Moroni 7:47 -- On Love at the Last Day

"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him."
Moroni 7:47


It's a good day to look back, and look forward. I thought it was interesting here how it talks about being found with charity at the last day. If this were the very last day rather than just the last day of this year, I wonder how we would fare. I could certainly use some more time to get it right, so that it will be well with me. :)

Today, let's work on embracing the pure love of Christ and integrating it into our lives... let's be ready before the true last day rolls around, so that it will not only be well with us, but already much better for everyone we interact with between now and then. :)

Micah 6:6-8 -- On Offerings and Sacrifice

"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:6-8


I like these verses because they seem to illustrate that what God wants from us isn't high drama. Yes, we need to make sacrifices sometimes, but it isn't about death and drama but rather about priorities. The daily sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit, not "he who suffers the most wins." God asks us to break our hearts enough to let him in--he isn't trying to destroy us and stomp on our remains. It can be very, very difficult to overcome ourselves, but it shouldn't be soul-destroying for ourselves or others.

Today, let's walk in justice and mercy, putting the Lord's will before our own, and being clean and kind. Let's crack our walls enough to love others and embrace God. Let's be humble enough to recognize that God is wiser than we are and that we have a lot to learn from each other. Let's walk his path and learn to love as he does. That is what the Lord asks.

Micah 6:13-15 -- On Wholeness and Happiness

"Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.
Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.
Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine."
Micah 6:13-15


These verses remind me today of the danger of sin--it makes us think that we can get something for nothing, find happiness in doing iniquity, and so many other things that are just contrary to reality and the nature of happiness. As the verses indicate, even the things we work for, when based in sin, will be empty... because there is that God-shaped hole there within all of us, and if God isn't filling it, nothing else can, no matter what we throw in it, or whatever temporary respite we find. Nothing else works. Today, let's choose God and wholeness rather than sin and emptiness. Let's not confuse good and evil or think that we can find happiness through a false path. Let's realize that our choices have consequences and choose the path that leads to joy... the path that God has shown us.

D&C 24:6 -- On Being Ready for the Moment

"And it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it, or I will send unto them a cursing instead of a blessing."
Doctrine and Covenants 24:6


I like the idea of God blessing us with perfect timing for whatever we need in that moment. It reminds me of 1 Peter 3:15 where it tells us to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." God blesses us in the moment, but that means that we have to also be willing to open ourselves to those moments and be willing to open our mouths or to write... to take that leap of faith to begin, and trust God to be there in that moment with us to help us.

Today, let's be willing to put ourselves out there for God, and to begin the process, so that we can partner with God to do his will in whatever we are facing. Let's be open to the Spirit and ready to follow its promptings, and not give up. If we keep trying, God will make a way for us to do his will.

D&C 98:23-24 -- On Patience and Peace

"Now, I speak unto you concerning your families—if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded;
But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you."
Doctrine and Covenants 98:23-24


The chapter continues, talking about additional rewards for additional acts of patience, etc. but I just wanted to talk about the "just measure" part. If we are smitten (assuming this doesn't just mean physically, but really not sure), and we freak out about it and complain (which sounds kind of like me, unfortunately), then the no reward for freaking out and lowering ourselves to their level. :)

That honestly seems very just to me... but if we take it patiently, and we cope a little bit more maturely with the wrongs done to us, then we will be rewarded. At least part of the reward is probably from learning to master ourselves better, but still, God is showing us clearly the better way to handle that sort of situation. The trick is figuring out how to get into that mind space where we don't freak out at something like that, and I think as with so many other things, it has a lot to do with being in constant contact with God, and keeping the Spirit with us so that God can help us with staying calm and patient.

Today, let's learn more about keeping our cool with God's help, and not trying to hurt others that hurt us, or contemplating revenge. Instead, let's follow in Christ's footsteps and work on being people of peace, and happier without anger or revenge in our minds and hearts.

Ephesians 6:8 -- On Doing and Receiving Good

"Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free."
Ephesians 6:8


I really like the idea, and the equality, here, that we all are rewarded with good when we do good. The world seems mightily biased sometimes, but God loves all of his children and offers us all the choice of salvation, and rewards us for our good works, no matter what our position or privilege on the earth.

Today, let's do good and reach for the promises of the Lord which are available to all people.

Jeremiah 3:22 -- On Healing Our Backslidings

"Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God."
Jeremiah 3:22


I like the idea here that if we are sliding back into old habits that we can return to God and he will heal our backslidings. It's so much different than saying "become perfect so you will be worthy to approach me" ... instead God is saying come back now, the way we are, and he will help us cure the problems that are raising a barrier between us.

Today, let's remember who the Lord our God is, and return to him, and be thankful for his help in healing us and helping us to repent and change into better people who keep improving over time. :)

Zechariah 2:6-7 -- On Gathering and Delivering

"Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the Lord: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the Lord.
Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon."
Zechariah 2:6-7


Sort of an amusing one for Christmas, but also some great stuff here. This is the Lord in the last days, telling Israel to gather home again, and I kind of love that "deliver thyself" is part of it... God is going to strengthen and help, but it sounds like this is finally when God says, okay, enough, we're done... which is scary definitely, but also amazing and glorious and perfect, because the earth has dealt with wickedness for so long. We see people working to defraud others and they very often profit from it. We see human trafficking and other atrocities, and finally, after all of the longsuffering that God has gone through allowing it and watching people hurt, he is going to make it right.

Today, let's make sure we are fully current on our repentance so that when God makes things right, he doesn't have to go through us to do it. And let's look forward to the end to evil that the Lord will bring, and the better world to come.

1 Nephi 18:3 -- On Communicating with the Lord

"And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things."
1 Nephi 18:3


I think this is a good reminder of the importance of calling upon God and taking time to communicate with Him. Attending the temple is also a good lesson here (the mount is symbolic of the temple), and I think the importance there is to get away from life and seek the Lord without any distractions from the world, which is difficult elsewhere. It also helps that we are making the effort to meet God on his holy ground... it helps us to understand and value the importance of the communication.

Today, let's work on our communication with the Lord, and look forward to the great things that the Lord has to show us.

Mormon 9:14 -- On Hope and Happiness

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


I have talked about this scripture several times, but it popped into my mind today again, and I think it is a good one to remember often. God is trying to teach us to be clean and righteous and happy here, now, not to wait and suffer and someday in far-off eternity to be all of those things.

It isn't easy, for sure, but if we trust God as the author of the story to bring us to the happy ending, then it is something we can hope for and believe in now. Life is confusing and hard sometimes, but we can still find the joy, the lovely, and the good, if we look for them... and even more, and better, we can *be* those postive things for other people.

Today, let's live "after the manner of happiness" (2 Nephi 5), even in the midst of the struggles, and work to become those stain-resistent, resilient, and joyful people that we've always looked up to. :) With God's help, we can do it... happiness is what he wants for us, and the purpose of creation.

1 Chronicles 6:31-32 -- On the Service of Song

"And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after that the ark had rest.
And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order."
1 Chronicles 6:31-32


I like the idea here of the service of song, and how important these people seem to be in laying out their genealogies. It helps us understand that music is important to the Lord, and that singing can be service. I think we sometimes get trapped in the idea that service to God has to be ultra serious, or something that we don't enjoy, but rather "endure." And of course there are a lot of things that we face in life that we don't like, and lessons to learn that are difficult... yet God still wants us to learn to be happy now (Mormon 9:14). I think though that sometimes the best sacrifice is letting go of our negativity, and embracing hope and joy, and giving praise to God. Not necessarily easy, depending on what else is going on with us, but those are perfect ways to serve as we learn to focus on the good, to lift and praise, and to walk with God, making the world a better place as we go. Today, let's think about the service of song, and other ways to serve that can uplift others and fill us with joy.

Proverbs 12:18 -- On Healthy Tongues

"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."
Proverbs 12:18


This caught my eye today, I think because it's good lesson for me as well. :) Always good to remember that even if we know we can win the argument, the best outcome is not to have it in the first place. God wants us to be healers, not those who harm.

