John 12:23-24 -- On Death and Rebirth

"And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
John 12:23-24


I like this image, reminding us that death is not even close to the end, and that it leads to renewal and abundance. I think the same goes for us. Death can be sad, for sure, but we will be reunited with loved ones, and the afterlife is full of hope and possibility. Let's look forward to the next phase of our existence... not enough to shorten or neglect this one, but enough to not be afraid of graduating to something better.

John 9:1-3 -- On the Works of God

"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."
John 9:1-3


I've thought about this for a while I think... wondering if someone had to go through their life blind just so Christ could do a miracle, but now I think that the miracle was just a small part of what Christ was explaining here. That was part of it for sure, but we have challenges in our lives, not because we have sinned, but because God wants other people to see our light. We are evidence, all of us, of God's work. We're his children and the manifestation of everything that he is. Our challenges give us a chance to choose, to overcome, to thrive and succeed where lack of obstacles would push us nowhere. Today, let's live in a way that the works of God can be manifest in us.

John 7:16-18 -- On Being Centered on God

"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."
John 7:16-18


This seems to be at the core of the gospel, and something that is difficult, but essential, to learn. Christ wasn't self-centered, but God-centered. And God asks us to be the same... to put God and others first, not neglecting ourselves, but remembering that we need God and others, and that God knows how to build a better world and a perfect community and we do not. Being humble and patient and learning from God rather than just assuming we know it all ourselves is a tough thing sometimes, but learning to serve and love others is worth it, and its own reward in a lot of ways. :) Today, let's follow Christ's advice, doing God's will, and seeking the glory of God, whose plan for all of us is worth every effort.

John 4:25-26 -- On Hope and Confirmation

"The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he."
John 4:25-26


This I think is where the woman at the well asks Christ in her own way if he is the Christ, full of hope, and Jesus confirms that he is. After this she leaves her waterpot behind to go and tell everyone, and I love that instinct. Too often I think we ignore or supress that same feeling... the one that got the Nephites to labor all night to get to where Christ was. The one that Lehi felt when he tasted the fruit of the tree of life and wanted to share it with his whole family. We can feel that too, and we can help other people to feel it, if we are willing to open our hearts to God and are ready to tell other what makes us happy. :) Today, let's have the same hope and confidence in God as the woman at the well, and let's be willing to help others find that same joy.

D&C 105:6 -- On Growing Pains

"And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer"
Doctrine and Covenants 105:6


It's sad on some level that we have to learn so many things the hard way. I think that God does give us the opportunity to learn things an easier way, but we rarely take advantage of those opportunities, unfortunately waiting till the lessons are more painful. ... I don't think that God wants to see us suffer at all, but I am thankful that he persists in teaching us, so that we have a chance to actually get it, and that we have the opportunity to still learn the lessons, even in a painful way. Learning the lessons is the most important thing, and leaving us to just wander around without that opportunity to grow and progress... that would be the cruel thing. Today, let's learn, in an easy a way as possible would be great, but let's not back down from pain that is necessary to growth.

3 Nephi 11:14-15 -- On Finding Out

"Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come."
3 Nephi 11:14-15


I love this scene, where Christ invites absolutely everyone to come handle him and know the truth for themselves. And even though Christ isn't physically before us, yet, we have a similar opportunity. He invites all of us to find out for ourselves that he is indeed the God of the whole earth. Today, as these people did, let us make the effort to find out for ourselves. Let's read and pray and study and learn of his gospel, so that we can know for ourselves. If we are sincere and diligent, he will let us know in our minds and our hearts, and have confidence in his word.

3 Nephi 9:13-14 -- On Gentleness in the Midst of Destruction

"O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me."
3 Nephi 9:13-14


At this point all the people can hear is a voice. They haven't seen Christ appear before them yet, but he comforts them in the darkness and teaches them many of the things that he taught in Israel. I really like this part because he is pleading with the people to repent and allow him to heal them. The people are in darkness and have gone through a lot emotionally, and even though God could demand anything from them here, he asks, praises, and pleads with them. He is gentle, letting them know that they are accepted if they can just turn to him.

