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.

Romans 8:5-6 -- On Mental Focus

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Romans 8:5-6


This struck me today I think because I have been spending too much time worrying about physical things rather than spiritual things, and this is a good reminder to focus on the things of God. ... Not that God doesn't care about physical ailments, but he can also help us transcend those concerns and help us focus on the spiritual, which is what leads us to life and peace.

Today, let's work on focusing on the spiritual and on the long term fate of our souls rather on the short-term fate of our bodies... God will help us with this, as we reach out to him and make the effort to change.

Mark 4:18-19 -- On Thorns

"And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
Mark 4:18-19


This is part of the explanation that Christ gave his disciples about the parable of the sower. I think it is a good warning to us about the things that can pull us away from God. "The cares of the world" can cover so many things I think, and perhaps part of faith in the gospel is learning to trust God about handling the things that we can't control, and just doing the best we can with the rest.

Not saying it is easy, but some things can help, like making sure our focus is on God, and that we are talking through things with him and putting him first. Trials and challenges and "cares" will come, but if we include God in our lives, he can help us handle them, and then we can stop those things from shaking the bond that we have with God. The thorns in life are there to help us learn and grow and become stronger and more compassionate. They are there to show us beauty in opposition to pain, as with a rose. They are never meant to break us or drive us away from the truth.

Today, let's put God first, and help God's word grow in our lives rather than letting the thorns take over and choke it out, and thereby losing the most precious and beautiful thing that we have.

Ephesians 6:4-6 -- On Children, Masters, and Focusing on God

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;"
Ephesians 6:4-6


I like the idea here of the nurture and admonition of the Lord... God cares for us, but also admonishes us and helps us know when we are straying off the path. That's part of his love... wanting us to improve and be all we can be.

I also like the idea that not only should we treat our children as God would, but that we should serve our masters (in this case perhaps our employers) as though we were serving Christ as well--not just going through the motions or doing the bare minimum, but sincerely throwing ourselves into our jobs and finding the good and the joy... learning to love what we do.

These definitely aren't things that are always easy to do, but they do feel worth doing... treating more people the way that we would like to be treated, even if they aren't doing so in return, much as God loves us. Today, let's remember that inasmuch as we treat people good or bad, it is like doing it to Christ, and let's take that to heart with kids, with our employers, and in whatever other situations we are in today.

Mosiah 25:22 -- On Repentance and Faith

"And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God."
Mosiah 25:22


We're often eager to learn new truths from God, but I think sometimes we need kind of a back-to-basics program instead, because we let the new things, or our desire for deeper mysteries, distract us from the most important things, and these are a few of those most important things.

Perhaps today we can focus just on repentance and faith and let go of the rest of it... working on letting go of our sins and on working on a relationship with God. I think if we truly dedicate some time to just those things, we'll discover that there is a lot of depth even in the simplest of things with God, and that he has much more to teach us.

Jacob 5:26-27 -- On Being Spared a Little Longer

"And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck off the branches that have not brought forth good fruit, and cast them into the fire.
But behold, the servant said unto him: Let us prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it a little longer, that perhaps it may bring forth good fruit unto thee, that thou canst lay it up against the season."
Jacob 5:26-27


I like this idea of waiting a little longer, because I think it encompasses a lot of what the atonement is about, and what God is willing to do for us. The servant asks the Lord to wait a little longer so that more can be saved... so that we can learn and grow and change and ripen, and hopefully end up as good fruit rather than evil.

Later in the allegory we read "And thou beheldest that a part thereof brought forth good fruit, and a part thereof brought forth wild fruit; and because I plucked not the branches thereof and cast them into the fire, behold, they have overcome the good branch that it hath withered away" (verse 45). ... God knows that by prolonging our time here that we might wither away, or on the other hand that we might cause others to wither away. In other words, he knows that we are going to have a bad influence on and harm each other sometimes. And he takes that risk, knowing the consequences, to help give us space to repent and change.

In the end, God will cut away all the bad, restore the good fruit to his vineyard, and eventually complete the harvest. Until then though, we have some extra time to ripen and flourish. Let's take advantage of that time that we are given, for "a little longer," and infuse ourselves and the world with good. Let's be the good fruit and influence others for good rather than evil. And let's be thankful to God for the time we have to explore and discover, finding joy and goodness in the world around us.

Mosiah 24:16 -- On Faith and Patience

"And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage."
Mosiah 24:16


I really like the recipe here of faith and patience leading to deliverance. Both are hard things, and I don't think that they can exist without each other, at least in a gospel context. To have patience, we have to have some faith that things are going to work out, and in order to have faith, we have to have it over a period of time, not just in one bright moment... patience teaches us faith. I think they also build on each other. If we have a little of one, then we can have a little of the other, and keep working on that, back and forth, learning from God, and learning to trust his Spirit, his word, and his deliverance. Today, let's work on our faith and our patience as we look to God for health, strength, compassion, and deliverance.

Mormon 7:7 -- On Fallibility, Humility, and Repentance

"Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved."
Mormon 7:7


This is a good reminder that we are all fallible... that we need improvement, that we need help and guidance. That knowledge helps us to be humble and learn to accept help instead of thinking that we can do it all alone, or that we don't need God. That knowledge is also essential so that we can learn to repent--to admit that we often don't know what we are doing, and with God's help to change ourselves so that we aren't the people who made those mistakes anymore. Let's be humble and repentent today. Let's remember our fallibility, and God's infallibility, and get his help in repenting and doing all we can to improve, and heal where we have harmed, and thank God for his atonement that allows us to grow and change and which eventually can resolve all of the problems we created and can't undo.

Joseph Smith History 1:13 -- On Asking God

"At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture."
Joseph Smith History 1:13


I love that this is Joseph contemplating James 1:5 and then deciding to ask God, and that this is now a verse of scripture that can inspire us to do the same thing. God offers to teach us, to help us, to grant us wisdome, as well as so many other promises... to remember important things, to learn to love, to help us to change our hearts and to learn to have a disposition to do good.

We don't have to wander in the darkness. God is a God of Light, and wants us to understand and to see clearly. Let's take him up on his offer to help, and learn all that we can. We are all in need of wisdom, just as Joseph was. We also need light, and love, and so many things that God offers us freely. Let's let go of distractions, and take some time to learn of God and catch a glimpse of the far better future that he offers us.

Psalms 58:4-5 -- On Snakes and Charmers and Hearing God with our Hearts

"Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely."
Psalms 58:4-5


This was an interesting one to me today, talking about the wicked that speak lies. Comparing to snakes I was thinking about what it would mean to be a deaf adder.

