Isaiah 42:16-20 -- On Walking Blind

"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant?
Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not."
Isaiah 42:16-20


This seems confusing, but as I was reading it I was thinking about the verse from a few days ago, talking about walking by faith and not by sight, and with that idea in my head, these verses started to make sense to me. It could be talking about the difference between physical and spiritual sight, and that spiritual people are blind on one level because they are trying to pay attention to the Lord and not get distracted by the illusions around them, or just because of the darkness that we all go through when trying to make it to the tree of life, and God will help the determined seeker find the way.

If we feel blind or deaf living in this world and having our senses overloaded, then let's open our spiritual senses and see things that others can't, unless they are also tuned into God. And you know, maybe I am way off here, and there are probably nuances of meaning here that I am not getting, but I think a good overall message for this is that it is okay to cultivate blindness to sin... there are things that it is good to ignore in a positive way, for instance things like race and country of origin that can sometimes make it harder to love people as we love ourselves.

Today, let's open our spiritual eyes and trust the Lord rather than trusting in man-made things that can't lead us through the darkness. Let's be willing to walk forward where God opens a way, even when we can't see that far with our physical senses.

Ether 12:24 -- On Mighty Words

"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 12:24


What I find interesting here is that written words can be overpowering. We don't usually think of it in quite this way, but we see this in life... we read life-changing books, or a verse of scripture just sears itself into our minds. So, is that a spiritual gift, or is it separate from the words, and the spirit is just testifying of truth, or is there a spiritual infusion in there somehow that bakes a spiritual message into those words, and anyone who is paying enough attention can get that message?

To take the idea farther, it isn't just written words. In the previous verse Ether mentions that God has made them "mighty in word by faith, but not . . . mighty in writing." And 2 Nephi 33:1 shares the same idea, saying that "when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men," clearly attributing the power to the Holy Ghost.

I have has a similar experience looking at a painting... having an overwhelming spiritual reaction to it, as though the spiritual message was just there, waiting for me to trigger it. So, perhaps even more ways of communicating can be infused with meaning/spirit/truth.

And then you have the verses that talk about "the Word was made flesh" (John 1:14) and the whole creation story where God says something and then it happens, and you have to wonder how powerful true words, spoken or written, or just true communication can be.

The idea also adds kind of a new meaning to the phrase repeated throughout the scriptures similar to "he that hath an ear, let him hear" ... perhaps indicating that there is a spiritual message to be found in these words, if we are in tune or spiritually perceptive enough to get it.

Today, let's consider the mightiness of our words, not just in preaching, but in the way they can affect or inspire the people around us. Let's take the power of communication seriously, and work to be in tune with God, feeling his spirit in our lives, and I think that we will be opening ourselves to a whole new layer of communication.

Isaiah 40:31 -- On Waiting Upon the Lord

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31


I'm not certain what it means to "wait upon the Lord," but reading this today, I kind of think that it has to do with patience and trust... having confidence that God's plan will work out for the best, and being willing to do our part in it.

It could also just mean that we are waiting for the Lord to come again. That carries a lot of similar ideas with it too though, because we need to have confidence that will happen, be righteous enough to see that coming as a good thing, and trust that no matter what happens in the interim, God's plan will work out for the best for everyone in the end.

Today, let's wait upon the Lord, knowing that God is faithful and keeps all his promises. Let's try to keep the ones that we have made to him as well, and look forward to that great day. :)

Daniel 3:26-27 -- On Faith and Consequences

"Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them."
Daniel 3:26-27


What struck me today about these verses is that the men that were thrown in the fire were unaffected by it, even to the point of them not smelling like fire... and it made me think that God can give us that power as well... to be unaffected by the "fiery darts" (Ephesians 6:16, 1 Nephi 15:24, D&C 3:8, 27:17) that fly at us from those who would try to destroy our faith. I also always really like the "but if not" in verse 18 of this chapter. They knew that God could save them, but also understood that he might not. God loves us all the time, but he doesn't save us all the time... and we aren't always going to know why. Sometimes it is a lesson for us, sometimes for someone else, and sometimes maybe it needs to happen to set something up years later. We don't know, but God does. I think the cool trick in these verses is not making the "but if not" into a doubt that actually erodes our faith, but instead stand firm, as these men did, knowing that God could save them, but if he didn't, that was the way it was supposed to be, and either way, they wouldn't deny him. Today, let's be firm in our dedication to God, no matter what kinds of external threats there are to our well-being, physically or spiritually. Let's remember that God can save us from being affected by external evils if we turn to him in faith (and don't go and welcome them into our lives, of course). And even if not, things will work out if we stay on the Lord's side and do what is right regardless of the fear of what other people will do.

