Jeremiah 17:21-22 -- On Learning to Rest from our Burdens

"Thus saith the Lord; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;
Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers."
Jeremiah 17:21-22


I like the idea of no burdens on the sabbath.  As with so many other things, I think this commandment is there to help us learn to rest from our burdens, not to burden us further.  The Sabbath helps us to get our heads on straight, take some time to re-evaluate, place spirit over body, practice putting God first in small ways, etc.  

Everything God asks us to do is to help us become our best selves.  Today, let's remember to set aside our burdens and take time for God, especially on the Sabbath, but also a good reminder for every day, to take some time to talk to God, burden-fee and willing to do his will.

Psalms 91:9-10 -- On Homes and Centers

"Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."
Psalms 91:9-10


I love the message here, which is basically if we make God our home, nothing can harm us.

I think this fits in with so many other verses about God, all urging us to put him first, make him the anchor of our lives, etc.  .... Because if we build on that foundation, what can shake us?  Other things will fall apart, but never God.  Today, let's make sure he is set as our home and the center of our lives.  With him, we cannot be shaken.

Proverbs 20:17 -- On Avoiding Gravel-Mouth

"Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel."
Proverbs 20:17


We blame God for it a lot, but when we meet the consequences of our actions, the truth of it is that God tried to turn us aside and help us avoid the taste of gravel mouth (and worse). He's all about helping us, lifting us, and saving us, even from ourselves, but we have to be willing to work with him, and to gather to him. 

So often we refuse God's offer, thinking that we know better or that we can stand on our own, not realizing that we're toddlers before God, throwing the equivalent of pointless temper tantrums because we want so many things that we can't have or even understand yet.

Today, let's avoid gravel-mouth and worse consequences by listening to and trusting God, who helps us to avoid negative consequences where he can, and weather them where we need to learn.  He truly loves us, and trusting him will save us a lot of pain (and bad taste). :)

Proverbs 19:17 -- On Lending to the Lord

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
Proverbs 19:17


I love the idea here of lending to the Lord, and such a clear message that God will absolutely pay us back when we are generous to the poor. God asks us to "not spend money for that which is of no worth" (2 Nephi 9:51), but here he encourages our spending. :) 

Today, let's have faith and take this to heart, being more generous than we have been, uplifting and enriching those who are in need, trusting in God that our actions will not lead us into poverty, but will instead be be restored, allowing us to continue to do God's will in this.

Jeremiah 30:22 -- On Being God's People

"And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."
Jeremiah 30:22


This is an idea that we hear several times in the scriptures, and I think it is really cool when God expresses that he basically just wants to have a relationship with us.  It's kind of like the hen and the chicken analogy that he uses sometimes, for instance "...how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings..." (3 Nephi 10:4).  All of these things seem to be expressing how much God loves us, and wants to shelter and take care of us.  Even though he allows us to resist his help, it saddens him when we walk away from him and make life harder for ourselves.

Today, let's willingly be God's people and accept the protection and help from our Father and God. :)

Ether 14:25 -- On Preparing a Way

"And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction."
Ether 14:25


The whole idea here of preparing a way is interesting. We know that God prepares a way for us to do his will, but it seems that we are also preparing our own way, either by doing bad stuff (as here) or good stuff (like learning to be a Zion person). The first prepares us for everlasting destruction (yikes), and the second is working our way towards salvation.

Today, let's avoid preparing a path to destruction, and perhaps start on one that leads somewhere better. :)

Genesis 41:53-54 -- On Plans and Perspective

"And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread."
Genesis 41:53-54


This reminded me of something that was mentioned in conference... that the global pandemic didn't catch God by surprise.  And, like the seven years of dearth that God warned Pharaoh and Joseph about, that holds true for all the things that happen around us in the world, and even for the ones that baffle us directly in our own lives.  God knew about all of it before it happened, and he has a plan that covers all of it... everything we can think of, plus all the things that we couldn't ever have known, because it is all known to God.

This is a hugely hopeful thing to me because God knows how to make everything okay.  He prepares a way and provides for every possibility, and as Nephi told us, "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).  Which means that things aren't ever as impossible as they seem.  We will likely run into a lot of roadblocks, but if we keep at it, there will be a way.

Today, let's remember that God's plan is never frustrated, even when ours is. :)  God knew our lives would take whatever turn they have, and he still has awesome things in store for us.  Whatever change is throwing us for a loop, let's switch gears as quickly as we can and regain some perspective, and find the good.  It is always there.