Wikipedia tells me that snakes are able to sense sound, but not actually hear the music, so the movement is what they follow which is interesting, but I think the point here is that even a snake, which is symbolic of evil perhaps here, and definitely other places in scripture, will allow itself to be lulled or entranced for a time, not attacking, but by comparison the wicked just stay evil all the time, and don't even soften that much.

So perhaps the lesson to us is that we shouldn't be deaf to the Lord's music. Instead of being deaf and wicked (and snakes), we should choose to listen, choose to act righteously and uprightly, and match our hearts to those actions rather than hiding evil in our hearts. Today, let's turn to the Lord and hear his voice. Even if we do have evil in our hearts, let's hear his voice and allow him to teach us how to let it go.

Psalms 25:7-8 -- On Learning and Changing

"Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way."
Psalms 25:7-8


I like the idea here that God is willing to forgive our sins as we change and improve, and that (because of Christ's atonement), we don't have to be stuck in the "sins of [our] youth" forever.

Today, let's be thankful that the Lord is willing to teach us as sinners, and that perfection isn't required for prayer... so that there is hope for us all, and always a way to reach out to the Lord.

John 10:10 -- On Seeking Abundant Life

"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 10:10


Christ is talking about himself as the good shepherd here, and I love the idea that we are God's, and he will never take advantage of us, harm us, or even just neglect us. He is the one whose job, and joy, it is to love and care for us, and he wants us to not only just survive, or endure, but thrive and be happy. Everything that he does is designed for our good.

Today, let's remember that, and trust God, turning to him when we need help and relying on his advice, rather than prioritizing the voices of others or even ourselves. We don't always know what is good for us as well as God does, and doing things his way will always work out better in the end, even if it takes us a while to understand why. As we choose God, we choose a better, more abundant, life. :)

Psalms 9:9-10 -- On Seeking God

"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
Psalms 9:9-10


Good reminder that God can be our refuge, if we know how to include him in our lives, by calling on his name and by always seeking him and his will. Today, let's try to be a little better than we were yesterday, and look to God for our help.

Mosiah 20:24 -- On Peace

"And it came to pass that the king was pacified towards his people; and he said unto them: Let us go forth to meet my people, without arms; and I swear unto you with an oath that my people shall not slay thy people."
Mosiah 20:24


The whole idea of meeting an incoming army without weapons seems kind of scary/dangerous, but I like that they did it and it worked, and the whole idea of confronting aggression with peace. I think this works with individuals as well as armies. Sometimes a soft answer really does turn away wrath. We don't have to meet violence with violence.

Today as we meeting challenging situations, let's meet them with peace, and see if we can turn them around. As we look to God in our lives, the better ways to deal with things will get clearer.

Helaman 3:29-30 -- On Cutting Through the Snares

"Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out."
Helaman 3:29-30


I really like the idea of cutting through snares of the devil here. Sometimes it seems like there are a lot of those, and Satan is working overtime to drag us down... but despite the traps and the troubles, God can lead us through and bring us safe to heaven. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Today, let's pray about our troubles, ask for his help, and then trust him, and follow his instructions. As we turn to him, he can cut through the snares and help us find our way out of any trouble.

Helaman 4:14-15 -- On Consequences and Repentance

"But behold, Moronihah did preach many things unto the people because of their iniquity, and also Nephi and Lehi, who were the sons of Helaman, did preach many things unto the people, yea, and did prophesy many things unto them concerning their iniquities, and what should come unto them if they did not repent of their sins.
And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they did repent they did begin to prosper."
Helaman 4:14-15


Knowing the consequences is definitely not always fun, but it does give us some important context for our choices. We make some pretty awful choices sometimes, and it is important that we understand where those choices lead, so that we have the motivation to repent and change... to take the second (etc.) chances that Christ died to offer us.

Today, let's consider our ways, and understand the weight of our actions. If we want the consequences that we see before us, then we are free to choose a life without God. But God encourages us to improve our options through repentance. Let's recognize the truth when it is presented to us, and be brave enough to follow God's true path.

D&C 117:5-7 -- On Letting Go

"Let the properties of Kirtland be turned out for debts, saith the Lord. Let them go, saith the Lord, and whatsoever remaineth, let it remain in your hands, saith the Lord.
For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?
Therefore, will I not make solitary places to bud and to blossom, and to bring forth in abundance? saith the Lord."
Doctrine and Covenants 117:5-7


Good advice from the Lord on letting go. It is a hard thing for us, because we have learned ownership and how *not* to share from the world. God, even in the hardest of times, is helping us learn a better way of living, and ultimately to trust that he will do what he promises, and take care of us if we do his will and put him first. ... Doesn't mean it will always be perfect, but that is part of learning faith. Remembering God in the good times and the bad, and trusting that he is doing exactly the right thing for our lives every single time.

Today, let's work on letting go of whatever is standing in the way of trusting the Lord. As we learn to put God first, then he will bless us abundantly and grant our righteous desires... and in his hands we will prosper, as the Lord makes even the solitary places to blossom. :)

Ether 3:12 -- On Truth

"And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie."
Ether 3:12


I love the idea that God can't lie. Not that he is incapable, but it is antithetical to his nature. As the Brother of Jared says here, he is a God of Truth. When we can trust nothing else, including ourselves, we can still trust God. He will always tell us the truth, and welcome us when we turn to him.

Today, let's trust what God has to say, whether through the scriptures, his prophets, or through direct revelation. And let's work on making our lives more truthful as well.

Jonah 4:6 -- On Comfort

"And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd."
Jonah 4:6


I think it is cool that God did this for Jonah even while Jonah was mad at him. Later he turned it into a lesson, perhaps when Jonah was more ready to listen, but for the moment, he just comforted him with some shade. I think God does this for all of us at times. He provides us some temporary comfort even if we're causing our own distress... to help us through it, and saves the lesson for tomorrow. The lessons need to come, so that we can learn to change and grow into better people, but God loves us deeply and knows that we also need some time to work through it all.

Today, let's be thankful for his comfort and help.

Alma 30:45 -- On Signs

"And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this people, testifying unto them there is no God? And yet will ye deny against all these witnesses? And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show me a sign."
Alma 30:45


Korihor made a mistake here... one that benefitted the church, for sure, but since he was aiming at proving there wasn't a God, and he already knew there was one, he probably shouldn't have provoked God with a direct confrontation here. God isn't opposed to miracles, but demanding a sign? Seems like asking for trouble.
Today, let's have a little faith and even if we are confused and distraught, let's trust just enough to pray and talk to God about it, letting him show us the truth in his time and his way rather than demanding that God do things our way and show us a sign. When we do that we're very fortunate if it does not come, and God gives us time to rethink. If it does come, it is likely to come in a way that we aren't going to like, as in this case.