He loves us this same way, and pleads with us as well. Today, let's hear his voice and turn to him.

3 Nephi 7:18 -- On Anger

"And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily."
3 Nephi 7:18


This is impressive in one way... that they could only be angry about his power, since it was impossible to disbelieve. It's really sad in another way, because they knew, and yet they found a reason to be angry rather than to repent. I worry that we do that as well in our lives. We believe, and yet we focus on what we don't have and find a reason to be angry instead of giving thanks for what we do have, and focusing on the good and the joyful.

Today, let's believe and focus on the good. Let's find a way to let go of our anger and find a way to not only believe, but let that belief work in our lives until we can take action on it and become closer, bit by bit to who we can be, our best selves, rather than just being angry that we are not.

3 Nephi 6:4-5 -- On Order, Equity, and Justice

"And they began again to prosper and to wax great; and the twenty and sixth and seventh years passed away, and there was great order in the land; and they had formed their laws according to equity and justice. And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression."
3 Nephi 6:4-5


I like thar order, equity, and justice are ideals for us to strive for here. It's sad that we fall into transgression so often, exactly when we have a chance to grow and prosper. Today, let's avoid falling as much as we can, and try to take advantage of the opportunities that God has given us. :)

3 Nephi 2:17-18 -- On War, Wickedness, and Expecting Miracles

"And it came to pass in the commencement of the fourteenth year, the war between the robbers and the people of Nephi did continue and did become exceedingly sore; nevertheless, the people of Nephi did gain some advantage of the robbers, insomuch that they did drive them back out of their lands into the mountains and into their secret places.
And thus ended the fourteenth year. And in the fifteenth year they did come forth against the people of Nephi; and because of the wickedness of the people of Nephi, and their many contentions and dissensions, the Gadianton robbers did gain many advantages over them."
3 Nephi 2:17-18


This reminds me of the story from the Old Testament about Moses watching over a battle and when he raised his hands they won, and when he got tired and lowered his hands they started losing. Symbolically, I think this is the same idea, but instead of just being a symbol, the winning and losing is tied to actual behavior, of being good or evil. God is going to fight on the side of good, but if both sides are equally evil, then all we have to rely on is our own strength, and we can't expect miracles. ... The cool thing is that we CAN expect miracles if we are doing good and doing God's will, and following his commandments. Today, let's live in a way so that God can tell the difference between us and evil. Let's listen to God and take his advice. Let's pray and learn and live the gospel, avoiding contention and dissensions as much as is possible, so that we can be worthy of God's hand in our lives and his protection.

Doctrine and Covenants 105:38-40 -- On Peace

"And again I say unto you, sue for peace, not only to the people that have smitten you, but also to all people; And lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the earth; And make proposals for peace unto those who have smitten you, according to the voice of the Spirit which is in you, and all things shall work together for your good."
Doctrine and Covenants 105:38-40


I like that God shows clearly that peace is his priority here. He also says that he will fight his people's battles, and explains when fighting and defense are justified, but he still urges peace, and asks us to work out our problems legally and through negotiation rather than war. Today, let's not give in to hatred or the urge to violence, but work with God through prayer at trying to see the perspective of others and doing things the Lords way, uniting with the Spirit, and being part of all things working together. :)

2 Nephi 29:7-9 -- On Nations, Knowledge, Words, and Work

"Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever."
2 Nephi 29:7-9


I love this message about God's work never stopping. We so often think that we're done learning something... and whatever it is, we're probably wrong. We have so much to learn and so much to do. God proves that eternity isn't boring because he still has plenty to do, even after this planet is history apparently. :) It's really cool to think that we have time to learn so much. We still need to use our time in this life wisely though, of course, and learn to make good choices, but kind of a relief that we don't hae to try to cram all of human knowledge into our brains in our short lifespan. God can help us know what is most important for us individually. :)

Today, let's not murmur when we realize we haven't mastered something, or that God has more to say. Let's expect it, and be grateful for the eternity of interesting stuff ahead of us. :) Let's remember that God loves everyone, from all nations, and that we should be working together and lifting each other up.