3 Nephi 13:19-20 -- On Treasure and Hints about Heaven

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal."
3 Nephi 13:19-20


The main message to be careful where we are investing is a good one. Although of course working and paying the bills are important, sometimes thinking ahead about what kinds of things will be valuable after this life is a good way to reprioritize what we're putting first in our lives.

What struck me today though were the hints about heaven.  No corruption from moths or rust... so that might mean no rust... no decay at all?  And maybe moths will eat something else besides our clothes? :)  

I also like the idea of a world without thieves.  I mean, we romanticize it sometimes and there are fun movies and literature about thieves, but I think part of the point here is not that God doesn't tolerate thieves in his place, but that the fundamental reason for thievery will be gone.  There won't be rich and poor anymore... perhaps as 4 Nephi 1:3 says, "there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift."  A true Zion society where Jean Valjean would never have to steal bread, and Robin Hood wouldn't have to rob the rich to provide for the poor... and besides not needing to, perhaps also a world where we have learned to be better people, not greedy or covetous. :)

We can't do much about the overall environment yet, but we can still be a part of the solution, and prepare for an incorruptible future by thinking about our relationship with theft and covetousness, greed, and honesty in general, and then resolving to do better with God's help.  One thing that I know that helps with that is tithing.  I think just the faith required to pay it helps us think about ownership and financial burdens differently.  Today, let's go to the Lord in prayer and get his help with learning how to be better Zion people. :)

D&C 123:16-17 -- On Small Steps Leading to Salvation

"You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
Doctrine and Covenants 123:16-17


I like the idea here that small things make a difference.  The saints at the time were facing some huge challenges that they couldn't solve, but they resolved to do what they could... and these verses are telling us that whatever effort we are able to make is enough, even if we can't solve the problem but only plan to avoid it as much as we can.  God will take care of the rest, in his way and according to his timing, but we can be confident that things will work out as long as we stick with God and do what we can, even when it seems woefully inadequate. :)

All of us are going to need God's help to be saved, so let's not freak out when we can't handle everything at once. :)  ... Today, let's trust in the Lord and "do all things that lie in our power," confident that the Lord will help it all work out right in the end.

Ether 12:2-4 -- On a Sure Hope for a Better World

"And Ether was a prophet of the Lord; wherefore Ether came forth in the days of Coriantumr, and began to prophesy unto the people, for he could not be restrained because of the Spirit of the Lord which was in him.
For he did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance lest they should be destroyed, saying unto them that by faith all things are fulfilled--
Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
Ether 12:2-4


There are several cool things here. I like that Ether couldn't be restrained because of the Spirit. The Spirit does so many things for us, helping us to stay in tune with God and keeping us spiritually sensitive... it is super cool that it also encourages and bolsters us, helping us to weather opposition and remain strong in testimony and determination to serve God.  I also love the idea of hoping with surety and that hope can anchor us and keep us safe and strong in a similar manner.  And "by faith all things are fulfilled" also reminds us about how powerful faith is in our lives, and how powerful it *can* be if we exercise more of it.

Today, let's cultivate the Spirit in our lives, and gather what hope and faith we have and try to build on it, working on that anchor and that confident "sure hope" in a better world through God's will.

Mormon 9:14 -- On Righteousness and Happiness Today

"And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still."
Mormon 9:14


This is one of my favorite verses because it makes it clear that our lives are about becoming something rather than waiting for things to happen to us.  Salvation isn't something we typically do at the last minute after wallowing in sin our whole lives, and happiness isn't usually something that we only get as a reward after suffering our whole lives.  These are things that God offers us now, and which we can at least start to lay hold on now... although I am definitely not saying that the path is easy, or that there aren't some medical conditions that might interfere with an individual's ability/responsibility for either or both of these things.  That has to be between us and God, and God will make everything right in the end.  

What I am saying though is that, in general, for most of us, God offers us some portion of righteousness and happiness now, step by step, piece by piece, moment by moment.  He is providing a way for us to get there, and if we have faith, he will help us to expand our portion and be able to see past the evil in the world around us and find the good.  Even when things seem darkest, with God we can find reasons to rejoice, and greater joy can come now, in this life rather than being something that we merely look forward to, wondering how it would actually feel.  And when we learn to lay hold on these things, and the amazing way they feel, we can also help uplift others, and share our happier and more righteous perspective.

