1 Kings 3:5-14 -- On Humble Requests

"In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days."
1 Kings 3:5-14


This is a great story, and I love that Solomon prayed for an understanding heart to be able to help people, and to make sure that he was doing good. This also reminds me of James 1:5, the verse that inspired Joseph Smith to pray about what church to join: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

The Lord likes it when we are humble and ask for the discernment that we lack, and for the ability to make better decisions and help others, rather than praying selfishly for riches or fame or triumph over our foes.

Today, let's learn from Solomon how to humbly ask for what we truly need rather than praying through a gift list. :) Let's think about our lives and about the things that are getting in the way of our worship or our service to others, and let's pray for those things rather than others.

God largely gives us what we ask for, provided we don't ask for things that are going to make the world or our lives worse, or things that might be against his will for a larger reason... so if God is willing to give us things that go along with his will, let's really think about what things we need that coincide with God's will. That, along with being more midful and grateful for what we have, might get us thinking along the right track to things that will make us holier, and better able to serve God and other people.

Psalms 23:4 -- On Rods of Comfort

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Psalms 23:4


This is a pretty well-known verse with some excellent symbolism. What I was thinking about today while reading it was the rod and the staff mentioned. In the hands of a shepherd, the traditional crook can be both rod and staff... a rod to fight with, or a staff for support. So those are some good things ... the Lord will defend and support us... but I think there is more. Often in the scriptures a rod is symbolic of authority, of Christ himself, and then there is the rod of iron in Lehi's dream which is symbolic of his word... perhaps part of what comforts us in our dark times is the power of God and his guidance that is offered through reading the scriptures and through answers to prayer.

Today, let's remember even in the dark times that we don't have to fear evil when God is in our lives. We can have him there through the Spirit, through study and prayer, and we too often forget those basic things because they seem too simple and we're addicted to drama. :) But reading our scriptures and praying to God are simple and sure ways that we can have more peace and more happiness in our lives... let's allow the Lord to comfort us in the darkness by reaching out to him and inviting his spirit into our lives by doing those simple things, even just a little, and then lets observe the results and watch how those simple things can make a difference.

Psalms 30:11-12 -- On Being Girded with Gladness

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Psalms 30:11-12


I like the idea of turning mourning into dancing, and changing clothes from the traditional garb of mourning into wearing figurative robes of happiness (being girded with gladness). And I think that the Lord does that for all of us, if we are open to it. It is hard to see things that way when we are in the midst of sadness, and it is sometimes hard to let go of our pain because we think that in some way it is like a badge of honor, to remember all that we have lost. I think though that with time and prayer, God can and will turn all of our sorrows into joy. Maybe not all in this life, but all eventually... and enough now that we can find the good and the gladness even in the middle of a world well-stocked with tragedy and sorrow.

Today, let's make the effort to change out of our sorrow sackcloth, and gird ourselves with the gladness that the Lord offers us.

Alma 19:16-17 -- On Abish and Making a Difference

"And it came to pass that they did call on the name of the Lord, in their might, even until they had all fallen to the earth, save it were one of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish, she having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father—
Thus, having been converted to the Lord, and never having made it known, therefore, when she saw that all the servants of Lamoni had fallen to the earth, and also her mistress, the queen, and the king, and Ammon lay prostrate upon the earth, she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what had happened among them, that by beholding this scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people."
Alma 19:16-17


I love several things about this story. I love Abish. I love that she was used to the Spirit enough that it didn't make her collapse like the others... I mean, also I love that the spirit was so strong that it made the Nephites do that a lot it seems. :) I love that Abish was filled with hope that this event would convert everyone. And it did, some of them, even though it didn't work out exactly as she had hoped. :) I wish I knew what her father's vision was, because that seems like it would be a good story, but whatever it was, I am glad that Abish also believed, and was here at this time and place to help... I'm sure as part of God's desigh. :)

Today, let's remember what a big difference that one person can make--that WE can make--just by believing and living our lives according to God's will. It might not seem glamourous or out of the ordinary, but our small actions and our faith can make a difference, just as Abish's did. Let's listen and believe, and do as we are directed by God, and God will help us to find those moments when we can make a difference.

