D&C 70:14 -- On Temporal Equality

"Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld."
Doctrine and Covenants 70:14


I like the part that God added in there about "not grudgingly," reminding us that attitude matters. :) Perhaps today we can share with others, not grudgingly, and get closer to the Spirit.

D&C 67:10-14 -- On Jealousy, Fear, and Humility in the Presence of God

"And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.
For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God.
Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind.
Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected.
Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy, in mine own due time, ye shall see and know that which was conferred upon you by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 67:10-14


This context here is God, explaining to some men why they weren't able to see him in person as the prophet had. The Lord basically says that they need to keep at it, getting the Spirit into their lives, letting go of their fear, and jealousy (specifically of the prophet in this case, but for us, also in general). God is, in essence, saying "well, I would come right now, but it would destroy you."

It's an interesting answer because that's part of the challenge of life. We started as spirits in the presence of God. We came here to get bodies, but we have to train them to be as pure/good as our spirits are... or were before we came here and were "corrupted" by our choices. Normal desires can all be fulfilled in a righteous way, but we have to learn that, and follow Christ's example of walkeing the earth with a body of his own.

Today, let's work on stripping ourselves of jealousies and fears, and on being worthy to literally stand in the presence of God, understanding that God is the difference between joy and misery, and we need his presence in our lives on some level to feel happiness. He is the light and the life, and reaching towards those things is always going to be worthwhile. :) Let's consider that, and work on being "sufficiently humble" amd remembering how much we need his words and his servants in our lives.

Nehemiah 9:3 -- On Reading, Confessing, and Worshipping

"And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God."
Nehemiah 9:3


This is talking about a tradition in the Old Testament, but it reminds me of the sabbath, and makes me wonder how it might help us to set aside time to specifically read and study the scriptures, confess our sins to God, and worship. The idea seems to be learning, changing, and gratitude for all of the above. In the modern day we are still reading scriptures together and fasting together (another part of the tradition), but we leave out the sackcloth and putting earth on ourselves parts, which I think were just outward indicators of humility. Hard to be prideful wearing a sack with dirt on your face. :)

This sabbath, let's commit some serious time to reading, and to confessing. Let's remember our sins and our need for the atonement of Christ in our lives, and do what the Lord prefers on the Lord's day, rather than what we might prefer. Let's be intentional in our worship, both at church and at home, and remember how good the Lord is to us, always. He deserves some adoration. :)

Alma 43:6-7 -- On Preserving Hatred

"And now, as the Amalekites were of a more wicked and murderous disposition than the Lamanites were, in and of themselves, therefore, Zerahemnah appointed chief captains over the Lamanites, and they were all Amalekites and Zoramites.
Now this he did that he might preserve their hatred towards the Nephites, that he might bring them into subjection to the accomplishment of his designs."
Alma 43:6-7


The idea of preserving hatred here is interesting, and scary... in this case they were doing it on purpose, stirring up people to go to war against the Nephites. I wonder if sometimes that we do the same thing. Nurse grudges and hold on to hatred far past the point where it is even serving as an emotional vent. When we do that, we are effectively living with an open wound and not allowing it to heal. Just because the damage is spiritual rather than physical doesn't mean that it doesn't harm us just as much, and perhaps more, and harden our hearts so that we are less open to feeling the spirit of the Lord, and less capable of sincere love and affection for others.

Today, let's learn from this awful example and stop preserving hatred. It's difficult, I know, to get over things where we feel that we have been wronged or cheated or intentionally used. It's hard to learn to love our enemies ... but that is exactly what Christ asks us to do. And this is why. Because it is eating us alive. Let's work on letting it go, and healing our own hearts. Let's learn joy and love rather than hatred and sorrow and resentment. God can help us. Let's ask him.

Alma 41:5-7 -- On Desiring Righteousness and Doing Good

"The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.
And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil."
Alma 41:5-7


The idea of being our own judges is interesting, but also scary, because we know the exact extent of our own effort, rebellion, and sin. It's also cool though because we know that this is what Christ set up for us... the chance to repent, to change, to make these choices about our own lives and have the ability to change and improve as we go. So wherever we are on God's path, we can still walk forward and progress and move towards that eternal goal, even if we feel far behind other people on the path. The comparison doesn't matter... only the fact that we are moving in the correct direction--toward God rather than away from him. And along the way we can help others to see the path more clearly and to enjoy the journey a little more. :)

Today, let's desire righteousness and work with God on improving our lives and doing good.