Also, by happy and righteous perspective I do not mean a Borg/clone/robot/Stepford-Wives perspective where we just nod and smile with empty heads and repeat Sunday School answers with pasted-on grins.  I'm saying that God is real and that he has real, relevant, timely answers for us now, today if we go to him sincerely in prayer and work with the inspiration he provides us.  There is no sin or malady that can stand in his way, and he can and will do miracles in our lives if we work with him on who we want to become.  ...And it doesn't have to be horrible. :)  God's way can be fun... joyful even, if we allow God to help us to change our perspective and see the truth--that sin and darkness are awful burdens that he can help us be rid of.

Today, let's go to God in prayer and find ways to bring more righteousness and happiness into our everyday lives.  Even if we have a lot to repent of, going to God and starting that process automatically adds a little bit of light, hope, and happiness to our souls.  As we work on adding more and more to our lives daily, we're futureproofing against the day of judgement, and laying a foundation for that righteousness and happiness that we can have in the eternities. :)

Mosiah 5:2 -- On Heart-Changing Choices

"And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."
Mosiah 5:2


One challenge that we run into trying to love others or live the commandments, or just plain repent is that often, we just don't want to. We sin because we like it, and that's hard because another part of us yearns for God, and we feel torn in different directions. I love this verse because it shows us that even when we're steeped in trouble that we chose, that we wanted to be in, there is still a way back because God (if we are willing and we ask him) can help us to change our hearts... to want his will, and to lose that desire for evil that we all run into at one time or another.

It's part of the whole package of course, praying, being in tune with God, maintaining that spiritual connection to God and feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.  All of that is absolutely true, and we get there through practice.  I guess it's just being really good at all of that seems so far away sometimes, and this verse gives us something tangible to do.  If part of us just doesn't want to be good, we don't have to despair and give up on our dreams of heaven.  God helps us to change our hearts so that we feel whole again, without sacrificing who we are.

I believe, and know in some cases, that this is true.  Today, let's draw on God's power and ask him to change our hearts for the better. :)  He won't do it if we don't want it, but if we do... he will help us to be who we want to be the most.  We don't have to choose, or want, evil.  God can give us the power to choose, and want, otherwise.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 -- On Praying 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


I think this is a good thing to remember, especially at times when we catch ourselves actively not liking someone or not wishing the best for any group of others.  We obviously aren't going to be perfect overnight, but praying for everyone can be an important part of learning to love, and to be Zion people we are going to need to learn to love all types of people, as God does, rather than just the ones that we agree with. :)

Today, let's pray for everyone, perhaps especially for those that we don't agree with or feel we can't relate to, since we might need some extra effort in that area. ;)

Psalms 23:1 -- On Allowing the Lord to Provide

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Psalms 23:1


I wonder what would happen if we really trusted God enough to believe and have faith in this statement... if we believed that the Lord would always provide the things that we need.  

In my experience, God always does provide, but I have trouble being patient and trusting in the idea, and so I think I experience a lot more anxiety and stress than I need to, and allow things to disturb the calm and the peace that Christ offers.  Hopefully I am learning more and getting better, but I still need to work on trusting in God that if I stick with him, I'll be okay.

Another thing with want is that sometimes we probably overestimate what we need.  We might mourn the loss of a job or a house or something else that we were really invested in, but God is teaching us to move on and to find new opportunities and let go of the past and trust in him for the future.  This is also often very difficult, but it is easy to see, later, that God was leading us to a better place.

Today, let's work on trusting God that he will provide for us, and have faith that as long as we stick with God, things will work out the way they should.  That doesn't mean that we don't need to be active in our own lives and trying to improve them of course, but maybe we can let some of the stress go, doing what we can, and trusting God to help the rest work out.

Isaiah 25:4-9 -- On Previews of Salvation

"For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.
And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.
And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
Isaiah 25:4-9


I like the imagery here of basically the culmination of everything that God has promised and that we have waited for... the fulfillment of God's promises.  The poor taken care of, a top quality feast provided for all (both literally and figuratively I am guessing)... no more tears, and I love the phrase "he will swallow up death in victory" ... meaning, it seems, that the triumph will more than make up for any previous sorrow.

