Omni 1:15-16 -- On Being Brought by the Hand of the Lord

"Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon.
And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth."
Omni 1:15-16


The theme of being brought by the hand of the Lord repeats throughout the scriptures a lot. People being saved and then led to the promised land, or just preserved from famine or war to make a historical difference later. And I think that, if we look to the Lord and follow him, that we can all be in that category if we want to be. The Lord has a work for us to do, and he will save and preserve us for that purpose, and lead us to the right place.

Today, let's be open to the hand of the Lord in our lives. Let's allow the Lord to guide us to where we can make a difference. Even if it seems very small, God always has something for us to jump into and accomplish for him, and doing it well will matter far into the future. Let's do whatever he asks to the best of our ability, and make the world (and ourselves) that much better.

Hebrews 5:7-9 -- On Suffering, Obedience, and Perfection

"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"
Hebrews 5:7-9


This is talking about Christ, and I think it is good for us to know that Christ learned in the same ways that we do, through the things that we experience and sometimes suffer. Luckily, our lives are not typically full of suffering and nothing else, so that we can also learn joy, and as it states here, learn obedience as well. Often we do this through trial and error, eventually observing that God gives impeccable advice, and our lives are much worse when we take our own path.

Today, let's turn to Christ, who suffered for us, and who became perfect and able to lead us through our trials as well, if we turn to him and trust him enough to take his advice and do as he asks. Let's work on that and get closer to our own perfection as well. :)

3 Nephi 5:12-17 -- On Being a Disciple of Christ

"And behold, I am called Mormon, being called after the land of Mormon, the land in which Alma did establish the church among the people, yea, the first church which was established among them after their transgression.
Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.
And it hath become expedient that I, according to the will of God, that the prayers of those who have gone hence, who were the holy ones, should be fulfilled according to their faith, should make a record of these things which have been done—
Yea, a small record of that which hath taken place from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem, even down until the present time.
Therefore I do make my record from the accounts which have been given by those who were before me, until the commencement of my day;
And then I do make a record of the things which I have seen with mine own eyes."
3 Nephi 5:12-17


I like this because it explains why it is called the Book of Mormon in the first place. He compiled it from many records that had been written over the years, and then added his own part. I also love that when he introduces himself, he doesn't say something about his profession, his place in society, or even give us any background about his family at this point. The most important thing to him, and to us, is that he is a disciple of Christ. That is something to aspire to. We are a lot of things to a lot of people, but that should be top of the list, the most important thing in our lives. Today, let's work on making it that way, and finding ways to serve God in everything that we do.

Alma 2:28-30 -- On Preserving Life

"Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them.
And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici with the sword, face to face; and they did contend mightily, one with another.
And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised with much faith, cried, saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people."
Alma 2:28-30


One thing I like about the war chapters in the Book of Mormon is the fact that you see the spiritual side of all of it--it isn't just observations of slaughter or something. We get to see why people fight, why they are preserved, why they are destroyed, and occasionally even some insights into how to win a hopeless war.

Today, let's call on the Lord to help us, even if the current wars in our lives are more figurative than literal... he is still the best place to go for life preservation of all kinds. :)

Daniel 2:44 -- On Dreams and Certainty

"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."
Daniel 2:44


I like the idea here of God's kingdom triumphing over all others, and also the story behind it where Daniel was asked to tell the king not only the interpretation of the dream, but the dream itself that the king couldn't remember, and God granted him the same dream. It is a good reminder that God knows everything, including our thoughts and intentions.

Today, let's turn to the Lord who not only knows everything, but who is willing to help us with anything, and whose kingdom will stand forever. If we need one true certainty in the midst of all the madness, he is it. :) Let's be like Daniel and trust him with our lives.

Isaiah 62:11-12 -- On Being Sought for Salvation

"Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken."
Isaiah 62:11-12


I love Isaiah. Lots of symbolism here, but basically God is promising that he will return and save us, seeking us out, and letting us know that he hasn't given up on us, despite our sins and the sins of our ancestors. Some of the meaning is spiritual, and some is about an actual physical return to Jerusalem, to save his ancient covenant people. Everyone baptized into the church is part of that covenant, but going back to the center of it all and saving the people who rejected him is part of the beauty of the promise. He doesn't hold even that against any of us anymore, and wants to gather us and protect us. We are his work, and he is our reward.

Today, let's remember that God loves us and seeks us out, even if we have gone astray. Let's turn back to him and do all we can to preserve that connection and take the opportunity to feel the love that he offers us.

