3 Nephi 18:18-20 -- On Watching and Praying

"Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;
And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you."
3 Nephi 18:18-20


This is an excellent reminder. We sometimes fall out of the habit of prayer, and God asking us to watch is another thing to pay attention to. I definitely don't think that God wants us to sit home wrapped in bubble wrap, too cautious to do bold thinks and break new ground... he asks us to be a light and to find our own promised land, to take initiative and be a force for good. But as we do that, we should also be wary of bad influences, of people taking advantage, of "little" sins and mistakes that can develop into big problems and take away freedom and opportunity.

Today, let's take time and remember to pray... and ask specifically for the things that we need, and for help in watching for the bad influences and temptations, and the power to avoid them. We don't have to do any of it alone, which is why we have prayer and the Spirit, and God watching over us. Let's remember to be bold, but also watchful, prayerful, and faithful, trusting in God to guide us and help us as we strive to do good and uplift others.

3 Nephi 18:3-4 -- On The Sacrament

"And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat.
And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude."
3 Nephi 18:3-4


I kind of like the idea that it was kind of like a meal, which it seems is implied by the "filled" part. I don't think that we're going astray from Christ's teachings in the modern day because of it... I think the idea is symbolic and focusing on Christ's sacrifice for us, and committing to do better is the main idea here. It reminds me of Christ feeding crowds of people in the New Testament though, and although providing for the poor is probably one aspect of it (even here in 3 Nephi, these people had been through a lot, and might not have had a lot of food available), I also love the idea of it being a longer ritual, there in the actual presence of Christ.

I don't think we would go through the sacrament as quickly if Christ were physically with us, and maybe that is something to think about... how important the whole idea is, and what he instructs here, and what he asks. We aren't always going to get this much time with the sacrament, but today, perhaps, we can take that time as we read this chapter and commit to follow Christ's example.

3 Nephi 17:2-3 -- On Preparing Our Minds

"I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time.
Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again."
3 Nephi 17:2-3


This struck me today I think because conference is coming soon, and this is exactly what we should be doing to prepare for that, but also I wonder... when are we ever *not* in this state? We read and listen, but we rarely understand all of God's words.

Today, let's ponder and pray, and prepare our minds. Not just for conference, but for help understanding the things that we don't yet, all around us. God will help us if we ask him, not just with the scriptures, but with life itself, all of our relationships and challenges. Life is part of the gospel, and our Father in Heaven will help us with all of it as we reach out to him, and as we ponder and pray. Let's exercise a little bit of faith and ask for help solving specific questions, and he will help us.

Ezekiel 5:15 -- On Destruction and Instruction

"So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that are round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the Lord have spoken it."
Ezekiel 5:15


I like that it mentions instruction here... sometimes that seems to be the only saving grace of some events. At least they teach us. Today, perhaps we should look for the instruction in whatever challengas we currently face. The more we learn, the closer we get to a day when the destruction isn't necessary.

2 Nephi 14:1 -- On Unity and Humility

"And in that day, seven women shall take hold of one man, saying: We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel; only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach."
2 Nephi 14:1


This is a verse that is also found in Isaiah, and in the Old Testament it seems to suggest women who are ashamed of being single, unmarried, or childless, which was looked down on. There are pockets of that attitude now, but I think then it was much more prevalent. ... However, this verse is supposed to be a prediction of the Millennium, or the transition to it at least, so it is interesting that it is similar, perhaps predicting a period of time when there will be many fewer men than women, and where the attitude will once again be prevalent that women are a disappointment if they are not attached to a man.

It's an interesting question in the context of the gospel, for certainly we are encouraged to be united. God introduced the concept of marriage, and suggested that it was not good for man to be alone. God encourages community and unity and service and love, which all implies and involves other people. So clearly we shouldn't all become hermits or shut out the rest of the world. :) On the other hand, I don't recall God ever teaching that single people should be ashamed or condemned. He encouraged people to care for widows and orphans... emphasis on taking care of each other rather than telling them to rejoin the world or finding fault with their unattached state, so it seems to be that the idea is taking care of each other.