Alma 30:40-41 -- On Evidence, and Faith

"And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.
But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?"
Alma 30:40-41


I like this part because Alma flips Korihor's argument around... Korihor was saying that no one can know if there is a Christ, and Alma says I do know... where is your evidence? Everything that exists is evidence of a God. It's interesting to think about how hard it is to believe that all of creation is just a big coincidence, since society usually seems to have the oppostite viewpoint.

It might have been interesting to listen to this conversation further, to hear the prophet's side, but Korihor jumps right to asking for a sign, and he gets one, to his sorrow. ... Today, let's give God a chance. Let's trust him a little, and see where it leads. Rather than assuming that things we can't see aren't there, let's give miracles a chance, and grow to understand that our eyes aren't seeing the full picture. Our minds, our hearts, and our spiritual senses are all other ways to perceive, and if we give God the benefit of the doubt and take a step towards him, he will take a step towards us, as slowly we learn to make that connection.

Psalms 22:11 -- On Help When There Is No Help

"Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help."
Psalms 22:11


I love the central idea of this... that God can be near us and help us when we have nobody. And I think that is probably the only reason that this life is tolerable during the dark times... because God will not leave us comfortless, even if everyone else, including ourselves, hates us and knows that we caused our own downfall. God will still be there to love us and pick us up again. That is part of his perfection, and a giant reason to love him. Even more, we can learn to love that way too--learn to be like him, and learn to love and help others. Let's turn to God for help, and to learn all we can. :)

Amos 8:11-12 -- On Valuing the Word of the Lord

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:
And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."
Amos 8:11-12

This reminded me of Isaiah "I will make a man more precious than fine gold..." (Isaiah 13:12), I think because the contrast seems designed to emphasize the value of the thing that will be missing. God is asking us not to take things for granted, and specifically in these verses to be thankful for the word of the Lord. God did a lot of miracles to preserve the records for us, and they are here to help us in our lives... to teach us the right way, to help us towards happiness. Let's value the gift of the gospel and learn from what God has to say. I mean, he's only the creator of the universe... we can probably pick up a few things here and there. ;)

Obadiah 1:15 -- On Rewards and Actions

"For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
Obadiah 1:15


God's justice amazes me sometimes. I know that we see a lot of inequity and tragedy in the earth... not saying that isn't happening. God's justice isn't immediate, but his way is always fair to everyone in the end... those that haven't gotten a fair shake will get one. What amazes me that we all get the opportunity to make real choices... one of the reasons that evil has to exist, and time too. It is all about figuring ourselves out, understanding life, and making a real choice about whether to love other people and love God, or not. Our reward will return upon our heads, which could be a curse, but which could also be the tenderest blessing, depending on what our choices have been.

And if we stop and realize that we don't actually want what we've been dishing out, then God has given us repentance, so we can change and do better. It's better than any ranking or grading system... just getting back what we give. ... Today, let's try to give more, and do better.

Alma 5:38 -- On Our Fold

"Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd."
Alma 5:38


The next line after this asks us what fold we are in, if we aren't in Christ's fold. ... Sometimes I don't think that we really get that God's purpose... this whole world and everything around us is designed to save us. God wants to gather us in and help us, but so often we refuse him, thinking we can make our own fold and that somehow we'll be safe on our own, sheep without our shepherd.

Today, let's think seriously about our assumptions and make sure that we're not underestimating what God is, and everything that he is trying to do for us. A relationship with him is worth the time... indeed, it is worth more than any other single thing in our lives. Let's learn more about our creator, and reach out to him in prayer.

Jeremiah 10:23-24 -- On Humility and Correction

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing."
Jeremiah 10:23-24


Saying here that the way of man is not in ourselves is a good reminder that we need God, and his ways are higher than our ways. It seems like I spend a lot of my time relearning some of those basic lessons... that I need God--that I need to be humble and rely on God, allowing him to help and teach me rather than trying to shut him out and trying it alone, as I slip into far too often.

Today, let's remember that our ways are not in ourselves, and let's look to God and ask him to correct our paths, so that we don't end up in the wrong place.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 -- On Lovingkindness, Judgement, and Righteousness

"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."
Jeremiah 9:23-24


I love this reminder that wisdom, might, and riches can be good if used correctly, the things that we should be glorying in are a relationship with the Lord, and the fact that he can restore love, kindness, judgement, and righteousness to the earth. We don't seem to be able to do very well at that when left to our own devices.

Today, let's turn to the Lord to help us with the things that we can't do for ourselves, and learn more about him, and try to be more like him, little by little, so that we can someday learn how to be the kind of people that can enjoy living in a better world like that. :)

Jeremiah 6:16 -- On Old Paths and Good Paths

"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."
Jeremiah 6:16


I thought this was interesting today because saying "old paths" kind of sounds obsolete... which could be just me, but could also be something that we as a society are starting to buy into. We're used to having to replace things in a lot of cases rather than fixing them because they are old models, or sometimes we're forced into it through planned obsolescence. But this is God and he is asking us to walk the old paths, which I think means, at least in part, that we should read about those who have gone before us in the scriptures, and learn from them, and, especially in the case of reading and learning about Jesus Christ... walk in their ways.

The gospel doesn't get old or out of date. God might update policies and schedules as we learn more, but the gospel itself is eternal. It's always going to be about loving God and learning to love each other, no matter how the world changes around us. Today, let's be wise and follow God's advice rather than rejecting him and walking in our own ways. His way is the way of goodness, rest, and lasting happiness.

Alma 3:19 -- On Curses

"Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves the curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed bring upon himself his own condemnation."
Alma 3:19


This struck me today because it is talking about a group of people marking themselves and fighting against another group. I don't think individuality or expressing ourselves is a bad thing, but I think the curseworthy thing here is dividing ourselves from others in order to attack them or force them to be more like we are, or to bring them under our control. God asks us to be unified, to help each other... to lift each other up, and that kind of division and intent to subjugate is basically the opposite of what God asks. Today, let's work on doing good to others, and emphasizing our commonalities rather than criticizing and attacking our differences.

Mosiah 18:7 -- On Building our Knowledge and Faith

"And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord."
Mosiah 18:7


I like how Alma kept things simple here... not that they are simplistic doctrines at all, but the focus was on repentance, redemption, and faith. Christ encouraged his disciples to limit what they preached as well... I think because we really need to grasp some of the basics before we try to build on that. Line upon line. Kind of like how you wouldn't be able to just give a computer to a society that didn't have electricity yet. I mean, you could, of course, but they wouldn't get it or be able to use it. You would have to start out a lot more basic, and the more they learned and developed, the more you could offer. I think that is kind of how God works with us. There are things that we just can't understand yet, but the more we learn and build on what we know, the more we will be able to grasp.