Psalms 116:1-2 -- On Being Heard and Calling Upon God

"I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."
Psalms 116:1-2


This is interesting to me because it seems to be saying "I love the Lord because he listens to me." That's a powerful statement I think about how often we feel alone or misunderstood in our lives, and God is definitely the right place to turn when we feel that way.

Today, let's give thanks for the Lord, who listens to us, and who helps us every day... and let's take some time to return the favor as we call upon him in prayer. We can listen and learn to take his excellent advice.

Psalms 4:5 -- On the Sacrifices of Righteousness

"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord."
Psalms 4:5


The sacrifices of righteousness seem like the things that we have to give up in order to be righteous. Depending on where we're at in life, those things can seem huge, but I think that there are always sacrifices to be made, even when they don't loom too large. We still have the opportunity to sacrifice some personal time and dedicate it to God, for instance, which will get us closer to where we need to be... less self-centered, and more God-centered.

I also think that as we become more righteous and make those incremental changes in our lives that the pain of what we have sacrificed in the past will fade and be swallowed up in the joy of the Lord... we'll see that all of it was worth it because we'll have the relationship with and the knowledge of God that we paid those prices for, and having that spirit in our lives will make whatever we have given up in return pale in comparison.

Today, let's look at our lives and make whatever sacrifice is needed to get a little bit closer to God. It might feel painful at first, but as we put our trust in the Lord in that way, it will always be worth it.

Isaiah 29:18-20 -- On Miracles, Joy, and Repentance

"And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.
The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:"
Isaiah 29:18-20


I love the prediction here that the deaf will hear and the blind will see; not only something that Christ did when he came, but an increasingly common thing in the latter days where medical miracles can help so many more people. I also love that the meek and the poor will also be happier, gaining joy and rejoicing respectively.

The last part is amazing too, but also sort of sad, because it's tragic in a lot of ways that in order to establish a perfect society we have to "cut off" people who prey on others... people who make choices like that just won't fit into the ideal. Not because God doesn't invite them... not because we don't want them there with us... but because they choose something that is incompatible with Zion/Heaven/Perfection, so they need to have a separate space, away from the people who don't want to be preyed upon.

Today, let's make sure not to be terrible or scorners or people who watch for iniquity... and if we are, or have been, let's repent of all of that, and embrace the opportunity that God gives us to change and become part of his kingdom.

Colossians 1:10-11 -- On Longsuffering with Joyfulness

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"
Colossians 1:10-11


I like the idea here that we can be suffering on one level but still be filled with joy on another level. I think that we have conflicting internal messages like that a lot, and if we work with God, we can find joy even when things are very hard. Not as a "positive mental attitude" thing where we pretend that we aren't suffering, but true joy despite the pain of our current circumstances. It reminds me of a few other scriptures.

• Mosiah 24:15 -- where it tell us that the people did "submit cheerfully" to all the will of the Lord, even though they were basically in slavery.
• 2 Corinthians 4:8 -- where it tells us that we can be "troubled on every side, yet not distressed," etc.
• Mormon 9:14 -- where it tells us that if we learn to be happy in this life, we will still be happy beyond the grave.

Today, let's walk worthy, increasing in the knowledge of the Lord, and praying for the strength to be able to combine joy even with "patience and longsuffering."

Galatians 6:3 -- On Perspective and Self-Deception

"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."
Galatians 6:3


This is a good reminder, and I think that this is really about being aware of and appreciative of others, because the verse previous to this asks us to bear one another's burdens. We need to help each other rather than just thinking only about ourselves and our problems. Otherwise, we often get a skewed perspective and can't see past our own issues in order to help and care about what others are going through.

Today, let's make sure that we are thinking of God and other people and not just considering ourselves.

Psalms 142:5 -- On Caring for the Soul

"I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living."
Psalms 142:5


Sometimes we all feel alone I think. God cares for us in a way that no one else can duplicate, because he knows who we can be, not just who we are, and he supports us in becoming our best selves rather than upholding us when we are inclined to make horrible choices. Instead he reminds us and helps us realize what the right thing to do is.

Today, let's remember the Lord, who doesn't just love our external appearance, but who cares for our souls, and encourages us to improve every day.

1 Kings 3:10-12 -- On Asking Wisdom

"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."
1 Kings 3:10-12


This is a good reminder that God wants what is best for us and for everyone, so as we work to make sure we're on the same page with God, we'll get closer as we keep other people in mind and refrain from asking for selfish things. Not to say that it is easy to take a step back and see things from another perspective, but definitely worth practicing to try to see other points of view... especially God's, which he will teach us to glimpse as much as we are able, if we ask him.