In this prophecy, perhaps food and clothing are scarce and they want to join a community that normally wouldn't allow them in if they can't take care of them, but they offer to take care of themselves. It isn't certain that it is a marriage/polygamy, but perhaps implied because of them being called by his name. Could be a tribal thing as well I suppose. The other interesting thing to point out here is the chapter before, where it is mentioned that the "daughters of Zion" have been prideful, and they will be brought down to desolation and humility, so that could also be what is going on here... a continuation of that idea, where the women are humble enough to join together to a community, or a family, rather than thinking they can do everything themselves.

Today, let's think about what it means to be connected and joined together in love with the people around us. Let's not encourage "reproach," but consult with God about how we can righteously connect with others and build a more united society, where not only the hearts of the children and fathers turn to each other, but also where we are all open to satisfying family and personal relationships.

Mosiah 12:35 -- On God First, Everybody Wins

"Thou shalt have no other God before me."
Mosiah 12:35


Like the other commandments, this is about helping us rather than ego. If God is number one in our lives, then we aren't going to fall into traps that can come from putting anything else first. We avoid selfishness, addiction, lust, greed... and we learn at the feet of the Master everything that we need for eternal life. Today, let's remember that becoming sincere and dedicated followers of God and making his priorities our priorities is the very best thing that we can do with our lives and our hearts... best for us, best for God, best for the world. It's the only true "everybody wins" choice out there. :)

3 Nephi 12:44-45 -- On the Evil and the Good

"But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good."
3 Nephi 12:44-45


Reading this, I think it is possible to catch the tiniest sliver of the vision that God has of all of us... everyone, whether our behavior is evil or good, is a child of God. and valuable to him. Part of our family in real ways. Someone that God wants to save. And grasping that vision is part of why we are here. God offers us his perspective even, if we pray and ask for it, he will share the love of God, his love, with us, and help us see others as he does. In most cases it won't be instant, but he can teach us to see more clearly, and to have compassion for everyone, if we are willing to ask, and work at it.

Today, let's try to catch more of the vision, and treat everyone better, even if they lie or betray or harm us. We shouldn't stay in abusive situations, but we can learn to forgive, and we can change ourselves and make the world better even when we can't change anyone else. Let's pray and talk to God about learning to see others more clearly and love them more.

3 Nephi 12:21-22 -- On Cliffs and Commandments

"Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, and it is also written before you, that thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God;
But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."
3 Nephi 12:21-22


Christ is talking here about differences between what he is preaching and the Mosaic law, which was fulfilled in him. Some of it is about not going near the cliff, right? If the commandment is "don't jump off the cliff" and you walk right on the edge, you are endangering yourself. Similarly, these verses say not only don't kill, but don't get angry enough to do something like that... solve your relationship problems. Don't mock each other... things that will help us stay far away from that cliff.

Throughout this chapter Christ explains other ways to stay far away from cliff, and sets the boundaries farther back, so that people who heed his warnings will stay safe. Today, let's heed his warnings, and steer far clear of the deadly drop of sin.

2 Nephi 2:2 -- On Consecrated Afflictions

"Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain."
2 Nephi 2:2


I like the idea of consecrated afflictions... that the things that are hardest for us in life are totally worth it (even though it is painful and doesn't seem positive at all at the time), because God consecrates them for our gain... or in other words, devotes them to a specific cause, which is strengthening and helping us. As we turn to God, everything that we go through will be turned to our good in some way--to make us more resilient, to allow us to be more empathetic and helpful to others, to teach us things that we need to know for the future. With God, even the bad times can have a purpose and a reason. Today, let's have hope that what we are going through will help us, through the grace of God, and take the chance to look past our current trials to the growth and blessings ahead.