Another thing that I love here is the destruction of the veil... that's huge.  The veil is holding back all of our memories of the preexistence, and having that gone changes everything.  I mean, that right there might be how he wipes off the tears from all of us, because remembering who we have been and that we already knew and loved God and wanted to be here... that could solve lots of our background existential crisis issues. :)

Honestly though, it's almost like skipping to the end of a novel, or getting a "coming soon" preview of the future, just to make sure things are going to be okay--we'll get to the same place by trusting the author and continuing to read, but an occasional preview is nice to soften our anxieties and help us remember that there is a happy ending ahead.

Today, let's believe in and work for the future that God has promised us, so that someday after waiting a bit, we too will rejoice in his salvation.

3 Nephi 21:19 -- On A World without Lies and Strife

"And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away."
3 Nephi 21:19


This is just one verse from a really incredible chapter. It is talking about the Last Days and lots of stuff that will happen, but this verse struck me because I was imagining a world where this was true.  It's an incredible idea.  Can you imagine a world without lying (I am hoping fiction is still okay because it is stories and not deception).

The rest of the things are incredible too.  A world without strife... and these things are on God's agenda.  They will happen. :)  Something to look forward to.

Today, let's work hard to be the kind of people who can live in that sort of deception-free and strife-free world... let's learn to let go of our own patterns of deception and strife, and work out with God how to clear all of these things out of our lives so that we will be ready for God's will to be done on earth.

Jacob 1:5 -- On Faith and Anxiety

"For because of faith and great anxiety, it truly had been made manifest unto us concerning our people, what things should happen unto them."
Jacob 1:5


It is interesting here that the word "anxiety" is used as part of the reason for God revealing the future, but it makes sense that God would help ease our minds about the things that are stressing us out.  

In the New Testament it tells us that "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).  I like that it mentions hearts and minds, because that touches our emotional and intellectual sources of stress.

I think that the general message here is that God cares about our stress and anxiety just as much as he does about our physical and spiritual wellbeing.  He wants us to be okay and calm and at peace, and he helps us to know that things are going to be okay in the future, eventually, and promises us that happy ending, even when he also lets us know that it isn't yet. :)

Today, let's have faith along with any existing anxiety, and ask God to help us to feel calmer and better about the future.  He can, and will, speak peace to our hearts and our minds as we look to him for help.

Luke 8:15 -- On Gardening Well

"But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
Luke 8:15


This is just a little bit of the parable of the sower, where the sower cast the seeds and waited to see whether they would grow, as symbolic of who would follow God and accept his gospel.  This verse stood out to me today because it reminds me that even though there are a lot of ways to reject the gospel, it is also very important not just to accept it and plan it in our hearts, but to go further and live it, with patience.

We fall into both of those traps at times I think... either thinking that as long as we believe it, it doesn't really matter if we live it... that we'll shape up eventually, or we expect the gospel on our terms and timing, rather than waiting on the Lord and trusting his timing.

Those things are sometimes difficult to overcome, but they are also part of making the gospel come alive in our lives... we need to encourage the seeds in our lives rather than just making sure they stay alive.

Today, let's go beyond just being good ground to being good gardeners in our own hearts, helping that plant of the gospel to flourish. :)  Let's have patience and live what we believe, sticking with God through every weed and drought.

Ether 12:23-24 -- On Becoming Mighty

"And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;
And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them."
Ether 12:23-24


I like the idea of being mighty in word or mighty in writing, or "mighty in testimony" or mighty in expounding scripture (D&C 100:10-11), and I am sure there are more. :)  This might go along with spiritual gifts... the ability to talk or write or testify or explain and have the Holy Ghost carry it "unto the hearts of the children of men" (2 Nephi 33:1).

Today, as an initial step, let's "first seek to obtain" God's word (D&C 11:21), and keep the spirit with us, and once we've got the hang of that, then we can work with God on further steps to becoming mighty. :)  

Genesis 39:3-5 -- On Prospering in Difficulty

"And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field."
Genesis 39:3-5


I like the idea that even though his brothers had sold him into slavery, that the Lord still could bless Joseph that everything prospered under his hand. 

At first it seemed like kind of a payback for the whole slavery thing, or something unique to Joseph that made it so that he could deliver so many people from a famine that the Lord knew would come. Then I remembered Jarom: "Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land" (Jarom 1:9).