Today, let's explore repentance, and redemption, and faith. We've probably encountered these ideas before, but we can go back and revisit them, and build a little bit more on them as we seek greater understanding from the Lord. Let's continue this process as we can... learning a little more, integrating what we know into our lives a little bit more, prioritizing God a little bit more. Let's learn line by line, and keep moving forward, step by step, as we strive to be better people and to learn what God has to teach.

Mosiah 2:16-17 -- On Service

"Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
Mosiah 2:16-17


I like this idea that whatever we are doing, anywhere, anytime... if it is good and helps other people... is serving God. It isn't just prayer and scripture study or callings and Sunday worship... it's all of it. And I wonder if we really got into the habit of thinking about it that way, if we would do better with all of it.

Today, as we serve God in situations outside of the church framework, let's not forget that we are still serving God. Let's keep that in mind, and do our best to serve him, and our fellow beings, wherever we are.

Isaiah 55:12 -- Going Out with Joy

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."
Isaiah 55:12


I like the symbolism here... it has to be extreme happiness and peace if the mountains, hills, and trees are getting into it. I think it is another lesson in perspective for us perhaps... with God everything is possible, and everything leads to good. Even nature joins in the celebration and helps towards the goals of God. It's when we turn our back on God and refuse his invitations that things can seem hopeless or unsolvable. Today, let's turn to God as we are looking for help, and hope. Because Jesus Christ lives, he can help us even in the most difficult circumstances. We just need to pray and ask, and be open to listening to his advice.

D&C 109:21 -- On Transgression, Repentance, and Perspective

"And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house."
Doctrine and Covenants 109:21


This was part of the prayer given at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. I like the idea of helping us repent speedily. :) That's kind of a hard thing to plan for on a personal level, because if you are doing some pre-meditated sin and planning to repent later... the sincerity required to be truly sorry for what you did is going to be extremely hard to come by. On the other hand, we know that we are going to sin in general, so asking that we'll be able to recognize our mistakes and faults and learn quickly and make changes in our lives to become better... that seems pretty wise. :)

Part of it I think is the ideas of being in the world but not of it... being able to separate ourselves from our lives a little bit and step back. Perhaps a blessing from God to be able to see things more objectively, or at least see a glimpse of God's perspective, and know that our current circumstances don't define us, and that we can change, and that God will help us with anything good.

Today, let's try to capture that eternal mindset... to "think Celestial" as the prophet would say. :) Let's try to take a step back and examine ourselves, and see places where we can improve... and then follow through with that.

Abraham 4:16-18 -- On Watching and Organizing

"And the Gods organized the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; with the lesser light they set the stars also;
And the Gods set them in the expanse of the heavens, to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to cause to divide the light from the darkness.
And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed."
Abraham 4:16-18


I think it is interesting that in this version of the creation story, the heavens were "organized and formed" (verse 1), and even though it says that some things were set, it's like they were set in a spiritual pattern ahead of the physical reality... like instructions were given out, and then God just followed through and made sure that everyone did their jobs, making sure the stars knew where to go, etc. :)

I obviously don't know the details, but it's cool to think about the idea of all things working together for good, and that same thing could have been happening here. God can command the elements, so why not the stars? ... Today, let's take some time to think about God's power and the reason that we exist, and maybe talk to God about it. We are all here for a reason, and we can make a difference wherever we are. And God will watch, and watch over, us until we learn, and do.

Alma 5:30-31 -- On Mockery and Repentance

"And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?
Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved!"
Alma 5:30-31


This is a good question that Alma poses for us to think about. It's pretty easy to fall into the mockery trap and make fun of people who like things that we think are silly, or who act, dress, behave, look, vote, worship, eat, speak, or sin differently than we do.

Today, let's do as God asks and sincerely work on loving everyone, and esteeming them as ourselves. Let's try to see things from other perspectives, and be careful to respect others, to avoid mocking, and to repent of the mistakes we have made previously.

Alma 5:16 -- On Imagining and Improving

"I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?"
Alma 5:16


This is an interesting question to think about. If we can imagine that, that's probably good, as long as we are combining that with humility and listening closely to the Lord. If not, maybe we need to take a step back and ask ourselves why. It could be of course that we aren't giving ourselves enough credit, but it could also be that we need to improve or increase our good works. :)

Today, let's think about what we are doing to promote goodness and to help people. Wherever we are with that, let's talk with the Lord about what improvements we can make, and how we can help him, and help others.

D&C 133:21-25 -- On Becoming Whole

"And he shall utter his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from Jerusalem, and his voice shall be heard among all people;
And it shall be a voice as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, which shall break down the mountains, and the valleys shall not be found.
He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land;
And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.
And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh."
Doctrine and Covenants 133:21-25


I like the image here of a voice breaking down mountains, filling in the valleys, commanding the oceans, and joining the land. It seems like kind of a reversal of the change after the tower of Babel... instead of dividing the lands and the people, everthing will come together again, united and whole under Christ.

God doesn't only do that for geography, but for us. We are often internally divided and torn, both because we feel distance from God, but also because gaining our bodies has presented us with some internal conflict and the need to make decisions about what is the most important to us, and as we learn through those choices, we either become more divided or more whole. God helps us to get all the parts of ourselves on the same page... the page with him on it as well. Sin can pull us away, so today let's work on repentance and wholeness, joining with God in his effort to help everyone heal.

D&C 133:56 -- On the Song of the Lamb

"And the graves of the saints shall be opened; and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount Zion, and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem; and they shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever."
Doctrine and Covenants 133:56


I love the image here of singing forever. I was wondering if we would do it in shifts or just straight through. I suppose that if you are immortal you could probably sing as long as you wanted. :) I love singing, so maybe this doesn't seem as awesome to everyone as it does to me, but I feel like it could be fun to sing for a couple of weeks straight, especially with God right there to sing to. :) I can't really imagine forever because it starts to seem not fun anymore after a while, but that is because of exhaustion or getting hoarse or other things that an immortal body probably wouldn't even blink at... so who knows. :)

I imagine we'll also be doing other things with some of that forever, like taking classes about things we don't know. Maybe Walking on Water 101 or, for advanced students, maybe constructing a Liahona or something. But also maybe that kind of praise could be just a part of who we will be. Can you imagine a life where you just constantly feel so much joy that you want to break into song? I want to feel that. :) Today, let's stick with God, and learn to sing his song.