3 Nephi 3:19-21 -- On Strength in Righteous Leaders and Unity in Following God

"Now it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief captains, (save it were in their times of wickedness) some one that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy; therefore, this Gidgiddoni was a great prophet among them, as also was the chief judge.
Now the people said unto Gidgiddoni: Pray unto the Lord, and let us go up upon the mountains and into the wilderness, that we may fall upon the robbers and destroy them in their own lands.
But Gidgiddoni saith unto them: The Lord forbid; for if we should go up against them the Lord would deliver us into their hands; therefore we will prepare ourselves in the center of our lands, and we will gather all our armies together, and we will not go against them, but we will wait till they shall come against us; therefore as the Lord liveth, if we do this he will deliver them into our hands."
3 Nephi 3:19-21


I love the idea of leaders being prophets as well, which I think goes along with some of the main ideas in the chapter as wel as the idea of defending rather than attacking. A lot of the idea here is strength in unity... if they gather together, and are righteous, the Lord can deliver them, but fracturing, or losing that unified advantage can definitely kill them.

The overall story is interesting too, because it is two supposedly unified groups... the good guys are gathered together for their survival against the bad guys who live by stealing from others. The bad guys are having a hard time surviving because they don't have easy prey... which goes back to the idea of not just unity, but unity in righteousness under a righteous leader. The bad guys lose here because they are evil and predatory, and the good guys win because they are good, and they are listening to God. Today, let's make sure we're the good guys... not preying on others, but prepared, united, and above all, righteous. Willing to listen to God and his prophets and conduct ourselves accordingly.

2 Samuel 8:14-15 -- On Preservation

"And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.
And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people."
2 Samuel 8:14-15


In this selection, the Lord preserving David seems to make perfect sense since he delivers justice and judgement. I think it is important to tie those things together, because it isn't about luck or favor... it is about doing the will of the Lord and doing good.

Today, let's remember that blessings are tied to our service and help, and let's remember and commit to do good, to help people, and to make the world a better place. Let's not fall into the trap of prosperity and complacency and forget where our blessings come from. Let's turn to the Lord and listen to his direction.

Psalms 90:4 -- On the Lord's Time, and Perspective

"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."
Psalms 90:4


I like this explanation of a thousand years to the Lord just seeming like yesterday. I don't really think that is an exact increment, but more of a parable-type comparison, showing us a deeper truth. The Lord's perspective is vast, and he can see (and remember/know) much more than we can, no matter how forward-thinking we are. :) Time isn't a burden or a barrier to him.

Today, let's "Think Celestial" and consider the long-term, including trusting God who can see so much more than we can, and who understands not only his creations, but the overall picture, where we can only see a small distance. We have need of his vision and perspective.

Psalms 86:3-5 -- On Prayer

"Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."
Psalms 86:3-5


This is kind of a cool prayer. This part of it asks for mercy and joy and forgiveness, and also promises continued prayer, dedication, and belief. And while prayer is probably not enough alone to save us, I think it is implied that there is also actual listening and doing coming out of that as well. Prayer is powerful, and if we are willing to listen and to act on our communication with the Lord, prayer is the beginning of learning to feel the spirit and developing a relationship with God, and getting to know how he works.

Today, let's cry unto the Lord and learn how to tap into that source for mercy, joy, and forgiveness. Let's maintain that connection with God, and continue to learn as we develop that communication.

Psalms 84:9-10 -- On Shields and Doorkeepers

"Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."
Psalms 84:9-10


I like the idea of Christ, the anointed, as our shield... and I really like the next verse because I think that it shows that there is no math that makes rejecting God a good thing. The world can argue that 15 minutes of "thrill" is worth trading for a lifetime of boredom, but first of all, God's way isn't boring, and secondly, this isn't just a lifetime. This is eternity, and the math is actually opposite. Korihor suffered the pains of sin, but when he called on God, he was delivered and the pain was swallowed up in the joy. The one glimpse of God is worth the lifetime of sin, because no matter how thrilling or intriguing it is, it ends up empty. Nothing else can fill the God-shaped hole in our lives.

Today, let's remember that nothing balances against God. He is better than anything else, a thousand times over... or more like an uncountable number of times over. He is the source of hope and peace and joy, and if we're going to settle for less, then let's settle for the edge of God's domain, the lowest position in his household rather than anything outside of it, no matter how temporarily esteemed and pleasant. Let's not fall for the lies of Satan, believing that anything could make up for that loss. It cannot. Wickedness never was and can never be happiness, even if it briefly carries that illusion.