Doctrine and Covenants 138:50-52 -- On A Meaningful Future

"For the dead had looked upon the long absence of their spirits from their bodies as a bondage.
These the Lord taught, and gave them power to come forth, after his resurrection from the dead, to enter into his Father’s kingdom, there to be crowned with immortality and eternal life,
And continue thenceforth their labor as had been promised by the Lord, and be partakers of all blessings which were held in reserve for them that love him."
Doctrine and Covenants 138:50-52


This whole topic is interesting I think. Maybe anything that talks about life before we were born or after death seems like a big revelation because knowledge about that is definitely out of reach through other means. Specifically for this selection though, I love the idea that Christ organized things in the spirit world and taught the spirits of the dead, and that part of what he taught them was not just about eternal reward/eternal rest, but about eternal labor... not in a never-ending slave work camp way, though "eternal labor" sounds a little like that when you first say it, but more in a "meaningful future" way, where there is always something to occupy your mind and heart... no sitting around getting bored playing a harp on a cloud (although if you find joy in playing the harp, maybe you *will* get that job?). :)

I think that afterlife work makes sense, because God has a work that he does, and that obviously gives his existence meaning, and so when we are resurrected then we will also be able to engage in meaningful work that isn't just busywork, but that also brings us joy... and I actually love that idea. Something we work at and need to rest from, just like God rested after he made the earth. :) I would almost think of it as a hobby, because it doesn't seem like something obligatory in order to earn heavenly rent (no such thing, surely), but more of something that we do because we love it. Although, for God all of this is way more than hobby in terms of how seriously he takes it, so maybe that isn't the perfect word either. Work that you love, in any case. And who knows if we will also get planet-making classes and/or duties, but whatever it is, I think it will be cool to do something that matters with all that eternity that we are getting. :)

Today, let's look forward to a non-boring future of interesting and meaningful work rather than expecting to be bored out of our skulls. :)

Jonah 2:9 -- On Thanksgiving from Hell

"But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord."
Jonah 2:9


This is the last verse before God has the fish release Jonah from his trial within its "belly of hell" (Jonah 2:2), and what strikes me here is that Jonah came around to thankfulness, even in that horrible situation. He was thankful to still be alive and able to repent (Jonah 2:6). He remembered to call upon the Lord, admitting that he was wrong, that he didn't deserve the mercy that he was asking for (Jonah 2:8), but that he was again willing to fulfil the covenants that he had made with the Lord.

The sacrifice here I think is Jonah's ego... his pride in thinking that he could do whatever he wanted to do in going against the Lord's will, and yet still enjoy the blessings of being in the Lord's favor. I think that is probably the same sacrifice that we often come up against in our lives. We rebel against God, but still want his blessings... or we want so much for things to be a certain way, and get angry with God when things don't work out the way *we* wanted them to... but in truth, and as we frequently learn after the fact, God knows best, and his will is always a better way than ours, and will lead us to happiness far greater than we could find alone.

Today, on this day of Thanksgiving, let's remember Jonah in his personal hell, and learn his lesson. Let's look to the Lord, who wants to save us and to bless us, but also needs us to do our small part and learn, and repent. Let's be thankful to God who saves our lives and gives us another chance, and who helps us become better people than we ever thought that we could be, if we trust him and work with him to improve.

1 Peter 5:6-7 -- On Humility, Patience, and Trust

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7


This is another good reminder to be humble, which is hard for most of us I think, but supremely valuable to learn. The keys here are patience (allowing for God's timing in that exaltation), and trust (knowing that God cares for us and that things will work out). If we have those two things, then humility is easier, because we don't need to have our way now, or instead of God's way... his way is better than our way, and it will come in due time. Today, let's try to trust in God rather than just ourselves... as we learn to do so, our lives will improve, and we'll also be less stressed, because we'll have a clearer picture of what things are our responsibility and what things God will take care of, and we won't get those things mixed up so often. :)

Proverbs 15:1-3 -- On Soft Answers and Wise Use of Knowledge

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:1-3


The first verse here is a very popular one that a lot of people have likely come across before, but combined with the others here I think it gives a slightly different message than when it is pulled out individually... not that the message is bad either way of course. Just I also like it in context.

The first verse seems to talk about how to deal with conflict... avoiding yelling and bitterness perhaps, but when we add in the next verse, it becomes not just about anger and arguments, but about everything we say, and thinking before we speak. Using knowledge aright means there is definitely a wrong way to use it as well... and in combination with the first verse, presumably one of the wrong ways is arguing and in anger. It seems worthwhile to explore the question "What are good ways that we can use knowledge?" in our lives, and to remember that there *are* bad ways.

