proverbs 17:27-28

I like this good advice, to keep our mouths shut more often. :)

It's really tempting to speak up sometimes when we shouldn't... we want to be right, and we want to express our opinions, and we want other people to agree with us and to see/do things our way.  And it isn't bad to have opinions and know what we believe at all... but it is often wise to be silent as well, because it gives us time to listen and understand others rather than just trying to promote our own opinions, especially if there is contention involved (3 Nephi 11:29).

The other thing it helps us do is avoid saying the wrong thing... we all say stupid things sometimes that we don't even mean, but sometimes that we really do mean and only realize much later that were misinformed or cruel, and which we eventually regret saying.  Keeping our mouths shut more often lowers the possibility of putting our feet in there, and gives us time to consider other opinions and perspectives.  We all think that we're right, and the more we realize that we're sometimes mistaken, the easier it is to let go of a wrong opinion--especially when it conflicts with God's opinion. :)

I want to be clear that I am not asking anyone to be silent or not ask questions.  Diligent inquiry is what God asks of us, and a great way to learn.  Let's talk way more often to God... but let's also think about maybe saying less in any sort of argumentative situation, and even less than that in any way that could be interpreted as criticism.  Instead, let's keep our mouths shut a little more, be more positive, and love a lot more.  Let's process our words through our brains for a lot longer before we let any of them out through our mouths.  I think we'll be seen as a lot wiser, and maybe with time we really will be. :)

1 Kings 8:37-40 -- On Knowing the Plague of Our Hearts

"If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be;
What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:
Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)
That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."
1 Kings 8:37-40


There are several things here that stuck me, but I think my favorite is the juxtaposition of physical plague with knowing the plague of our own hearts.

During  this historical time of plague, we need to know our own hearts, and the plagues thereof, for ourselves.  This is important so that what we are spreading around us is a good thing rather than a bad thing--so that we are worried about how we stand before the Lord, or in other words our spiritual health, rather than being worried about the physical threats to our health.

Let's look to God and his temple and live according to what we believe and who we want to be (which is why we need to understand what that is).  As we draw closer to God, he will know our hearts as well, and bless us.

Acts 2:44-45 -- On Taking Care of Everyone

"And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." 

Acts 2:44-45


I love this idea of taking care of everyone. The common ownership part seems a little scary to me, but I think that is just because it is hard to trust people as opposed to God. If the system were being run by the church (rather than, say, the government), then I think it could work... but there would of course be hiccups along the way, and a lot of working through disagreements and unlearning so many things that we have learned in order to reimagine and relearn how to deal with ownership in order to live in that sort of society.  Worth learning, of course, so that we will be ready to live in that kind of Zion society someday.

Today, let's think of ways that we can be generous and care about the people around us, so that even though we aren't living with all things common, we can still move towards that Zionlike ideal of taking care of everyone.  Some ways to start are remembering our tithing and fast offerings, which really help others, especially around this time of year.  Let's talk to God about what we can do... and if we are in need, where we can get help. :)

Alma 29:5 -- On Choosing Joy or Remorse

"Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience."
Alma 29:5


I love the overall idea that we get what we want in the end... but reading about desiring "remorse of conscience" makes the whole thing a lot more complex than our usual "wish-fulfillment" types of fantasies. The type of desires that God is talking about aren't just the ones that we profess, but the ones that we live. The ones that are right down at the core of our being.

It's hard to understand why we, or anyone, would choose remorse if it were just a straight choice--but in actual practice, sometimes we do.  We choose bad habits, obsessions, and sins over alternatives, even when we know there are consequences.  Even though we'd of course rather have no consequences, we understand the repercussions and we choose them anyway.  Unfortunately, if we don't turn it around and repent of those character flaws, then those consequences that we are willing to live with will be the same ones we live with in the eternities... and we have to consider honestly, is that what we want?  Is it okay with us to get that habit or sin along with the consequences, or are we looking for something better, with no aftertaste of remorse?  If we are, then God can hook us up with his path. :)

I think one of the reasons that repentance can be challenging in many cases is exactly this--we really wanted to do that, and to repent, we not only have to not DO it, we also have to learn to not WANT it. Today, let's work on choosing things that we want long-term, and repenting of things that carry negative consequences that we don't want. To avoid that remorse of conscience thing, we have to take a really hard look at our lives and figure out what we want... which is pretty hard all by itself, but as with all things, it is something that God can help us with, if we ask. :) 

1 Peter 1:7-9 -- On Precious Trials

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:7-9

This is often something that we don't realize or can't really see until after the fact, but the idea that our trials are precious is an important one, as we grow in our faith and realize that God isn't our adversary, but our ally... and really, the best friend we could ever have.