Even though I don't have any doubt that Joseph was incredible, I love even more the idea that we can all have a similar blessing in our lives, making our difficult circumstances tolerable as well.

Today, let's keep Joseph in mind, and even if some of the circumstances of our lives are out of our control, as his were, let's make sure that the things we can control are dedicated to the Lord.  As we keep his commandments, he will help us to prosper.

3 Nephi 2:19 -- On Afflictions and Iniquity

"And thus ended the fifteenth year, and thus were the people in a state of many afflictions; and the sword of destruction did hang over them, insomuch that they were about to be smitten down by it, and this because of their iniquity."
3 Nephi 2:19


Affliction doesn't always happen because of iniquity... want to say that right away, because sometimes we feel guilty over things that just happen and we didn't have a choice in it. I'm definitely not trying to cause guilt where there should be none.

That said, affliction often does have to do with iniquity, as in this case, and sometimes we take *all* affliction as though it were unchosen, and maybe we should sort those things out a little bit better so that we are both letting go of things that we can't change, and taking responsibility for what we can. Very easy to go to one extreme or the other, but God can help us sort out what we can change, and help us take it at a pace we are capable of rather than trying to do everything at once.

Today, let's take a moment to consider if our lives could improve through some solid repentance.  I'm guessing for most of us that would be a resounding yes, because we have plenty of room for improvement. :)  Let's avoid the "state of many afflictions," and address things now, through prayer.  God is merciful and he loves us.  If we turn to him, everything can be okay, even if we feel that "sword of destruction" hanging over us.

Moroni 10:32 -- On Ungodliness and Sensitivity to the Spirit

"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."
Moroni 10:32


The idea of denying ourselves all ungodliness is a huge task, but I like it explained that way.  Instead of just saying "become perfect," it at least gives us an idea of what it takes.  We are perfected through Christ, and we have to give up everything that doesn't fit in with God.  And although that is fairly general, it goes along with the idea of keeping the spirit with us, and so basically anything that drives away the spirit is something we need to give up, right?

Not saying any of this is easy, mind you, but I like the idea of just needing spiritual sensitivity and love to go in the right direction.  That seems like a straightforward idea, although of course feeling and understanding what the spirit is saying to us or prompting us to do can be challenging, and takes a lot of practice.  So, in addition to giving up some of our ungodly things today, let's also work on our spiritual sensitivity through prayer and cleaning out things that interfere with prayer... probably the first step. :)

Joseph Smith--History 1:35 -- On Standing in Awe

"Also, that there were two stones in silver bows—and these stones, fastened to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim—deposited with the plates; and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted "seers" in ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book."
Joseph Smith-History 1:35


I like this whole story... finding ancient records, translator stones, etc. It has the flavor of magic, but with the cool twist that it is 100% real. :) The brother of Jared story about the sixteen light stones (Ether 3:1) gives me that same feeling... and there are several other scriptural stories like that.

Mind you, I'm not saying that it *is* magic... only that it seems that way to us because we don't understand the science behind all the things that God can do.  To me, that's a total bonus actually.  It reminds me that we as humans are very low on the understanding-the-universe-and-reality spectrum, and it is another reason just to stand in awe of God.  I think we forget to do that sometimes, and we (perhaps without meaning to) lessen God in our eyes by thinking that he has some of our limitations or considering scriptural claims ridiculous just because we don't fully understand them.

Personally, I love that there are more things to learn... and some really amazingly cool things like walking on water etc. or maybe learning how the Liahona worked (or getting one??!?) just make it all more awesome to look forward to.  Not that we shouldn't work to understand... we totally should.   Today though, let's remember that the wonders that God has in store are truly greater than we can imagine, and our current knowledge barely touches on what God knows and can do.  Let's stand in awe this day and always, and not make the mistake of thinking that God is on our level.  Instead, let's do the work of trying to rise to his the best we can, and trust that he will teach us as we go. :)

Psalms 9:16-18 -- On Snares and Expectations

"The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever."
Psalms 9:16-18


I really like the idea here that we can know God by the way he judges. That doesn't really seem to work with our short-sightedness as we often only look at one event or a short period of time, but the overall idea means that if we look long term, we will see that the wicked get snared in their own works, and the righteous do too, kind of... although being snared in a good thing is really a blessing, right? :)

We're asked in the scriptures to look back and to remember the goodness of God, and I think if we step back and look at God's works and his judgements long-term, that we will see how merciful and amazing the Lord has been, and is, to us all. Even the persistent inequalities that exist in the world we are reminded here will all eventually be resolved for good, because God remembers the poor and the needy even when nobody else does... and he'll make it right.  Everyone deserves to be able to expect some good coming their way. 