Today, when we are tempted to complain or argue or say something unkind, let's take a step back and remember that the tongue of the wise is health, not the piercings of a sword. Let's say something that will make people smile rather than something that will hurt, even a little. Even good and righteous correction can be done gently. Let's word to be clean and kind in collaboration with God.

D&C 9:6-7 -- On Intention and Effort

"Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.
Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me."
Doctrine and Covenants 9:6-7


This is a lesson that we can probably all learn. God asks Oliver to be patient in a previous verse, and then here cautions him not to murmur, because he is clearly not happy about the whole thing... and then he explains that he needed him to jump in and work on figuring it out rather than just passively waiting.

I think that is what the prophets do... God asks them to accomplish some goal, and they jump right in, trying to figure it out. They don't always get it right at first, but they keep trying, and God helps them as they try.

The Brother of Jared, for instance, worked hard on the barges that God taught him to build, but there were problems, so he asked God for more... air and light. God gave him and idea for the air, and then he gave him a hint for the light, explaining some things that wouldn't work, and left the Brother of Jared to figure it out.

Nephi and his brothers tried several things to get the plates of brass as they had been commanded, but it was only through continued and persistent effort that they eventually accomplished their goal.

God will bless us just as he blessed the prophets... we will be able to do as he asks and to find our way in life, and become closer to our ideal selves, but the choices are ours, and we make them in large part by what we choose to focus and work on.

Today, let's recognize this pattern so that we can work with God on the things that truly matter to us. Let's spend time on the things that will make the world and ourselves and the people around us better, and dump things that are making things worse in the dust.

D&C 20:71 -- On Accountability

"No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance."
Doctrine and Covenants 20:71


I like the idea here that it matters to God whether we understand what we are doing or not. God is understanding and merciful to our ignorance, not holding us responsible for things that we haven't learned or grasped yet.

Does that mean it is better to stay ignorant? I don't think so at all. Baptism is just a bare beginning, and once we have that foundation, there are so many more amazing things to learn and build upon from there... and we would miss out on most of that if we didn't understand. Plus, I think willful ignorance is likely not covered by the same rule. :)

Today, let's be thankful that God loves us and understands where we are, and takes all of that into account as he guides us home.

Proverbs 20:11-13 -- On Sleeping and Doing

"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread."
Proverbs 20:11-13


A good reminder that we need to be out there observing and learning and doing good rather than just sleeping all day. Sleep, like food, isn't something we can give up, and it isn't a bad or negative thing, but we should get a healthy amount and not make it the center of our lives. :) Anything that we focus on more than God can be a detriment. :)

Today, let's learn and do good, and think of ways to do even better. :) Let's get enough sleep, but also make sure we're earning our bread. :)

Mosiah 18:27-29 -- On Commandments and Choices

"And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, aevery one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.
And thus they should impart of their asubstance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul.
And this he said unto them, having been commanded of God; and they did awalk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants."
Mosiah 18:27-29


There is an interesting balance here between commandment and choice, which I think is everywhere in the gospel really, because God is about free agency. He offers commandments to help us, and never forces us to obey. For this one though, it seems even less strict. Alma commands them, and they chose to help each other... so he was kind of helping them to know what a good thing to do would be, but they chose how to take action.

It reminds me of D&C 9:7 where God says "Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me." ... Almost everything we get from the Lord requires effort. We have to be engaged in thinking it through, doing what we can, praying and having patience and faith that the Lord will hear us and help us. Sometimes it is a lot of effort, sometimes a little, but even with small things we sometimes get frustrated and give up because we're impatient and we want it to be easy.

Today, let's remember that in order to learn anything, especially from God, we have to be actively engaged and learning, praciticing, and doing what is suggested. We can't just cram if we want to get into heaven. We actually have to learn to be a little bit more heavenly each day. :) Let's impart of our substance and help others, and make the effort in other areas of the gospel as well. The more we are out there trying to be good, the more God can multiply our efforts.

Revelation 10:5-7 -- On Time and Mystery

"And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."
Revelation 10:5-7


I can't imagine what "time no longer" would be like. I try, but probably because I am mortal and everything, the whole "without beginning" thing throws me for a loop. I also don't know what finishing the "mystery of God" means, but perhaps just that God won't be a mystery to anyone anymore, but instead a simple reality. I like that idea, of a world with a shared understanding of God as a plain fact.

Today, let's think long-term rather than short term, and prioritize choices that will help us with eternity and our relationship with God rather than impatient immediacy.

Alma 26:32 -- On Overwhelming Love

"For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than even to take the life of their enemy; and they have buried their weapons of war deep in the earth, because of their love towards their brethren."
Alma 26:32


This is about a group of people who had been in the habit of taking human life casually... if your servant failed at a task, execute him... that sort of thing. And when they were converted to the Lord, their perspective on the value of life changed completely, and they were willing to let their enemies kill them rather than fighting back and risking killing anyone else.

I'm not necessarily saying that everyone should be exactly like that, because there are also righteous people who defend their homes and countries in the scriptures... but I am impressed by the idea here of loving other people so much that you refuse to harm them. When God asks us to love our enemies, this seems to be a shining example.

Today, let's pray and ask God to teach us how to apply this lesson to the modern world, to learn to love the people that we feel at odds with, and find in our hearts what these people had... an abundance of love so strong that they refused to cause harm. Our world could probably use some of that. Maybe instead of sacrificing our lives we will need to sacrifice something else... perhaps time, or pride, or we'll need to change our perspective. Any sacrifice is going to be difficult, by definition... but learning that kind of love is well worth it.

Proverbs 5:21-23 -- On Escaping Our Own Traps

"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray."
Proverbs 5:21-23


These verses seem to illustrate the fact that when we choose not to follow God that we are really cursing ourselves... making our own ropes and chains with which we are bound. In addition, we are missing out on the blessings that God offers us, such as his instruction and help.

Today, let's work to free ourselves from the traps that we have laid for ourselves, and look to God for help, remembering that he is trying to save us, not just from external influence, but from the dark consequences of our own choices, if we are willing (with his help) to repent and change.

Revelation 7:13-17 -- On Clean Robes and Clear Eyes

"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
Revelation 7:13-17


I like the question and answer series here, and how it calls attention to those that have suffered and will suffer no longer. We understandably get caught up in our mortal challenges and suffering sometimes, and it can feel like God isn't listening. He always is though, and if we accept his help and his love, and stand clean before him at the last day, he will banish all of our sadness and suffering completely and permanently.

Today, let's trust in that future day, remembering that nothing that we suffer is permanent, and that God will help us in due time as we remain faithful and learn from our experiences.

Alma 4:1-3 -- On Remembering and Learning

"Now it came to pass in the sixth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, there were no contentions nor wars in the land of Zarahemla;
But the people were afflicted, yea, greatly afflicted for the loss of their brethren, and also for the loss of their flocks and herds, and also for the loss of their fields of grain, which were trodden under foot and destroyed by the Lamanites.
And so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to mourn; and they believed that it was the judgments of God sent upon them because of their wickedness and their abominations; therefore they were awakened to a remembrance of their duty."
Alma 4:1-3


This is a good illustration of the pride cycle. In this part of it the people are suffering... "every soul had cause to mourn" sounds like a very sad time... and they used that time in a positive way, remembering the Lord and turning to him. And yet, three verses later in the beginning of the 8th year, they are lifted up in pride again.

Today, let's learn from this, and instead of waiting to be humbled and then remembering the Lord, let's remember him now. Let's let go of our pride and humble ourselves, recognizing that we need the Lord constantly, not just in the bad times. Let's work on breaking the cycle and learning to be truly good.

Romans 8:26-28 -- On Unspoken Needs

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
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."
Romans 8:26-28


So many good things in here. I love the ideas that the Spirit helps us even when we can't articulate our needs, and that all things work together for good... that if we are part of that positive system, everything will be on our/God's side, and help build and strengthen us (within the framework of God's plan of course.
Today, let's reach out to God, even if we don't know what is up with ourselves or why we are acting like we do. Let's let God know what we can in words, and trust that he will help us with the rest that we can't say as well. If we are on God's side, God will always be on our side. :)

Mosiah 9:17 -- Remembrance and Deliverance

"Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers."
Mosiah 9:17


I think when we get into difficult situations we are more likely to remember God, maybe because that's when we need help. And maybe that's one reason we need difficulties in our lives sometimes too, because they help us see differently, and remember that we need God, and each other.