The verse before this acknowledges that sometimes "for a season, if need be, [we] are in heaviness," but, as we typically only see in hindsight, the hard times in our lives often give us the impetus and motivation to grow and improve.  Times when we feel the most bereft can be the times when we learn to truly rely on God.  And that lesson, as well as others learned in similar ways, is precious, even though it was hard to learn.

Today, even if we are going through the "tried with fire" types of difficulties in our lives, let's keep in mind the lesson here... that with God's help, even the worst of our trials work together for our good, helping us to become better, more refined people.  Let's see them as precious, if we can, even while we are going through them, and talk with God about what we can learn.  As we do, perhaps our perspectives will change a little bit and we'll be able to be more patient with trials and more confident in God, as he shows us more of his plan for us as individuals.

Revelation 8:3-6 -- On Prayers and the Second Coming

"And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound."
Revelation 8:3-6


This chapter is talking about the opening of the seventh seal before the Second Coming... and let's just be clear up front... I honestly don't know what this all means. What struck me today was an idea about it though, that maybe the prayers of the saints were the reason for it, and at least part of why it was happening.

I was in Jerusalem for work several years ago, and the CEO of our company took us on a tour of several sites... and I remember while being there I got an overwhelming feeling of waiting and yearning for God's hand to come down and make things right... that it was something that was in people's minds and hearts and prayed for each day.  And I think that we all feel some of that... perhaps not in such a universal way, depending on the situation, but I think there are times when we all yearn for God to come and make things right in a world where so many things are wrong and broken.

God knows the perfect timing of course, but I can't imagine that he doesn't feel those prayers ascending up to him from the abused and the downtrodden and from every one of us when we are suffering... and even though he can't make everything right immediately without destroying the whole purpose of his creations, he *will* come and make things right eventually, and I think that is what these verses, and the whole Second Coming, is about.  It is God answering the prayers of his people in the right place and at the right time, and the destruction spoken of in the rest of the chapter is similar to the destruction in 3rd Nephi... a cleansing and a preparation for a new society forged directly under the hand of God.

Today, let's work to be instruments in God's hands to make things as right as we can now by walking in God's path and serving the people around us... and then let's raise our voices to heaven and pray for God to do what we cannot, in his time... which is part of how Christ taught us to pray in Luke 11:2, to ask for God's kingdom to be established and his will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven. :)  Let's remember that the Second Coming isn't just a scary thing to worry about in the future, but a glorious thing to look forward to, and an answer to all of our prayers.

1 Timothy 4:12 -- On Being Poster Children for God

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

The phrase here "an example of the believers" struck me today, and I think that if we actually think about what that means and we start putting it into practice, that itself could change our lives, and possibly the world.

We live in a world that seems to be becoming more and more polarized, with so many people unwilling to consider people "on the other side" brothers and sisters, or part of a larger whole, united in Christ.  ... And the world needs examples of that... of coming together and truly caring for one another and working for peace as children of God.

What if we are those examples right now?  Are we setting our lights on a hill and showing the world what God wants for each of us?  If so, let's keep at it, and maybe do even more.  And if not, then perhaps we need to rethink, and pray and learn and do the hard work of learning to be the Zion people that God wants us to be.

Today, let's talk the idea over with God, and ask him to help us learn to be examples of the believers.  Let's work on making sure that there are examples of kindness and caring out there in a world filled with anger and antagonism.  Everyone thinks that they are the good guys, but let's be better than choosing one side or another... let's be the poster children for doing things God's way. :)

1 Corinthians 12:21-26 -- On Unity and Value

"And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."
1 Corinthians 12:21-26

This is an interesting way of saying that we need to be united.  Using the analogy of a body, Paul explains that even though each part of our bodies is different and not all are attractive, all are essential, and we all suffer and rejoice together.  ... And we are like that.  We have different roles, different personalities, different gifts from God, but we are all essential to each other, and we need each other to build a Zion society... and maybe that is where we're currently broken, right?

We often think that we don't need other people in our lives... or at least *certain* other people.  Perhaps the ones on the other side of the political spectrum from us... or on the other side of a number of different spectra, but basically people who are unlike us we tend to think in many ways that we don't need around to disagree with us. :)  But right here God is telling us that we DO need those people, just as a body needs a brain and a heart.  Very different, but equally essential.

I wonder what would change if we really considered everyone essential.  That's back to the idea of loving others as we love ourselves, and building Zion.  Of course there would be no poor among us if we considered the poor people essential to us, right?  We would help them and lift them up so that they could do their essential part in our work that we are accomplishing together.  And honestly, isn't that why Christ died for us--?  Because he and the father considered us essential, despite the fact that they knew we were going to mess things up a lot.

The verse after this selection tells us that we are members of the body of Christ... one in him, working together for the whole.  Today, let's try to understand what that means, and perhaps work on the way that we value and love each other, no matter how different.

Proverbs 22:19-21 -- On the Certainty of the Words of Truth

"That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?" 

