Revelation 14:6-7 -- On Giving Glory to God

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
Revelation 14:6-7


I like the "give glory to him" part here... first, because the's the example of Christ, doing the will of his father, giving him glory rather than taking it for himself. One of the big differences between God's plan and Satan's plan. And I also think that that is just one of the big traps of life... the temptation to glorify yourself, or at least attempt it... wanting to feel important and cool and *better* than others. But we aren't. We might be above average in some things, but other people are above average in other things, and we all have things to learn from each other. Today, let's work on stepping outside ourselves and acknowledging God's hand in our lives, giving him the glory. And let's try to let go of our need to be right, and try out some more humility and listening as well. Tough, I know, but a good day to give it a shot. :)

2 Peter 3:13-14 -- On Being Found in Peace

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
2 Peter 3:13-14


This is a good list of things that we might want to think about and focus on... being in peace, without spot, and blameless. The continuing process of repentance and improvement is going to be high on the list for getting there, but the peace part seems especially tough where there are so many divisive opinions swirling around. Today, let's take some time and counsel with the Lord about how to bring more peace into our lives, and let God guide us not only to new heavens and earth, but also to more peace and joy in our current lives than we currently have. :)

D&C 45:66-67 -- On Peace, Refuge, and Terror

"And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion."
Doctrine and Covenants 45:66-67


This is such an interesting idea, about the glory of the Lord being percieved differently by different people, so that it can be both a peaceful refuge and a terror (verses 70 and 74 also talk about the inhabitants of Zion, and the Lord being terrible, at least to them).

We could speculate about why that would be, but I think the central idea is true even now. What God offers, not everyone wants... and even though that is hard to understand, when he offers us all that he has, that's part of what this life is about, and God offers everyone the choice. God seems beautiful to me, but he might look terrible to someone else.

Today, let's look upon God and his gospel with pleasure rather than terror. Let's learn all we can about Christ and get to know his ways and his path. It's up to us whether to walk that path, and to decide for ourselves about whether we will choose to serve the Lord. Let's understand what we are choosing, and see the refuge and the peace behind the perhaps self-conjured illusion of terror. :)

1 Corinthians 16:14 -- On Charity

"Let all your things be done with charity."
1 Corinthians 16:14


Charity here refers to a sense of Christlike love for all people, but I think even in the modern sense of charity as the act of giving to those in need, it still gives the approximate sense of what the Lord asks of us. The idea is to care about the people around us... to treat them like friends rather than strangers.

Today, let's do everything we do with love. Let's stop and think about everything we do and see if we can infuse it with more love. Let's be more genuine and interested and open to learning from others. Let's be willing to spend time and to learn more.

Philippians 4:13 -- On Possibilities

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13


There is a lot of power in this verse, a reminderto us that God can do anything, and that with Christ as out backs, we can too. Today, let's remember this, and trust in God, and be willing to tackle the impossible, and to dream extravagantly, as God wills.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 -- On Faith and Sight

"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
2 Corinthians 5:6-8


The idea here seems to be that confidence comes from faith and not from sight/physical evidence, which makes sense... God's spiritual confidence, which is always true, trumps confidence based only in physical sight, which sometimes fails... frailties and other things that we can't seen can undermine that kind of confidence.

Today, let's work on having faith and confidence in God, knowing that his word is something that we can use to anchor our lives, unlike our own fallible observations. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't look, and learn, but as Paul says there, we should prioritize the spiritual over the physical and trust the Lord and talk to him about everything we observe and learn, to put it correctly into the larger context of God's creations, and so that God can also teach us about things that are unseeable and unknowable without him.

Romans 3:22-23 -- On Difference

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Romans 3:22-23


It's interesting here that it says there is no difference among "all them that believe" ... because clearly there is a difference: we're different people, and God doesn't treat us as though we were identical clones with no personality difference. He loves us, and our personalities. :)

I think the similarity that it is talking about is the one specified in the second verse of the selection. We are alike in that none of us qualifies for heaven. We all fall short of being able to return to God's presence. We are alike in the need for help... for salvation. And that is what Christ offers us. And I think that is also at least part of what unites us. We are trying to help each other find our way back.