Enos 1:1-2 -- On Nurture and Admonition

"Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—
And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins."
Enos 1:1-2


I was reading this today, and I was impressed by this idea of nurture and admonition in how the Lord deals with us, which I think relates to the idea of "wrestling" with the Lord here as well. God is helping us every day, but also pointing out things that we need to change and improve. Our relationship with God is meant to be consistent, interactive, and engaging, not just drive-by prayers, or brilliant moments of insight (though of course those are awesome). God loves us and wants to help us even when no one else does, but at the same time, he wants us to grow and improve, and he will absolutely tell us when we are being mean, impatient, and hypocritical. Showing us our weaknesses doesn't mean that he doesn't care, but that he cares enough about our welfare that he encourages us to be better and to do the things in our lives that will bring us more happiness.

Today, let's keep a line open with God even when we are doing other things. Let's work on sharing our lives with him, and keeping up a constant dialogue of prayer. The more we interact with God, the more we can grow, and feel his love... and the better our lives can become.

Acts 3:17-19 -- On Ignorance and Repentance

"And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
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;"
Acts 3:17-19


Here Peter is talking about the death of Christ, and that the people they are talking to participated in his death, but through ignorance rather than malice. That's a huge thing to say to someone, and it made me wonder how it would feel to realize what a huge mistake you made... not only being a part of killing someone, but the worst possible person for anyone to kill.

I don't think any of us have a regret quite that extreme, but I think we can all imagine it, because we all have our own regrets, and horrible mistakes that we wish we could take back. We can't, and that's hard... but as Peter urges here, we *can* repent, and repentance can cleanse us from the pain and the regret of even the worst things, because Christ is willing to forgive us. In fact, to be able to grant us that kind of mercy is one of the reasons that he lived among us in the first place.

Today, let's listen to God's word, and repent of our ignorance and our mistakes and our intentional missteps (harder, but still possible), and let's turn towards God and live better than we have.

Jacob 7:19 -- On Lying to God

"And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God."
Jacob 7:19


It's interesting here that Sherem talks about lying to God as an unpardonable sin... first, how is it even possible to lie to God, and second, why is it so serious?

I wasn't there of course, and can't know for sure, but I think there are some hints in the story that shed a little light. It talks about him having a "perfect knowledge" of the language and using much flattery, and he sought out Jacob specificially even though he knew he was the least susceptible to his arguments... so it seems like he was actively seeking drama and attention... he wanted to twist his words and gain points with the onlookers so that he would look good and have more sway with them perhaps.

Then, when he asks (very unwisely) for a sign, Jacob says "What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true?" (verse 14). I think that is probably the core thing right there. Sherem knew that the gospel was true, and he was spreading lies anyway. For it to be unpardonable, it seems like he would have had to have a sure, certain testimony and then chose to go and lead people away from God anyway.

Today, let's make sure that we hold true to the knowledge and testimony of God that we have.

Abraham 2:3 -- On Leaving the Familiar and Finding God

"Now the Lord had said unto me: Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee."
Abraham 2:3


This is a theme that is repeated throughout the scriptures--God telling people to leave where they are and venture into something new, to find a new, promised land.

I feel like we all go through this at some point in our lives--perhaps not as literally as Abraham, or Moses, or Noah, or Lehi, but still... the very idea of losing ourselves to find ourselves, or of baptism as rebirth into the gospel, and growing up in God. It's all about leaving the familiar and the expected behind and forging something new in cooperation with God. And it is our end goal as well... to leave our country and kindred and find the promised land of heaven.

Today, wherever we are, let's make sure that we are leaving behing the things that are holding us back from joining God on the journey, and let's move forward towards the new land and new life and new home that God offers.

Amos 8:9-11 -- On Famine, Death, and Connection with God

"And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:
And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:"
Amos 8:9-11


The idea here of darkness, mourning, bitterness, and a famine because we are missing the words of the Lord reminds me of the idea of spiritual death, which isn't a dead spirit, because that can't happen, but rather separation from God. ... Similarly dramatic, because God isn't around. And that's basically the same idea. If we don't have the word of the Lord and we don't have his word, then we are starving and dying.

In the beginning of the Book of Mormon, that is why Laban had to die as well... because without the word of the Lord, Lehi's descendants would suffer because of that loss.

Today, maybe we should ponder how much we truly need God and remember the times in our lives when we felt distance from him, and how much harder that is than living with his guidance and help. Let's turn to God, and read his word and reach out to him in prayer so that we don't have to starve or die without that essential core of hope and happiness in our lives. Let's rely on the Lord for help and advice and not waste or ignore our chance to connect with him... the source of life and truth and love, and everything good.

Numbers 2:34 -- On Doing As the Lord Commands

"And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers."
Numbers 2:34


The Old Testament is interesting in how specific the commandments get, and how exacting the children of Israel were in following God, through his prophet. I think maybe now that the laws are less specific about how to follow them, sometimes we forget that prophets are just as important and deserve the same respect as they did then. God still speaks through his prophets, and we should still listen, and do what the Lord commands. :)

Today, let's be willing to learn, and to do, what God instructs us to do through his prophets.

Isaiah 8:22 -- On Light and Darkness

"And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness."
Isaiah 8:22


A couple of verses before this it talks about people that have "no light in them," so they can't see the truth, and I think the culmination of that is here, when it talks about them being "driven to darkness." Perhaps driving themselves to darkness because they can't see the light, or perhaps being deceived into it... also because they can't see/feel/understand/know the light. I think the point here is that we need to cleave to the light of God with everything that we are.

Today, if we are feeling surrounded by darkness, within or without, let's remember that God is the truth, and that He is light, and then let's kneel and humbly pray for God's help in being able to see the light again... the light of Christ, of hope, of faith... of goodness, so that we can see God's path and walk in it. Darkness and dimness--despair, hopelessness--that is the deception, and if we turn to God he will show us the hope, help us to see with new eyes and a better perspective, and guide us all to our potential and to eternal happiness. :) Let's choose light.

Mark 4:18-19 -- On Cares of the World

"And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
Mark 4:18-19


A good reminder for today that it is very easy to let the cares of the world distract us from the things that truly matter... the word of God, and his gospel of hope and love. Today, let's avoid the choking distractions that can drive us away from God, and let's focus on the important things... learning about and loving God, and with his help, loving not just those close to us, but *everyone* else. Doing God's will is sometimes difficult, but overall the burden is lighter than the cares of the world, because God is there to help us and carry it with us. Let's trust him and turn to him rather than the world.

