Romans 6:4-5 -- On Newness of Life

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:"
Romans 6:4-5


The new year reminds me of this baptism imagery of symbolic life and death... dying to sin to walk in newness of life... a life centered on Christ, who saved us from death and sin and who promises us even more if we are willing to follow his instructions to get there.

Today, let's also walk in newness of life, letting go of any of the bad things that have plagued us and re-centering our lives on God, trusting in his promises and carrying that hope forward in our lives, thoughts, and example.

Psalms 78:5-7 -- On Hope and Example

"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:"
Psalms 78:5-7


Good reminders that we need to keep the hope alive for upcoming generations. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own journey of faith and testimony that we forget how the next generation is watching us, and taking their example from our actions.

It of course isn't bad to have questions and fears that we are working through with God, but let's work to make sure that those things don't bleed through in our actions to bias others against the gospel, or encourage disobedience. I mean, it's one thing if we are intentionally trying to get people to walk away from God. That's a choice... Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah did that for a while, and still were able to repent and change with a lot of effort.

Worse though I think would be to find out that we are tearing down other people's faith inadvertently, not meaning to, but just because they see the fallout of our lives and our less than faithful reactions, and wonder where God is in all of that. I think that is part of what God was trying to prevent when he let the Children of Israel wander in the wilderness before being allowed to enter the promised land. Today, let's make sure that we're living as we actually believe and setting the example we intend to set. If we love God and want to serve him, let's be sure to show that committment and faith by our actions, and "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh [us] a reason of the hope that is in [us]" (1 Peter 3:15).

Psalm 20:7 -- On Trusting in the Lord

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20:7


This one was a little bit amusing to me, comparing horses, chariots, and the Lord. :) But really, a LOT of the things that we compare to God are ludicrous, especially when we trust in them instead. Nothing can stand up to that sort of comparison. God is trustworthy, and nothing else is. Even other people who are completely well-meaning can't control their own circumstances well enough to make the kind of promises that the Lord gives us, because they can't keep them. Only God has the will, power, knowledge, and immortality to deliver the happy ending that he promises us.

Today, let's trust in God and not in horses, chariots, or whatever else we've been leaning on. Only God can guarantee help to get us to our best selves, and only God will deliver a happy ending even when we can't possibly imagine how to get there. Let's stick with him and do his will so that we can get there together.

Proverbs 11:4 -- On Riches and Righteousness

"Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death."
Proverbs 11:4


This is a good reminder not to get our priorities out of order, and to remember that being good is way more important than being wealthy. If we put God first, anything we need will be added to us, but if we don't put him first, then everything will be out of whack.

Today, let's work on putting God first in our lives, and valuing life and our souls over treasure that won't last.

Jacob 2:17-18 -- On Being Free With Our Substance

"Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God."
Jacob 2:17-18


I really like this ideal. It is hard for us to step outside ourselves enough to really get in this mindset I think, but the more we do, the more we can learn to love everyone, and feel that we are sharing God's bounty rather than sacrificing our own scarce resources. Part of it is faith... knowing that God will continue to bless us, and bless us even more as we help lift others.

Today, let's talk to God and work to find that mental space where we really think of others as equals and friends, and are willing to give abundantly to them. And, as always, let's make sure we put the kingdom of God ahead of our own interests.

Mormon 6:6 -- On Working for God

"And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni."
Mormon 6:6


This is right before the Nephites get obliterated, which is a sad event of course, but from a historical perspective, this helps us know that the Spirit was with Mormon, helping him to think ahead and preserve the records. I also like the idea here that it was God that was entrusting them to him, and it wasn't just some museum job or interest in historical preservation. His work on the records was a spiritual undertaking and something he knew that the Lord was overseeing. With records, and I think with all of our careers, I think we can have that spirit, and do our jobs in the Lord's way, working to serve and help others and to accomplish even more in our lives with God than we could ever achieve alone.

Today, let's include God in our work, and whatever we do, let's do it unto him, and he will grant us success, and help us look ahead for how we can work together with his plan and serve others in the best way... working for God, no matter what jobs we have in our lives.

Luke 2:10-11 -- On Joy over Sorrow

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11


This is part of the message of the angel to the shepherds, the "good tidings of great joy" for all people because the Savior was born to save us all. I like the fact that the message is joyful. Even though we know that Christ's mortal life ended in a personal tragedy for him and the people who knew him, and I'm sure the angel knew that as well, the overall joy of his life and his mission remain with us, transcending personal tragedy.