Today, let's remember our similarities and work with God to help others and unite to find our way home.

Matthew 4:17 -- On Repentance and Eternity

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 4:17


Christ here is talking about the Kingdome of Heaven being "at hand" ... perhaps because of his presence, perhaps because all of our lives are short and in the eternal scheme of things, it is soon, perhaps because we should always act as though the kingdom of God is imminent.

Isaiah, a long time before this, quoted God saying "Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come," (Isaiah 56:1). Though this nearness seems to us, comparatively, far away, God never lies, so there is definitely truth here, and probably on many levels. One may be that the timescale that God is working with is vast, as with other events in the scriptures, and God is encouraging us to realize that no matter how the hours seem to drag on in certain moments, that objectively our lives are an eyeblink, and that we need to "seize the day" as it were.

Today, let's take advantage of the short time we have in mortality and repent, and do justice, and prepare for eternity, which is always nearer than we realize.

2 Corinthians 3:14-17 -- On Spirit and Clarity

"But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."
2 Corinthians 3:14-17


It's interesting here how blind minds and blind hearts are the antithesis of freedom, and that when we have the Spirit of the Lord with us, then we are free... free from that blindness and able to see clearly and make informed choices perhaps.

I like that idea, and I think that the spirit works that way... it brings insight and clarity of thought--it opens us up to ideas that we would have never thought of or considered. It helps us think outside the box and not get mired in mental/emotional obstacles, because, suddenly, we can see our way out. :) Today, let's seek to have the spirit in our lives and live so that we are always ready to listen to God's patient guidance.

Acts 3:19-22 -- On Repentance and Restoration

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you."
Acts 3:19-22


I really like the idea of our sins being blotted out, so repentance seems like a super-good idea. :) I also like the idea of "the times of refreshing" and the "times of restitution of all things" which both seem cool and interesting, although I am sure I don't fully comprehend what is going to happen there. In other verses it tells us that what we do will be restored to us, which is awesome and also frightening. I think repentance probably makes a huge difference in what emotion will win out with that. I'm sure we all have some things that we don't really want to remember, let alone revisit or have restored to us.

Today, let's repent, and keep up the process each day, making permanent changes in our lives so that we never fall under a huge burden of sin that can hold us back from so many things. And if we're already under such a burden... repentance is again the answer. God awaits our return, and will welcome us with open arms.

2 Kings 5:1-3 -- On Making a Difference

"Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.
And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy."
2 Kings 5:1-3


I love the maid in this story. She was a captive and a servant, but she spoke up about what she believed and made a difference. I think we can do the same. Sometimes we think that we have to be larger than life in order to make a difference, but just like this maid, in circumstances less than ideal, we can make a difference just by believing, and speaking up in an appropriate context. We can set an example, we can have faith that God does miracles, that he works through prophets, that he loves his children.

Today, in whatever circumstances, let's stay true to God and in tune with his Spirit, which can teach us the way to go in any situation. Let's be willing to open our mouths and make a difference. Even the smallest things can change the world for the better, with God's help.

Isaiah 29:13-14 -- On Lips and Hearts

"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid."
Isaiah 29:13-14


The difference here between lips and hearts in serving and honoring God is significant, and a good reminder for us as we go about our lives. I think it is okay if we're not all the way there yet. We can begin with feelings, or with words, as long as we're continuing to work on it, and to draw closer to the Lord and understand him, and our own feelings about him. If we give up and only have one or the other, that's when we need to worry. :)

Today, let's think about how we honor God, and make sure that our lips and our hearts are connected... that we're following up on what we say and what we feel, and learning to love the Lord with everything that we are. The more we get united internally, the more we'll be able to hear God's words, and be led by the Spirit to help others, improve our own lives, and do good in the world.

Luke 24:15-16 -- On Knowing and Seeing

"And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him."
Luke 24:15-16


I love the story of the road to Emmaus. What struck me about it today is the idea that their eyes were "holden" so that they couldn't recognize the Savior. One of the footnotes points to this verse: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2).