2 Corinthians 8:11-12 -- On Doing What We Can

"Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not."
2 Corinthians 8:11-12


I like the idea of God taking into account our capabilities. If we are willing to serve him... to make the world better, to help pthers, then we should act on it, knowing that God isn't going to expect us to be perfect at it, but that he accepts what we have to give, and doesn't expect us to be someone else, or grade on a curve. :) He only considers what we can do, and that is enough. ... And he will help us learn to be better. Today, let's jump in and do the good that is in our hearts, and work with God to help and serve and make things better. If we do that, God will magnify our efforts and help us improve.

3 Nephi 1:19-20 -- On Signs, Prophets, and Testimony

"And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets."
3 Nephi 1:19-20


I love this sign, showing the people that Christ was born, even though they were in a different land. It's cool to see the timelines of different scriptural accounts match up perfectly like this. Also cool that the sign was given with perfect timing to save the people and convince so many of the truth.

In just a few verses though, they begin to be decieved again by Satan, and in a couple of chapters back to full-scale wickedness... so, as with Laman and Lemuel, we see that these dramatic signs aren't the real conversion tools that we sometimes want them to be. A dramatic sign from the Lord can be amazing, but if we don't build on that and learn more of the gospel, learn to walk in the Spirit, and learn more about God, then we are in danger of falling away from the truth as quickly as we turned towards it in that important moment.

Today, let's listen to the prophets even when we don't see a dramatic sign, and let's build our testimonies by studying the words of Christ and by learning of him. Let's appreciate signs for what they are, and turn to God, but also remember that we grow up in God little by little with sustained effort rather than all in that one dramatic moment :)

Ether 12:4 -- On Belief and Hope and a Better World

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
Ether 12:4


I love the idea here of belief in God leading directly to hope, and stability and good works. We don't always make those connections as we are learning our way in the gospel, but they are definitely there. Hoping in the better world that God promises us helps us to see what could be kind of superimposed over what is, and it opens us up to possibilities, not only for ourselves and our growth, but we can see the hope that there is for others as well... the chance that we all have to grow and change and unify under God's protection and leadership, as he teaches us to overcome the world and ourselves and become those "otherworldly," better people, ready to live the higher law of a better place and uplift everything and everyone around us. Today, let's catch the vision of this verse and be part of pitching in with good works and confidence as we build a better world after God's instructions and pattern. That's what life is for... to improve and ascend to a higher level of perfection and joy, little by little, with God helping us learn as we go.

Mosiah 27:29 -- On Being Snatched, and Saved, and Becoming New

"My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more."
Mosiah 27:29


I love the idea of being snatched here. Not as in kidnapped, but snatched "out of an everlasting burning" as it mentions in the previous verse. The idea of being saved... but not only saved, but born again, set on a new path--one full of hope and light rather than what and where we were before, becoming "new creatures" as it mentions in verse 26.

That is what God does for us. His kind of saving is complete, not just snatching us out of the fire, but teaching us to avoid it and go to a better place where we can be happy forever. ... Today, let's work on learning that lesson and traveling God's path, the path of hope, in our newness of life, letting go of the old self and reaching for what God offers--believing in that vision.

D&C 121:28 -- On Nothing Withheld

"A time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many gods, they shall be manifest."
Doctrine and Covenants 121:28


This is interesting. We have several versions of the creation story and whether the word God is plural or singular changes depending on what version you read... and I think it is kind of cool to say in this verse that we'll understand it all eventually. And also, it sort of implies that that isn't the most crucial question of eternity, which means maybe we spend too much time debating it here. We know that we pray to God, our heavenly father, and we know that Jesus Christ died for our sins and still lives to guide and help us, and that the Holy Ghost helps us every day to recognize truth... maybe we don't need to debate it further. We can just trust God and know that he will answer all of our questions in time.

Today, let's embrace the things that we know and that we have learned from God, and maybe step back and let go of some of our worry about the things that we don't know. Not that we shouldn't be curious and seek answers from the Lord, for sure, but perhaps we can be more patient and more faithful, knowing that God knows what he is doing, even when we don't understand exactly what that is all the time. Someday we will, and until then let's work on our patience and faith and developing our relationship with God.

Ephesians 4:11-15 -- On Perfecting and Growing Up

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

Ephesians 4:11-15


I like the idea here of all of these resources that are all designed to help us through the perfecting process, or growing up into Godliness. ... I think we sometimes expect God to be mysterious and complex... he is God and knows everything after all, but he also knows that we are children, making silly, childish mistake, at least in a spiritual sense, and he has very plain things to say to us. Hold on to truth and love, stick with what God says and not what people say.

Today, let's do all we can to grow towards God--to put that goal first in our lives, and let other things take lower priorities or fall off the list if they aren't compatible with that first item. This is our life, and all of it was given to us so we could learn this spiritual stuff and figure out our lives and our desires and our true selves, with God. He can help us with the hard questions, with going from who we are to who we truly want to be. Let's stick with him, and partake of his hope, and move forward and upward, towards eventual, but thankfully not immediately expected, perfection.

D&C 80:3 -- On Going Forth

"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."
Doctrine and Covenants 80:3


David Bednar mentioned this scripture today in a meeting that I attended, and I really liked the idea that he pointed out here, that God is just asking people to move. The direction doesn't matter, because if they are going with the Spirit and communicating with God, he will lead them along, and there is likely plenty of God's work to be done everywhere. :)

I kind of love the idea of not being able to fail/go the wrong direction ("ye cannot go amiss"), as long as we are doing what the Lord asks. It makes all of it a little less scary, right? We can choose whatever direction we want to help, and God will help us get where we need to go. Today, let's go forth to do God's will, and trust God to teach us the way, and to guide us to where we can do good.

1 Timothy 6:4-8 -- On Contentment

"He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
1 Timothy 6:4-8


Reading this today got me thinking about contentment. Like happiness, and so many other things, we often expect those things to be externally granted... to find a place in our lives where we finally have what we need to be happy, or content, or at peace... and I think that what God is teaching us here, and elsewhere in the scriptures, is that those things aren't external. As long as we have what we need to sustain life (here, food and raiment), we can find contentment within.

I don't think that God is telling us that we can't think about interesting things, but like anything else that we let into our minds, we should be choosy about how it affects us and the people around us. Are we just arguing and making ourselves upset, or are we learning about other viewpoints and spreading goodness? Probably a big difference in how we approach things like conversing online, just as there is with what television and music we listen to... or the kinds of language we choose to use. Everything we choose can bring us closer to God and other people, or pull us farther away.