The last verse of the selection reminds us that God is always watching. I don't think this is meant in a 1984/Big Brother way, or even in a Santa/"He sees you when you're sleeping" way, but only as a reminder that there is evil and good in EVERYTHING we do, and we need to be as careful of how we express ourselves as we are of who we express ourselves to, and what we say. If we wouldn't say a certain thing or use a certain tone with our boss, or our grandmother, or whoever it is that we respect, then we should probably recheck the way we are saying or expressing ourselves to those we don't respect. God's laws are for everyone, not just those that we like.

Today, let's try to incorporate soft answers into our lives more, and use our knowledge in right, good, and positive ways.

Job 11:13-18 -- On Lessons from Zophar

"If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;
If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:
Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:
And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.
And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety."
Job 11:13-18


I like what Zophar, one of Job's friends, has to say here. All of it is good, but three specific things stand out to me. The idea of preparing our hearts, the idea of forgetting our misery, and the idea of being secure because there is hope. :)

The idea of preparing our hearts is a cool one because it reminds us that there is more involved in reaching out to God than just the physical reaching. We have to do some spiritual work as well... some self-evaluation, some repentance and change, and prepare our hearts to accept what God has to say. Too often I think we go to God only willing to accept one answer, and that inhibits communication... that is us putting our will before his and not being ready to actually listen to his wisdom. If we ask for help with something, God loves us and he will help in that way if it is wise, but sometimes we ask for things that we shouldn't have for some reason, or to intervene in other people's lives, or to save someone from death when God knows that it is that person's time to graduate into the next life.

Forgetting our misery is an important concept because sometimes we make it the central point of our lives and believe that the bad times are going to last forever, and that if God really cared he would save us from whatever it is... but we aren't seeing the whole picture there, and that God *will* save us from every single thing that we go through in this life, and it will all fade into the background and not be dramatic to us anymore. We will get past it, and things will be okay... it gets better. :) The story moves on, and there is a happy ending. A good thing to remember, and though it can be hard to believe when we are in the middle of the hardest thing that we have ever faced, it is still true. God will wipe away all tears from our eyes, and someday he will wrap us in his arms, and it will be okay.

Being secure in hope is important to me because this is something we can have right now, if we trust God. Even though things around us are uncertain and scary, because God is our anchor, we can know and trust that things are going to work out. That doesn't mean that we don't have to do our part to prepare our hearts, or that things are going to necessarily work out the way that we want or expect... but they will work out according to God's will, and things will be okay in the end... and because they will be okay *then,* we can also have joy *now,* trusting rather than fearing, and finding the positive things in the world around us even when they are hard to pick out. God's presence in our lives allows us to rise above the darkness and find the light in the world around us.

Today, let's remember what Zophar taught us. To prepare our hearts for God's will, and trust in it, to know that there is hope and peace and joy waiting for us, and that our trials will someday be forgotten, and to be sucure in hope and able to find the goodness and light even in the darkest pits of our lives.

Mosiah 27:18-24 -- On Conversion

"And now Alma and those that were with him fell again to the earth, for great was their astonishment; for with their own eyes they had beheld an angel of the Lord; and his voice was as thunder, which shook the earth; and they knew that there was nothing save the power of God that could shake the earth and cause it to tremble as though it would part asunder.
And now the astonishment of Alma was so great that he became dumb, that he could not open his mouth; yea, and he became weak, even that he could not move his hands; therefore he was taken by those that were with him, and carried helpless, even until he was laid before his father.
And they rehearsed unto his father all that had happened unto them; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of God.
And he caused that a multitude should be gathered together that they might witness what the Lord had done for his son, and also for those that were with him.
And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.
And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort:
For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit."
Mosiah 27:18-24


This is a pretty dramatic conversion story, and there are a few similar ones in the scriptures, though this level of drama is rare, and as we know from Laman and Lemuel, even an angel doesn't always make a difference.

My question on this topic though is, does the drama change anything? I think sometimes we see Alma's conversion as some sort of shortcut, and thinking about it today, I don't think it was. Sometimes we get overwhelmed by angels and sometimes we don't, but is the conversion process really different? We still need to learn to see ourselves in a different way, to want to change, to realize that God is real and that we desperately need him in our lives. Like Lamoni's father, we need to ask "what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and recieve his Spirit?" (Alma 22:15). We have to become new, and that is painful, and a long-term process, whether it is triggered in this dramatic way, or only triggered by our own consciences. Indeed, it might be worse in this compressed period of time, because later Alma (talking to his son) explains part of what was going on, and he says "for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul" (Alma 36:16). We need to have those same realizations that Alma did, knowing that we have "rebelled against [our] God, and that [we have] not kept his holy commandments" (Alma 36:13), but maybe those realizations over time are less dramatically painful than the "sin coma" that Alma seems to have fallen into.