2 Corinthians 5:7 -- On Faith and Sight

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight)"
2 Corinthians 5:7


This struck me today because I was trying to imagine what it would be like to really do this. I feel like the world tries to get us to rely on our physical senses only, and God here is reminding us that we need our spiritual senses as well. Just as we need to bridle our passions and allow our spirits to be in control... our spiritual senses need to take a top position in our lives, while still taking good care of our bodies. The idea of putting the spirit first, or even just understanding what the spirit feels like is incredibly hard sometimes though, because we have to learn how to feel and listen to the Spirit, and we're not always going to get it right... but if we keep praying and keep practicing, we can learn to understand what the Spirit feels like and even what it is communicating, and thereby how to really communicate with God. :) That's one of the most important things that we can learn, ever, so today, let's practice. Even if we are really bad at it, let's talk to God about it and ask him to teach us. He will.

Alma 42:29 -- On Trouble and Trust

"And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance." Alma 42:29


This verse struck me today because I love the idea of not being troubled. :) And I think that God is advising us through this story to stress less, and stop worrying about things that we can't do anything about... but only worry about the things that we can repent for and change.

In context, Alma is talking to his son Corianton, who had gotten into some sinful practices, and who didn't understand certain doctrines. We get into spots like that too, and I am not saying we shouldn't ask questions or petition God for answers. We should... God wants us to understand the gospel, and to embrace it in our lives. We can't stop seeking... I'm just saying that we also shouldn't let those kinds of things stall our lives. Part of what faith is for is being able to trust God enough that we can move forward, even though we still have questions.

Today, let's trust, and trouble ourselves a little less about things we can't change. Let's move forward with the things that we can affect, and let go especially of the very stressful sin in our lives. :)

Zephaniah 1:12-15 -- On the Great Day of the Lord

"And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil.
Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.
The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.
That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness"
Zephaniah 1:12-15


These verses are talking about the destruction of Jerusalem in a symbolic way, as a prediction of the Second Coming. I think the part about searching with candles means that the events are not going to leave anyone untouched.

One of the main points here is that the Lord will take action against the evil in the world, and when we grow complacent and think that he won't end up doing anything at all, that is when we become dangerous to ourselves and others.

Perhaps the other essential point is that trouble will come. Living as righteously as possible will of course help us to stand firm with faith, but it isn't going to make it so bad things never happen, or prophecy doesn't get fulfilled. Times of thick darkness and gloominess are going to happen... I think the many drastic changes in our world the past few years have shown how easily the Lord can change things if he chooses. The difference the gospel makes is that if we are obedient, we can have confidence that the Lord will help us, and stand with assurance and faith, knowing that God will make all things right in the end.
Today, let's remember both that God is in charge, and that his day of judgement will come. Let's be ready for it by preparing as well as we can, and assisting others as much as we are able. Against some darkness all we can do is hold to the rod and get through it, but God will always give us something to hope in and hang onto, and the ability to endure. And when it isn't that bleak, let's take the opportunity to rejoice in our blessings. :) The great day of the Lord will come... and it will be scary, but it will also be great as it makes things right and prepares us for more.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 -- On Love and Patience