I like the idea on one level that we don't really know who we are talking to, and that the people around us could be angels, or even Christ, checking in on us. And therefore, of course, that we should be kind and open with all people. On a different level, it is probably sad that we don't see the spark of angelic nature in everyone, and in ourselves, and treat ourselves and everyone else with more gentleness and reverence anyway, which is also one of the great commandments.

I think for the disciples there is also another aspect, and that is the joy and wonder of getting to know Christ a second time. :) And I wonder if our whole lives are like that. We knew him in the premortal existence, and I am certain that we loved him there. What a great opportunity this life is, for many reasons, but that is one I hadn't thought of. We have the chance to get to know one of our favorite people all over again. :)

Today, let treat everyone as though they were angels, and take the opportunity to get to know God more and more, having faith in our former relationship with God as well as our more recent experiences.

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 don't really like afflictions, and I doubt anyone else really relishes them, but I do like the idea here that they can be consecrated for our gain... that those things that we suffer can actually do us some good. I think we already see that in some ways. We can look back and see how a hard time in our lives brought us closer to the Lord, or how going through a certain trial helped us learn compassion for others going through something similar. And it is good to recognize those things and see how mortality is teaching us, and know that God's plan is working.

With God, I think even the painful events that we don't understand, that we don't think we learned from but rather broke against... even those, by his grace, can be consecrated to our good, and can mean something positive in our lives. God can turn ill intent back on itself, and heal ALL wounds. Our afflictions need not be permanent scars or holes in our lives, because he can turn them into strength, resilience, compassion... whatever we most need.

Today, let's work with God, and let him work with us, to change and shape us, and to heal us and make us whole.

1 Nephi 8:30-32 -- On Wandering in Strange Roads

"But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.
And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.
And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads."
1 Nephi 8:30-32


I love Lehi's dream. The "short in writing" version too. :) I like the idea that determination and holding on to the rod/the word of God can get us where we need to go. The scary part of course is the other group, trying to get to the wrong place and drowning or getting lost on the way.

Today, let's read and study and pray and really think about who we want to be, and who we want to be influenced by. God wants us to grow and improve and find joy and love in the gospel/symbolic path to the tree. Satan on the other hand doesn't care which way we destroy ourselves... the building, the fountain, or getting lost. As soon as we wander off the path he rejoices... he's *against* us, not wanting us to find anything, but to just lose ourselves, wandering those strange roads.

Let's choose wisely and well to follow Christ and his plan of love and progress and goodness and joy, rather than someone who doesn't care about us at all, and actually wants us to fail.

Habakkuk 2:9-10 -- On Isolation and Harming Ourselves

"Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul."
Habakkuk 2:9-10


When I was on my mission we tracted into a man's house who let us in and was friendly. He explained that his philosophy was to do good to and protect his family and friends, but that people outside of that group he wasn't concerned about. The basic idea was that it was okay to overcharge people for his job because it enriched his family. I thought he and his family were awesome, and I don't think he was being intentionally evil. We probably all have some of that "tribal" attitude, where we want to love and protect a certain group of people and put them first. However, the way we treat people, even strangers, is very important to God, who asked us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and who gave us the parable of the good Samaritan.

I think that is the idea behind these verses as well. The general desire to set our nests (homes, families) on high (isolate, separate) to protect from evil is a familiar instinct. But as the selection explains, we bring shame to our homes by cutting them off from others, and we sin against our souls by not being willing to reach out to others and to treat them as neighbors rather than strangers. Today, perhaps, we should make sure our instincts to love and protect a group don't alienate us to others. Let's make sure we're out there helping the world as well as our families. Everyone deserves to see our good side, and we enrich ourselves by learning from, and about, others. :)

Daniel 3:16-18 -- On Careful Answers

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."
Daniel 3:16-18


What struck me today about these verses is the idea of being careful to answer (or not). That phrasing makes me think of someone tiptoeing around an issue as a kind of deception... careful to say only true things, but not in a way that will trigger the person they are talking to, or leaving out that part. And so maybe when our three heroes talk to the king, that is what they are saying... basically, "we are going to tell you plainly, without any shading of meaning."