Today, let's make sure our surmisings aren't evil, and inasmuch as we know how, let's choose contentment, peace, happiness, and all good things, rather than inviting the opposite into our lives. If we aren't sure how, then let's go to God and open ourselves up to his lessons on learning that. He is always willing to help, through his scriptures and through direct life experience. :)

John 5:5-6 -- On Healing

"And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?"
John 5:5-6


Thirty-eight years seems like a long time to deal with an infirmity, and it reminds me also of the woman that touched the hem of Christ's clothes and who had been dealing with a problem for quite a while as well. ... It makes me think that healing will come for everyone, and is available to everyone.

Our challenges aren't always visible, or physical, but we all have weaknesses and things that are hard for us to deal with. God gives us weaknesses so that we can learn to overcome them and find our inner strength. And God is there with us along the way, to help, and guide, and eventually, to heal, perfect, and make whole.

The trouble of course is not only our unbelief, but our impatience. We want things to be instantly perfect. But if they were, we wouldn't learn much. Perhaps today we can take a step back and focus on the learning opportunities that are all around us. Meanwhile, we can also believe in and hope for the healing to come.

1 Corinthians 6:7-8 -- On Our Brethren

"Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren."
1 Corinthians 6:7-8


I feel like it is so easy to see the wrong side on this one... accepting wrong just seems so hard to accept, and allowing someone to cheat you... wow. But then, stepping back, it is also easier to see God's perspective on this. What else is forgiveness about, if we can't let go of something that has been done to us... and what else is love and learning to be a Zion people if we don't give other people the same benefit of the doubt as we would wish for ourselves, or that we would grant to other members of our family.

And they *are* family, which I think is the core of God's message here, right? Why are we harming and cheating each other, when we are brothers and sisters? And maybe today that is what we need to remember most of all... all of those people out there that we are complaining about and that we might not like... they are our family. Let's do all we can to learn to love them and forgive them, as we would anyone we think of as our own. God can help us learn, because he truly loves us all, and knows the goodness within each of us.

Words of Mormon 1:7 -- On Whispers and Trust

"And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will."
Words of Mormon 1:7


I love the perfect knowledge of God, and that through his Spirit he prepares us for things to come, even though we have no idea how it will work, he guides our paths. With the advantage of hindsight we can sometimes look back and see how important certain events and choices were, but in the moment we're often dismayed or worried about them becuase we don't know why things aren't working out the way we wanted them to. Luckily, God's way is always better, and so, if we can step back and God grants us a little of his perspective, we can learn to trust that, whatever comes, God knows what he is doing. If we can do that, then we can always learn to adjust to our circumstances, knowing that there is a reason.

Today, let's remember that there is a wise purpose. That doesn't mean we should walk through life as Zombies, believing that what we do doesn't matter. That isn't true. But when things work out differently than we expect, let's trust that God knows the path, and that if we stick with him, we are always going to get to someplace better than before. :)

Enos 1:12 -- Prayer and Labor

"And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith."
Enos 1:12


I like the idea of prayer being a labor... not because prayer is a hard thing to learn, but because building a relationship with God is hard work, but also noble effort that gets us closer to everything good in life, and even after life is over. It teaches us to love, and to be better than we are.

Today, let's try the virtue of the word of God and pput some effort into prayer. As we do, and as we get better at it, and learn more about God, we'll start being on the same page with God more often, and we'll know how to ask for the right things that God longs to assist us with. :)

Jacob 4:10 -- On Taking Counsel

"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works."
Jacob 4:10


Another good reminder to listen to the Lord. It's easy to think that we know the proper way to go, or that the ideal that we have in our minds of the way our lives and the course of the world should go is the right one, but we can't see what God sees, and compared to him, we really know very little about how things fit together... but he is willing to teach us, if we will listen and learn and take his advice.

Today, let's remember that we are not the source of all wisdom, and that God *is* exactly that. :)

Jacob 4:7 -- On Weakness

"Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things."
Jacob 4:7


It isn't often very fun to realize our weaknesses, but it's likely essential knowledge so that we can learn humility, and remember how much we need God. If we could just handle everything by ourselves, we'd never (in most circumstances) make big changes in our lives, and take the leap to change and grow in new and different ways. It helps ground us so that we can't kid ourselves that we are better than anyone else, but that we are all alike in our deep need for God, and his atonement and mercy.

Today, let's recognize our weaknesses as God shows them to us, and work on them... but also recognize that God can make up for them, and help us with them, and that we're not failures just because we fail... the point is to get up and keep trying, and let God teach us how to do better. It's part of growing up, and we are still children, spiritually. We don't have to control everything. We can let God do that, and focus on trying to love God and the people around us better.

Alma 7:15 -- On Committing to God

"Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth abeset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism."
Alma 7:15


What strikes me today as I read this is that our relationship with God is a committment. It isn't just a one way thing where God helps us and get a perfect life... he does help, but our lives are supposed to have trials, and dedication to God also requires a committment from us to work at keeping the commandments, at living a good life. We don't have to be instantly perfect, of course, but we're committing to do our best, and prioritize God in our lives.

Today, let's remember to work on our committment to God, and put in some effort in doing as he asks, even if it is just a small thing as we start out. Read a few verses of scripture (as above), say a prayer. ... The little things accumulate, and, with God's help, assist us in becoming better, and learning more--little by little, leading to a better future with God.

Romans 10:13 -- On Prayer

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 10:13


I like the simplicity here. As it goes on it talks about the chain of things that have to be true if you are calling on God, and I don't think that it is a one-time only, get-out-of-jail-free type thing that you do and then you are golden, but the overall principle is truly simple. Prayer works. It matters.

Today, let's call on the name of the Lord, and continue to do so, so that we can learn how our lives can change and improve over time as we learn to communicate with the Lord and trust his will over our own.

Romans 5:3-5 -- On Tribulation, Patience, Hope, and Love

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 5:3-5


This strikes me today because I think it is saying there at the end that we can't be ashamed of hope because the Holy Ghost helps us to ground our hope in things as they actually will be... the happy ending, in other words, is real. :)

I'm not sure I enjoy learning patience, but it is a very good teacher, and learning it more and more improves our lives, helps us to get some perspective and experience, and teaches us hope and love.

Today, let's embrace the opportunity to learn, even if it is through trubulation sometimes... and let's grow in hope and love and in faith in the Lord and the surety of his promises.

Isaiah 18:3 -- On Readiness

"All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."
Isaiah 18:3


The flag and the trumpet here are probably symbolic, but a good reminder to look out for them anyway. When God tells us that he will lift up an ensign (flag/sign), or blow a trumpet, he is telling us that there are signs, if we have our eyes and ears open to him, and basically that we should be ready.

Today, let's improve our readiness by sticking close to the Spirit through prayer and scripture study. Let's be of service to God and our fellow beings. As we follow God's commandments and work to do his will, we'll be more prepared to see the signs of God's coming as they are presented.