John 5:39-44 -- On Searching and Seeking Christ

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
I receive not honour from men.
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?"
John 5:39-44


I love the advice to search the scriptures, even though I think it was being used ironically here for people who trusted in the scriptures and didn't understand them. So, good advice to search the scriptures and learn about Christ, so that we *can* go to him and have life. So that we can have the love of God in us, and so that we can recieve Christ in our lives. Today, let's seek the honor that comes from God only, rather than earthly honor. Let's remember what truly matters and studiously deconstruct whatever barriers that we have built up in our lives that separate us from God.

Jacob 5:4 -- On Perishing Not

"And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard went forth, and he saw that his olive tree began to decay; and he said: I will prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it, that perhaps it may shoot forth young and tender branches, and it perish not."
Jacob 5:4


I like this analogy of the Lord caring for us, showing that he can see that we aren't doing well, and wanting to do everything he can to save us. Today, let's open ourselves up to the idea of being saved, and let go of our spiritual death wish. :) Let's listen, and learn, and grow in goodness. God wants us to live, and if we are open to that in any degree, he has the power to bring us back to life and save us, even from ourselves. Let's grow, and change, and dedicate ourselves to being good. As we do, he will pull us back, no matter how wilted or corrupt, and restore us and help us, and save us, infusing us with health and life and hope.

3 Nephi 5:1-3 -- On Doubt and Repentance

"And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled.
And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come, because of the many signs which had been given, according to the words of the prophets; and because of the things which had come to pass already they knew that it must needs be that all things should come to pass according to that which had been spoken.
Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night."
3 Nephi 5:1-3


I like how this seems like the obvious outcome. They stopped doubting, so they repented. That seems like the logical thing to do. I think sometimes though we rebel anyway, even though we believe... because we're scared or stressed or selfish, or whatever it is. Today, let's work to supress that rebellous inclination, and let's be humble, and do what is right, so we can be prepared when the Lord comes again.

Alma 38:13-14 -- On Unworthiness and Striving to Improve

"Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom. Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy—yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times."
Alma 38:13-14


I like this emphasis on humility, remembering that we are always unworthy compared to God, and that we shouldn't be out there seeking praise, but rather seeking forgiveness and the welfare of others. It isn't necessarily easy, of course, because we often crave approval, and want to feel loved and appreciated, so it's hard sometimes to admit our faults and failures. With God though, we can trust that while he sees our flaws, he always still loves us. He can help us grow and improve and become better than we now are. Today, let's trust him with our unworthiness and insecurities, and ask him for help... he wants to help us, and he loves us and appreciates our efforts to improve, and will bless us as we strive to walk his path. :)

Alma 38:5 -- On Trust and Deliverance

"And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
Alma 38:5


Verse one of this chapter repeats a recurring promise "inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land," but this verse goes even farther, promising Shiblon (and us) that as we put our trust in God we will be delivered. The timing still belongs to the Lord, and often requires patience and faith, but God does indeed promise deliverance, which is amazing by itself, but also trials, troubles, and afflictions seems to cover everything, including trouble that we get ourselves into, which seems like an extra helping of mercy and love.

Today, let's trust in God. I think that kind of trust needs our commitment of obedience and faith as well... it's trusting all of it... God's wisdom, advice, and plans for not only our personal happiness, but that of the world at large. We have to trust in God as he is, not just a small facet of his personality. As we learn to trust, "even so much" we will be delivered, not just from a single earthly trial (although that is part of it), but also from our weaknesses, our inability, our failure, and our sin. If we trust God to make us perfect, he will match our trust and we will see miracles of progress in our lives. Deliverance won't be overnight, and it won't be easy, but it can and will happen if we can believe and trust and we are willing to do as God asks. He can give us the strength, but we have to believe in that goal, and be willing to work for it.