Today, let's remember, even if we aren't in the middle of a really difficult situation, and perhaps cry mightily anyway, that God will keep us from temptation and help us to have the strength to face whatever comes, and to stay true to what we believe. Kind of praying for deliverance beforehand, but a good thing to plan ahead and not wait until we're in a tight spot. :)

Moses 3:7 -- On Spiritual Creation

"And I, the Lord God, formed man from the adust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the bbreath of life; and cman became a living dsoul, the efirst flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word."
Moses 3:7


It says here that all things were spiritually created before they were physically created, which I think means that all things have some sort of soul, right? The idea that everything is part spiritual I find really interesting, and also cool, because that means everything is eternal in a way as well. Plants and animals and the earth and the stars... eternal because spirits can't die, and I love the idea of everything being alive and part of God's plan. In Luke 19 Christ tells the Pharisees that if he were to rebuke his disciples that "the stones would immediately cry out" ... and maybe that is absolutely literal. So many things seem to have additional meaning if we think of the spiritual side of all creation.

Today, let's think of the spiritual side, not just of rocks and plants and wildlife, but of the people around us. Let's remember that they are eternal along with all the rest, and that we are part of a great whole, with God at the center. Maybe we should stop for a minute and make sure that we are working for the good of all of it, as God directs, seeing the bigger picture instead of focusing only on our immediate surroundings. :)

Mosiah 3:11-12 -- On Atonement and Salvation

"For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.
But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ."
Mosiah 3:11-12


I really like the idea here that God isn't out to "get" us, or trap us into failing in any way. He actually is doing everything he can to give us a fair shake, to help us to return to him. Mistakes and ignorance, even though we judge those things harshly amongst ourselves, God is willing to let go of... and even for things that we intentionally do in open rebellion, he is willing to forgive.

Jesus suffered to give us all of this... the space to make mistakes, and even to rebel, and to still be able to find our way back, to learn to change our minds and our hearts and become the people we want to be and that we have the potential to be, despite our setbacks. Praise to the Lord who gives us a chance to rise above our own imperfection, and with his help, become more than we could ever become alone. :)

Today, let's choose to repent and change, taking Christ up on his offer of salvation.

Psalms 34:4 -- On Deliverance From Fear

"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
Psalms 34:4


I like the idea here that God can deliver us from fear. God gives us a lot of advice about fear... if we are prepared we shall not fear, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, that perfect love casteth out all fear... and so many more. But here I think is the summation--that if we seek the Lord, he will hear us, and deliver us from our fears.

Sometimes fears are realistic, sometimes imaginary, sometimes irrational. But God says ALL. He can deliver us, and will deliver us, from all of them if we seek him. He will hear us, and help us. The only thing we should fear is having to face life, or eternity, without him.

Today, let's turn to the Lord. Let's seek his help, and tell him our fears. He will hear us and help us, if we are willing to take his advice.

Joshua 7:3 -- On Overconfidence

"And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few."
Joshua 7:3


This verse talks about an interesting situation where Joshua almost automatically does what he has before with the armies, and he accepts the spies' recommendation here, sending out a small army, which promptly runs away from the enemy, embarrassing the Israelites on the battlefield.

It seems the spies and the prophet expected the Lord to fight their battles for them, as he had done thus far, so without asking him beforehand, they just went through the motions, expecting him to back them up.

There are several lessons here in the story. One is obedience, but another I think is avoiding overconfidence, which I think is what faith turns into when we forget to include the Lord in our decisions.

Today, let's remember to counsel with the Lord rather than just living on autopilot. Let's talk to him and give space for him to tell us about any lessons we need to learn or any change of focus, so that our reminders don't have to be quite as dramatic.

Proverbs 16:32 -- On Self Regulation

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
Proverbs 16:32


This verse reminds us how important it is to regulate ourselves... to control our anger and successfully learn to manage our emotions, as well as the other aspects of our whole selves, practicing righteousness and moderation.

Definitely not the most popular of the commandments, but one that perhaps today we should ponder and find ways to implement and strengthen in our own lives. Let's pray for help, and work to master this lesson.

Romans 14:19 -- On Peace and Edification

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
Romans 14:19


This seems like a simple thing that we might be able to focus on and hold in our minds in order to make our lives better... peace and edification. And if it doesn't promote either, then maybe rethink it, because we're too quick to confront and dismiss, but we should be working to build people up, and to find common beliefs rather than arguing about areas where we disagree.

Today, let's try it... some good advice from God. :)

Proverbs 9:17-18 -- On Reality

"Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."
Proverbs 9:17-18


Thinking about this one, I feel like this is describing something that happens to us when we stray from God's path and commit sin. In a way, we are attempting to create our own alternate reality where what we are doing is totally okay, and pretending that sin can bring happiness... and it seems to work, temporarily. Unfortunately, faith in a lie is doomed to fail, and at some point we find out that it is empty... like a graveyard, and we discover that our suffering is something that we have brought on ourselves.

Today, let's recognize that God is the center of reality, and that his law is designed to help us avoid the pain of self-deception and self-sabotage. He give us guidelines that will help us live more happily as we follow them. Not pain free, because pains and trials are part of the educational process, but more happily than if we try to go off on our own, which always ends up intersecting with Satan's traps.

Mark 11:24-25 -- On Belief and Forgiveness

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Mark 11:24-25


This is an interesting selection which seems to transition from one idea into another, but the thing that joins them together is prayer. Christ is talking about things to do when we pray... asking for things that we desire, believing that we recieve them, and also forgiving anyone that we have something against, so that God can do the same for us.

To me, it seems like learning that quality of generosity to others might be part of being able to believe in that kind of love and generosity from God... that they are tied together, and reinforce each other. Today, let's ponder these important and ambitious aspects of prayer, practicing our belief and our forgiveness, and petitioning God for help with both.

Mark 9:33-35 -- On Greatness and Love

"And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."
Mark 9:33-35


This is a really important lesson about how to become great. Greatness isn't found in power or position or even in skill or talent, but in service and lifting up other people. Bringing joy to others is the greatest work, and that is God's work, and what he is striving to do for all of us, if we will accept him and allow him to gather us. :)

Part of bringing joy is delighting individuals, but I think most of it is in building and sustaining communities where we can learn to lift and help each other and find joy in our interactions. It is the same idea as Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." ... We perfect each other as we live and interact and learn to navigate relationships with friends and family as well as people outside those circles. Life is literally our classroom as we learn from God how to love.

Enos 1:11 -- On Shaken and Unshaken Faith

"And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites."
Enos 1:11


It tells us here that Enos's faith "began to be unshaken" after Enos prayed for days for two other requests... and the first (for repentance) was granted "because of [his] faith in Christ" (verse 8). So, it seems clear that he had faith, but it wasn't necessarily unshaken during that first request. It makes complete sense, because we aren't going to have unshaken faith when we first start out talking to God and seeking repentance. It takes time and effort to get to that point.

As we learn to have unshaken faith, then "we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea" as Jacob 4:6 instructs us, although it also cautions us to remember our weaknesses, probably so we don't become prideful and lose that connection with the Lord that enables all of it. ... So many things are possible as we grow and learn and practice our faith in the Lord, and learn to walk with his Spirit. I think the central point here though is that we don't have to jump there immediately in order to be heard. The certainty comes as we practice and learn... and the Lord will still hear and answer our prayers and help us even if we are a little shaky at first, as long as we stick with it and continue seeking his help with diligence.

Today, let's work on our faith, but not expect it to be perfect before we engage with God and seek repentance. He wants to hear from us now. Let's remember the father in Mark 9:24 that wanted to believe in the miracle that he had asked, but wasn't 100%. He said to Christ "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." And the Lord did help him... as he will help us, even in our shakiness, if we turn to him and give what we have.

