Mosiah 13:31 -- On Types and Symbolism

"But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come."
Mosiah 13:31


This is a verse talking about the Law of Moses and how the performances and ordinances in it were symbolic of things to come, one of which specifically was Christ and the atonement that he made for sin.

There is a lot of symbolism in the gospel now as well. Baptism is a symbol of our sins being washed away, but the real cleanliness comes through repentance and keeping our covenants with God. The story of Adam and Eve we have in the scriptures more than once because it is a story that teaches us through symbolism, just like a lot of the parables, or Lehi's dream, or the allegory of the olive trees in Jacob 5.

I think God teaches us through symbols because he wants us to think about what he is saying, and search for the layers of meaning. Often principles seem to have more meaning when we work for them and test how they apply in our lives. Not just that though. God teaches us the same principles in many different ways because we need that repetition, and also because we all need to hear them in little, different ways sometimes for them to stick. He does everything he can for us, to help us to understand and to accept his word, even though it is sometimes really hard. I think especially so when it conflicts with something that we wanted for ourselves. If we do it God's way anyway, later we can look back and see exactly why, but when it is actually happening, it's super tough to do something we don't want to do, even though we know it is the right thing.

Today, let's learn from the symbolism and stories that God has given to us in the scriptures. Let's study and learn about God and his gospel, and pray to understand what God would have us know as we learn. God is the perfect teacher, and he will help us as we seek him.

Mosiah 11:1-2 -- On Commandments versus Hearts

"And now it came to pass that Zeniff conferred the kingdom upon Noah, one of his sons; therefore Noah began to reign in his stead; and he did not walk in the ways of his father.
For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness."
Mosiah 11:1-2


What strikes me here is the idea that Noah "did walk after the desires of his own heart" ... and that was evil. Our society is pretty dedicated to the "follow your heart philosophy. ... And the thing is, that *can* be good, if we have pure hearts that are dedicated to God, but typically we need to go through the "mighty change of heart" that it talks about in Alma 5 before we can trust that. Otherwise, we end up like Noah here... going after the *evil* desires of our hearts.

Today, let's work with God so that we have no more disposition/desire to do evil. Let's let him cleanse our hearts, and do his will and his commandments rather than our own, as he teaches us a different, better way.

Matthew 16:26 -- On Souls and Priorities

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Matthew 16:26


This is a really good verse for putting things into perspective. We get distracted a lot by other things, but when it comes down to the fate of our souls, we need to be paying better attention to the truly important things, and not leave who we are becoming to whim or chance.

Today, let's think about whether we are in tune with God, and whether we are becoming the people that we want to be. If not, then let's make some change... even if it is small, to start getting back on track.

Mosiah 13:6-7 -- On Power and Faith

"And he spake with power and authority from God; and he continued his words, saying:
Ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I finish my message. Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I tell you the truth concerning your iniquities."
Mosiah 13:6-7


This is an excerpt from the story of Abinadi, who is burned to death 4 chapters later. It's interesting here that God prevents them from laying hands on him, but allows him to be killed later. Why? For many reasons, but the one that strikes me today is the idea of power. Abinadi is talking to the King and his priests, and they have been abusing their power in some pretty severe ways. God shows them that he is the one with the power, and they can't do anything that he doesn't allow them to do.

Another reason of course is that Abinadi gained a very important convert here, as he teaches these priests the gospel. One of Noah's priests, Alma, listens and realizes the truth, and later writes down Abinadi's words and teaches them to others. I think that story is also a little bit about power. He thought he had some as a priest, but after realizing that power is empty as he seeks to save Abinadi and loses his own position, he comes to realize how much one person can do to change the world, when he has God's power behind him.

Later, God gives Noah and his priests a chance to change. They have heard the gospel, and God gives them their free agency ... their personal power ... back again, allowing them to choose what to do. They kill Abinadi, thus sealing their own fates, but I think God giving them that choice is important as well. Even when we realize that God is in charge, and he knows more than we do, we still have the choice to act against that... we're here to learn to choose for ourselves, and to accept both the mortal and immortal consequences of the choices that we make. Today, let's collaborate with God and learn to make good choices that help ourselves and others, rather than causing harm and condemning ourselves.