Today, let's repent and change... whether it is a dramatic moment or not... and then let's follow through with that change over time. Alma needed to live differently over the course of his life, even after his dramatic conversion, and so do we. Conversion is ultimately pointless if it doesn't last... if we wander off the path and go back to living without God, then the conversion didn't reach as far into our souls as it needed to, and we haven't fully realized our standing before God as Alma did. And if it is hard, and we feel like it is too much and that we're just not good enough, then that's when we should turn back to God for strength. He will give us the power to stay true to him if we ask for it, and really want that... let's trust in that promise, and in the joyful eternity that God offers us (as an alternative to the crappy eternity that we always end up building for ourselves when left to our own devices).

D&C 50:23-25 -- On Chasing Away the Darkness

"And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.
That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;"
Doctrine and Covenants 50:23-25


What I liked about these verses today was the reason. The last verse of the selection tells us that one of the reasons we are being told this is so that we can chase away the darkness. I never really noticed that before, but I love it. If there are things in our lives that edify and that are of God, bringing us closer to him, then let's embrace them... but if not--if some things are dragging us down, and away from God, then those things need to be kicked to the curb and chased down the street.

This advice also helps us to look at our own actions in a different way as well--are we contributing to light or to darkness? Are we edifying the people and the world around us, or dragging things down? Are we totally pro-God, or are we pulling away, and perhaps influencing others in the same direction? If so, let's work on that... not saying we don't need to work through our questions. We do, and we should make time for that because it is high priority to figure out ourselves and our relationship with God. But just like Lehi needed God to find his way out of the "dark and dreary wilderness" (1 Nephi 8:4), we also clearly need to get that negative spirit out of our lives in order to see clearly, and find the light, hope, and joy that God is offering us. Being able to chase away that cloud of darkness will help us figure things out more than accepting the darkness ever could.

Today, let's embrace the light and chase away the darkness.

Alma 58:20 -- On Whatever It Takes

"And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had passed by, or when the army had passed by, Gid and Teomner did rise up from their secret places, and did cut off the spies of the Lamanites that they should not return to the city."

 Alma 58:20

Military strategies are covered extensively in the Book of Mormon, and sometimes people wonder why they are there. I've had different ideas over time... I think one of the reasons is to show the history, maybe the difference between the wars here and the ones in the Old Testament. Also probably there are some lessons about God approving of defending ourselves, but not in being the aggressor, which is mentioned several times. Perhaps also helping us to see that God's hand is in our lives, no matter what circumstances we are in.

I like the trickiness of some of the things that Helaman, Gid, and Teomner do here, working to win and to follow God despite being outnumbered and low on provisions. When God tells us that all things work together for good to them that love God (Roman 8:28, D&C 90:24, 98:3, 100:15, 105:40), all things include these things. God inspired Nephi and the Brother of Jared to build boats, but he also inspired Joshua and Captain Moroni to win battles... and he inspires us in our lives in totally different ways as well. Not everyone's path is the same in our earthly lives, even when we are walking the same spiritual path, towards God. :)

Today, let's remember that when we're walking God's path, he will inspire us to do whatever it takes to move forward and to do his will. Normally that isn't war, or anything similarly violent, but sometimes it is... and even then we need to make sure that we are putting God first, and acting in his way. As we do, we'll be okay, and no matter what, things will lead to the happy ending that God promises all of us.

Isaiah 26:19-21 -- On Resurrection and Judgement

"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain."
Isaiah 26:19-21


This is an interesting prophecy of the resurrection, focusing not as much on the cool live-forever-with-no-pain-and-sickness thing, but instead on the probably equally cool justice thing, which isn't usually what the focus is when we talk about resurrection, but it is definitely worth mentioning.

I like the idea that no murder can ever be truly hidden, not only because God knows everything, but because the murdered people themselves are going to come back. Everyone will, and nothing that we desperately want hidden is going to stay that way. This is a good thing by the way, because as much as those hidden things might shame, embarrass, or pain us, getting all of that out in the open is going to make us better, healthier people... if it is known, then it can be overcome. Even our worst sins will be shown, and then we can be judged and have that part of our life taken care of rather than poisoning us for eternity.

This is also a good thing for us today... because we can plan and prepare for a resurrection and a judgement to come. We can know that nothing will remain truly hidden, which might help us admit our faults and get help sooner. We can keep in mind that eternity is coming, and that we shouldn't only live for today, but also consider our long-term, eternal happiness.