Moses 2:4 -- On Light and Darkness

"And I, God, saw the light; and that light was good. And I, God, divided the light from the darkness."
Moses 2:4


This struck me today because it occured to me that dividing the light from the darkness is what God has been teaching us to do our whole lives. It's an amazing talent and one that we still get wrong sometimes. Today, perhaps we should look to God and be a little bit more careful that we aren't getting our lights and darks mixed in with shades of gray.

As we stick with God and learn his talent, we'll be able to judge correctly and choose to walk in the light.

Mosiah 26:13-14 -- On Pouring Out Our Souls

"And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.
And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying:"
Mosiah 26:13-14


I know it is sort of a weird place to stop at the end there, but I liked this central portion because it talks about how to solve a problem. The story is good, but outside of the story it doesn't so much matter what the "matter" was or what God's answer was... it shows us that if we are humble, and we go to the Lord and pour out our souls to him, that he will help us.

That said, pouring out our souls to God is not a light or an easy thing. It requires sincerity and effort, and if we want to really change things, depending on what the issue is, it isn't just the one effort, but sustained effort over time. We have to really value getting the answer... enough to invest ourselves into working for a solution with God.

Today, let's be willing to turn to God and put forth the answers to solve the problems before us. Let's work on getting answers from the Lord, and the sustained effort and mindfulness that it takes to keep the spirit with us and remember God always, so that we can always have that connection and help.

Ezekiel 18:21-22 -- On Unmentioned Transgression

"But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he will surely live, he shall not die.
All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live."
Ezekiel 18:21–22


I was thinking about the whole idea of not mentioning our sins, and how amazingly cool that is. Too often in life, we have to live with people expecting us to be who we used to be... some version of our dead selves from the past before we learned and changed. We ourselves beat ourselves up for past actions at times. And on some level that is fair/justified, and for God even more so, since it is his laws that we offend when we sin. So how incredibly merciful and kind when he allows us to be who we are now, and never reminds us of our mistakes and errors of the past.

Today, let's rejoice in God's mercy, working to be better each day, and let's also try to recognize others for who they are rather than who they used to be. Let's all live in righteousness, and in the now, working to be the best we can be, in hope that God will help us continue to strive for improvement.

Proverbs 20:9 -- On Cleansing our Hearts

"Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?"
Proverbs 20:9


This is a good question, whether or not we can say it at this time. It is something to strive for, and something to appreciate when we have it.

Today, let's work with God on cleaning our hearts, freeing ourselves from sin and error. As we do, not only will we be able to say this, but we'll feel the weight and burden of sin lift from our hearts, which brings hope and joy. :)

Psalms 102:4 -- On Remembering to Eat and Relying on the Lord

"My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread."
Psalms 102:4


I read this today and it seemed to be something that a lot of us can relate to... signs of sorrow or depression. As with all other things in the gospel, the answer here is to remember and call on the Lord... not because things like this won't happen, but because in Him we can find rest and hope and a way to feel better.

As we turn to the Lord, his Spirit will help us to remember important things like taking care of our physical selves, and He will lift us up when things are difficult. Today, let's move forward in his strength, even when we can't find any of our own.

Psalms 147:6-7 -- On Meekness and Thanksgiving

"The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:"
Psalms 147:6-7


I really like these verses tied together because I think that part of meekness is being thankful, and offering praise to God. It's acknowledging that God knows what he is doing, that he grants us everything that we have, and that we aren't standing alone. That isn't weakness or being a doormat... it is acknowledging reality and drawing strength from the true power, rather than decieving ourselves that we can make it through life alone and unscathed.

Today, let's acknowledge God and praise him, thanking him for all things good and doing all we can to let go of evil and enhance the good. Let's be meek and humble and stick to what's right... as we do, God will lift us up rather than casting us down, and up is the right direction. :)

Omni 1:2 -- On Becoming Better than Wicked

"Wherefore, in my days, I would that ye should know that I fought much with the sword to preserve my people, the Nephites, from falling into the hands of their enemies, the Lamanites. But behold, I of myself am a wicked man, and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments of the Lord as I ought to have done."
Omni 1:2


I was thinking about what it would be like to write in your family history that you were wicked. Omni here points out that he tried to help his people, but that on a personal level he isn't a very good example... so maybe in that way he was attempting to encourage his descendants to be better than he was.

And on some level it is a huge task, and hopefully something that encourages some humility and honesty... but still, I hope that is something that I never have to do... to write my own history and say that I am wicked. I hope that I can be better than that. Certainly not perfect, but I hope better than wicked. Something I, and maybe all of us should be aiming for: better than wicked. :)

Today, let's repent and be serious about changing our lives, even if it is in tiny increments. The farther away from wicked we can get, the closer we are getting to eventual perfection, tiny little step by tiny little step. :) And if we ask, God will help us with the obstacles and the storms that threaten our progress. Let's pray for his help, and keep moving forward.

Mark 5:35-36 -- On Fear and Belief

"While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe."
Mark 5:35-36


The idea here, that even when the worst happens, we should still believe, is a powerful one. Jairus sought healing for his daughter, and hearing that she was dead I am sure threatened to shake his hope... but in the face of ridicule and scorn, Christ saved her anyway.

I think similar things happen in our lives. We wonder how things could ever be okay again, or how we will become the people we want to be when we are a million miles away from that ideal. Sometimes we face external mockery, and sometimes we laugh ourselves to scorn for believing in something that isn't happening, and threaten our own hope.

Today, let's follow Christ's advice, and be not afraid, but hold on to hope, and trust and believe that Christ will help us and deliver us, no matter what stands in the way or how things seem.

James 4:15 -- On Prioritizing the Lord's Will

"For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
James 4:15


This seems like a good middle ground between taking no thought for the morrow (not stressing about the future), and being prepared and planning ahead, knowing that we have enough to complete the tower before we begin to build it, etc. It's planning with flexibility, because God might have other ideas, but he still asks us to move forward doing the best we can until he gives us a nudge in a different direction.

I think this is also what verse 10, earlier in the chapter is getting at, asking us to be humble so the Lord can lift us up. It isn't thinking that we are worms and waiting for God to give us detailed instructions on everything we need to do today, but knowing we are at least mostly competent servants, predicting what the Lord will needs, but being ready to turn on a dime if He wants something else... and that appropriate humility and deference to God will help us stay on God's path and help us someday learn to be better than servants or students or apprentices, and graduate to something better as we grow into our birthright as God's spiritual children.

James 1:22-24 -- On Action and Memory

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was."
James 1:22-24


I like this idea that if we aren't acting on our beliefs, we are forgetting who we are. We go to church, we agree with what is said, we feel the Spirit, we know that we should be better, and then we go home, and we "straightway" forget everything we thought and felt, and fall into the same patterns.

Today, let's stop forgetting, but make a specific effort to remember... to read, to pray, to feel again today what we felt previously. Let's do the work to remember God and remember who we have determined to be on our best days. Let's stop decieving ourselves by forgetting the things that we learn. Let's build on them, follow through, and live the way that we believe. Let's put forth the daily effort to stick close to the Spirit and refresh our memories, and not lose who we are when we look away.

Daniel 6:4-5 -- On Fault Finding and Looking Inward

"Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God."
Daniel 6:4-5


Reading this today I thought it was strange that they were actively looking for ways to destroy Daniel by finding fault... but then after thinking about it more, realized that this is exactly what was done with Christ... searching out ways to find fault so they could have an excuse to remove him, and also that we often look to find faults in others so that we have an excuse not to like them, or to feel like we are better, or justified in treating them differently than we do our friends. The thing that had seemed so foreign a moment before in these verses seemed very familiar when I started applying the lesson in other contexts, and especially to myself.

A lot of the gospel is like that... easy to see when we are thinking about and applying it to others, but harder to see when we bring it closer to home. Today, let's think about these universal lessons and how they apply to ourselves and our lives and relationships first... let's work on getting ourselves right, and a little less hypocritical, before we starting applying lessons outside ourselves. Not to fall in shame and guilt, but as an impetus to repentance and change... more empathy and less judgement.