Today, let's count on being snared in the work of our own hands, and make sure that is where we want to be stuck. :)  And let's pray for the day when the Lord rights the wrongs that still exist--but not only pray, but work for that goal, do all that we can to establish God's will on the earth and lift each other up.

Mark 11:22-25 -- On Moving Mountains

"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Mark 11:22-25


I like this strong message about faith.  I think it is interesting also that the instruction at the very beginning is to have faith in God, not to have faith in yourself or to focus on what you are trying to accomplish.  Christ's instructions aren't about how to  do or get anything we want, though the desire part sort of sounds like that.  Rather, he includes prayer as part of the process, as well as being in tune with the spirit through forgiveness.  He is teaching us how to draw on the Lord's power to do HIS will.

That said of course, we could all probably use a lot of work in actually believing, and what comes to mind in that area is D&C 121:45, which tells us to be filled with charity and to "let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God."  It's that sort of confidence that we can have when we feel good about ourselves and our connection with God.

Today, let's make sure that we tune in to God, and that we live so that we can feel the spirit in our lives. Let's work on being filled with love for all, and fill our minds with good... those are the steps to having the kind of faith that can move mountains, and do equally impressive miracles in our lives and the lives of others. :)

Alma 2:5-10 -- On Violence and Obedience

"And it came to pass that the people assembled themselves together throughout all the land, every man according to his mind, whether it were for or against Amlici, in separate bodies, having much dispute and wonderful contentions one with another.
And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their voices concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges.
And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people.
Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those who were not in his favor.
And it came to pass that they gathered themselves together, and did consecrate Amlici to be their king.
Now when Amlici was made king over them he commanded them that they should take up arms against their brethren; and this he did that he might subject them to him."
Alma 2:5-10


Sometimes it feels like we're right inside the scriptures, you know? Looking back at this event from the Book of Mormon, I was wondering how we could liken things to our day "that it might be for our profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23). We're talking about the scriptures here and I don't feel like this is primarily a political question. Although obviously people felt strongly in the scriptures on either side, and people feel strongly both ways now, God is trying to teach us something higher than that.

In this account we can tell who is right and who is wrong by who started a war. We don't know the circumstances of the voting or whether there was anything shady going on, or whether Amlici had any good justifications for what he did. I'm guessing that there were good people on both sides... but in the end, it became a question of obedience to God. No matter whose side was right, in the end the contention and anger and ultimate violence of taking up arms against their brethren and starting a war was wrong, because it was against God's law and contrary to his teaching.

When we hate others and choose to fight them, whether we can understand their way of thinking or agree with them, or have anything in common with them or not, then we are fighting against God himself, who told us clearly that whatever we do or don't do to others is something we are doing or not doing to him (Matthew 20:40, 45). As his followers, we can't get around that truth.  Today, let's take a hard look at our own attitudes and hatreds and take a step back and ask ourselves if we are being Christlike, and if our actions were directed at God whether they would be justified.

Today, instead of looking at the wrongs of the people around us, let's pray for our own souls, involving God in our lives and asking for his help in knowing how to think and act during this time, and especially how to love those we disagree with.

Job 6:8-11 -- On Hopelessness and Happy Endings

"Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?"
Job 6:8-11


This is interesting, because it seems to show a little bit of the type of thinking that we all engage in from time to time, swallowed up in our own sorrow.  Even if we don't all long for destruction, I think we can all relate to Job, and understand what it is to feel out of control and hopeless.

The thing is, the story of Job is the story of us all.  We all lose things that matter greatly to us as Job did, and we have to suffer through pain and trials as he did.  The Lord isn't going to protect us from experience and sorrow, because we need to learn the things in the world and in our lives.

The glorious and hopeful part of all of this is that the END of the story of Job is also our story.  Job didn't see the future when he was praying for destruction, and so he couldn't know for sure that God was going to make everything right--but God did.  And even though we can't know for sure that God is going to make everything right for us--God will.