Psalms 111:10 -- On Fear and Wisdom

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."
Psalms 111:10


Respect might be the word I would choose instead of fear, but I like this idea... the first thing we need to know in the gospel is God. And, of course, since it is a lot to learn, it is something that we learn throughout our lives. As we study and learn about God, we stop thinking of him as a mythical or literary figure and see him as the authentic creator of the universe, and Father of us all. And knowing that God created us and the universe, and the awe and fear / respect that knowledge inspires is how we begin to know and understand God.

So many things come from that initial comprehension of the reality of God. We start learning faith and love for him, and gain a small taste of his love for us. We learn about his plan, and how we can be part of it. Today, let's learn more about God and all that he is, and jump up our wisdom level a little bit, with his help. :)

Micah 7:8 -- On Success through God

"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me."
Micah 7:8


I like this idea that with the Lord on our side, we can't lose. Yes, we'll fall, and find ourselves in darkness sometimes, but setbacks are always temporary. We'll get back up. We'll find illumination, because God is the light of our lives, and if we stick with him and keep walking the path that he shows us, we really can't lose. All failure is short-term with God... like Nephi going to get the plates. We just have to stay faithful and keep at it, and God will provide a way.

Proverbs 31:25-26 -- On Being Strong and Kind

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Proverbs 31:25-26


These are a couple of the verse describing a virtuous woman. I like the idea here of clothing ourselves (symbolically) with strength and honor, and looking with joy at the future that the Lord promises us. I also like the combination of wisdom and kindness, as well as the juxtaposition of strength and kindness from the first verse to the second.

Too often we see messages in our society that strength and kindness don't go together, or that strength and kindness are opposite gender roles. God definitely doesn't think that kindness is weak, or that women can't be strong. Let's all of us, together, take these verses to heart, not just about women, but let's recognize that God himself is strong and kind, and seek to be like him.

Proverbs 6:23 -- On Reproofs of Instruction

"For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:"
Proverbs 6:23


I liked this today I think because we often get offended or sad or think that we're failing when we are reproved or reprimanded, and maybe we need to rethink that, especially when it is from our parents (the context of this verse) or from God. None of us are perfect, and we need help and instruction as we grow into ourselves, and those people can help us improve. Parents aren't perfect either, but we can get help with that too, from God.

Today, let's remember that we need "reproofs of instruction." Let's use those opportunities to learn and improve rather than to feel bad about ourselves.

Revelation 7:13-14 -- On Washing Robes

"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."
Revelation 7:13-14


The idea of washing a robe in blood and it coming out white seems strange, but symbolically, it makes total sense here, because Christ's life, and blood, atoned for our sins. He overcame death and hell, giving us more time to change and repent, symbolically purifying ourselves and our robes, and becoming white and pure (at the soul/spirit level, which has nothing to do with skin color).

Today, let's take advantage of the gift that Christ's atonement offers us. Let's repent and be clean, symbolically cleansed by the price he paid for us, which also allows us to continue to grow in his gospel and reach our highest potential, if we work together with him, enduring tribulation and taking his advice in patience and faith.

Joshua 3:5 -- On Sanctification and Wonders

"And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you."
Joshua 3:5


I like this idea that we need to be ready for the Lord to do wonders among us. We need to be ready to recognize his hand and appreciate the miracle. We need to have faith so that he can heal us and bless us more than we are able to recieve now. This is a verse that sees applicable to every day, because if we are ready, then we will see miracles happen.

Sanctification means the process of becoming holy and purified... freed from sin. So it is similar to the ideas of repentance and of changing our hearts. It's becoming clean and worthy of the Spirit, able to hear God in whatever way he speaks to us.

Today, let's sanctify ourselves, and be ready for wonders. :)

1 Kings 8:57-58 -- On Inclining Our Hearts

"The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers."
1 Kings 8:57-58


I like the idea here that God is in control of our hearts... he inclines them for us. That idea is also there when we talk about the mighty change of heart in the Book of Mormon. God changes people's hearts, and he can give us a disposition to do good, and as above to love him and walk in his ways.

What we give to him is our choice... he allows us to decide for ourselves, to learn our own opinions and choose as we think best, but if we choose him, he can help us to keep his commandments and teach us more and more so that we can understand a lot more of the gospel, and why what God asks of us is so important.