Proverbs 5:21-22 -- On the Cords of Sin

"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins."
Proverbs 5:21-22


I like that God thinks about us... although the second verse is less happy. Today, let's make sure that we repent and remove the cords of sin from ourselves before we become permanently trapped.

Jeremiah 18:11-12 -- On Hope

"Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.
And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart."
Jeremiah 18:11-12


What strikes me about these verses is that the people don't take God's advice because they think there is no hope. ... I think we sometimes make mistakes for the same reason--because we think that it is too late for us, that God will never take us back, or that it's just impossible... there is no way to change. It's too much for us, and we've already proven that we can't sustain the level of effort required.

When we start feeling that way, let's take a lesson from these verses, and do as God asks anyway, because of course we can't do it alone, but if we stay the course and walk the path that God has laid out, he will do miracles on our behalf. He will make it possible for us to return, to cleanse the evil from our hearts... to find our way out of the darkness and into the light of hope, and love.

Today, let's hold on to hope, and keep trying to let go of evil and turn to the good.

Jeremiah 16:21 -- On Knowing and Preparing

"Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The Lord."
Jeremiah 16:21


Earlier in this chapter it talks about a dramatic event that will surpass bringing the children out of Egypt, so that people won't be talking about that miracle, but rather about the new one, where the Lord brings "the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them" (verse 15). I am guessing that is the "this once" talked about in this verse.

It seems appropriate and somehow satisfying that Christ will cause everyone to know who he is and his unmistakable power. It seems to symbolically close the unfulfilled possibility of the life he didn't get to live during his mortal ministry. Finally, he shows everyone who he is, making us all responsible for that knowledge. Well past time for that kind of triumph.

... Scary for us though, because we need to repent and improve a lot before that day comes. Today, let's work on that, preparing for the day mentioned as well as improving our lives and the lives of the people around us

Jeremiah 15:21 -- On Deliverance

"And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible."
Jeremiah 15:21


This is a good thing to remember... it always happens on the Lord's timetable, but the Lord is totally willing to deliver us. It's hard to remember sometimes, because God isn't physically here, gracing us with his presence. We can contact him anytime though, and he does love us immeasurably, and he wants to help us. If we can express even just a smidge of patience and faith and a willingness to do as God wills, he will help us out of terrible situations.

Today, let's trust in that, and keep enduring until that day of deliverance. :)

3 Nephi 13:14-15 -- On Forgiveness and Moving On

"For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you;
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
3 Nephi 13:14-15


When we've done something wrong, we often wish we could just erase it, go on with life, pretend it never happened, and we're grateful when, sometimes, the people around us allow us that grace, to go on and not have constant reminders of our failings. And yet, how often do we do that for others? I think we have long memories for other people's mistakes when we would prefer that they have short memories for our mistakes.

Today, let's try letting go of some resentment or anger for past events. Let's give people the space to be different, just as God gives us space to change and to do better. Let's forgive and repent and move on to better things, as we allow others to do the same.

Hebrews 13:15 -- On the Sacrifice of Praise

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
Hebrews 13:15


The idea that praise is a sacrifice is an interesting one here, and I wonder if it is because we have to overcome our own pride, admitting/aknowledging that we need help, or perhaps it is because it takes effort and faith to work through our own feelings about what we think God should be doing versus what God knows he should be doing. We get angry sometimes because things don't go the way that we want them to, and have a hard time realizing that whenever there is a difference between our will and God's will, God is the one that is right. That's tough on our egos sometimes, because we not only want to be right, but it is also hard to do the work to understand God's perspective, especially when it is very different than our own on something we care a lot about.

Today, let's work on the sacrifice of praise, remembering to be grateful and to compliment God's virtues... his wisdom, power, light, mercy, perfection, truth, beauty, etc. All of it... and yeah, maybe God doesn't need the compliments/acknowledgements to boost his mood or to reassure him the way we mortals sometimes do, but I think *we* need that reinforcement and reminder that we really do need and love God, and that we recognize how amazing he is. :)

Hebrews 10:24-25 -- On Provoking and Assembling for Good

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10:24-25


The whole provoking thing usually seems bad, like you are pushing people's buttons and trying to get them angry, but I kind of like the idea if it is provoking people to love, and to do good. Maybe those are areas where it is worthwhile to be prodded a little bit. :) Inspiring others to do good seems a lot better than the nitpicking or power plays that we often see.

Today, let's try turning things around, and if we're going to provoke each other, let's provoke each other to positive action... to actively loving and doing good. :) And, as always, let's pray to God to help us have the wisdom to follow his commandments as he desires, and not interpret them in a harmful way. Let's gather together to do good and lift each other up.

Ephesians 1:15-16 -- On Love and Gratitude

"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;"
Ephesians 1:15-16


Reading the scriptures sometimes I come across verses that seem to magnify the difference between God's way and the World's way... between seeking heaven and enduring earth, and this is one of them. As I read this today I was thinking of the conversations we have with people where there are already barriers between us before we even start talking, because we don't trust each other, or aren't sure that we are esteemed in the other's eyes. Or we feel a difference between us that interferes in understanding or in feeling like we can communicate clearly or honestly.

Reading about faith and love, and being thankful to the Lord for others... that's the way that things should be between us all. We should enjoy being together and thankful for that time.

Perhaps today, that is something that we can work on... finding ways to love the people around us, whoever they are, and overcoming the barriers between us. Let's pray for others, and to God to get help with seeing others as he does and opening ourselves to learn to love the way that God does, and to be grateful for all the interactions we have, not just with our favorites. :)

Hebrews 10:35-36 -- On Retaining Our Confidence in God

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Hebrews 10:35-36


I think we often "have need of patience" in waiting upon the Lord, who always keeps his promises, but rarely according to our timetable. His is much wiser, but it is hard sometiems for us because we can't see the eternal purposes and we can only see the immediate consequence of waiting (and even then we are often wrong because we don't factor in the occasional miracle... and they do indeed happen.

Today, let's stop and think and retain our confidence in the Lord, trusting that he will keep his promises, as he always does, and reward us for our good efforts, even if they are small. Let's trust, and pray, and continue in hope... in faith doing everything in the expectation that God will have our back in the end as we keep his commandments... because he will. It might not be immediate, but the happy ending is always there at the end, waiting for us.

Psalms 149:2 -- On Rejoicing in God

"Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King."
Psalms 149:2


I like the idea here of celebrating God as our creator and king... to be happy, knowing that the person leading us is good. It's a good thing to imagine in a world where most of the choices we have for leaders leave a lot to be desired... a good leader who has our best interests in mind and who will keep his promises and do whatever he says he will... seems pretty miraculous even before considering the whole all-powerful aspect. :)

It's also hard sometimes to trust authority figures with our society of less than stellar examples. But that is also exactly the reason that rejoicing is a good idea... because God is different, and better, and trustworthy and good in a way no one else is. He made the rules, and the whole world, and all of us, and yet he reaches out to each of us personally and loves us individually. Today, let's rejoice in that. :)

Psalms 7:15-16 -- On Pits and Pates

"He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate."
Psalms 7:15-16


This is talking about things that happen to the wicked, but I think it is something we can all relate to, because we all are wicked on some level, and in need of repentance for exactly this reason... because at the end of all of this, our reward or curse is the same... restitution of whatever we give out. We are rewarded exactly as we rewarded others, and the sole thing standing in between ourselves and the evil that we have handed out in our lives is Christ, and his mercy, allowing us the space to change and to repent and to have time to put some better things out there. :)

Today, let's take advantage of Christ's love and his sacrifice on our behalf. Let's make changes and work for a better self and a better world, honoring that sacrifice and becoming better than we have been. Let's make sure that whatever is coming down on our heads in the future is something that we welcome.

3 Nephi 12:47-48 -- On Newness

"Old things are done away, and all things have become new.
Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect."
3 Nephi 12:47-48


I like the idea of newness here, both in the law, which Christ is talking about just before this, and in ourselves, which I think is part of what Christ is saying about perfection... that it is the natural result of this process as well, letting go of the old and becoming new.