Psalms 45:7 -- On the Oil of Gladness

"Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."
Psalms 45:7


The reference to oil here seems to be symbolic of a blessing, indicating that the gladness / joy is a gift from God. And I'm guessing, since we are supposed to liken all scriptures to ourselves, that the recipe works for us too. If we love righteousness and hate/avoid wickedness, we will also be blessed with additional measures of happiness.

Recognizing what righteousness means is part of the blessing of having scriptures, so that we can study the commandments and the example of God, and try to walk, and believe, in his way. Today, let's study, and pray, and learn, so that we can learn how to gain and live with more gladness.

Psalms 6:9 -- On Prayer

"The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer."
Psalms 6:9


I really like this conclusion, which starts earlier in the Psalm, pleading for mercy. And in the end the Lord hears and grants the petition. ... It doesn't seem a long process to us, getting there in a short number of verses, but the author was clearly agonizing over it.

I think this is the same thing that happens in our lives. Life can be scary and hard sometimes, and we reach out for God and sometimes he is hard to find, because of our own mistakes or because we need to learn something, or perhaps for a reason we will only discover later. I think, like in Lehi's dream, the darkness and the storms will come, and we won't be able to see the way ahead, but if we cling to what the Lord has given us... scriptures, prayer, church, etc., eventually we will get to the same conclusion. The Lord loves us, and he will listen and grant us mercy.

Today, let's remember not to give up. Answers don't always come on the first try. Some answers take much longer, and some few might not even be answered in this life. But still the Lord hears, and if we persist and continue to ask in faith, the Lord will grant our petitions, or help us understand that he has something better in store.

Leviticus 6:2-4 -- On Making Things Right

"If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,"
Leviticus 6:2-4


I like the idea here of making things right after we are in the wrong. This is part of the old law which Christ fulfilled, so it doesn't have to be followed to the letter anymore, but the same idea of repentance remains. We usually have to figure out for ourselves, in concert wtih God, what we should do to make up for our mistakes, but often it is similar... we have to do what we can to make up for our mistakes. It isn't always possible, feasible, or wise in our individual circumstances, but healing where we have harmed is still a good ideal.

Today, let's think about repentance and what we can do to fix our mistakes, and how to change into better people. Where we can't fix our mistakes, God will make up for it, of course, but the efforts we make can help improve human relationships, our relationship with God, and also soothe our own consciences, as well as injecting a bit of humility, which we need sometimes, so we don't keep making the same mistakes over and over again. :)

1 Corinthians 10:10-12 -- On Spirit and Will

"To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ."
1 Corinthians 10:10-12


What struck me today was the phrase "as he will" ... which I think I have always interpreted before as God's will or the Spirit's will, but today it seemed to be our will... each person's will. ... Since God treats us like people and not just numbers, it makes sense to me that how the Spirit works in our lives could be tailored a little bit to us, and what we want. Not above God's will of course, just part of the algorithm perhaps. :)

Bolstering this idea is that God asks us to seek the best gifts, and he says that if we knock he will open... so whatever we are going after, if it is good (and also God's will), that is what he delights to give us.

Today, let's remember that we shouldn't sit back and wait for God to shower us with abundance, but instead to be out there, seeking good. As we do, God will help us find it. :)

John 19:8-11 -- On Choices in Context

"When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin."
John 19:8-11


This seems like a situation with a lot of underlying emotion. I imagine that Pilate is worried that this person is important, perhaps divine, not to be touched, and he seems to want to help Jesus here... to have an excuse to let him go. And I imagine that Jesus understands this, and doesn't want to die of himself, so a hard situation for him too. He's been betrayed, and he knows that he could say the right things and have this man release him, or alternatively really just walk out with the assistance of however many angels. He is who he says he is, and the people around him *should* be afraid because they have no idea what kinds of consequences they are heaping on their heads.