Psalms 8:3-4 -- On Considering the Heavens

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"
Psalms 8:3-4



This is an interesting and deep question... one that, luckily, God has answered for us. "For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." We are his children, the work of his hands, and he glories in helping us and lifting us to him.

We know who we are to God, but we have yet to determine who he is to us, and what priority he takes in our lives. Today, let's work on dedicating our lives to him, or at least at carving out a little bit more space for him as we work towards that vitally important further goal.

2 Kings 13:15-17 -- On Personal Communication and Guidance

"And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.
And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands.
And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them."
2 Kings 13:15-17


The symbolism of this prophecy is interesting, and how it was presented to the king. Although it is easy to think that this was an Old Testament thing and isn't done anymore, I think maybe that's not true. God still uses whatever communication is at hand to communicate with us, and presents individual lessons in ways that we will understand, using symbolism that we will recognize. We still don't always get it, but the feelings, dreams, warnings, visions, messages, or other insight is still there. God is doing everything he can for us without violating our free agency... which honestly wouldn't be a help at all, because then we would learn nothing, destroying the whole point.

Today, let's pay attention to the ways that God might be speaking to us. It likely isn't through a bow and arrows, but there is always a message that God is sending, and a lesson there for us to learn. As we pray and work to have the Spirit in our lives, that communication between ourselves and God will become clearer, and we'll be able to see his hand guiding us just as Elisha's hand guided the king's in this story.

James 3:10-13 -- On Choosing

"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."
James 3:10-13


I think that this touches on something that we often try to do in our lives... play both sides. Indulge the body and still protect the soul... ride the fence, try to be one person with our friends and another with authority figures. We embrace the whole split-personality thing that is part of mortal existence, but instead of working towards wholeness and correct balance, or even an unbalanced choice focusing only on one side or the other, we try to have it all... to play both sides and avoid the consequences, thinking we can juggle it all. Here and elsewhere (Matthew 6:24 for instance), God tells us that we can't. We have to make a permanent and lasting choice, and when that choice is to put God first, then everything else falls into its proper place (or out of our lives).

This verse is talking about what we say... which matters, not so much because of how it affects other people, although of course that is important on one level, but because of how it affect US, and who we are. We aren't committing and becoming heavenly people if we are clutching desperately at our souvenirs of Hell. We have to let go of one side or the other if we want to start moving again... and to be clear, letting go of Hell is the correct choice--it absolutely matters which direcetion we are heading.

Today, let's stop continually poisoning ourselves with evil, and determine to let it go. Let's start cleaning up our conversation and our contentions and conflicts and really dedicate ourselves to loving God and other people. Let's make the choice that we need to make in order to move forward and become the better people that we need to be.

Psalms 112:7 -- On Fixing our Hearts

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord."
Psalms 112:7


This is one of the features of a good man according to the Psalm, and since goodness is something we are striving for in general, "fixed hearts" seems like a good goal. Not that it is easy to be calm in the face of bad news/evil tidings, but if we can learn to fix our hearts as described, that kind of consistency and solidity is an amazing strength to the people around us, and something that will also bring us a lot of peace, because no matter comes, we'll know that the Lord is in charge and we don't have to stress about whatever evil tidings the world can throw at us.

Today, let's think about this idea of trusting God so much that no matter what news comes to us it doesn't shake us from our resolve. It's hard to overcome fear, and it is normal to be a little reactionary when we hear about bad things, and to worry. Overcoming that is a lesson that it takes a long time to learn, but the reward from learning it is inherent--incredible peace and the ability to be steadfast and rock solid even amidst the worst storms of life. Let's work towards that kind of goodness. :)

Galatians 6:7 -- On Planting Good

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Galatians 6:7


I think this is the scriptural version of "you can't get something for nothing." Even though we like the idea of skipping all the hard work and being insta-rich and insta-famous, and even insta-good sometimes, it isn't the surprise inheritance, the chance meeting with a talent scout, or even the dramatic conversion that makes us who we are. Instead, it is the things that we put into life... the actions that we take every day, making things better, or worse, for the world around us and especially for other people. We can't do bad things and get a good future, or any other sneaky permutation of it. There is only one way, and that's the Lord's way.