Today, let's be thankful for all that God has done for us, and ask God to help us to to be less selfish and better able to help others in whatever position that we are in.

Proverbs 30:4 -- On Remembering God

"Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?"
Proverbs 30:4


Another good reminder of God and all that he has done for us. Better to never take that for granted, and always remember how bug a role God plays in our lives.

It's easy to get focused on ourselves and try to handle it all on our own. Today, however, let's make sure that we are rememberig God's role in our lives and working to include him in every one of our daily struggles. As we do, he will bless us and help us, and things will go much, much better than when we try to go it alone.

Nehemiah 4:8-9 -- On Conspiracy and Prayer

"And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them."
Nehemiah 4:8-9


Today in primary we asked the kids what the first thing to do when you are scared is, and, unprompted, they said to pray. I was impressed, even though they followed up with some less-useful suggestions. :) That first instinct was on point, and I think that should be our instinct as adults as well. The best thing to do is always to pray, and then we can proceed to follow up with our best guess. In thiese verses, that is to set a watch so that no one can ambush them, which seems like a very wise thing to do... but prayer came first, even though they were worried and there were a lot of people against them... they remembered that you can't be outnumbered if God is on your side.

Today, let's hone our instincts and make sure that prayer is always the first alternative, so we get that inspiration from the Lord even while we're making our best guess about what to do next.

Philippians 4:8 --- On Finding the Positive

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


I like that this tells us about positive things to focus on, and also the fact that the list includes things that can be found almost anywhere... there is good to be found in many places, which in turn enables us to change things up with a new perspective now and then, by shifting our focus and finding the positive.

I don't think that this means God is forbidding us from feeling sad or denying that there are other valid emotions or anything. After all, Jesus wept, right? I think he is just drawing attention to the fact that in most cases we can do something about how we pervieve the world, and if we focus on finding those good things, and thinking about those things, we'll become happier overall.

Hebrews 4:12-13 -- On the Nature 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


These verses are good reminders of the nature of God. He created everything, and he knows our thoughts and the desires of our hearts. We can't hide anything from him. ... All of that is okay though, since we can trust him. Some part of ourselves already loves and trusts him from the preexistence, in fact.

Another thing that I think is interesting here is that it starts talking about the word of God, but is clearly referring to God himself... thus making no difference between the word and the actual fact, which I think shows how things SHOULD be, and probably makes an important statement about how God spoke and created the world as well.

There shouldn't be a difference between what we say and what we are, and God is the ultimate example of that, embodying everything that he is... an ultimate truth. Today, let's try to be who we say we are as well... embracing truth much more fully, letting it become part of us.

2 Peter 1:2-3 -- On Lives of Glory and Virtue

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
2 Peter 1:2-3


Some of the greetings in these letters are amazing, and this is one of them. I love the idea of having grace and peace multiplied, but my favorite part is probably the part about being called to glory and virtue.

Thinking about that got me to thinking that our lives would probably be richly improved if we belived that, and treated our lives as though we were called on a virtuous and glorious adventure. ... Which we really have, right? We're not here to fail. We're here to be heroes, and to win the day, triumph over our foes, and save everyone. :)

Today, let's maybe take a step back and think about being called by God to be where we are, and that he expects us to be amazing. :) ... And then, of course, let's go out and really be that, because with his help, we can triumph. :)

1 John 1:8-9 -- On Confession and Cleansing

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:8-9


I think a lot of the point here is humility... not thinking that we know everything, are perfect, or that we don't need to change and grow. That's a tough things sometimes, because we want to feel competent and in control... it's hard sometimes to admit how much we really need God just to stay relatively sane. :)

Today, let's admit our sins, mistakes, and faults, and pray for help. Let's be humble enough to admit that we aren't perfect, and use that knowledge to also work on relating to other imperfect people. Hiding behind a mask of perfection doesn't help anyone... it just sets up an impossible ideal for observers, stilts all of our interactions, and prevents us from working on and improving ourselves. Let's be real, especially with God, who can cleanse and help us to be better than we are.