I also love how they state that God is able, they believe that he will, but that even if not, they are still going to follow him. I think that we can learn a lot from that about how we exercise our faith as well, not only when facing opposition, but even when we pray. We know God has the power to deliver us, and we believe that he will deliver us, but even if he has a plan that requires us to not be delivered from this, we will still trust and obey him, because we know that even if he doesn't deliver us immediately, as we trust him and stay the course, his plan will always save us eventually. The happy ending might take 3 or 4 more chapters and some interesting plot twists, but it is always there waiting for us.

Today, let's be faithful and bold as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were, and let's trust in God's deliverance, whether we have to be patient a little longer or not.

Matthew 13:15-16 -- On Eyes, Ears, and Hearts

"For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear."
Matthew 13:15-16


I think a lot of what is going on here (and in our lives as well) is how easy it is to become desensitised to the whisperings of the spirit, to the needs of other people, and to anything outside ourselves. It's hard to see the whole picture when we are focused on just a little part of it.

Today, let's pray and ask God to help us tune in to the Spirit, and listen to what is truly important. Sometimes we do need to focus on self-improvement and positive personal change, but often the Spirit wants us to pay attention to something external, to lift and help others, and to find ways to do good and make things better. Let's see, and hear, and understand as God speaks to us, and as the spirit influences us.

Romans 15:5-7 -- On Becoming Likeminded

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."
Romans 15:5-7


I love that God is a God of peace and consolation, and I like the idea here of becoming likeminded with his help. ... I don't think that being likeminded means some sort of Orwellian groupthink or becoming a hive mind, but rather the familiar idea of being on the same page, and working from similar definitions. God asks us to unite in purpose and love, not to give up our individual personalities.

God listens to us individually, of course, and we can see miracles in our lives through prayer. There is perhaps a special efficacy in group prayer, as God indicates that agreement on what to ask helps, and saying "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:19-20).

Today, let's consider more than what is good for us individually as we pray, and let's pray together when and where we can for things that benifit all of us as groups, communities, organizations, and the world. Let's work on being united, and likeminded, caring about the good of others along with our own good.

Isaiah 41:9-10 -- On Being Chosen and Supported

"Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 41:9-10


We're supposed to liken all scriptures to ourselves, so here is a hopeful one that we can apply to our lives as well. We all have access to God, and if we'reading this, then we are also chosen, and are definitely not cast away. God will help us, uphold us, and strengthen us. Let's go forward, doing good, and all things will work together for our good as we strive to do God's will and bring hope and happiness into our own, and other people's, lives. :)

Today, let's remember that we are not cast away, but are chosen, and supported. We can do this, with God's help.

3 Nephi 29:3 -- On Covenants and Preparation

"And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people of the house of Israel."
3 Nephi 29:3


It's perhaps easy to dismiss the prophecies in the scriptures sometimes because we don't see any dramatic/imminent signs. But God brings about great things in small and simple ways, and this is a good reminder that we should never dismiss God's word. Everything that he has said will come to pass. He keeps his promises. Even though our lives seem relatively peaceful now, we should still prepare for the future and be ready for disruption in our lives. Not because we kow when everything will happen, but because it is always wise to do as the Lord asks, and some practice at vigilance and obedience can hardly go amiss. :)

3 Nephi 28:3 -- On Blessings and Preferences

"And he said unto them: Blessed are ye because ye desired this thing of me; therefore, after that ye are seventy and two years old ye shall come unto me in my kingdom; and with me ye shall find rest."
3 Nephi 28:3


Reading this today I was thinking about the different choices that Christ's disciples made. I usually gloss over this first choice, moving on to the second. The three Nephites get to live forever with bodies that can't feel pain or most sorrow... they can't be held in prison, they can't be harmed by fire, they just play with the wild beasts that are supposed to kill them... they are functionally immortal and happy. Who wouldn't choose that? ... And yet, I come back to this scripture today and think about all that this means as well. Knowing how long you have to endure, and then immediately following Christ and regaining his presence. Who wouldn't want that? Both good.