"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5 I like this verse because it recommends two things that can make a huge difference in our lives: First, love. If we work on having the love of God in our lives, our perspective will change and we will look at people differently... more kindly, with more forgiveness, and more willingness to help and serve. Even if we aren't feeling particulary loving towards others for our own part, it is *God's* love that can infuse us and help us to see a new and better perspective. Second, patience. I think well over half of the problems in my life would have been dramatically easier to overcome if I had injected a little bit more patience into the process. Hopefully most of you are already a little better at this than I am, but I imagine it is, at least in part, a problem for all of us. This also brings to mind the parable of the ten virgins... that we have to be sure to maintain that oil of testimony as we wait. Can't just expect the time to be short. Today, let's work on love and patience, and let's also pray for help with both of those things. If we sincerely try, God will bless us with a measure of both of these things that we can build on, and I think we will see a difference (although, to the last point, it may not be immediate, so hang in there). :)

Genesis 18:23 -- On the Righteous and the Wicked

"And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?"
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Genesis 18:23-25


This is an interesting part of the conversation between God and Abraham talking about the destruction of the city where Lot, his nephew, was living. Abraham starts with this question, and then starts asking God how many good people have to be there for it to be spared, and works him all the way down to 10. Unfortunately, when we switch back to Lot's story, we find that in this case there seem to have been fewer than 10, and as we have seen in other stories, God often commands the righteous to flee rather than staying in a place that is about to be destroyed. In any case though, the part I really like here is the initial question, and that God responds to it, promising that he won't... showing that he does care, and that he is willing to spare whole cities for the sake of a small group of the righteous.

What this says to me is that when we ask God why he allows evil to exist... the answer is always that it is for our sakes in some way. He spares us by not destroying evil, he gives the mildly evil the chance to repent, he teaches us how to be good sometimes because we can see the contrast between good and evil, and our motivation is to *not* be part of the evil we have seen, etc. In the end though, he will destroy the evil out of his vineyard, according to how the good will grow (Jacob 5:65), to give all of us a chance to build on the foundation of good, and learn the things and enjoy the peace that you can only have in a better place. Today, let's be good and turn away from our own evil while we are spared... and let's also help the good to grow, so that God can clear away more and more evil and make everyone's lives better.

3 Nephi 1:6-8 -- On Faith and Comfort

"And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.
And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.
But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain."
3 Nephi 1:6-8


This is an interesting story about the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the coming of Christ being fulfilled. The story actually gets worse instead of better right after this (the unbelievers try to have them all killed), but eventually it works out. :)

What strikes me in this part of the story is that the believers took the unbelievers' mockery to heart and started to be sorrowful and worried, even though they were faithful enough to continue to watch.

I think a similar thing happens in our lives when people ridicule something that we believe, or the hope that we have in Christ. People often act like religion is a disease of the weak-minded, and that smart people would never fall for something like that. Or they attack a certain past event or a certain thing that the Bible says, or whatever... and if we're wondering about that thing or that principle too, then it can throw us off.

I guess what I really want to say here is that we shouldn't let anyone get in the way of our relationship with God. Nothing anyone says, anywhere, can affect that relationship... if we turn to God and he turns to us, that is proof beyond mortal argument... and even though we could reassure each other on other levels that we're plenty smart, that we can see the good and the blessings around us, etc. ... it really all comes back to God. That is where our faith and our testimony resides, and God is the one who can banish every mockery with a single overwhelming feeling when he shows us how much we are loved... and he WILL show us that, if we pray to him sincerely and with faith.

The end of the story is this: Nephi got on his knees and prayed all night to the Lord oh behalf of his people who were about to be slaughtered for their belief. And God answered him: "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets." ... He is true and faithful, and he will not leave us comfortless (John 14:18). Today, let's remember that. :)

Psalms 18:28 -- On Light and Perfection

"For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness."
Psalms 18:28


There are a lot of verses here about the Lord helping David to overcome his enemies, which are very applicable if we need to be saved from our enemies, but in the spirit of likening "all scripture unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23), I really liked a couple of the verses that don't deal directly with the war here. I think we can all relate to needing the Lord to help "enlighten our darkness" at times, because we sometimes let our lights go out, and lose our way. I love that God can get us jumpstarted again even after we have given up hope of ever moving forward again... if we turn to him, he is with us in every time of trouble (Psalms 9:9, Psalms 37:39, Psalms 41:1, Daniel 12:1, Doctrine and Covenants 105:8).