Moses 3:3-5 -- On Spiritual and Physical

"And I, God, blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it I had rested from all my work which I, God, had created and made.
And now, behold, I say unto you, that these are the generations of the heaven and of the earth, when they were created, in the day that I, the Lord God, made the heaven and the earth,
And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air;"
Moses 3:3-5


I like this version of the creation story, explaining that everything was created spiritually ahead of time. Which seems to me to be saying that everything has a spirit then, right? A spiritual part and a physical part, with the spiritual being the perfect pattern, and the physical the implementation in a corruptible world where sometimes the reality doesn't always match the ideal, but the spiritual part isn't diminished by that temporary plunge into reality, and will reassert itself in the resurrection when the corruptible becomes perfect and incorruptible.

Today let's remember that God can save us from anything, even our own mistakes, because he knows the perfect side of us. He can help us repent and learn to become more like our best selves. :) Let's take him up on his offer and look unto him in all that we do.

Abraham 5:7 -- On Dust, Spirit, and Soul

"And the Gods formed man from the dust of the ground, and took his spirit (that is, the man’s spirit), and put it into him; and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul."
Abraham 5:7


I like the clarification here that it was that particular man's spirit... that this was making him into something more than a spirit, but that he had a spirit already, which matches what we learn elsewhere in the scriptures, that there was a pre-existence, where we all existed as spirits before this earth life. I love that idea I think because it makes me feel connected in some way to my former self, even though I can't remember, and makes me want to try to be true to what she wanted, and what she knew she could handle going in. This new version of me is often uncertain, but that me... she must have been confident and ready if she jumped into this. So that has to be in me somewhere... just need to tap into it. :)

Today, let's be thankful for the opportunities that God has given us to grow beyond who we have been, and learn to become more like he is. Let's be glad to breathe and to be filled with life, to have bodies, and the potential for greater joy and happiness. Let's look unto God for help when we need it, and a reminder of who we are and the great potential that he sees in us.

Abraham 3:19 -- On Explanations and Opportunities

"And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all."
Abraham 3:19


I love reading some of these conversations between God and Abraham, because the sense of kind of "dumbing it down for a 5-year-old" comes through. Now, don't freak out... I know that Abraham was not dumb, and God isn't treating him disrespectfully. It's just that there is a little bit of that in every interaction that we have with God, because he knows so much more than we do, and *is* more intelligent by at least several orders of magnitude, and yet he is also more compassionate and wise and truly loves us all better than we can even imagine love as well. He isn't being cruel here... only helping his child to understand, which we all need sometimes.

I love the simple comparison, and explaining to Abraham in a easy way what being a God is, before there were superhero comics and Greek mythologies to fall back on (which of course muddied the waters further, but I digress). Today, let's remember how intelligent and cool God is, as he reaches down to lift us up and help us to learn to be like him. It is the greatest gift we could ever have, to have that opportunity to learn to be so much more than we now are. Let's embrace that chance, follow God's path, and learn for all we're worth. :)

Alma 37:34 -- On Good Works and Humility

"Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls."
Alma 37:34


Some great advice, which goes along with the admonition a few verses later to "counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good" (verse 37). As we persist in doing good, humbly, always including the Lord, great things will happen, and we will find not only rest, but miracles in our lives in the way that we are transformed and are able to help others through the Spirit.

Jarom 1:11-12 -- On Reminders

"Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.
And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance."
Jarom 1:11-12


I really like the idea here of the heart-pricking, a reminder of the things that matter that kept people on track. I feel like we can do the same in our lives. That's part of why we attend church, take the sacrament, or go to the temple. It is part of why we pray and read our scriptures as well, although there are other things that we can do. We can remind ourselves of a great story in the scriptures through art. We can listen to music that helps us remember God. We can read or listen to the words of modern prophets speaking at general conference. We can write in our journals about spiritual experiences in our lives.

Today, let's be thoughtful and creative and find ways to prick our own hearts with reminders, so that we can have the same blessings and be stirred unto repentance and faithfulness to God.

Jarom 1:9 -- On Prospering through Keeping the Commandments

"And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us. But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land."
Jarom 1:9


I like the idea here that the Nephites were preserved physically, in a war, because they kept the commandments of God. We run up against a lot of challenges in our lives, with various and often complicated causes, some of which don't seem solvable... but as in this war, there was still something that they could do to prepare themselves beyond physical preparations.