Today, even if we aren't united in our hearts and minds, let's take that step towards God and ask for his help in uniting ourselves, and on understanding God's purpose, will, and his great love for us. Let's ask him to incline our hearts so that we want to do what we choose to do, as we follow God's path of happiness.

2 Nephi 3:12 -- On Growing Together

"Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord."
2 Nephi 3:12


I love the idea of scriptures coming together to unify and spread peace. I think too often in the world religion is seen as a point of contention rather than a source of peace, and this seems like it will help. Today, let's be part of that unification and spreading of peace. Let's look to God and follow his example of love for everyone... Let's focus on our commonalities and shared goals rather than our disagreements.

3 Nephi 4:30 -- On Protection and Prayer

"And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection."
3 Nephi 4:30


I like the idea here that if we call upon God for protection, he will protect us. There are probably a couple of caveats in there, like sincerity and actually listening to God as well as asking him for stuff, but just the normal idea that if we choose God, we also have to act on that. He will be our God, but we also have to be his people.

Today, let's reach out to God, not just for protection, but definitely that too. Let's take God's advice, and get to know him, and let him teach us his ways. As we do, we'll learn not only of his power to save, but his infinite love and individual care for each one of us.

Mosiah 4:27 -- On Wisdom, Order, Pacing, and Commitment

"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."
Mosiah 4:27


I love the "wisdom and order" explanation here. King Benjamin explains that we shouldn't run faster than we have strength (pacing ourselves, not burning ourselves out), but also that we need to be diligent (keep moving forward, keep our focus on the finish line (in this case, thinking celestial: heaven / salvation / being united with God).

Doctrine and Covenants 64:32-34 explain that "all things must come to pass in their time," so we shouldn't "be weary in well-doing" and that "the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind" and that we need to be willing and obedient... and I think that scripture passage along with this one clarifies even more that God wants us to be diligent and keep our focus on God's will, but also that we shouldn't expect things immediately (pace ourselves), that we need to be patient, staying healthy, getting proper rest, etc.

Today, let's be committed and diligent... going all in with God and putting him first. But let's be patient and endure trials as well as can, because God's work is not a sprint. Let's take it slow when we need to, moving forward with a plan and working towards God's kingdom in an organized way. Like Nephi and the Brother of Jared, if things don't work out the first time, let's go back to the drawing board and try again, and again, until, with God, we get it worked out.

John 8:7 -- On Casting Stones

"So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
John 8:7


I like that here Chris never denies justice / the law, but he also introduces the idea of mercy, and that hypocrisy has no place in the equation.

Today, let's remember to leave condemnation to God and to not cast stones at our fellow beings. :)

John 4:9 -- On Reaching Out to Others

"Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans."
John 4:9


I really like the story of the woman at the well, and thsi part of it strikes me because Christ was reaching outside of cultural norms even talking to this woman, and showing that his love and mercy and grace are offered to anyone.

Today, let's make sure we are listening to God and not just blindly following cultural norms as we determine who we should reach out to, and how we can follow in Christ's footsteps. Let's recognize the humanity of others even if they aren't in the same groups we are, or if we have little in common.

Romans 10:13-14 -- On Calling Upon the Name of the Lord

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
Romans 10:13-14


I like the idea here that starts out really simple... if we call on the name of the Lord, we well be saved. But it adds upon that truth, explaining more, and reminding us that sincerity and understanding are necessary, as well as the support of each other. Just listening to the voice of the world isn't going to get us where we need to go, and we need the voice of the prophets, old and new, as well as support from the people around us to help us to resist the wiles of the devil and continue in the truth of God.

Today, let's call upon the name of the Lord, and embrace everything that comes with that, taking the Lord's advice, and walking in his way.

Psalms 11:4 -- On Heavenly Eyes

"The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men."
Psalms 11:4


The idea of being observed by God is an interesting one, and I think as long as we don't take it too far along the lines of spycraft, it is also a useful idea. We can consider what we would do differently if the Lord were watching... and remember that on some level, he always is aware of us and what we are going through.

Today, let's try to live a better way... a way that we wouldn't be ashamed of others knowing about. And as we get better at that, then let's add in some more good little by little until we get really, really good. :) And let's be thankful that God is there to help, and always aware of our needs.