Acts 3:19-21 -- On Repentance and Restitution

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
Acts 3:19-21


This is a good reminder to repent. The idea of a restitution of all things is a good one, but if there were no way to escape the bad things that we have done through repentance, then we would probably all fear that day. Today, let's look forward to it, knowing that we've cleared up all the bad, so only good will be coming back. :)

2 Thessalonians 3:5 -- On Allowing the Lord to Direct our Hearts

"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."
2 Thessalonians 3:5


This is some excellent advice, and maybe something simple that we can remember today... love and patience, both connected to God, helping us to trust in his plan and maybe step back from the things that are stressing us out and find some peace in the Spirit. Let's work on allowing the Lord to direct our hearts.

2 Kings 14:26-27 -- On Timing

"For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.
And the Lord said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash."
2 Kings 14:26-27


Just as we often ask why bad things happen to good people, we also ask what these verses suggest... why do good things happen to bad people? And these verses and the context of these verses offer some good information in that regard.

The Lord didn't wipe out this line of kings, even though they were evil, because he had promised, but also because he had something in store for them in later generations. And I think that is the answer to most of the questions we have in this regard. There is very little instant retribution in this life becuase things have to play out both to give us all a change to learn, repent, and change... but also because we can't see all the repercussions of every choice, and God can.

Today, let's trust the Lord and his timing, knowing that he has a better perspective than we do, and that he is leading us to everything good.

Mosiah 10:10 -- On Going Up in the Strength of the Lord

"And it came to pass that we did go up to battle against the Lamanites; and I, even I, in my old age, did go up to battle against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle."
Mosiah 10:10


There are a lot of battle/war verses in the scriptures, but in some of them the Lord is on their side, and in some he isn't. The difference is sometimes whether they are the aggressors or not, especially in the Book of Mormon, but the overall rule that seems to fit them all is just... are they listening to God and doing as he asks, or not?

I think that we can apply this to our lives. Maybe our daily battles aren't actual physical warfare... hopefully they aren't... but we have to struggle nonetheless, and it takes courage and strength to do as the Lord asks. Today, let's learn from this verse and act in obedience so that just like the people of Zeniff here, we can "go up in the strength of the Lord" with confidence that the Lord will help us overcome our external challenges and triumph over our own weaknesses as well.

John 3:3 -- On Spiritual Rebirth

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
John 3:3


Scripture is sometimes difficult to understand and sometimes easy, usually depending on who is speaking, like Isaiah versus Nephi. When it is Christ speaking, it is also sometimes hard and sometimes easy, depending on whether he explains himself later or not, but because of that example, of saying something that seems confusing and then explaining it to his disciples later, we learn a lot about how to read the scriptures, because there are perfectly plain things, and there are richly symbolic things, and sometime both when there is a plain meaning and then a deeper meaning.

I don't think it is meant to confuse... after all, Shakespeare also wrote with multiple levels of meaning. I think it is meant to make us think and ponder a little bit more, and dig deeper. Curiosity enhances our learning because when we are curious about something, we'll read more about it, look up things about it, and try to delve deeper, and Christ uses that curiosity to get us to really think and try to figure out what he means.

Another way to understand besides just pure studying it out is to have the spirit with us. The more we get to know God, the more we will understand him and the more we'll be able to not only process the messages in the scriptures, but to understand "the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5).

This particular verse is talking about baptism and helping us to understand that we need to be transformed in a fundamental way to follow God and be a part of his kingdom. Baptism is symbolic of that change, but I think it is the same "mighty change of heart" it talks about in Alma 5 as well. Today, let's put some thought and perhaps infuse some curiosity into what the Lord is telling us, and learn more about it... figuring out not only how we can become new people in Christ, but gaining a key that can open the door to everything else we will ever need to know.

Psalms 73:21-23 -- On Hope in Christ

"Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand."
Psalms 73:21-23


I think we all feel this sometimes, compared to God... we realize that we're foolish and ignorant, and that we're making things worse. And yet, God still loves us, and helps us, and holds our hands, helping us through. A few verses later it says "God is the strength of my heart," and I think that about sums it up... even though we make so many unwise choices, because we have God, we can still hope and stand up and keep trying. He is our courage and our faith... in him we find our reason to move forward; because he is helping us, we know that we can improve and eventually triumph.

Today, let's look to God for help, and trusting in him, move forward, repenting and improving and becoming new creatures.

Romans 1:16 -- On Testimony

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Romans 1:16


This is a good one to think about... are we ashamed of the gospel of Christ? I feel like sometimes we are. We shy away from certain parts, or avoid talking about it. And maybe that's understandable if we don't understand it or don't believe it completely... but it is also something that we should actively work on. If we don't get part of the gospel, instead of avoiding it, let's take some steps to learn more about it, and develop that part of our testimonies. If our salvation is tied up in our belief, as this seems to say, then it is imperative that we know where we stand, and that we learn what God is offering to all of us.