Our lives are similar. None of us can do as much for the world as Christ, of course, but it is also true that the triumph of our lives can transcend any personal tragedy and make our temporary hardships ultimately meaningless. Which is not to say that we won't care while we are going through it, as Christ and his family, friends, and disciples did as he was suffering, but eventually, his triumph and God's happy ending win out... for him and for all of us because of him.

Today, let's remember that happy ending, and trust it and believe in it. Christ came to save us, and he still will, no matter how dark or stressful things might seem temporarily. Let's work towards the joy and love that God offers us by listening to him and taking God's laws and his advice seriously. He knows how we can get through our hardships, and he will help us to find the joy and transcend the sorrow, just as he did.

Matthew 2:9-12 -- On Seeking Jesus

"When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."
Matthew 2:9-12


I like the story of the wise men visiting Jesus. They sought him diligently, putting tha search above the priorities in their normal lives... and they found him. We can do the same.

Philippians 4:6-9 -- On Prayer and Peace

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Philippians 4:6-9


I like the idea of God's peace being beyond our comprehension, because it is just that amazing. Paul is teaching us how to find peace here, which is a really awesome thing to have the opportunity to learn. He suggests prayer and talking to God about our lives, requesting the things that we need, and also thinking about positive things. Today, let's review the list and maybe take some time to think on some good and praiseworthy things, and talk to God in prayer to get help letting go of the poisonous things that are ruining our peace.

Alma 17:13 -- On Trusting in the Lord

"And it came to pass when they had arrived in the borders of the land of the Lamanites, that they separated themselves and departed one from another, trusting in the Lord that they should meet again at the close of their harvest; for they supposed that great was the work which they had undertaken."
Alma 17:13


This chapter has a little rewind to help us know what the sons of Mosiah were up to before they ran into Alma again. I really like the way they went forward trusting in God, not knowing ahead of time what would happen and not being able to make specific plans, but knowing that God would help them find each other again, and help them return home as well.

I like that God hears and answers prayers and that we can trust him about things like this that seem perhaps vague and uncertain.

I think there are a lot of things in life that we have to take on faith... not "have to" as in being forced to, but that we have to take on faith in order to have hope in some future event that only God can truly plan for. And the cool thing about that is that he does, and the more we trust in that and work for that future, the more real it is... because we're merging with God's reality, and his plans and timing, and when we're on the same page with God, then everything is working together for our good.

Today, let's work on trusting in God to lead us to good, and on maintaining our connection to his Spirit so that we can weather the sometimes-difficult challenges that we may face on the way.

John 15:4-7 -- On Working With God

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
John 15:4-7


This is really interesting and instructive I think. Christ is letting us know that the power in our lives comes from him, and that we can accomplish a lot together, but that we aren't going to get far alone. It isn't a threat or a dismissal, but just a fact... and he wants to work with us, and help us accomplish a lot of good. We just have to stick with him and collaborate rather than thinking that we know best or that we can do it all alone.

Today, let's work with God and accomplish all the good that we can.

John 6:14-15 -- On Taking Some Time Away

"Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone."
John 6:14-15


Reading this today, I appreciated the fact that Jesus needed some space sometimes, both to meditate and pray I'm sure, but also that he just needed to get away from some well-intentioned but very misguided people who were planning his life for him.

Christ is a symbol of unity and goodness, but even he needed to take some time away from the madness sometimes. The holidays are typically a time of togetherness, but this selection reminds us that it is okay to make some space for our own sanity as well. Let's remember that as we spend time with our loved ones, and work with God to ensure that the holidays are enjoyable rather than hyper-stressful. :)

John 12:24-27 -- On Purpose

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour."
John 12:24-27


This is both sad and good in different ways, because Christ didn't want to have to suffer and die, but he recognized that is where he was meant to be, and followed through with God's will. And the idea that in dying he gave life to all of us, in the image of the wheat, is cool. We live because he died for us.

I think there are things somewhat similar in our lives... times that we have to face and overcome even though we don't particularly want to, but we know that it is God's will, and something that we need to learn. God wants us to be happy in this life, certainly, but I don't think that every part of our lives is meant to be perfect and fun. Rather, in the midst of and partially because of the challenges, God is able to teach us patience and love and self-regulation, and help us to move towards happy endings and eternal joy.