Today, let's take a lesson from the scriptures and attempt the same solution for anything we run up against. We can "try the virtue of the word of God" (Alma 31:5). If keeping the commandments will help us to prosper, then it could apply not only in war, but to anything that is impeding our progress. And even if the solution is a bit more complex, obedience to God is a good first step anyway, because it invites the Spirit into our lives, and helps us prepare to petition the Lord to intervene and help us further.

1 Nephi 3:6 -- On Murmuring and Rebellion

"Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured."
1 Nephi 3:6


I think it is hard not to murmur sometimes when we're going through something difficult, so this is really good to remember... and also how Laman and Lemuel ended up. Even if the murmuring starts out minor, if we start feeding that rebellious attitude then we can end up off the path entirely, which is not good. God is the way.

Today, let's work on our attitude problems. :) rebellion is good sometimes, against injustice and falsehood, etc. But God is none of those evil things. Let's do our best to listen to and learn from him in meekness and with an open mind.

Alma 32:21 -- On Faith and Hope

"And now as I said concerning faith--faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."
Alma 32:21


Another good thing to remember. We often want that sure knowledge, but part of the challenge (and reward) of this life is learning to understand and trust our spiritual senses that lead us to God, and to make choices based on that spiritual information, even when we don't have sure knowledge. As we learn to hone those senses, we can learn more and more about God and be able to communicate with him more easily, and more confidently, but the first step is to act on our hope... to have faith to move forward even when we are uncertain. The value of that lesson is huge, and helps us to not be paralyzed by indecision and fear, but to trust in the light that we have, and know that God will give us more light as we step forward, working for his plan and for the good of all.

Alma 32:12-13 -- On Lowliness of Heart

"I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble.
And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved."
Alma 32:12-13


This is good to keep in mind. I think that we all have things in our lives that "compel us" to be humble, and remembering what an advantage that is to having an open heart and being able to connect with God might help us to weather those times with less resentment or pain. Life isn't always exactly what we want, but it is always what we need to learn from, so today let's be grateful for the trials that help us to learn, and let's learn as quickly as possible, so we can hopefully move on to a less painful lesson. :)

Matthew 16:24 -- On Self-Denial and Following Christ

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Matthew 16:24


Christ said this during a conversation with Peter and the other disciples, when Peter expressed a sense of denial at the information that Christ would have to die. From that context, it seems that denying ourselves is not disowning or demeaning ourselves, but rather denying the flesh in favor of the spirit, and denying our own preferences and desires in favor of God's will. That is what Christ taught us.

The idea of taking up our cross is also related to the atonement and the suffering that Christ went through. We need to bear the burdens of this world for a time, with God's help, as we learn and gain the experience this world offers us in learning to unite the different parts of ourselves, to take action according to our belief, and also learn love and compassion and to change our hearts as God teaches us, so that our wills beome united with his.

Today, let's work on denying ourselves in favor of God, caring for the people around us rather than induging in selfishness, and let's bear the burdens that God gives us, knowing that even our trials are for a reason. Let's learn, and grow, and follow Christ.

Romans 5:7-8 -- On Dying For Sinners

"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:7-8


I like the idea here of Christ saving us even though there was nothing in it for him, at least in terms of getting gain or power or position or powerful allies... reasons that people in the world might have for such action. It wasn't for him, but for us, to give us a chance to change and do better. Kind of the opposite of modern media where the hero in the movie dies to protect the innocent or the good... he died for us, when we were neither innocent nor good.

Today, let's remember Christ's love for us, and his willingness to suffer for our sakes, to give us a chance at a better world, and a better self. Let's honor that sacrifice and love, and work with God as he supports and helps us to change for the better.

D&C 59:4 -- On Crowns

"And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me."
Doctrine and Covenants 59:4


Crowned with blessings seems awesome and like a reward to aspire to, but as we continue, being crowned with commandments and revelations make the idea a lot more complex. I think also amazingly cool, but in a different way. We have to realize that more commandments means more trust and more potential... kind of like sidequests, perhaps. A chance to do more good, and earn more skills on our way to wherever the Lord is leading us. And revelations are the hints along the way, that helps us know where to go next, and how to help, and glimpse the joy that is coming (and allow us to feel it along the way, even in the midst of trials).