Proverbs 22:19-21


I like the phrase "the certainty of the words of truth."  ... One of the great things about God is that we don't have to doubt his word or wonder if it will actually happen, or if it is accurate.  God's word offers us confidence and certainty.

Now of course I don't mean that we shouldn't use our critical thinking skills when it comes to religion... only that, after we have learned the truth of God for ourselves (which he will teach us, or "make us know" as we seek him), we can exercise our brains in more fun and interesting ways.  Because we know that God's word is truth, we can be looking for how his words fit together in our lives, and how they will come to pass in the world, and what they mean for us in our own lives.  We can build on the foundation of our knowledge and progress.  Having his word as solidity in our lives helps us have an anchor that connects us to everything else.

Today, let's take what we already know of God and build on it, having faith and hope, and talking to God about how everything fits together.  Let's lay our foundations in the certainty of God's word.

Matthew 20:11-15 -- On Evil Eyes

"And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?"
Matthew 20:11-15


This is the ending to the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, and I think what is interesting to me is the statement "thou hast made them equal unto us," as though that were a bad thing, and then the correction from the householder, calling out the evil eye, or in other words, the perspective that wants things to be unbalanced as long as they are in our favor, but then turns around and asks for fairness/equality when we are "losing" in comparison with others.  To this type of thinking God says "ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal.  Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?" (Ezekiel 18:25, 29).

It's a really tough lesson to learn because we really honestly believe that some people are better than others... and we live in a social system that reinforces the idea that some people have more stuff because they have more "merit" than others, for various reasons.  And although this system seems perfectly valid to us (unless we are in the middle of a medical disaster or limited by our opportunities, etc.), since we were raised in it, there are some stark differences between the world's system and God's ideal of a Zion society.  Not saying that our system doesn't have a lot of good things about it, but there are a lot of poor things about it as well, which result in a lot of inequality.  And God tells us that we "are to be equal" (D&C 82:17), or at least "in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly" (D&C 70:14).

Today, let's learn to love more perfectly, and avoid having an evil eye and seeing other people's blessings as somehow diminishing us... or other people's tragedy as just repayment for character flaws, when we are all similarly flawed, albeit in different areas.  Let's be grateful that God is willing to save us, and save others, even though we're all different and all so very imperfect.

1 Corinthians 10:21 -- On Dining with Deity or Devils

"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils."
1 Corinthians 10:21


This is similar to what we hear elsewhere in the scriptures... we can't serve two masters, or in this case, eat over at two people's houses.  It is the Lord or devils, not both.  Following God means putting him first in our lives, and we can't put anything else first... our dedication to God dictates the rest of our priorities... and I'm sure the dinner conversation is immeasurably better as well.

I think this is a good thing for us to remember, because we so often try to put more than one thing at the top, or fit something before God.  That initial prioritization solves a lot of other problems for us, if we allow it to.  Today, let's work on that, making sure we aren't trying to share the spotlight or divide our loyalty to God with anyone or anything else.  Let's eat with God. :)

1 Thessalonians 5:19 -- On Quenching and Quietness

"Quench not the Spirit."
1 Thessalonians 5:19


In this context, quench is synonymous with "extinguish," so in other words we shouldn't drive the spirit away, and that idea, of living so that we can always have the spirit with us, is our quest for the ideal life.

Not that it is always easy of course.  God gives us tons of clues in scripture and some very clear guidance in our lives, but because it is something we feel, we at least partially have to learn it over time by finding out what things draw the spirit and what things drive it away.

Because we don't always know, then the admonition is telling us not to do it on purpose, and basically also asking us to learn what will drive the spirit away so that we don't. :)

Today, let's learn more about the Spirit in our lives, and welcome it in rather than driving it away.  Let's have enough quietness of soul to make sure that we can hear God when he talks to us, and that we are open to his inspiration in our lives.

2 Peter 1:14-16 -- On Faith and Fables

"Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty."


I like the idea of "putting off" a tabernacle and working towards the future that will happen after your death... leaving a legacy.  I also love that it is the way that Jesus Christ showed him.

Today let's remember that death is just another step along the path, and Christ showed us the way, even there.  Let's have faith knowing that Christ isn't a fable, but an eternal, glorious reality.

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 -- On Mortality and Eternal Life

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life."

2 Corinthians 5:1-4

I like the idea here that we are homesick for heaven, wanting to escape mortality and get back to eternity.  ... Not that we need to rush that, mind you, or that we don't have plenty to accomplish in this life, but I really love that death isn't a dark portal to an unwanted future, but rather a passage to a better world that we want to return to.  I love that it isn't something that we need to be afraid of, but something that can bless us with peace and fill us with joy, despite the earthly sorrow we feel at the temporary absence of our loved ones who pass on.