Along with that idea of an infusion of hope into our lives when we need it most, I also like this verse: "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect" (verse 32). ... We definitely can't do it alone, but God helps us make the difference between our mortal fallibility and perfection. He lets us have hundreds of do-overs, and teaches us line upon line how to incrementally improve, as fast as we are able. Just like in the movie Groundhog Day, with God's help and enough practice, if we are willing, eventually we can learn to perfect our days. :)

Today, let's go to God for an infusion of hope and another chance, and work on being better than we currently are. Just a little, over time, will make a difference, and God can help us get there.

Proverbs 12:10-11 -- On Kindness and Consequences

"A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding."
Proverbs 12:10-11


A couple of cool tidbits of wisdom here. First, that we should care about animals... they matter; their lives aren't just to be thrown away. And perhaps on a deeper level, good people are kind all the way through, even to animals, and bad people can find a way to be cruel even when offering mercy... let's work on being kind all the way through rather than justifying any sort of cruelty.

Second, we should be planning for the future, taking the time to invest labor in the present that will pay off later rather than just living in the moment and avoiding thought of what will come... so basically, think about the consequences of our choices, and what will come of them down the line.

Today, let's take this simple advice from God to heart, and work on being kind and on wisely choosing the consequences that we prefer in the long term, rather than blowing off the fact that our actions can have a big impact on our own and others' lives.

Isaiah 1:14-17 -- On Washing and Worship

"Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow."
Isaiah 1:14-17


Here, God is telling us basically that going through the motions of worship is really pointless if we are still doing evil. He asks us, instead, to wash the blood from our hands, to stop participating in evil works, and to change... to learn goodness, helping the people around us. Reading past these verses he asks us to come to him in sincerity and repentance, and he can help us even now, no matter what wickedness we are caught up in, and cleanse our sins.
Today, let's worry less about the details of worship and more about cleaning up our lives, so that when we do worship we are doing it in sincerity rather than hypocrisy. We're not going to get far if we have no intention of actually changing... we can start with the external, but saying the words and going through the motions of repentance doesn't work long term unless we are also working on it internally. Let's first determine to wash our lives of evil, and then talk to God about it and get help with the process. As long as we are willing to try, he will listen and help.

2 Corinthians 4:1-4 -- On Revealing Hidden Truth

"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
2 Corinthians 4:1-4


Lots of good stuff here, but the thing I was thinking about what the significantly lowercase "god of this world" part. I'm guessing that is referring to Satan, since he calls himself that sometimes, and the footnote agrees. He would want to get in the way of the light of the image of the (capitalized) God and blind people.

So, keeping that in mind, that Satan tries to blind people's minds, and they are then "lost," the first part becomes a lot clearer. We're supposed to be demonstrating the truth in everything we do, so that the spirit can touch people's hearts and help them to be found again... to come out of that wilderness of darkness and into the light and warmth of God's love. ... And you know, I guess that sounds a little smarmy on the surface, but when we've felt the difference it makes sense, and I think it also gives us a sense of urgency, to try to help people that are out there wandering in Satan's darkness. ... Not deceitfully or trying to trick anyone into listening, but just saying and living the plain truth, and praying that the spirit will use us to touch lives and reconnect people to God.

Today, let's do our best to live up to the mercy we have been granted, manifesting the truth of the word of God, so that it can no longer be hidden. :)

Hebrews 6:11-15 -- On Promises and Patience

"And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."
Hebrews 6:11-15


I like the idea here of promise keeping, or covenant, between ourselves and God... perhaps the simplest expression of the promise between us is in Jeremiah: "And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God" (Jeremiah 30:22), but it is found throughout the scriptures. Essentially, God promises to guide us if we promise to follow him.

Complexity is added by the details of our roles, what following entails, what rewards a God can offer, whether we think we need guidance or not, whether we think the final destination is worth it, etc., but at the core is still the same deal. We want to go back to God, and God wants us back, so he promises to show us the way, but it is on us to follow the directions to get there. :)

Today, let's "be not slothful" and with the "full assurance of hope" work on following the directions. :) Then we, like Abraham, can also obtain the fulfillment of God's promise by doing the part that we promise... in this case it was patiently enduring, which we also have to do, but when we think endure, let's not just think "bad" but also look forward to patiently enduring some good times as well.