Today, let's embrace all that God offers us, knowing that all of it works together for our good and the good of the people around us. God is leading us to hope and love and joy and eternal life in a place better than we could ever imagine in this life. Let's be faithful and diligent and do all the sidequests and read all the documentation, and get the most out of the wonderful lives that God has blessed us with. :) As we do, we'll be crowned with the glory of God that he wants all of us to have. :)

Jacob 7:23 -- On Searching the Scriptures

"And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man."
Jacob 7:23


I kind of like this verse out of context of the surrounding story, because it helps to point out that searching the scriptures and listening to God are sources of peace and love, and maybe we need that lesson repeated sometimes... searching the scriptures is a great default answer for a lot of things in life, and an important source of the word of God.

Today, when we have questions, instead of Googling or phoning a friend, let's take a few minutes to think about what God's answers are. The answers in the scriptures might not adapt to every single question on earth, but they can probably solve most of them, and the ones that scriptues can't solve, prayer (and patience) can. Let's remember to look to God, which will help us find life and peace and love, and everything good.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 -- On Knowledge and Love

"Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
But if any man love God, the same is known of him."
1 Corinthians 8:1-3


The difference between knowledge and love is interesting here. Knowledge often makes us feel extra competent, but no matter how impressive our knowledge in whatever area, it doesn't come close to touching what God knows. Therefore, our knowledge shouldn't be a source of pride, but rather gratefulness and humility, as we use the knowledge that God has granted us for good, but remain open and teachable, realizing that we are not experts, but rather students, always with a lot more to learn.

Interestingly, love/charity here is a source of edification, and something that helps us connect to God, making it the more important virtue. Today, let's work on loving God and the people around us. I suspect that we will learn much more through that quest than we ever could seeking knowledge alone.

Ether 4:4-7 -- On Revelation to Come

"Behold, I have written upon these plates the very things which the brother of Jared saw; and there never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared.
Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have written them. And he commanded me that I should seal them up; and he also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to the commandment of the Lord.
For the Lord said unto me: They shall not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord.
And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are."
Ether 4:4-7


What strikes me about these verses today is how much there is ahead of us. Sometimes we look around ourselves at the world and we see the bad parts and we think that there is so much evil and the world is ripe to be destroyed, and so we wait for the end rather than focusing on the good we might be able to do to help make things better.

And some things are super bad, given. There is evil, and it is just as bold as it was in the Book of Mormon with the Gadianton Robbers. But there is also good, and things like this to look forward to... unfulfilled, awesome prophecy, and hope in God's promises to all of us. There are promised lands and eternal glories awaiting all of us, if we stick with his plan of happiness.

Today, let's look for the good. Let's look to God and his light for hope in a world of turmoil, and let's lay our foundation upon the rock of Christ, so that we can help build a solid place that others can latch onto as well, spreading peace and goodness and God's love to all that will hear. Let's be the stability and the good in the world, through our connection to God, and prepare for future revelation and good things to come.

D&C 58:3 -- On God's Design

"Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation."
Doctrine and Covenants 58:3


I like the idea here that there is a grand design, which I think we often forget. God knows the end from the beginning. He knows what is to come, and he has prepared for it. Even our poor choices, even today, now, where we are. It is all part of the pattern. All things work together for good, and as we work with God's design, we will be able to find the good all through the weaving of life, and be able to see miracles, and to see our prayers answered with great blessings.

Tribulations will come. Storms and darkness come whether we are sheltered or not, but if we hold fast to God's word and continue in prayer, we will be able to weather any storm, and find shelter and strength in God, in whatever circumstance. Today, let's remember that there is a design... a beautiful, divine pattern that is leading us home, and trust that it will bring us to glory in the end. Let's endure and never give up, as we walk in the secure path of God, despite the storms and the tribulations.

Alma 12:13-14 -- On Words

"Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.
For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence."
Alma 12:13-14


These verses are talking about the negative consequences of hardening our hearts against the word of Christ... basically what will happen if we ignore Christ's gospel and try to stamp it out of our lives. Not a pretty picture. I chose this verse today though because of what it implies as the opposite, because it shows us the way in looking at it from the other side.

If our hearts are not hardened, and God's word is found in us, then will our state be glorious. :) For our words will reflect his light, and lift us up. Our works will show our goodness. We will be found spotless, through Christ. Our thoughts will be found pure, and in this glorious state, we will rejoice to look up to our God. We will be joyful and grateful and humbled to be in his presence.