... And yet, the Father's will is that he humble himself and submit to this atrocity, so he keeps his mouth shut. I think when he does speak he is acknowledging that Pilate is trying to help, but putting to rest the illusion of power. And I feel like it's a lesson about who really has power and working within that framework. We know, reading this, that Christ is going to die, and that was the plan all along... but the choices and actions that are happening within the framework of God's will still matter, and trying to do the right thing, or failing to do the right thing still matters to your soul... as it is in our lives as well. God knows how the chapters go. He wrote them. The world ends, and the wheat and the tares are separated, and the field burned... and renewed, and the happy ending waiting for those willing to accept the gift and walk on the path that leads to it.

Today, let's remember how much our choices matter even when we know the overall plot. :) Let's acknowledge the Lord's hand, but still work as hard as we can for good, making the world better rather than worse, and having a positive impact on the people whose lives we have touched.

John 10:9-10 -- On Doors and Thieves

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 10:9-10


I like the idea of Christ being the door. He is the good shepherd and the sheep belong to him... he cares about them, and everyone else that comes in another way is a thief. It's a good analogy because it reminds us that Christ is the legitimate voice that we should be listening to, and that when other voices call out and try to turn us aside, they aren't doing that for our good... Christ is the one leading us to the happy ending.

Today, let's make sure that we are siding with God, who loves us, and is trying to help us live a more abundant life. Let's be wary of thieves and work on knowing and loving God, who is our great protector.

John 5:42 -- On the Love of God

"But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you."
John 5:42


I know this is out of context, but all by itself it made me think about the difference the love of God makes in our lives... not just feeling it from God, which is the best feeling there is, but learning is, and having God bless us with a portion of it in our lives, so that we can feel it for others.

If we don't have any part of it, now, in our lives, then our eternity might end up without it either, and that hole that we sometimes feel in our lives that just gapes open and nothing seems to fill it... because the only thing that actually does work is that same love of God. It's a God-shaped hole.

Today, let's think about how we can learn love a little better, and pray and ask God to teach us, so that we don't end up like this, without the love of God in us.

John 5:39 -- On Searching The Scriptures

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
John 5:39


A good reminder today that we should search the scriptures and learn all we can of God and his gospel. The more we learn, the more God has to build upon as he helps us progress. :)

2 Nephi 2:2 -- On Afflictions

"Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain."
2 Nephi 2:2


I really like the idea that afflictions count for us. Rather than considering them an enemy, we can look at them as beneficial. Not fun, by far, but valuable, necessary.

Today, let's try looking at affilictions through the lens of what we have learned, and work with God to be able to see the positives, and to trust him on the benefits of a life developed through adversity.

2 Nephi 9:18 -- On Joy Being Full Forever

"But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever."
2 Nephi 9:18


I love the idea of our joy being "full forever," and the whole idea that (as Joseph Smith said) "happiness is the object and design of our existence," or 2 Nephi 2:25... "men are, that they might have joy." It's the reason for everything. :) I think perhaps we need to focus on joy a little bit more in our lives, lessening not just the negative voices that we let in, but also the negative messages that we send out.

Life isn't always positive, and we shouldn't ignore the bad and pretend it doesn't exist, but I think we focus/dwell/wallow a little too much sometimes, forgetting that all of this is meant to bring us to joy, and that we can learn to be happy NOW (Mormon 9:14 "He that is happy shall be happy still"), and that is the whole reason for our lives, to learn happiness.

Today, let's pray and ask God to teach us happiness a little bit better... and let's work on having more trust and faith in the long-term goal... the happy ending that is always coming, even if this chapter has some challenges and scares.

Mark 10:24 -- On Objects of Trust

"And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!"
Mark 10:24


Trusting in riches is part of the pride cycle, that endless loop of being righteous, prospering, forgetting God and trusting in our prosperity, and then not prospering. Behind it I think it is because God isn't the object of our trust anymoe. Instead it is money, or ourselves, because when things are going well, we think we don't need God. ... And yet we do, and when things start falling apart, we remember that.

Today, let's make sure our trust is in the Lord. Let's break the cycle, and humble ourselves, trusting in God, no matter how many blessings we have. He is the way and the truth, and even at our very best, we still need his help. Let's make sure that is our center.