It's the same symbolism as baptism--the symbolic death of our old selves and our sins, being purified and perfected in Christ, which we can be if we open ourselves to that possibility, and do as Christ asks, following his instructions to a better life and a better world.

Today, let's embrace the idea of newness, and realize that perfection is possible. It doesn't happen all at once, but it is a process that we can begin, becoming clean and maintaining that state as we improve... and we have instructions and assistance available through the scriptures, and direct access to God's power through prayer. Let's hold on to faith and hope, and reach for the amazing newness and perfection that God offers us.

Alma 32:27 -- On Experiments and Doors

"But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words."
Alma 32:27


I love the idea here of experimenting with the Gospel. Even if we aren't sure, even if we have the tiniest amount of faith... if we go with it and don't try to crush it, God can work with us and help us get to the next level. As Christ tells us in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." ... The first step in the experiment is just to open the door and let Christ in. As we do, he will teach us as we walk with him, and give us more things to try and to learn as we grow in faith.

Today, let's give it a try. Let's read, and pray, and open the door. As we invite Christ in, let's also listen to him and take his advice, and see how things change for us. Let's let God into our lives, and feel how much he loves us, and trust him as he guides us to further experiments as we learn to trust him and follow his advice to make better choices and live better lives, for ourselves and the world around us.

Ether 4:15 -- On Rending the Veil of Unbelief

"Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel."
Ether 4:15


I like the idea of rending/tearing the "veil of unbelief" here. Tearing away the darkness to let the light in. It's hard sometimes because we raise those barriers ourselves, blocking out God and so much else, not trusting anything outside our own heads, and trusting those heads way too much even when we know that they are leading us to unhappy places.

If we are willing to look outside ourselves and allow the possibility in, or "no more than desire to believe" (Alma 32:27), then God can work with us and help us to see the truth. Let's let go of trusting in things that don't work, and turn to a power greater than ourselves for help. God is there and learning of his love and gaining his assistance will help our lives so much more than we will ever be able to improve them ourselves. Today, let's try tearing off that veil of darkness and unbelief and find the true light of God.

Doctrine and Covenants 34:7 -- On Christ's Return

"For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is soon at hand that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory."
Doctrine and Covenants 34:7


The Lord's timing is not our timing, and "soon" might not always coincide with our personal definition of the word... but with regard to the Lord's time, he is coming soon, and for all of us it is a good idea to be ready for that event--to repent and to prepare.

I also think that the whole idea is amazing, after reading about the sadness of the exit of Christ from this life, and the stunning injustice of the whole thing, it sounds like a perfect way to return. Let's all be ready to cheer him home. :)

Luke 20:3-7 -- On Sincerity and Answers

"And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was."
Luke 20:3-7


At first it can seem a little strange that Christ was so clear with some people about who he was, and what he was trying to accomplish, and others he wouldn't answer, but then you read some exchanges like this where people were trying to trap him into saying something they can criticize him for, and how deftly he escapes being set up, and it makes sense that he was clear with the people that were sincere, and evasive with the people who were intentionally trying to find a way to trap him.

That's part of why we can't find out the truth of God if we are looking to prove God wrong. God isn't promising to reveal himself to everyone. It's the "cast your pearls before swine" idea, right? You don't invite robbers into your house if you know they are clearly robbers, and God tells us several times in the scriptures that we have to ask with a sincere heart, having faith, and that is when the truth will be revealed.

Today, if we can, let's let go of our doubt and cynicism, and truly and sincerely seek God. As we work to do that, God will help us with clearer answers and help us to find truth, because he knows we will value it and are willing to accept it.

Micah 6:10-12 -- On Treasures of Wickedness

"Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?
Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth."
Micah 6:10-12


This idea of the treasures of wickedness is interesting. It seems clear that even though they are called treasures that they are full of dishonesty and disregard for others... probably why they are "of wickedness." ... I think the point here is that this kind of treasure isn't worth our time, and the value is either ephemeral or downright deadly. The only riches that we can gain from defrauding others or harming them are things that are also going to destroy us.

Today, let's make sure we aren't justifying bad actions that will offer temporary "treasure" but end up poisoning our souls. Instead, let's turn to God and repent and get his help to change.

Acts 4:34-35 -- On Learning to Love and Trust and Give to One Another

"Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."
Acts 4:34-35


I love this idea of everyone caring about, and trusting each other enough that they are willing to pool their resources. I think heaven is exactly this idea, and the more people that we feel that way about, the more we are learning, and becoming, heavenly. Today, let's pray for this kind of faith, and expand our circle of love and trust and learn how to love people this way, and treat people this way.

John 12:24-25 -- On Love and Life

"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."
John 12:24-25


This is Christ very soon before his death, and so part of this is a prediction of that, but maybe a general principle here as well. Not actual hatred I think, but perhaps recognition always that this isn't the ideal... the perfection is to come, and right now, we should always be repenting, changing, improving... not being satisfied with this life, but always seeking for better. And the better life is of course the one that God gives to us as we follow him on the path to everything good and better. :)

Today, let's remember that the better life is always beyond us, and let's not get complacent and stop reaching for God and continuing to grow and become better.

Luke 9:25 -- On Worlds and Selves and Winning and Losing

"For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"
Luke 9:25


This is similar to verses in Mark and Matthew, but instead of "lose himself" the others say "lose his own soul," which is also part of how the Joseph Smith translation alters the wording here. Clearly that is a good interpretation, but I like the phrasing here because it makes me think of how we in our society often talk about "finding ourselves."

Christ here is explaining that to gain our ideal selves, and eternal life, we have to lose our old selves, and let go of some of what we think of as our lives now. Christ talks about it here as taking up our cross, or losing our lives for Christ's sake in order to find our (better) lives, but in Matthew and later in Luke he explains it as seeking the kingdom of God first, and then other things will be added. It is the same concept... we have to let go of our chokehold on one thing before God can give us another. We have to lose to win, let go of this toy before we can get another, better toy... we have to give up/lose our sins to know God--let go of the bad parts of ourselves and focus instead on God in order to grow into/win our good potential and eventually-perfect selves.

It isn't easy, and I don't think it is really meant to be. Part of it is figuring out that we really need the Lord's help in order to change and realizing that our relationship with God is more important than those parts of ourselves that we are losing, and that who we are working with God to become is much better than who we have been. Those are hard things to learn because part of learning them is letting go of some of our self-esteem security blankets, realizing that we aren't all that, and that we could really use some self-improvement.

That kind of makes us feel like the whole King Benjamin less than the dust of the earth thing, but of course we also know that God loves us, we are his children and therefore of infinite worth... it's trying to balance those things that brings us fill circle to this verse again, since the verses leading up to it are talking about saving our lives to lose them, and losing our lives to find them. Parts of ourselves are dust bunny prey, and parts are the precious metals God is refining and purifying. We're good *and* bad... part to lose, part to find.

Today, let's work with God to let go of our evil selves and discover our awesome, glowy, good selves. It won't happen overnight, but this is the process of becoming saints and angels and gaining heaven... slowly replacing the bad parts with good parts until we are entirely new and perfect. :) Let's focus on God, where yoked together with Christ we can overcome even the obstacles that we put in our own way, becoming better and making the world and our relationships with other people better as well.

Galatians 5:22 -- On the Fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith"
Galatians 5:22


This verse explains some of the fruits of the Spirit, and so if we want the things on that list... love, joy, peace, etc. then getting and keeping the Spirit in our lives is the path. There are so many other ways that the Spirit helps us as well... teaching us, helping us remember, etc. That connection with God is really the answer to pretty much everything.

The challenge is that we need to make some real effort to have the Spirit with us in our lives. The Spirit doesn't hang out with us when we are angry or have negative thoughts about someone. We have to work on our lives and put in some time getting our heads and hearts in the right place.