Today, let's talk to God about the things that we don't understand, and learn a little bit more with his guidance. Let's work on being confident in the gospel and grateful for how it works in our lives and in the whole world, helping us all come unto Christ.

Isaiah 60:19-21 -- On Sources of Light

"The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified."
Isaiah 60:19-21


This is really cool, literal or symbolic. It is talking about the establishment of Zion in the last days, and I love how it talks about everything being okay again and God never leaving again... as well as the amazing blessing of righteousness. In our society it is hard to imagine that many righteous people gathered together in one place, but this is what is promised and that we're all working towards... a place to live free from corruption and greed, where God is constantly with us. That's beyond amazing. :) Today, let's work on being worthy to be there when it becomes a reality.

3 Nephi 3:13-15 -- On Unity and Deliverance

"Yea, he sent a proclamation among all the people, that they should gather together their women, and their children, their flocks and their herds, and all their substance, save it were their land, unto one place.
And he caused that fortifications should be built round about them, and the strength thereof should be exceedingly great. And he caused that armies, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites, or of all them who were numbered among the Nephites, should be placed as guards round about to watch them, and to guard them from the robbers day and night.
Yea, he said unto them: As the Lord liveth, except ye repent of all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, ye will in nowise be delivered out of the hands of those Gadianton robbers."
3 Nephi 3:13-15


This is Lachoneus, telling the people how to save themselves from the Gadianton Robbers. It had gotten to the point where their criminal organization had become so large that they could do pretty much whatever they wanted without worrying about anyone challenging them.

So Lachoneus (and God) came up with this plan. What is sort of amazing about the plan is that it requires a lot of unselfish cooperation, and that is one of the reasons that Lachoneus puts in that final warning that cooperation is essential to deliverance. Our troubles don't always require that kind of community cooperation, but in the scriptures we're still told that we need to be united (2 Nephi 1:21), that we can't be saved alone (D&C 128:15), and that we need to be of one mind (2 Corinthians 13:11)... so, in a sense, not only do we need to be always on the same page with the Spirit, but also willing to unite with others who are also on that same page. :)

Today, in our divisive society, let's work on being the glue that can pull people back together. God wants us all as one, united, not broken into warring factions. Let's listen to Lachoneus and repent and cry unto the Lord for deliverance. :)

Romans 8:28-31 -- On Choices and Outcomes

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:28-31


This is interesting stuff. It talks about predestination, but it isn't referring to a lack of free agency, but instead about the whole spiritual unity thing. All things work together for people who follow God's plan because everything is created to that purpose. When we go against the plan, we are going against the fabric of the universe. It doesn't mean we can't... only that we won't win, because God's plan will prevail in the end. God does't force us to choose either way, so our individual outcomes are up to us, but of course the overall outcome and triumph of Christ over all things is assured.

Today, let's work with God rather than against him, because then he'll totally be on our side as well. :)

Psalms 4:4 -- On Communing with the Heart

"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."
Psalms 4:4


The idea of communing with our own hearts seems important. I think sometimes we wander through our own lives without really thinking about who we are or what we truly want, and just kind of playing it by ear. This can give us a general sense of unfulfillment just because we aren't sure what we want, but we know it isn't this. :) God can show us a glimpse of something better, and help us achieve our righteous desires, but first we need to know what they are. :)

Today, let'a pray and work towards God's goals, but also think about it and know what we personally want out of life... and then let's talk about it with God.

Words of Mormon 1:7 -- On the Whisperings of the Spirit

"And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will."
Words of Mormon 1:7


I keep finding interesting verses about following the spirit... this one is cool because Mormon is compiling these plates with zero expectation that anyone will find them in his lifetime... actually hoping they won't or they are likely going to be destroyed, but he trusts God and he knows that he is doing it for a "wise purpose" even though he doesn't know exactly what that purpose is. God showed him and gave him hints about some of it, but he too had to take a lot of it on faith, trusting those whisperings of the spirit that helped him know how to act in preparation for things that were going to happen hundreds of years later.

Today, let's trust God and know that God can guide us and help us and that the things that we are asked to do have a wise purpose, even if we can't see it right now. God is weaving us all into a grand tapestry, and he knows where every thread is and how it needs to work within the whole picture. Let's listen to the whisperings of the Spirit and be part of his plan of happiness.