Today, let's follow Christ's example to the extent that we are able to, and use our lives to fulfill God's purposes... to make the world better and help people in any way we can.

Hebrews 8:10-11 -- On Knowing the Lord

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest."
Hebrews 8:10-11


I like this idea... I don't think that it is a forced obedience in any way, but either something we ask for (as we ask for a change of heart now), or else a reward for a good life as we go into the millenium... better memory, better recall of everything we believe in, and with God right in front of us, we move from faith to sure knowledge. ... I know it is popular to think of heaven/the millenium as boring, but I don't think that at all. I think with the kind of solid foundation of everyone knowing God, and that kind of unity, we can build farther and better, and become more than we've ever dreamed of being.

Today, let's ponder the possibilities of unity, and how things could be if everyone knew the Lord. Someday, thankfully, we'll have that. :)

Ephesians 4:29-32 -- On Uncorrupting our Communication

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:29-32


This whole chapter is really good, but this part about corrupt communication struck me today. I know that I get frustrated sometimes and allow my communication to be corrupted by that, rather than being patient and kind... and maybe we all to that to some extent. I like the idea here of grieving the Spirit, which we are all part of. Remembering our unity, both with each other and with God, can help us remember not to upset that perfect peach that Christ is trying to bless us with.

Today, let's work on letting go of bitterness and anger and any sort of communication corrupted with snark or insincerity or manipulation. Let's work on being truly kind, softening our hearts towards each other and towards God, letting go of past hurts and resentments, and really being as cool to people as we can be, emulating God's love for us, and his forgiveness.

Philippians 3:7-11 -- On Losing Ourselves to Find Salvation

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead."
Philippians 3:7-11


Before this selection, Paul runs through some things that he was proud of in his life... things that made him stand out among others and feel like he was doing the right thing and a good person. I think we all have things like that in our lives... accomplishments, things that make us feel good about ourselves and that we feel like we did, or are doing, right. And not saying those are bad things... Paul was for sure trying to do the right things his whole life, living strictly by what he thought was right, and what his society told him was right.

However, then he goes on and explains in our selection that even though all of those things lifted him up and made him feel good about himself, they were nothing compared to what Christ offers us. He lost everything (figuratively and literally in his case) so that he could accept Christ. Lost his position, lost his stuff, lost his friends... but found new life, and better life, through the truth of Christ. And it was better *despite* losing everything, not because he suddenly got all his stuff back. :)

The last part is a little confusing talking about fellowship of sufferings and conformable unto his death, but I think what Paul is going for here is the idea of having empathy for Christ and following his example even down to how he suffered and died. Not so that we can be martyrs, but the idea of doing good and being good and being willing, if necessary, to give up our lives to help or save others... those are worthy ways to live, whether it is what God has in store for us or not. Today, let's try to be more like Paul, being willing to lose ourselves to gain God... and through his example, let's work to be more like Christ in ways that we had perhaps not thought of before, being willing to follow him anywhere according to his will.

Luke 2:48-52 -- On Being Empathetic and Subject to Others

"And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Luke 2:48-52


This is the end of the story of Jesus being left behind / purposely staying behind after the feast of the passover when he was twelve. I like it because it shows something that we all need to learn, which is to be emotionally aware of others, and also subject to others when needed. Neither of those are very fun lessons, but being aware of how we affect others, and how cooperation helps our society and world can both be very helpful.

Obviously that doesn't mean that we can't question unjust things, but learning humility is important, and good for us, even though it is hard. I think for Christ perhaps it was even harder, because his earthly parents didn't really understand his heavenly mission well enough to give him the latitude that he needed, but he was subject to them anyway, and learned better how to serve both them and God.

Today, let's work hard to understand, help, and cooperate with the people around us, especially those who have authority over us. It can grate sometimes, but it can also help the world work... and when we have authority over others, let's be really careful to be kind and understanding and to listen. And let's work to increase in favor with God and man as well, as we work to do good and uplift within our roles and callings.