Today, let's remember that with God mortality can be swallowed up with life... that because Christ rose again, life won against death, and he grants that blessing to us all... a guarantee that we will live again, and a real way back not just to immortality, but to eternal happiness through God's plan and the strait and narrow path laid before us by Christ.  Let's take the opportunities that Christ has given us and walk that path back to God, to be part of the triumph of life.

D&C 121:13 -- On Corrupted Hearts

"Also because their hearts are corrupted, and the things which they are willing to bring upon others, and love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves to the very uttermost;"

Doctrine and Covenants 121:13

This is about people who persecute prophets, but it seems like something that it could be wise for all of use to keep in mind, because we are all going to face a similar restoration from God.  Whatever we are willing to do to others and to see others experience, whether that is good or bad, is going to come back to us, perhaps much more strongly.  Like so many other things in the gospel and in life, that can be a blessing or a curse, and it depends on our choices.

Today, let's examine our hearts, and make sure they aren't corrupted, and that we aren't going to bring upon ourselves something that we don't want, and shouldn't be wishing upon others... and hey, let's start wishing for some positive things for others and caring for them as well. :)

Galatians 5:22-26 -- On Fruits of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."
Galatians 5:22-26

I like this last part of the chapter... in much of the first part, Paul talks to the people about a lot of things that they shouldn't do, and I like that he follows up with advice about how to recognize the spirit and find good things to work on.

I also like the idea that these good things are kind of like calorie-free snacks or something.  No side effects or consequences... "against such there is no law," right?  So, if we learn those things then we can have plenty of things to practice that don't offend the spirit and can't get us in trouble. :)  (Although of course we have to be careful to understand what God's definition of those things are.)

Today, let's embrace the fruits of the Spirit and work to draw closer to God in our lives, engaging in good things that can't get us into trouble. :)

Luke 4:38-39 -- On Prayer and the Power to Heal

"And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them."

Luke 4:38-39

I like the idea of being able to rebuke a fever, and of God having power to heal and make us whole in every way.  I think these are things that we still have access to through priesthood blessings--and although God's timing and will is often different from our own, I wonder if, sometimes... or perhaps often, the only thing holding us back from these blessings is that we don't ask.

Sometimes we don't ask because we just don't think of it, or maybe we don't have faith that we and God are on the same page about the outcome we desire.  I think in every case though, it is worth taking to the Lord initially in prayer and talking to him about it, and seeing how he directs us... those opportunities to feel his inspiration can help us to feel better about things either way.

Today, let's go to God about the things that we need healed in our lives, whether they are physical ailments or emotional, mental, or spiritual.  Let's ask him what he wants and seek his advice about what to do.  Miracles can happen... whether they are healing or being able to find comfort.  Let's give God the chance to help us by going to him and asking.

Matthew 17:1-3 -- On Seeing Beyond This Life

"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him."

Matthew 17:1-3

This is awesome.  There are stories in the modern world about "seeing dead people" and ghost hunting and such, but this account isn't about ectoplasm or mixing the streams or being haunted... just about being able to talk to people who are beyond the veil, on the other side of death.  Since we know that God is eternal and is granting us also eternal life, it doesn't seem that strange to realize that there are people that still exist even though we can't see them.  It's like a spiritual version of object permanence that we need to learn even though we already learned that concept physically as children.

If we pray, we are already functionally reaching beyond the veil in talking with God, and I love the idea of being able to chat with awesome people we're read about, including Moses and Elias.  Wouldn't it be cool to have their advice on things?  I love that idea of knowing that everyone we love that has died, plus all of the people we ever wanted to talk to from history... they are all just barely beyond this life, and that it is a blessing that God is willing to provide in special circumstances.

Today, let's remember that death isn't even close to the end, and that all of us have a future beyond this life.  Let's keep in touch with God, and stay in tune with the spirit, so that we can feel those times when the veil is thin, especially in the temple.

Alma 40:5 -- On Rising Toward Eternity

"Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case—that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead."

Alma 40:5

This is Alma, talking to his son Corianton, sharing some information and hoping to encourage him to make better choices.  I love that one of the things that he shares us just the fact that all of us are going to rise from the dead.  I think just the fact that we are all going to have life beyond mortal life is a huge truth, and something that can help us change our perspectives about what is important.

One of the things that it might have helped Corianton realize is that living only for today is (by definition) shortsighted.  God does want us to "seize the day" ... every day, and to live fully and deeply.  It isn't about living a boring life.  It is the fact that all of this is leading up to a glorious eternity, and learning how to be the person that can return to God and lay hold upon the blessings of eternity means we need to start cramming knowledge into our heads and find other better things to do than sin, which just poisons the water and makes overcoming ourselves and taking the next step harder.

Today, let's let the idea of eternity sink in, and let it change the way we think about things.  Let's value God more and temporary things less.  Let's look beyond our current anxieties and have faith in the glorious (and eternal) future that God has promised to all that come unto him.