3 Nephi 20:11-13 -- On Isaiah

"Ye remember that I spake unto you, and said that when the words of Isaiah should be fulfilled—-behold they are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them—
And verily, verily, I say unto you, that when they shall be fulfilled then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of Israel.
And then shall the remnants, which shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth, be gathered in from the east and from the west, and from the south and from the north; and they shall be brought to the knowledge of the Lord their God, who hath redeemed them."
3 Nephi 20:11-13


This is Jesus, talking to the people during his visit to the Americas, and he makes an excellent case for reading Isaiah, in addition to the one in 3 Nephi where he says "a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; fir great are the words of Isaiah" (3 Nephi 23:1). A large hint there as well, in case this verse doesn't convince us, or get us engaged with the topic enough to search it out. :) The prophecy goes on, talking about other things that will happen, Which is interesting, but which also helps clarify things in Isaiah, if we read it.

Today, let's take the commandment to read Isaiah seriously and dig into it a little. Too often we just gloss over it, figuring that we can't figure it out, but guess who just reminded us to read it? Yeah, God. :) So, let's give it another shot, and if we get bogged down with it, let's pray and ask for help. God will always help us if we are attempting to keep his commandments. :)

Proverbs 3:1-4 -- On Mercy and Truth

"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."
Proverbs 3:1-4


I like this admonition, and especially the way that mercy and truth are paired together. So often in the world you hear people insist that seeing reality is seeing something bad or broken, but there are a lot of good, true things out there as well... and God is just as... no, actually MORE vividly real than any negative thing that we have to "face" in life. Mercy exists. Religion isn't a lie or a crutch softening the blow of a heartless world. God's path is a way to communicate with the *actual* divine, which can infuse our souls and our lives with hope and a higher perspective.

Today, let's seek that hope, and the length of days, long life, and peace too. :) Let's work to understand God and his ways so that the negative lies of the world don't crush us. Instead, let's look up with hope and love, and learn to share God's mercy and generosity with those around us.

Doctrine and Covenants 52:40 -- On Being Disciples

"And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple."
Doctrine and Covenants 52:40


This is another good reminder about remembering and caring for each other when we are suffering. The overall context of this verse is missionary work, but God throws this in, I think making sure we remember what is truly important is helping other people... that should be our primary concern whenever we are out trying to solve other problems or fulfil other commandments. Learning to love and care for the people around us remains at the top of the list.

Today, let's be true disciples by making sure to consider the hardships and suffering of the people around us, and doing all we can to help.

Hosea 10:12 -- On Timing and the Rain of Righteousness

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you."
Hosea 10:12


I like the ideas here... basically that we need to plant righteousness and mercy within ourselves. Yes, perhaps we needed to let our ground lie fallow for a time to renew ourselves and be ready to plant again, but NOW is the time to get back in the game, to prepare our fields for the rains and a great growth of goodness. :)

The main challenge here, perhaps, is that we have a tendency to think that we need to lie fallow just a bit longer; no matter how ready we are for the next thing, sometimes is scares us. Today, let's remember that it is already time. Let's proceed to seek the Lord. We might not feel it at first, but without the Lord we are always in drought. We need his rain, and his presence in our lives, more than we have ever needed anything else.

Doctrine and Covenants 123:12-14 -- On Bringing Hidden Things to Light

"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—
Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—
These should then be attended to with great earnestness."
Doctrine and Covenants 123:12-14


This was an interesting thing to read today, and it reminded me of a post I was reading the other day at work, about work situations and how much effort you should invest in them. Some people were saying that they put in extra effort and were rewarded for it, and others were saying that they tried putting in extra effort, got overlooked or cheated, and so they backed off, and now they just do the job and have stopped trying to make a bigger difference. I think that reflects people's attitudes towards life in general as well. Some people have hope, and others don't, and are just plodding along, trying to survive.