Today, let's soften our hearts and study his word, so that it may be found in us, and let's share that word and lift others up with our words and our works, and show God's goodness through our goodness to others. Let's be his true disciples, doing as he would do, lifting as he would lift. As we do, God's word will be found in us, and his light will shine through us, allowing us to do his will, help others, and to learn more of him and draw closer to him, until the perfect day. :)

Helaman 5:12 -- On Building

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
Helaman 5:12


What strikes me today about this verse is the theme of building. Often, when God gives us a goal, like a promised land, or Zion, or a better future, instead of just teleporting us directly there, we need to build something... like an ark, or barges, or building up a people, or a city, or flocks, or talents. And even when we get to our promised land or we make it through the flood or the wilderness or the 7 years of labor, or we get a whole kingdom, it isn't just a nice package done up with a bow that we can open and enjoy. Instead, we have to work at it, create something that wasn't there before.

That's true of the foundation that is offered here. We have to build our foundation in Christ, and if we do, we "cannot fall" ... which is an amazing, awesome promise. But the building part isn't just figurative. We actually have to make an effort here, and build. We have to do more than believe. We need to act on that belief, and in that faith--action based on belief--we need to build our testimonies by reading the scriptures, praying, fasting, attending church, and being obedient to the word of God that we learn, test, and then incorporate into our lives. It's the same idea as the oil that the 10 virgins collect in the parable. Our physical *and* spiritual effort is needed if we want to be prepared, and if we want that sure foundation.

Today, let's work on our foundations, anchored in Christ, built immovably on that center rock with focus and faith. As we do, God will bless our efforts and we will learn to be not only strong and solid, but prepared to face whatever comes, with God's strength and protection.

Alma 7:15 -- On Repentance and Covenanting with the Lord

"Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset 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


I like the idea, first of all, that we should not fear when we approach God, even when we have sinned and need to repent. I think the parable of the prodigal son might help to understand that idea... God isn't necessarily happy that we went astray in the first place, but he is overjoyed when we return, and will do all he can to help us.

The idea that our sins are binding us to destruction is kind of scary, but very true, and something I think we need to realize. When we sin we are tearing ourselves apart (in addition to damage done to other people and relationsips), literally killing ourselves spiritually and tying ourselves to Satan's will, which is not a pretty or comfortable place to be, and whether we realize it or not, it causes us to need God even more desperately, for help to get us out of the hole that we have dug for ourselves.

Today, let's repent and stop tying ourselves to the anvil of evil that drags us down. Let's start the change by praying for help and covenanting with God that we will do better and keep his commandments. If we're not baptized, then let's formalize that committment by doing so... and if we are, let's repent and pray, and take the sacrament to renew those covenants. Whether baptized or not, we can turn over a new leaf and do better, with God's help. And the more we practice doing good, the easier it will become, and the more the spiritual harm that we have done to ourselves will heal.

Alma 6:6 -- On Fasting and Prayer

"Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God."
Alma 6:6


Praying for others, and praying for others who don't know God, both seem like important things to do, since that is the work of the Lord, and helping him bring people to that entrance door where they can recognize God's Spirit in their lives and learn to make covenants with God to start them on his path of happiness, that's the ultra-important work of salvation, that we can help with.

Fasting is something that we frequently leave out of the equation, and I think that it is an important thing to add, not only to increase the efficacy of our prayers, but to help us as well. Fasting is something that helps us focus, putting our "fleshly lusts" (the desires of the body) in the background so that we can focus on and pull our spiritual selves to the forefront.

That doesn't mean that we need to go on a hunger strike or do anything dramatic that will harm our health, but fasting for 24 hours once a month as we are asked to do on fast Sunday (typically the first Sunday of the month) is something that can help us prioritize spiritual desires over worldly desires, and make our prayers more focused and heartfelt, and when we have something important to pray for, fasting and focusing on it with God and dedicating that time and attention to our prayers for a period of time can help us to break through that barrier of self-focus that we often find between ourselves and God.

Today, let's work on fasting and prayer, and joining together with others to pray for God's work to be done. Let's help others to find God, and pray to know God better ourselves as well.