That doesn't mean that God can't help us with that process, because he totally will if we ask him sincerely... but even that takes some work, because we actually have to want to change, and be willing to accept the Lord's help, even if He suggests something that we don't want to do. Today, let's sit down with the Lord and put in the effort to walk with the Spirit. As we do, the fruits of that companionship will become apparent in our lives. It's more than worth the effort... we just have to talk ourselves into it. :)

1 Corinthians 13:8 -- On Unfailing and Perfect Love

"Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."
1 Corinthians 13:8


I found this strangely comforting today. The message today seems to be that no matter how much things seem to melt down and fly apart, one thing will never, ever fail... and that is God's love for us, and love in general, if it is the pure and good kind, that can solve problems that seem insoluble.

Today, let's latch onto that one true thing, even if we have no idea how it is possible, and let's hold on tightly to that matchless, perfect love that can get us through anything because it NEVER fails. Let's rejoice in that love towards us from God, and let's also pray and ask God to help us learn that same kind of love for other people, so that we can spread that hope in something that will never fail to others.

Hebrews 12:1-2 -- On Running with Patience

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2


I like the idea of running with patience, although I have not mastered it. :)
Today, let's run the race that God sets before us, looking to him for help to do it with patience and faith.

Acts 2:21 -- On Calling Upon the Name of the Lord

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Acts 2:21


I like scriptures that give us simple, direct things to do. Now, I don't think it is as simple as some people interpret it... this isn't referring to one prayer and done. Calling upon God is a lifetime process, and one that we can't ever just stop and check off a list... still, it is something that is straightforward and simple to start. Prayer can take lot of practice as well, but God will honor sincere attempts and help us learn as we go.

Today, let's try this simple thing, and call upon the name of the Lord in prayer. Let's remember God throughout the day, and work to include him in our lives. If we do, our lives can be happier, no matter what we are going through, because we can come to know and truat the Lord.

Exodus 10:3 -- On Humility and Joy

"And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me."
Exodus 10:3


This is part of the story of Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt, and this part made me think about how similar we are to the wicked Pharoah sometimes... kind of accepting God's word if it is interfering with our plans, but then going back to our selfish ways as soon as that particular impediment is past, and not learning the overall lesson of God's supremacy, our relationship to him, and our deep need for him both to learn from and to depend on for help and support.

Today, let's try to learn the basic lesson here of God's supremacy, so that we can move on to the gentler lessons and can feel the overwhelming love that he has for us and get his help with ... basically everything. :) Trying to live without him, or worse, oppose him or his plan, won't work out any better for us than it did for Pharoah. Instead let's dig in and learn more about God and why he does what he does. As we learn of him we will grow to understand his goals more, which allows us to trust him and participate in his plan more... and the ultimate goal of that plan is to help us all (even Pharoah) find joy, so I'm all in. :) The first step is just humbling ourselves enough to realize that God is there and that he has the power to help us find that joy..., and then to listen, and stick with the plan. :)

Micah 6:6-8 -- On Walking Humbly

"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:6-8


This is a good reminder that God doesn't want dramatic and inappropriate gestures that he hasn't asked for, but rather just wants us to be good. He's already told us the way, and if we try at all... read a few verses, whisper a prayer... anything that we do sincerely to try to follow his word, he multiplies our efforts and is there to help us persist and overcome our weaknesses.

Today, let's stop worrying about the gigantic things that we think we need to do in order to return to the Lord. It doesn't have to be big... in fact maybe it is better if we start small, establishing the little habits that grow into powerful change just through consistency. Let's pray, and read, and do the things that the Lord asks above... do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. As we do, we will find more real change and find ourselves closer to the Lord than we could ever be from a giant outward sign... God just wants to be able to spend time with us. He isn't asking us to jump through hoops. Let's be humble and do the little things that will bring us closer to him.

Alma 5:38-41 -- On Choosing the Good Shepherd

"Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd.
And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now, who can deny this? Behold, I say unto you, whosoever denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil.
For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.
Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shepherd, and he doth follow him; but whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil, for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him."
Alma 5:38-41


I think it is pretty scary to think about joining the fold of, or becoming a child of, the devil. And even though I don't necessarily like the thought, it makes sense that it is either one or the other... we're either getting closer to or further away from God. There is no neutrality in this. Choosing anything but God IS choosing Satan. Luckily Christ interceded for us, and we have our whole lifetimes to figure it out. Today, let's work on doing and becoming good... on choosing God over all the other choices, all of which just get us caught in Satan's web. Let's stick with the good shepherd who can keep us safe and teach us to become good, with a better and happier future than we can imagine.

Mosiah 18:26-29 -- On Grace and Generosity

"And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God.
And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.
And thus they should impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul.
And this he said unto them, having been commanded of God; and they did walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants."
Mosiah 18:26-29


I like the overall idea here of the grace of God being way more important than money... money is used for helping others, supporting ourselves and the community, but it isn't the point or goal of any of it... God is, and if we love God, then we voluntarily help other people who are in need and work to build up the kingdom of God. Today, let's work on this idea of how to achieve a Zionlike society, sharing with others and working to make the world better and the people around us happier.

Proverbs 16:32-33 -- On Control and Chance

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord."
Proverbs 16:32-33


These are some good reminders, that we should be slow to anger, and in control of our spirits, which in this case seems to be talking about emotions, but definitely could be more to it. I also love the second verse of the selection which basically tells us that God controls uncertainty and randomness, which I really like. Everything fits into God's plan, and he can turn even chance to work for our good and his kingdom. :)

I think the question here for me today is, can we trust the Lord to take care of the randomness while we take care of ourselves? Too often we try to fix things that can't be controlled... and here it clearly tells us that our job is to rule ourselves. God is in control of all the rest. :) Let's work on that. :)

Alma 41:10-11 -- On Restoration and Happiness

"Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness."
Alma 41:10-11


The idea here that being without God is being without happiness is interesting. I am sure that many would disagree, but I have found this to be exactly the case in my life. There is always something missing, no matter how much you have... and even if you can forget that void for a while, it comes back. God is the source of joy, and pulling away from him deadens our ability to reach that pure joy that uplifts and infuses us with hope.

Today, let's remember restoration... that we are going to get back what we put into life, and let's start living better so that won't be painful for us. Let's repent and be the kind of people to others that we would want to hang out with... because our behavior is going to determine who we get to hang out with in the afterlife.

Let's stick with happiness by sticking with God, and pray and ask God to help us become the better people that we want to be, but aren't sure how to be. He will help us.

Ether 14:1-2 -- On Iniquity and Memory

"And now there began to be a great curse upon all the land because of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a man should lay his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place whither he would keep it, behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it, so great was the curse upon the land.
Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his own, with his hands, and would not borrow neither would he lend; and every man kept the hilt of his sword in his right hand, in the defence of his property and his own life and of his wives and children."
Ether 14:1-2


I find it interesting here that losing things is indicative of a curse on the land, rather than forgetfulness. Although I suppose that could be part of it, but it sounds like this was a widespread issue. And I am guessing that there isn't anyone reading this that is unfamiliar with that feeling, on one level knowing that you put something in a certain place, but on another level thinking that you must be crazy because it isn't there. :) I have no idea how things like that work, other than the hint in the verse here about it happening because of the iniquity of the people, but before we jump to the conclusion that we are similarly cursed, let's remember how deep the iniquity ran with these people. This is very close to the time when they exterminated themselves because they couldn't let go of their hatred with one another. I am guessing if our land is cursed, it is still on a much lighter level since there are still a lot of us that aren't trying to kill each other.

We're told though that the Spirit helps us remember at least the things of God (John 14:26), which is interesting as well in this context, because if forgetfulness is part of the curse, it could be because they don't have the Spirit. ... In any case, most of my ideas about the curse are just speculation, but the real point of the verses beyond that is that we curse ourselves, spiritually if not in any other way, when we follow a path of iniquity. If we aren't progressing towards God we are regressing and losing parts of ourselves (Alma 12:11), until we have forgotten everything. Let's not choose that path and forget everything that we care about on a spiritual level. Especially let's not lose our connection with God, because that is what these people lost, and why they couldn't let go of their hatred. Today, let's remember and cleave unto the Lord and let go of anything that can prevent us from being filled with his love.

Proverbs 14:6 -- On The Path of Understanding

"A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth."
Proverbs 14:6


This verse seems to be saying that finding wisdom and gaining knowledge are easier the less we scorn and the more we know, or in other words, the more we follow God's path... which reminds me of Alma 37:46 which talks about the easiness of the way.