I think that a lot of that lack of hope is caused by the "hidden things of darkness" that this verse is referring to. When it was written it was specifically referring to the horrible things that were done to the "Mormons" as they were chased from their homes and driven away, but I think it applies to all of the horrible things that are done to everyone, even just as a matter of course or policy in some organizations. So much discrimination and cruelty still exists, not just against one religion, but against so many people in so many different ways, and bringing those things out and shining a light on them can help people find hope, and believe that life can be better than it has been thus far in their experience.

Today, let's work to eradicate darkness and mistreatment, and to shine the light of hope into people's lives that have not perhaps seen it in quite a while. Let's make sure that people know where to go to find the truth, and that we are working with God and shining a light for the people around us, and aren't joining forces with the darkness to cover things up.

Mormon 8:37-39 -- On Being Better

"For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.
O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?
Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?"
Mormon 8:37-39


This is interesting, because Moroni is saying these things because of a vision that he was shown of people in the Last Days... so our time, and this is what he thinks of the world that we live in. Since God showed him the vision, choosing the things that he saw, I imagine that the whole thing was pretty accurate and indicative of what our world is like. So, these are some things that we should specifically be careful of in our lives.

Today, let's make sure that we aren't prioritizing money, or adornments, over people... and specifically pay attention to what we can do to help people in need. Let's also make sure that we aren't acting ashamed of Christ in our lives... apologizing for religion, or worrying more about what other people will thing more than what God will thing. ... I'm not saying these are all easy calls to make, but if we honestly feel that we need to apologize for religion, then let's dig into that and go to God with it and ask about that rather than taking that discussion to the world first. If we are worried about how we will survive if we help everyone else, or about people taking advantage of our generosity, let's also take those things to God. He will help us learn proper boundaries in our lives, and help us know when to give. Let's not be the people that Moroni saw in his vision. Let's be better than that.

2 Nephi 21:2-4 -- On Days of Judgement

"And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears.
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."
2 Nephi 21:2-4


This is a prophecy of Christ also found in Isaiah, and I love the ideas here, about not judging by the obvious, and judging with righteousness and equity. I get the idea that if he judges the poor and meek, they will have more than they did previously rather than less. :)

This same judgement will also smite the earth and slay the wicked... but again, because we've read the other part, I feel like the earth and likely even the wicked will come out better in the end than they started.

Today, let's look forward to the time when Christ will make everything right. :)

Alma 5:14 -- On Retaining a Change of Heart

"And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?"
Alma 5:14


This is a good thing to contemplate for all of us, along with verse 26 that asks, if we have, can we feel so now? This helps us understand that conversion isn't a one-time event, but an ongoing effort. If we feel connected to God and feel the guidance of the spirit, we need to be careful to make sure those things continue in our lives as well.

Today, let's take some time to think about this, and if we aren't there yet, or we've been there and aren't there now, let's get on our knees and talk to God about how to return to him.

Hebrews 4:12-13 -- On the Power of God

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
Hebrews 4:12-13


It's hard to explain the power of God, but Paul gives it a good go here, talking about how God's work is more powerful than any sword, cutting straight to the heart of any matter, and also that he knows our thoughts and intentions. No creature can escape that power.

We talk about feeling the spirit with weapon analogies too sometimes... when things peirce us to the heart, or to the very soul. Spiritual things can get past our walls and break down our barriers and get us to feel something... and even though there are a lot of gentler analogies talking about God's word and his love, I think sometimes the weapon ones help us understand that as much as we try to build figurative walls around ourselves to shut out the world, God can always hear us, and always knows us the way that we know ourselves... he can see into our hearts. At times when we think that no one understands, he still does.
It's good to remember that we can't hide things from him too... even when we're trying to hide them from ourselves. :) Today, let's trust in God's power which he uses always to help us reach towards happiness and and eternal good for everyone.

Romans 8:6-10 -- On Dead Bodies

"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
Romans 8:6-10


Wait. Dead bodies with living spirits in them? Is this a zombie novel? :) ... Sometimes the symbolic meanings can be confusing, but I feel like the core message here is clear: we need to let the Spirit rule in our lives, rather than the body.