Zechariah 1:3-4 -- On Turning to God

"Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.
Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord."
Zechariah 1:3-4


I like the idea here that the Lord will match us in our efforts to approach him. I also kind of like the commandment to not be as our fathers, because that means we can use some of our natural rebellious tendencies to our advantage. :) We can rebel against our ancestors' example and be righteous, even if our closer ancestors are doing pretty good. :)

Seriously though, today let's work on turning to the Lord, and listening to his warnings to us. Everything he does, he does for us... to help us improve and to help us be able to return to him. Let's reach out and do everything we can to make a connection there, and build upon that. Having God in our lives makes such a difference... he makes everything better.

Luke 18:9 -- On Humility and Love

"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"
Luke 18:9


The parable referred to here is great (as are the others in this chapter), but the lead up to it tells us a lot as well. Often we're really concerned with our own positive qualities, and compare them to the weaknesses of others, because it makes us feel good, and sort of superior. Nice ego boost, but it's a good thing to remember that self confidence built on comparison with others can be super flimsy, especially when the tables are turned and we are comparing our weaknesses to another person's strengths. Plus, we're supposed to be loving, lifting, and strengthening others rather than looking at them like inferior bugs, so there's that. :)

Today, let's try not to be like the audience described here. Let's trust in God rather than ourselves, remember that we all have vast room for improvement, and do what we can to help the people around us rather than despising them because they aren't as cool as we are.

Proverbs 13:10 -- On Letting Go of Pride and Contention

"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."
Proverbs 13:10


It is somewhat sobering to think that all of the contention in our lives is due to pride, but it seems really true. Today, let's take a step back and work on being humble, submissive to God, and patient, and see if we can let go of some of the contention in our lives with God's help.

Haggai 1:7 -- On Considering Our Direction

"Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways."
Haggai 1:7


It is instructive of course to read this in context, but maybe out of context is important too, so we aren't just considering a sliver of our ways that relate to the story, but really considering all of our ways. Another selection from my Primary lesson kind of goes along with this one too. "When ye fasted . . . did ye at all fast unto me? . . . And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?" (Zechariah 7:6).

It kind of makes me think we should be considering our ways on a large scale... why we do what we do, where our focus should be, and what our ways are leading to. Change can be scary, but if we change our direction now, at least we'll be headed to where we want to go, rather than someplace else. :) And a good thing to think about now maybe, so we can start fresh with the new year.

Isaiah 26:19-21 -- On Blood and Secrets

"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 so interesting, because it kind of sounds like the dead coming back to life and the earth not covering the slain is *part* of punishing iniquity. Can you imagine? Someone gets murdered and the person is raised up to give his side of the story? There are many games and some books (notably, Scalzi) that deal with coming back from the dead, but to think of it as part of God's plan for stopping wickedness is different, and actually seems effective. You kill someone and they are resurrected with an immortal body so you can't hurt or kill them again. Looks like you are going to have to find a different solution. Secret combinations don't work anymore when nothing is hidden.

This goes along with Luke 12:2-3, which tells us that nothing will be hidden anymore, and in fact secrets will be "proclaimed upon the housetops" which seems to indicate at the very least that it will be hard to not know, since it will be apparent. Some of that fits with our day where different secret information is revealed all the time by bad guys hacking into different systems, news articles about past sins coming to light, etc. ... But the earth disclosing her blood takes it to a whole other level. This isn't just data breaches and people coming forward about the past. This is actually not being able to hide anything, which is a very interesting change that I don't think any of us are quite ready for.

Today, maybe we should start getting ready, making sure that we're changing into people that don't need to hide, from God or anyone else. Note that this doesn't mean that I recommend sharing your social security number or list of passwords with the world. God's change will come in time, and right now it is wise to still avoid fraud. :) But let's prepare for a time when our lives are open, and make sure that isn't going to devastate us.

Jeremiah 15:19-20 -- On Saving the Precious

"Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord."
Jeremiah 15:19-20


I like the idea that the precious and the vile can be divided, and also that God is setting up walls of defense to protect the precious parts, which seems to be us. :) ... Let's be thankful to our God who sees us that way, and be willing to stand and protect others as well.

3 Nephi 27:20 -- On Repentance, Baptism, and Sustained Change

"Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day."
3 Nephi 27:20


This is Christ speaking, and it's a good reminder of the basics of the gospel. Turn to God, be willing to change, make a committment to him by following the example of Christ by being baptized, and continue in faith, listening to the Holy Ghost. Today, let's do as he asks and clean up our lives and turn to him in faith. He is the solution to all of our problems, if we open our hearts and lives to him and apply his advice.