Today, let's remember that we can't reap what we don't sow, and let's get out there and plant some good. :)

Acts 7:2-5 -- On the Promised Future

"And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
Then came he out of the land of the Chaldæans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child."
Acts 7:2-5


This is a good summary that helps us understand the faith that Abraham had to believe in God's promises even when there was no external evidence. Sometimes we face similar things. God offers us promises of the future to give us hope in the present, but some of that is difficult to believe... just like Abraham was promised posterity as the stars in the heaven when he had no children, and promised empires worth of lands, when he didn't own any land at all. Our gifts from God are rarely pre-assembled, and they require some effort to piece together, but as unlikely as they may seem, God always keeps his promises and fulfils his word.

Today, let's work on trusting God and working for the future that he guarantees is possible, as impossible as it might seem to us right now.

2 Kings 9:1-3 -- On Running Away

"And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead:
And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber;
Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the Lord, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not."
2 Kings 9:1-3


This is an interesting story. We don't usually hail the virtues of running away, although it does happen several times in scripture. I like this because it shows both the importance of doing God's will, but also shows that running away from a situation is sometimes the right thing to do.

God warns people about things, and sometimes that warning is to run away. For instance, he told Joseph to get Mary and the child Jesus out of town (Matthew 2:13) and he told Lehi to get out of Jerusalem with his family (1 Nephi 2:2). Although it is also inspiring to read about people who stood up for their beliefs and were saved from fire and burning, like Daniel or Shadrach, sometimes they stand up and they aren't saved, like Abinadi, so when God warns us to run, we should do so.

Today, let's think about "standing up" for our beliefs a little bit differently. The overall idea is to do God's will, and while we of course should never compromise our testimonies, that doesn't always mean that we have to stand up and fight either. Doing God's will rarely conforms to our expectations. Nephi wanted to burst his bonds, and instead the Lord just loosened the ropes. God *can* help us fight our battles, but he also can make sure we're safe by encouraging us to run away. Whatever we do, let's do it unto the Lord, and he will direct our paths... whether that is towards, or away from, our enemies. :)

Proverbs 2:1-5 -- On Searching for Hidden Treasure

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 2:1-5

I like the idea that there are things that we can do to work towards "the knowledge of God." Even though so much relies on the Lord in our lives, there are the smaller parts that rely on us... small enough that we can contribute and learn and make choices in order to determine our path. I also love the hidden treasure idea. If we really dedicated ourselves to God that way, how much could we learn and know?

Today, let's not feel overwhelmed by everything that we can't control, but accept things as they are and do what we can to make them better. Let's incline our ears and apply our hearts, cry after knowledge and apply our hearts to understanding. Let's seek for the things of God as though they were hidden treasure. :) As we search diligently, God will help us understand and find all that he offers us.

Genesis 40:5-8 -- On Dreams and Direction

"And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?"
And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
Genesis 40:5-8


This is a little side story in the overall story of Joseph in Egypt. Two imprisoned servants of Pharoah have dreams about what will happen to them, and Joseph interprets the dreams for them (through the inspiration of God), and he is correct. Later, when Pharoah has a dream that needs interpreting, this is remembered and results in Joseph's freedom and promotion to a high position.

What I like about this is the idea that God blesses us with dreams to help us. There are a lot of instances of dreams being mentioned in the scriptures... God warns people to flee, calls them as prophets, shows them things to come, blesses them with inspiration, and teaches them the truth. God doesn't do all of these things *only* through dreams, but it seems to be a fairly common medium. The ones that required an interpreter all seem to be God getting someone to listen to a prophet, so that might be more of a plot device than an actual requirement. For instance, Lehi's dream was clear to Lehi, and Nephi was able to obtain the interpretation by asking God.

In my life it isn't usually dreams, but more flashes of insight about something, or a scene that seems weird and that I rarely actually think will happen, but then, often years later, I'll be in that scene, and have a flashback to when I saw it the first time... reminders from God that he knows *way* better than I do what is in store, and sometimes promises that I will get through this challenge, by showing me a scene from after. :)

I think the point is that God is trying to help and prepare us all for the future, through the things that we learn and that we go through, and sometimes through other things like flashes of insight, or dreams, or random conversations or interactions with other people. I mean... I decided to go to graduate school through a conversation I had with a gentleman working in the garden center at a large store, and I know that God inspired that man to talk to me that day, and leads me forward in other ways as well. I believe that he does this for everyone... not necessarily in the same way, but in a way that we can learn to recognize if we take the time and work on our communication with God. Today, let's work on that, trusting in God that he knows the way forward and wants to help us get there. Let's pay attention and have faith, and God will lead us along.