Plus, honestly, I would probably choose immortality so I could read all the books, not because I wanted to go on a many-lifetimes mission. I think both of these groups had a lot purer motive, and they both found joy in what they wanted. ... And that's okay, right? We don't have to be cookie cutter followers, all wanting the exact same blessings. God loves us, and he wants to bless us with whatever will bring us the most joy. Today, let's talk to the Lord about our desires, and let his teach us and help us to have clearer motivations, more love, and joy in our individual righteous preferences.

3 Nephi 27:16 -- On Repentance, Baptism, and Being Filled

"And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world."
3 Nephi 27:16


I like the idea here of being filled. It points to the fact that we are not filled without that, and hints at what will fill us... the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, which is also called the Comforter. Comparing a life with the Spirit to one without, the effect of being filled seems apparent. It makes all the diffrence, and is one of the big ways that God can communicate with us and teach us. Today, let's work to have that Spirit in our lives to fill us and to allow Christ more fully into our lives and hearts. And once we have it, let's work on keeping it, and continue to repent so that we never lose that connection.

Hebrews 4:12-13 -- On All-Knowing God

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
Hebrews 4:12-13


Reading about anyone being able to know your thoughts and see you at any time could scare anyone in this world of privacy violation. But since this is the scriptures and God we're talking about, we have nothing to worry about. God created us, and he knows us inside and out, and that's good because he knows exactly how to help us... he understands us even when we can't understand ourselves. He also loves us, and won't his knowledge of us in an evil way, but only to help and lift us, which is refresing in a world where scams and phishing proliferate.

Today, let's be thankful that someone already knows us perfectly, and can help us and understand us even in times where we can't express our need or are embarrassed to ask for help. Let's pray and talk to God about our problems... he is always there even when we have no where else to turn... and even when we do, he understands more clearly and has better answers. :)

Matthew 22:37-38 -- The First and Great Commandment

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment."
Matthew 22:37-38


Back to basics today, and what could be more basic than the first, and great, commandment. I think sometimes we have a tendency to gloss over this one as though it were understood, but I don't think it really is. The idea of putting the love of God first, and loving him with all that we are... I don't think we're there yet, and always a good reminder.

Today, let's remember the very first thing, before we get down into the weeds of other committments and questions. Let's love the Lord... pray to him, learn more about him, listen to him, obey him... everything we can do to learn more about him and love him more. That central focus will make everything else more clear, and getting that priority straight will help us more with other priorities than focusing singly on them individually would. Absolutely everything is better when God is first. Let's take the time to reset our priorities today and make sure God isn't slipping to the bottom, or off, our list of important things when he should be in front of, and part of, all of them.

1 John 3:7 -- On Becoming Righteous

"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous."
1 John 3:7


This is a good reminder that learning to be like Christ is practicing righteousness... repenting daily and striving to do better. It's a process for us, but he set the example, helped us to see how to treat others, how to take time to commune with God, how to heal and love and teach, and so much more. Today, let's remember that it takes action and effort to change and to learn to follow God's path, but he will help us as we are willing to follow him.

Isaiah 10:20 -- On Staying Upon the Lord

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth."
Isaiah 10:20


This is an interesting verse that gives a different twist than Isaiah 9:13. In that verse it seems like the Lord is doing the smiting, but here, clearly, the remnant is leaving the abuser (Satan perhaps?), and turning to the Lord. It's a symbolically great verse because it shows the Lord as the rescuer, which is exactly what he is, even when we have been smiting ourselves. He teaches us a better way to live than wherever we are now, and lifts and helps us to hope and joy.

Today, let's pray for rescue, even if it is just the trap of our own habits and thoughts. God wants us to reach out to him, and he stands ready to aid us. We just have to invite him in, and he will help us wherever we are, however much we can accept, and little by little as we learn to follow him, he will bring us home.

Isaiah 9:12-13 -- On The Stretched Out Hand

The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 9:12-13


It's a weird thought here, the idea of turning to the person that hit you. It sounds like an awful idea, and I think in our lives with imperfect people, it almost always is. Forgiveness seems appropriate and necessary, but trust less so in a situation like that.