3 Nephi 12:14-16 -- On Being the Light

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;
Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
3 Nephi 12:14-16


Being the light is an incredible opportunity, but also a big responsibility. God is asking us to rise above the human condition to prove that it can be done, to be happy in a sometimes sad and scary world, and to set an example of patience, calm, and faith in the midst of immediacy and high drama. :)

The coolest thing about all of it is that because he asks us to do it, we know that he has provided a way to succeed. Today, let's remember that above all as we examine our lives and try to live better and work to be the Light, not as bright as Christ who is the true light, but a reflection of it because he asks us to share his light with others. With God's help, let's not just learn to survive, but to thrive and rise above our afflictions so that we can help others to do so as well.

Hosea 4:3-4 -- On Fish and Fighting

"Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest."
Hosea 4:3-4


This chapter is talking about the wickedness of the people. The first verse of the selection seems to be about the consequences of that. A couple of ideas there... not sure, but it might be talking about how we're connected to each other, and to the earth and the creatures therein, so that when the earth is sick from wickedness, it isn't just spiritually, because even though we can't see it, the spiritual and the physical are connected, and if we are spiritually sick it can influence our physical well being as well. If that is the case, as here, then excessive wickedness can cause the animals to be taken away... which seems like such a dramatic and almost impossible thing, but the wickedness discussed is similarly dramatic: "there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land" (verse 1).

The other thing that stood out to me is in the second verse where it talks about "they that strive with the priest." That seems to mean arguing even when there is no chance that we are right... arguing just for the sake of arguing, or thinking that we know better than the scriptures (which is what a priest would be sharing), although in later verses here we learn that the priests are also corrupt and God disowns them, saying "thou shalt be no priest to me." So the encouragement not to reprove could also mean that it is pointless to strive/contend with each other because it's just done in anger and making things worse. No one is sincerely seeking truth, and reproving when there is no one sincerely able to learn or be benefitted is pointless, the same way arguing against the scriptures is.

Let's think about this today, and make sure we don't lose truth and mercy, and work on living well and setting a good example rather than arguing with people who aren't seeking truth. We can still be ready to answer anyone who asks us about our testimony, of course, but letting go of pointless contention will go a long way in helping us all to retain the Spirit in our lives.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 -- On Secrets

"For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
Ecclesiastes 12:14


A good thing to remember, that our secrets are not hid from the Lord, and that we need to be clean inside and out as we work towards a future blessed by God. God can help us if we are willing to change, but we can't hide or keep our souvenirs from hell if we want to go to heaven. They have to go. :)

Helaman 13:2-4 -- On Returning and Finishing

"And it came to pass that in this year there was one Samuel, a Lamanite, came into the land of Zarahemla, and began to preach unto the people. And it came to pass that he did preach, many days, repentance unto the people, and they did cast him out, and he was about to return to his own land.
But behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, that he should return again, and prophesy unto the people whatsoever things should come into his heart.
And it came to pass that they would not suffer that he should enter into the city; therefore he went and got upon the wall thereof, and stretched forth his hand and cried with a loud voice, and prophesied unto the people whatsoever things the Lord put into his heart."
Helaman 13:2-4


I love how Samuel solved the problem when God told him to go back to the city. He wasn't allowed in, so he got up on the wall and started preaching to them from there, and spread the message that God wanted him to spread.

I feel like this is something that we probably all need to do more of. We try, we get rejected or just fail, so we give up. Today, let's be more like Samuel (and Nephi, and others), and when we run into an obstacle when trying to do God's will, instead of giving up, let's listen to God, take heart, and return to the task. If we keep trying another way, God will help us eventually accomplish his purpose. It won't always be fun. Samuel had people shooting arrows at him... but he kept at it until the work was done.