Coming to earth and gaining a body set us all up with some inherent motivational conflict between what the two parts of ourselves want. The spirit wants unity with God and others, life, peace, goodness. The body has appetites that the spirit doesn't have, for food, intimacy, general tactile and other sensory feedback like music, television, the scent of rain, or our need for sleep.

Part of the challenge of this life is to deal with these new sensations and to unify the two parts of ourselves. God has a body and he knows the value of it--he granted bodies to us purposely, and will restore them to us in the resurrection. They are ours, permanent parts of ourselves now.

It is definiely possible to satisfy all of our body's needs without straying from our spiritual needs, but we often get our priorities mixed up and let our body's desires take precedence, starving our spirits and making them subserviant to the flesh, rather than the other way around... well, not entirely the other way around, because we don't want our bodies to actually literally die, but symbolically, as above, we want them dead as in "not in charge even a little bit" to draw us into sin, but to be completely under control of our spirits, and both sides tuned into God's Spirit, who teaches us the way to unify the parts of ourselves for maximum joy, so that we can have all the positive benefits of a body without falling into the traps of sin, leaving our spiritual selves symbolically dead and unfulfilled.

Today, let's prioritize our spiritual needs, learning ways to care for our bodies and take full advantage of their capabilities without offending God and our own Spirits.

Ether 12:41 -- On Seeking

"And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen."
Ether 12:41


What struck me today while reading this is just the idea of seeking Jesus. I like that the verse guides us in *how* to do that in at least one way... by reading what the prophets and apostles have written. It also hints at why, although I am not sure we get the full message of that until we try it. :) The very act of seeking is part of faith though, and I think that it opens our hearts and our minds to new possibilities and helps us be ready to learn what God has to teach us.

Today, let's seek Jesus by reading the scriptures and learning more about his life. Let's listen to conference talks and pray sincerely and learn through the spirit as well. The more we learn about God, and the more the Spirit reminds us of what we already know, the better our lives will be--not necessarily because the bad parts will disappear, but because we will have more confidence that evil can and will be overcome, that our relationship to and faith in God makes us strong and resilient, and that there is a plan to help all of us get to a promised happy ending to come. That will in turn help us focus on seeing the good, and building it up, rather than being focused on, and stressed about, the bad parts all the time.

Alma 18:22 -- On Being Wise and Harmless

"Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni: Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things? And this is the thing that I desire of thee."
Alma 18:22


I like the idea here of being "wise, yet harmless." It reminds me of an example of an explanation of a "foolish doctrine" where people tell each other than it is okay to "...lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor..." (2 Nephi 28:8-9), etc. Ammon was smart enough to take advantage of people, but wise and harmless enough that he wouldn't make that choice. It's also interesting because Ammon had just literally harmed several people who were trying to kill him and scatter the king's sheep, so saying that he is harmless is a statement about emotional and spiritual intent rather than physical ability.

I think that maybe this is part of what humility is, and what we can all strive for... to be wise, but harmless. Today, let's try to be like Ammon. If we see an opening where we can take advantage, let's refrain from trying to gain the upper hand and instead just work on serving others and listening to the spirit... let's work on being truly harmless, and healing any harm we've caused in the past.

Alma 7:23 -- On the Blinders of Selfishness

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive."
Alma 7:23


This is a good list of things that God asks us to learn. It is also kind of a hard list in some ways, because the world teaches us that many of these virtues make us weak doormats, easy to be manipulated. But just as David A. Bednar tells us that meekness is not weak, timid, or passive, so with these virtues. Humility isn't bowing and scraping or demeaning ourselves, it is being able to get out of our own heads enough to recognize God's transcendant amazingness, as well as the beauty and potential of other people. Being submissive isn't obliterating our own opinions or praising other people's ideas without any critical thinking... it is just backing off enough to be able to listen to others and recognize when they have good ideas too, instead of drowning others out with our own voices. Almost all of these things, and maybe almost all of the gospel, is God asking us to take off the blinders of our own selfishness so that we can see past our own thoughts and feelings, and really consider other people.

Today, let's try that, shall we? :)