The idea is interesting because we rarely think of our lives and the perfection that God has asked of us as easy, but perhaps there is an easier way if we are more in tune with God and his plans... if we truly understand God better by learning of him and walking his path. If we work on being more in tune, then I think we'll find that the way has been prepared before us, and the miracles and "coincidences" that we run into along that path will be prepared by God ahead of time, that narrow path for us to walk in.

That isn't to say that there won't be trials of course, but if we are on the path, then we know also that these are the trials prepared for us, the ones that we need to learn from and not a pit we dug for ourselves. We know that there is a way through, because if we are on the path, we know the path goes somewhere. It doesn't lead to a dead end. :)

Today, let's learn of God, and grow to understand him more. Let's work to be in tune with him and truly walk the path that he has prepared for us... and I think we will find that wisdom and knowledge, and most other things will be easier... even if not easy, still easier to bear, because God will be with us, and we will have confidence that despite the obstacles that our path is going someplace very good. :)

Psalms 13:1-2 -- On Enduring

"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?"
Psalms 13:1-2


Perhaps we all feel like this at some point in our lives, despairing and thinking that the Lord has forgotten us. And there are many responses in the scriptures already about God showing that he hasn't forgotten us, asking what limits on suffering we think that we need, noting that Christ suffered more than anyone, etc. Unfortunately, all of those things are hard to hear in the moment that we are going through our own dramatic trials.

Perhaps a better approach here is to answer the question of the Psalmist about how long it will feel that way... definitely not forever. Joy cometh in the morning. God will not leave us comfortless. Sometimes the enemy wins, and sometimes we get into chapter 5, or 15, or 50, of our story and things aren't looking too great for our hero. But the eternal truth here is that God doesn't write horror. His stories always have a happy ending, if we can endure the scary part in the middle and continue reading, trusting in that happy ending to come, even if sometimes it is beyond this life.

If everything were perfect all the way through, the hero wouldn't learn what is necessary for the eventual triumph. It wouldn't even be a good story... Adam and Eve lived in the garden forever, not realizing their potential. Not great. Instead, they fell, as do we all sometimes, and it's tough to get back to paradise... but not impossible by a long shot, because God is here, in our lives, coaching us and yoking himself with us, taking on our burden, making it possible. ... Today, let's open our eyes and our hearts and realize that he is here, helping us, and that our pain can be swallowed up in his joy if we turn to him, accept his will, and work for that happy ending. Let's turn the page, keep reading and trusting the author of all things good. It gets better. ... So much better that these hard moments will seem like minor irritants. We just have to keep living the story and believing in and working for that amazing ending. God will not fail us. His promises are sure.

Philippians 2:2-3 -- On Seeing Others

"Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Philippians 2:2-3


I like this idea of how to find unity and oneness with each other. Instead of feeling competitive with other people, or like we are in power struggles, the idea is to feel like we're surrounded by cool, interesting people that we can learn from. I don't think that is always an easy thing, but if we ask Christ to help us, yoked together with us, to see others as he does, to feel love for them and see how cool they are, individually, then of course with God all things are possible, even the things he asks us to do that are hard, like loving our enemies. :)

Today, let's join with Christ and with his help really see others... see the good in them, see how to love them and help them, and see that we are not superior to any of them, but rather part of them, working together with them to make a better world, and that they each have something to teach us.

Jacob 6:5 -- On Returning God's Love

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts."
Jacob 6:5


I like the idea that God is cleaving unto us, showing how much he loves us and wants us to succeed and be able to return to his presence. I think sometimes we misunderstand God, because of the broken way that we sometimes deal with love in this life... using people's love as a way to manipulate them, for instance. But just because God won't be manipulated into giving in to our way of thinking doesn't mean that he doesn't care.

I think it actually means that he cares more, at least on one level, because if we are trying to talk him into allowing us to do something that is going to harm us and that has long term negative consequences, someone that loves us should be trying to talk us out of it, not joining us or helping us cover things up... and God will always be trying to talk us out of it. He tries to save us from ourselves, even after we've dug ourselves into a big hole and offended him. Like in the story of the Prodigal Son, he won't force us to stay with him, but if we return he will always welcome us home.

Today, let's reach out to God, recognizing that he cares more than we can understand, and will always be there, welcoming us home. Let's choose to turn to him and return that love.

James 2:1-3 -- On Having Faith For Everyone

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:"
James 2:1-3


This selection ends a little strangely just because I left off verse 4 which comes after the colon and completes the phrase, but this part captures what I wanted to talk about, which is how we treat each other based on external factors. We're instructed here clearly not to allow that to be part of our faith, but I think too often we allow it to creep into the way that we think about and treat others... which is one of the reasons why the temple is so cool, actually, because changing into white clothing on some level helps us all to see each other as equals.

On the other hand, even white clothing doesn't cover up other differences, and we discriminate against others sometimes based on language, skin color, accent, citizenship, marital status, age, amount of children, calling, cleanliness, grammar, and so many other things. :)

Today, let's take a look at ourselves and our own biases, and make a serious effort to not let them leak into our faith. Let's talk to the Lord about learning to love other people and let go of the markers that we each use to divide people into groups, and learn to be more accepting and inclusive in the way that we think about everyone. Not to fulfil some societal norm, but because every single person is a child of our Heavenly Father, and he loves them infinitely... let's try to grasp that idea, and find the beauty that exists in each person we meet, whether or not they happen to share our political values or any other opinions or physical, mental, or social similarities.

It's not an easy thing. In our society we learn at a very young age to judge and divide people into groups and titles and we want to be part of one group and not another in various ways... but God asks us here to try to not let those things infect the way that we live the gospel, so let's see if we can solve our own predjudices little by little as we learn to love a wider variety of types of people. :)

Alma 40:4 -- On Resurrection and Eternity

"Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall acome forth from the dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed."
Alma 40:4


A good reminder of the power of the resurrection, a gift that Christ gives to all.

Today, let's take a few moments to consider the resurrection and to thank God sincerely for our opportunity to live on in eternity.

Helaman 16:1 -- On Tag-Teaming With God

"And now, it came to pass that there were many who heard the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake upon the walls of the city. And as many as believed on his word went forth and sought for Nephi; and when they had come forth and found him they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the Lord."
Helaman 16:1


I love this tag-team conversion, where Samuel preached, and Nephi baptized. The thing about this team is that there is no indication that they knew each other, so it was God actually directing it all, both prophets coordinating through God.

I think that this is directly applicable to our lives, because even though we can't always see it, all of us are tag-teaming with other people, directed by the Lord. We can't see the person whose life was blessed when we miss our flight, but that person is there, and God knows and uses that opportunity to bless someone. We can't see what happens and who is touched because of a single gospel conversation, but God knows all of those people, and that conversation allows him to touch hearts.

Today, let's remember that our good works never go to waste. They are never pointless or useless just because we can't see any positive effect in the world. God is working hard to multiply our efforts and bless the lives of others. Let's do good, no matter whether we can see the benefit or not. :)

Helaman 11:15-16 -- On Trying Again

"Yea, O Lord, and thou seest that they have repented, because of the famine and the pestilence and destruction which has come unto them.
And now, O Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger, and try again if they will serve thee? And if so, O Lord, thou canst bless them according to thy words which thou hast said."
Helaman 11:15-16


I love this passage because it shows a prophet and God, both wanting to help the people, and hoping that they have become sufficiently humble that they will not destroy each other anymore, but instead turn to God. The people had started a war, and Helaman asked God to change it into a famine instead--which does seem safer spiritually--and the Lord did that, and then the people started realizing again that they needed God, and calling on his name. Not the best way to learn, but sometimes only dramatic things get through when we are stuck in a rut, forgetting that we need God and trying to do things in our own way.

Today, let's make try again, just as God is trying again with us, and be sure that we are listening to God and remembering him in our lives. Hopefully that wasy we won't need a reminder like this, and God can bless us as he desires to, rather than having to watch us suffering before we will choose to call upon him for help.