Mark 6:4-6 -- On Belief

"But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching."
Mark 6:4-6


It's interesting how much our agency plays into everything around us. Choosing to believe or not believe seems here to affect what God can do for us. Not really sure why, but could be the power of faith, could be because God wants to respect our ability to choose... could be a pearls before swine type thing, that the miracles would be wasted on people who would only mock and ridicule.

In any case, it seems to be better to be open to God's power. :) Also, even if we grew up with someone, let's try not to discount their inherent divinity, and disrespect who they are or who they can become. Prophets are real people too, but they are also chosen of God. We all have the potential to recieve revelation in our individual lives and to someday with God's help to be perfected. Let's follow that divine path, and respect the people that walk with us. Let's believe in people and do all we can to help them. Let's believe in God and know that he can do anything and that he wants to help.

Mark 5:35-36 -- On Reassurance and Fulfilled Promises

"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


I love this picture of Christ reassuring someone. People are telling the father that his daughter is dead already, but Christ basically says that things will work out, not to worry. And the coolest thing is here is that it isn't an empty platitude. Christ can reassure perfectly because he knows.

He can reassure us as well... and even when bad things happen, God is certain when he promises that there is still a happy ending to be had, our loved ones restored, and live renewed, and hope shining, obliterating the darkness. Christ promises us this and brings it to pass, offering it to everyone who is willing to follow him. Today, let's be his followers and work towards that hope.

D&C 86:5-6 -- On Growing Towards the Light

"Behold, verily I say unto you, the angels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields;
But the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also."
Doctrine and Covenants 86:5-6


I'm glad of the delay in destroying the wicked, not because I like to see evil in the world, because I do not--and I am sure that God and his angels do not either, but because it gives us a chance to decide to be, and to work towards, being wheat rather than tares. The difference is proven as we grow, and at least while we are alive on this earth, we have some say in how we grow, whether it is towards the light or not.

Let's be thankful for some extra time to get it right, and also for others, because people we may think are clearly tares could turn out to be wheat... we can't know which at this point. Let's therefore treat everyone kindly, with gentleness and encouragement... helping them to choose wheat. If they do not (or we do not), then the fate is written... but it may be for them (or us), that we will turn out good after we grow a little. It is definitely not time to give up. It is time to grow. :)

D&C 83:4-6 -- On Providing for Physical Needs

"All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age. And after that, they have claim upon the church, or in other words upon the Lord’s storehouse, if their parents have not wherewith to give them inheritances. And the storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and widows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 83:4-6


I like the idea here that the Lord cares about children, and of course all of us even after we are grown up, not just providing for us spiritually and teaching us to be better and how to care for others, etc. He wants us to provide for each other physically as well, and people can fall back on the church when they have no other recourse. ... I think everyone needs a safety net like that, and one of the biggest problems there is to solve in the world is to help people who currently don't have one, or don't know where to find it even if it exists.

Today, let's reach out to God and his church if we need help, and let's also take God's purposes to heart and do what we can for the people around us.

D&C 80:3-4 -- On Exact Instructions versus Spiritual Guidance

"Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss.
Therefore, declare the things which ye have heard, and verily believe, and know to be true."
Doctrine and Covenants 80:3-4


I like the "cannot go amiss" part here. I had a companion on my mission once who had been called to a different mission, but after struggling with the language was given a call to a new place. She was at peace with it, but it seemed like a hard thing to me... so much of me was wrapped up in wanting to be exactly the place I was "meant" to be.

Other things as well. Opportunites lost, choices made. Things you can't just go back and undo. I'm not saying that God is telling all of us that we can't fail, because sure we can. We do all the time. But I think that this verse perhaps illustrates that God's plan is flexible in that it allows for mistakes and repentance, and making one mistake (or many more than one) never locks us out of his plan, or out of heaven.

However we got here, to where we are now, God's path is still before us, and we may still walk it, and find success and joy and even perfection in time, as we continue to make an effort and learn from God how to follow him better. As we learn to follow the spirit, it really doesn't matter where we go, because the spirit will go with us and help us know in the moment how to act, and we will be able to do whereever we are.

Today, let's work on doing God's will, worrying less about exact instructions and more about taking advantage of the opportunities all around us to help and love and strengthen.