Isaiah 15:3 -- On Bad Days

"In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly."
Isaiah 15:3


This doesn't sound like a good day. I was thinking though... just like the cloud of darkness or the storm or the dark and dreary waste that all come when we are trying to seek God... God warns us that there are bad days to come. That even though we are trying to stay on the path, storms and darkness are going to beset us and we have to hold on to the iron rod to make it through.

God also promises us that after all the bad days will come a glorious happy eternity though, and that is the goal that we should have our minds set on... the whole "Think Celestial" idea is about that happy eternity that comes after we weather the storms and the trials... and even though it is absolutely not fun in the moment... it is heartbreaking and desolate to go through the sackcloth and weeping stages... those things, if we use them to motivate ourselves and stick close to God... they can help us learn and help us become the better, Celestial people that we have the potential to be.

Today, let's work on learning from the bad days and trusting in God for the good eternity to come. :)

Isaiah 5:7 -- On Trusting and Following

"For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry."
Isaiah 5:7


I like the explanation of the symbolism here, and a good warning about being careless or cruel with our fellow humans. Today, let's trust in God and work with him to make things better. He has prepared all things, and offered his help. We just have to accept that help, and follow his instructions.

Proverbs 19:11 -- On Letting Go

"The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression."
Proverbs 19:11


I like the idea here of deferring anger and passing over transgression. I think it is a message from God telling us that sometimes we just need to let it go. Maybe more than sometimes.

Today, let's try to let our anger go, and give people a pass when they do something wrong where it makes sense. That isn't always appropriate, but God can help us know what to stand up for and what to let go. Either way, let's work on being kind and forgiving wherever we can, embracing mercy, and trusting God to deal with necessary justice.

Proverbs 24:21-22 -- On Trusting God and His Changelessness

"My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?"
Proverbs 24:21-22


The "given to change" part is interesting... God is eternal and changeless, but individually, we definitely need to change in order to improve. I think the idea in this verse is more one of not fomenting the overthrow of the government or wanting to be ruled by someone besides God.

Maybe today we can work on recognizing the wisdom of God's will and his commandments. They will help us work towards a perfect society and towards becoming our best selves. That isn't always true of rulers, but it is definitely always true of God.

Nephi 16:10 --

"And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round aball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one bpointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness."
1 Nephi 16:10


I love this story for a lot of reasons. First, it is really cool just to wake up and find some new gadget at your door. More importantly though, God's guidance as a physical device? Wow. And it works just like the priesthood and the rest of God's power... if you are doing the right things, then you are in tune and it functions. If not, not. Self-limiting power like that is awesome as well. Incorruptible... you can't use the power if you are choosing the "dark side."

Symbolically, it is really God reinforcing his love through giving us the gift of his guidance... and although we don't all get a cool Liahona, we all can partake of that guidance in many other ways... the scrptures being perhaps the best example. With them, God can inspire him with different writing from time to time, just as he did with this device, and he can also teach us the way to go.

Today, let's work on following God's directions and being grateful for his gifts and guidance. :)

Proverbs 20:3 -- On Ceasing Strife

"It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling."
Proverbs 20:3


I think sometimes about how the whole world would change if we all just followed one commandment... any one. If we all stopped lying for instance, or even just if no one stole. This one is interesting too, and it would change a lot of things for the better if we could let go of strife.

Of course the whole world doesn't have to do it for it to have an impact. Even if just one person follows a commandment, it makes a difference, to ourselves, to the people around us, and as we set those examples... that's what builds up to making a difference for the whole world.

Today, let's cease from strife. Let's understand what triggers anger and bitterness in ourselves, and learn to first avoid, and eventually overcome those weaknesses, with God's help. Let's find ways to work with other people positively, and when we can't, at least we can learn to let go of the poisonous emotions that threaten our peace.

Let's remember that it is always possible to repent and change and improve with God's help, and let's ask for that help and work for better selves and a better world.

Proverbs 23:4 -- On Trusting God's Wisdom

"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom."
Proverbs 23:4


Good advice here, reminding us that we shouldn't set riches as the ultimate goal of our lives, and not our own wisdom either. Instead of these things, we should be trusting God, and what he has to say. And if we're not getting a specific revelation today, then we always have the scriptures, the commandments, and the words of the prophets to fall back on. God is merciful to us and gives us guides and instructions that we can follow, no matter what level of spirituality we have obtained.

Today, let's remember to listen to God first, and prioritize what he asks us to prioritize... love, generosity, kindness, etc. As we do, then God's blessings will flow to us so that we can continue to help and to make the world better. Putting God first is the bast way to prepare for everything. :)

Proverbs 27:5 -- On Openness

"Open rebuke is better than secret love."
Proverbs 27:5


This strikes me today, because it isn't just talking about honesty, but about openness... revealing who we are to others rather than hiding it. On the most basic level, it is just about being real with people rather than being fake.

I don't think that God needs us to be open with everyone... it's okay to keep details from scammers for instance. :) I do however, think that openness and vulnerability is part of what we need to learn about love. We can't both remain untouched by emotion and experience the full depth of emption that love requires.

Today, let's work on our authenticity... really being present with people and being our true selves. That doesn't mean just being heartless and cruel... we should work on our true selves if those are the things that bubble up to the top... but it does mean being open and not hiding who we are. We have to admit who are (sometimes discover who we are) before we can improve it, after all. :) Let's stick with God and work on staying open to love and to positive change.

Isaiah 65:17-19 -- On Reaching for God's Promise

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying."
Isaiah 65:17-19


I love the idea of new heaven/new earth... not only because it will bring joy and do away with sorrow, though of course that is huge. I think though that I like ti more because it symbolizes for me everything that God wants to do for us. He isn't just offering us a patched-up second chance. Everything that he offers us is new, and better. We're not aiming for some boring heaven, but one that is zillions of times better than anything we could possibly know now. So good that it will swallow up all the sorrow of today, and let us move on without psychological scarring.

Today, let's be thankful for all that God offers us, and be willing to reach for that promise.

Isaiah 6:8 -- On Volunteering For God

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
Isaiah 6:8


Reading this today, I was thinking about the way that God deals with us as his children, and I think the primary way is like this... he asks us to volunteer. He wants us to pitch in and learn to help each other and make a better world. And yeah, we might not know how to do that at first, or even how to not completely screw things up, but as we try, he has something to work with, and as we are open to it, that effort allows us to learn from him and incrementally get better.

Today, let's be willing to volunteer for God, and to be open to his advice as we work on improving ourselves and lightening the burdens of others.