The key is faith.  We have to trust that God loves us just as much as he loved Job... and that after our trials come infinite blessings, so large that they drown out all sorrow.  That is definitely what happens at the end of our story.  Today, let's take God's hand and walk with him, trusting in that last page and the happy ending to come. :)

Hebrews 13:20-21 -- On Being Made Perfect

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Hebrews 13:20-21

I like the idea of God making us perfect here... and in case we think that isn't possible, we are reminded that God brought Christ back from the dead, and everything points to that central action of the gospel.

This, of course, doesn't mean that we don't need to work at it, but it means that we don't have to worry about becoming perfect without a lot of help from God.  He will help us every step of the way, and lead us in the way that we should go, making it possible rather than impossible to change into the people that we want to be rather than the people that we are, over time and with effort. :)

I think this idea offers a lot of hope.  As long as we don't give up, and we keep trying, God gives us a chance to get closer and closer to our ideal selves, and someday we will get there, to that perfect day. :)  Today, let's hope in that and be willing to move forward with God towards perfection.

Proverbs 24:19 -- On Fretting Not

"Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;"
Proverbs 24:19

I think this is something we need to be careful of.  It is tempting to look at someone else's life and think... hey, that person isn't playing by the rules, but is still winning.  Why don't I have what that person has?  Or we might start thinking that being righteous is holding us back, somehow ascribing all of their success to not having to play by the rules.  That's a dangerous way to think, because it can lead us to try forbidden things, trying to get more of whatever it is that we want, when the truth is that God is more than willing to give us what we want... the real challenge is schooling our desires so that getting what we want doesn't ruin our lives.

Today, let's try not to fret or be envious, comparing ourselves to others.  Instead, let's focus on self-improvement--on what we can do to become better and improve the lives of others.  As we do so, we grow closer to God and to the Zion ideal, learning to love other people rather than envy or hate them, and find ways to work together rather than compete for the most / best stuff. :)  The winning / losing thing doesn't have to be the way we live.  When we are working with God, we can find ways for everyone to win.

Mosiah 7:23 -- On Afflictions and Support

"And now, is not this grievous to be borne? And is not this, our affliction, great? Now behold, how great reason we have to mourn."
Mosiah 7:23


So, I didn't use this scripture to reinforce complaining, although perhaps it seems like it at first. :)  Instead, I liked this verse because it seems like it is something that we can all relate to.  We all go through hard things.  Grievous things happen to us, and our afflictions are often great.  We do have reason to mourn.  I don't think that God wants us to pretend that everything is perfect when it isn't.  He wants us to learn about the ups and downs of life, and how to persevere and make it through anyway... because the bad times are going to keep coming, and teaching us how to deal with them is the best thing that he can do to help us to be happier.

There are other things that are good to remember about times like this as well.  One is that the good times also keep coming.  Bad times and times of mourning are awful, but not permanent.  

Another is the last verse in the chapter where God doesn't promise the people insta-happiness, but he reminds us all that "if [we] will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put [our] trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind . . . he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver [us] out of bondage."  That "will and pleasure" part reminds us that we need to be patient in affliction and that we need to learn to deal with trials and with emotions.  The Lord isn't going to wrap us in bubble wrap and save us from experiences.  Instead, he is going to help us to be prepared for the experiences to come, and if we stick with him, he'll keep helping us move on and have new ones... according to HIS timing and wisdom, which is way better than ours. :)

And maybe the best reminder here is that God placed us here on earth together for a reason.  The fact that this verse exists means that someone was reaching out in their suffering for someone to relate to and empathize with them... even if it was only someone reading the words and not there in person to provide emotional support.  We can be there for each other in a similar way, even when we can't be there in person.  We can reach out for support, and reach out to help.  Today, let's be willing to go through hard things and trust the Lord's timing, and let's also reach out to others to help them in their afflictions.

Philippians 2:14-15 -- Another Good Resolution

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

Philippians 2:14-15

This is a tough one, but seems like another good resolution to work for. :)  Today, let's imagine a world where there aren't murmurings and disputings, and once we can visualize that huge change, let's do our part and try to get closer to it by working on the way that we do things.  When I was thinking about this, I realized that there are some things that I do because I expect an argument, and imagining how to be more straightforward with people seems like a good step on the path to becoming part of a Zion society.

How would we do things as part of a people that doesn't have to argue to get things done or where we expect / assume the best about people rather than the worst?  Being those types of people will make our current society better, not just the ideal one we are working towards. :)