3 Nephi 28:38-39 -- On Perfection and Preparation

"Therefore, that they might not taste of death there was a change wrought upon their bodies, that they might not suffer pain nor sorrow save it were for the sins of the world.
Now this change was not equal to that which shall take place at the last day; but there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them, that he could not tempt them; and they were sanctified in the flesh, that they were holy, and that the powers of the earth could not hold them."
3 Nephi 28:38-39


This is some pretty cool stuff, talking about the change that happened to the three Nephites who wanted to stay. It's interesting that it is a different "level" of body than when we are resurrected, but it still is so far beyond what we have that it seems incredible... no pain, no sorrow, and no temptation. Wow, right?

I think this emphasizes the fact that God could have made us all immortal from the beginning, but that death is baked into the whole idea of coming to earth... death makes it possible for us to have a "probationary" (Alma 12:24, 42:4, etc.) space where we could sin but then change and repent and try again before we inherit our far more permanent bodies and futures. Where Christ's atonement could affect us, overcome death, and give us all another chance... which is why we are all here, because we need a few extra tries to get it right. :) (Okay, more than a few.)

I am not sure exactly how it works, but what I imagine is that it is the separation of spirit and body that makes all of this possible, and when we actually get resurrected those get permanently fused together, which will be amazing in lots of ways... no more internal struggles between spirit and flesh, plus all the things mentioned here, and likely more. Maybe we'll be able to walk on water, just naturally. :) ... But in terms of what we're trying to accomplish here also a couple of down sides. I think that being fused like that makes us like God in the respect of being permanent and unchangable--which means this life is it. Whoever we learn to be here, that is who we are going to be--always. Which is awesome, but also scary if we don't especially like ourselves right now. That's why God is trying to help us change and grow and become and make the choices that turn us into the people that we want to be--because after this, we're not malleable anymore. Our figuratively clay selves will be fired and hardened and perfected into solid, permanent beings. Not ones that can't do cool things or learn more stuff, but ones that are whole and happy and not looking to be different or resolve internal conflict anymore. There won't be a conflict. We'll just be who we are.

Anyway, don't take that last paragraph as eternally true, since it is just my idea, not scripture. Either way though, today, let's take advantage of our probationary time and repent and change the things that we want to change, for "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors" (Alma 34:32).

Matthew 20:25-28 -- On Leading, Serving, and Loving

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:25-28


I like the idea here of Christ's leadership style... not authoritarian or power mad, but rather loving and serving and helping, like the idea in Jacob 5 of the Lord of the Vineyard, nourishing and trying to save the olive trees.

I think we misunderstand power sometimes, thinking that it exists to push people around and exercise dominion, because so many people try to use it in that way... but God has ALL power, and he doesn't use it that way. He uses it to create, to assist, to help, and to love. He very specifically refrains from treading on our fragile ability to choose, even though he could at any time, because he wants us to figure out who we are, and who we want to be, and have a chance to develop that.

He asks us to act similarly... to give ourselves in the service of others, to love and help them rather than "bossing them around." :) Today, let's take some time to think about how to lead through service and let go of our pride and our need to be in control just a little bit more, moving closer to God's path. None of us are perfect at it, but the more we talk to God about it and involve him in our lives, the more he will teach us to lead and love as he does.

Psalms 115:4-8 -- On Idols and Blindness

"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them."
Psalms 115:4-8


The first part of this selection is about the difference between God and idols... they have the semblance of life, but none of the reality, and God is life, and the giver of life. The second part talks about those that make idols and those that trust in them, and how they are also sporting eyes, but unable to see, etc. And I was thinking that the definition of idol is not limited to just something that is carved or painted to look like something alive, but we often use the word to refer to other things that we place at the forefront of our lives... basically anything that we prioritize over God is an idol to us.

Those idols also blind us, even though they might not have painted eyes. They blind us because they keep us from seeing God as the primary force and focus in our lives--idols are like something that is so close to your face that you can't bring anything else, let alone the big picture, into focus. God, on the other had, when we make him the primary focus of our lives, helps us to see better and further, because we are trusting in his guidance rather than only on our own senses.

Today, let's be wary of idols, and be careful not to place anything before God in our lives. Let's not blind ourselves and trust in something that can't possibly live up to that trust. God can, and will, if we are willing to commit ourselves to listening to him and trying to follow his guidance. :)

Exodus 2:11-12 -- On Killing and Commandments

"And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand."
Exodus 2:11-12


It's interesting that this is one of the first things we learn about Moses. He was saved from death by Pharoah's daughter, and Moses's sister's quick thinking, but after that we don't know anything about how he grew up until this. Now, of course we can assume that Moses's later calling means that everything he did during his life was justified, that God inspired him to do that, or that the Egyptians were bad guys and worthy of death because they were slave owners or because they weren't following the true God, or we can assume that Moses was protecting a close family member, or that it happened in the heat of the moment and was an accidental death... there are many possibilites. However, I think we can agree that, whatever the reason, Moses killing someone was generally a bad thing, in that God doesn't approve of people killing each other as a good way to solve problems, no matter what group the other person belongs to.