However, this is the scriptures and we're talking about the Lord, so let's examine this a little more closely. The hand that is stretched out we read about a lot, and symbolically it can be a hand of punishment, but it is also a hand of creation, mercy, and healing. And the smiting is, instead of being abuse, the just consequences of sin... and yet, the Lord's hand remains stretched out to save. At any point we can turn around, let go of our sin, and be gathered home to God in love and forgiveness.

The prodigal son suffered, but he remembered that in his father's house, even the lowest servants were treated better than the way he was living, and her turned around. We might think that whatever punishment or pain we endure in this life is being smitten of the Lord, and so it is, but only in an abstract sense. God made all of this, and he knows that it will happen, but he doesn't want us to suffer at all. He wants us to turn around and make better choices, and all of this is designed to teach us that... to choose joy and mercy and love rather than lust and greed and emptiness.

Today, let's remember the difference between God and an abuser. Let's remember that God set an example for us of love and healing, and let's trust him to do the same for us as we return to him.

John 11:4 -- On the Classroom of Life

"When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."
John 11:4


This is an interesting verse that, to me, seems to pull the reader out of the narrative and force them to see the constructed nature of the world. To be clear, I am not at all saying that this event didn't actually happen... I firmly believe that it did. Just, like the incident where Christ told Peter to catch a certain fish to obtain a peice of money, or told his disciples where to go to borrow a donkey, this is an event that shows us that someone is controlling things behind the scenes.

That doesn't make our lives meaningless or our pain proof that God wants to see us suffer--I think what it does mean is what God and the prophets have been telling us all along: that this life is a time to prepare to meet God, a temporary time we are blessedly give us to learn where we can enjoy mercy rather than suffer immediate and dire consequences for our sins... a trial, a test, a short life between eternities, where we can learn to choose, to adjust to having a body, to learn to choose for ourselves and to understand the difference between good and evil.

Christ tells us here that the sickness wasn't one that would normally kill someone, but because God wanted to show the people (and everyone through the scriptures) a miracle, it became lethal. Christ knew exactly what was going on the whole time, and delayed to make the whole scene perfect. ... And yet, when he gets there and meets Mary and Martha, and knows how much they suffered, and when he is in the situation as a family friend, it does affect him emotionally. He cries. He feels and knows the reality of it in the moment, even though he knows God is directing all of it, and also knows that he he will one day transcend his own life. It *is* all real... but it is also all temporary and in some ways artificial in the sense that it is created, not naturally occurring. But isn't that what we have been told since Genesis?

Today, let's try to understand the reality of the creation and God as the director of our lives. Let's take seriously the idea that everything around us is designed for our experience and will eventually turn to our good as we meet those experiences with faith and trust in the Lord. Let's not give up on life or other people as fake, because they aren't at all... but let's understand in a real way that what God asks is the most important part of all of this. We need to learn, and become, and prepare. That's the point of all of it.

3 Nephi 20:21 -- On Establishing a People

"And it shall come to pass that I will establish my people, O house of Israel."
3 Nephi 20:21


I love the idea of The Lord establishing his people...I think it captures the fact that the Lord is invested in building us up, into making us amazing, and he feels protective and connected to us. And as a people--as HIS people, we can have that same connection to him, and to each other.

Today, let's work with God as he helps to establish and strengthen us. Let's be willing to stand up and to grow as we strive to do good, help others, and make the world a better place.

3 Nephi 19:3 -- On Glorious Opportunity and Effort

"Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude."
3 Nephi 19:3


This part always gets me. I love that they worked all night to get there... and I feel like that is exactly what I would do in the same circumstance, but then I wonder if I would be like... meh, too much effort. The chance to see Jesus, face to face... amazing. But do I make the same effort to do the things that he asks in normal life, and is that a better measure of what I would do?

Today, let's make sure we are laboring to be with God. Sometimes the easiest things are the things that we leave out the most. Let's pray and study the scriptures, making sure those solid things are in place, and let's also take time to listen to and learn from modern prophets, who are the voice of Christ to us in our day as well, and deserving of some effort. :)