Helaman 2:6-9 -- On Combinations and Resisting Evil

"And it came to pass as he went forth towards the judgment-seat to destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of Helaman, having been out by night, and having obtained, through disguise, a knowledge of those plans which had been laid by this band to destroy Helaman—
And it came to pass that he met Kishkumen, and he gave unto him a sign; therefore Kishkumen made known unto him the object of his desire, desiring that he would conduct him to the judgment-seat that he might murder Helaman.
And when the servant of Helaman had known all the heart of Kishkumen, and how that it was his object to murder, and also that it was the object of all those who belonged to his band to murder, and to rob, and to gain power, (and this was their secret plan, and their combination) the servant of Helaman said unto Kishkumen: Let us go forth unto the judgment-seat.
Now this did please Kishkumen exceedingly, for he did suppose that he should accomplish his design; but behold, the servant of Helaman, as they were going forth unto the judgment-seat, did stab Kishkumen even to the heart, that he fell dead without a groan. And he ran and told Helaman all the things which he had seen, and heard, and done."
Helaman 2:6-9


My current job exposes me to a lot of stories about scams and fraud online. I don't get exposed as much to the stories about murder, but I know it happens, and that there is a lot of other evil out there that never even hits the news. Reading this is interesting because it show us that even back in the times of the Nephites, people were fighting against these secret combinations in similar ways that we do today (spies, etc.).

It reminds me of one of the supposed contradictions in the scriptures. We are told "ye shall not resist evil" in 3 Nephi 12:39, and in Alma 61:14 we read "let us resist evil." I don't think that is a contradiction, but rather different circumstances. [I also don't think that God telling us not to resist evil means that we should invite it. Let's make sure that we are using different passwords for different sites (use a password manager if they are too hard to remember), and never trust links in emails or strange calls from the boss asking us to buy gift cards.] :)

As Ecclesiastes tells us, there is a time for everything, and Nephi killing Laban helps us understand that there are exceptions to even the most strict rules. I think the key is to follow the rule as far as we can. (Christ instructing us to not resist evil, and to let someone have your cloak, and even offer him more if he needs it.) To let things go if people try to cheat us, and to help them if they are in need so maybe they don't need to steal. And obviously we should follow the Thall shalt not kill commandment as well. If there are exceptions to any of the general commandments (as in Nephi's case, and as is often the case if you are a police officer, a spy, or have a job fighting fraud), those are things that we can't just assume, but if we listen to the Spirit and stay in tune with God, making sure that we are truly and sincerely not following our will, but his, then God will lead us along, and we'll know when those exceptions are his will.

Today, let's think about this, but in a very very careful and studious way. We need to make sure that we never assume that we are exceptions, but also be aware that there are exceptions so that we don't judge others harshly. Let's listen to the Spirit and make sure that we are wholly in tune with God (at bare minimum to the temple recommend level) before taking any action that contradicts the commandments, which are there to keep us safe, and others safe from us. And let's remember love first, especially with those around us. It is most important to do as the prophet asks and work on being sin-resistant first, before we worry about resisting evil in other ways.

Matthew 6:21-23 -- On Hearts, Eyes, and Light

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"
Matthew 6:21-23


In life sometimes we feel like we are missing something, but aren't always sure what it is. Sometimes we throw various addictions into the void to try to fill ourselves up, but what is really missing is God... his love and light makes us whole. If we fill ourselves with darkness instead, we might feel temporary satisfaction, but that darkness just starts eating away at us, making the void bigger and can never make us whole... rather, it can make us forget ourselves and turn into people that we never wanted to be.

I think God is helping us to understand our direction and focus here by talking about hearts and eyes... what we love and what we look towards, those are things that are going to change who we are, and what we are filled with.

Today, let's work on being filled with light rather than darkness. Let's talk to God about who we really want to be, and who he knows we can be, and then let's work on that plan together.

Matthew 26:20-22 -- On Hard Questions

"Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?"
Matthew 26:20-22


I like this I think because it shows the humility of his team... his disciples. I think many of us, if faced with a prediction like that might think... yeah, no way is that me, I would never do that. But they were humble, they believed him without question, and their biggest worry was whether they were going to be the one that betrayed him. They clearly believed him and valued him more than they trusted and believed in themselves. ... And while that might be a bad recipe in some human relationships, our relationship with God, who we know is infallible and who would never take advantage of his power over us, it was perfect. (And they also really grew into confident, powerful people later, once Christ had died and they stepped up and became the leaders of the church, but still, they relied on his perfection and power even then.)

Today, let's consider this scene from Christ's life, and really ask ourselves the same question... are we betraying Christ with some of our choices... and if so, can we learn from him how to do better?