The calling of Moses seems to me to be not only a story about saving a people from enslavement, but also a redemption story for Moses, teaching him how to overcome his past and showing that the Lord had uniquely prepared him to do a great work. I also think that something similar is true for each of us. The Lord has prepared us in unique ways, and put us into positions where we can accomplish a lot of good... if we are willing to overcome our own mistakes and history, and are willing to listen to and follow God into that better future. Moses was the perfect person to teach the commandment "thou shalt not kill" and explain to people why that was a bad thing, because he had gone through it. Similarly, the big lessons that we learn in life often provide us perspective that we can share with others.

Today, let's work on moving past our mistakes and on learning from God how to do better, and how to support the people around us... making the whole world better.

Exodus 23:29-30 -- Deliverance in Little Steps

"I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land."
Exodus 23:29-30


This is an interesting deliverance, which happens "by little and little." I think that God works similarly in our lives, and in the world. Sometimes we want that dramatic sea parting finish, but usually what we need is the little and little changes that help us move forward, clearing the way slowly. This is also God's strategy for clearing evil from the world, as he discusses in Jacob 5:

"And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck not the wild branches from the trees, save it be those which are most bitter; and in them ye shall graft according to that which I have said.
And we will nourish again the trees of the vineyard, and we will trim up the branches thereof; and we will pluck from the trees those branches which are ripened, that must perish, and cast them into the fire.
And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil."

The shared theme seems to be that the Lord, by little and little, makes room for us as we grow into the people that we need to be. If we're good, then he can clear away a little bit more evil, slowly making things better. Today, let's work on making ourselves better, and as we are ready to progress along the path, God will clear a way for us. Let's let go of our need for the dramatic and accept the little and little, which will grow as we do.

Psalms 25:4 -- On God as Teacher and Guide

"Shew me they ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths."
Psalms 25:4


I like the idea here of the Lord as our teacher/mentor. Not that we should lose sight of him as God, of course, and start attributing mortal weaknesses to him, but he is also a personal God, and he loves us, and it's pretty cool that he is interested in teaching us one-on-one and guiding us in our lives.

Today, as we go through our day, let's think about what we need help on or advice about, and try to involve God in our lives a little bit more. As we do, and as we listen to the Spirit, I think we'll be surprised at how perfect God's advice is and how well he knows us, and how much he cares about even the smallest details of our lives. I also think that we might be surprised at how much easier it is to do God's will when we are talking to him all the time and getting tiny course corrections as we allow him to guide us in his paths.

Proverbs 22:24-26 -- On the Snare of Anger

"Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul."
Proverbs 22:24-26


This is interesting advice. Usually we are angry temporarily, so someone whose anger defines them like this might have a weakness in that area, so that that's more of a long-term problem. Good to not hang out with someone like that and pick up the habit. And of course, important not to BE that person either, and if possible help others who feel trapped in that emotion. I was actually talking to someone today who said he was angry and tired all the time. And if we get into a situation where that is true, then we need to do what we can to *change* our situation and find a way to not feel that way constantly.

One thing that helps is repentance, and getting the spirit back in our lives. I'm not saying that sin is the only cause of anger, but God is a fairly reliable solution, because in order to keep the spirit with us, we have to be able to let go of things that are burning us from the inside like that, and God can also help us to change our lives in a healthy emotional direction. :)

Today, let's see long-term anger for what it is... a snare for our souls--a sickness or poison that is eating us up inside. Let's not hang with people who think that is healthy and desirable, but instead let's do what we can to make the world less angry, starting with ourselves. Let's find ways to deal with our emotions in healthy ways, with God's help.

1 Nephi 1:1 -- On Being Afflicted and Favored

"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days."
1 Nephi 1:1


I like the idea here that Nephi was afflicted *and* favored. I think sometimes that we get it into our brains that affliction means that God doesn't like us or something, when that is far from the truth. God is with us in afflictions, turning even the worst things to work for our good.

Today, let's remember that we can be afflicted *and* favored, and let go of thinking that hardships and trials mean that we're horrible people. We aren't. God loves us, and will always help us as we turn to him.