2 Nephi 24:26-27 -- On God's Purpose

"This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations.
For the Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"
2 Nephi 24:26-27


This is a good reminder that God always does what he says he will do. Sometimes there is an IF in there, and we should be very careful with those, because we need to do our part as well, make choices, make an effort to repent and become better. God's purposes will roll on whether we are on board or not. Today, let's follow God's commandments, repent, and stay close to God. He can nagicate us through anything, if we trust him, and have faith to put our actions where our hearts are.

2 Nephi 22:1-3 -- On Drawing with Joy

"And in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation. Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."
2 Nephi 22:1-3


I like this preview of the Millenium. The idea of God comforting us all instead of being angry... and the idea of a world that doesn't make the Lord angry at all... that's amazing, and is a great promise of hope. I would love to be able to participate in a world like that, and I hope that someday many of us will get that opportunity. :) Can you imagine a real utopia? I don't think it happens without effort, of course, just like any other promised land that the Lord offers us, but to build something as a community, for the right reasons... I've been looking for a job like that my whole life. :) Today, let's look forward to a better world, and let's make this one better while we're at it... leading up to that day.

2 Nephi 15:11-13 -- On Captivity, Starvation, and Spiritual Heath and Freedom

"Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, that continue until night, and wine inflame them!
And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine are in their feasts; but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.
Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst."
2 Nephi 15:11-13


The idea of sin as captivity here isn't new, but it's not usually the way we think about our own habits / addictions / sins, and maybe we should think about that more, because I think we place ourselves in captivity and also starve ourselves spiritually when we focus just on physical desires or feelings rather than our spiritual selves. Today, let's regard the work of the Lord, and consider the operation of his hands. Let's learn from him, and let him fill us with the spiritual knowledge and guidance that we need to avoid spiritual starvation and the kind of captivity that comes when we lock ourselves into bad habits.

2 Nephi 2:14-15 -- On Creation, Action, and Choice

"And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.
And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter."
2 Nephi 2:14-15


The idea of the creation is fascinating. I think the stories have been simlified a lot for our benefit, but since all things work together for the good of those who work with God, and since we know God can command the elements and move mountains, there are clear signs that there is a lot going on underneath. :) I love that God and his prophets care enough to explain it to us in ways that we can understand... and though I am sure we aren't getting it, still, at least all the way, I still love the ideas here, that there are things that can act and things that are acted upon, and how opposition had to be set up so that there was even such a thing as choice. Also the idea that the forbidden fruit could be sweet and the tree of life bitter. That depends on the phrasing of course, but the fruit is described elsewhere as very desirable.

I don't mean to get out on a tangental limb here... it's all just interesting. The point is though, that the world we live in isn't just a bit of random organic life somehow spontaneously sparked from nothing. It, and our lives, are all part of God's plan, and that plan is complex and amazing and perfect, even though we can't see it all yet. Let's keep our eyes, hearts, and spirits open so that we can understand further. Today, let's learn about ourselves and our world, and what God has in store. We probably won't be able to grasp it all yet, but God will teach us more and more as we are ready and able to have the Spirit's assistance. Great stuff. :)

2 Nephi 2:11 -- On Opposition and Change

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility."
2 Nephi 2:11


I love the idea of God explaining a simple law of the universe to us here. It's like he is saying "This is how things work, and how things function, so you can't get through life without opposition... otherwise you would just remain the same and never change, and that's pretty much the whole point of this life, right?"

Today, even if we are fed up with opposition, let's take heart in the fact that we aren't stuck the way we are for eternity, and that God can help us change us into the people that we want to become... as long as it isn't Abraham Lincoln or something. At least we can become the best versions of *ourselves,* and be better than we can imagine right now, with time, and work, and God's help. :)

D&C 100:15-17 -- On the Path to Salvation, with Assistance

"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church. For I will raise up unto myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness; And all that call upon the name of the Lord, and keep his commandments, shall be saved. Even so. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 100:15-17


God wants us to become a pure, good people. He isn't out to tear us down, but rather to lift us up, and help us get there. All things will work together to help that happen, and if we are in tune with God and listening to the spirit, we will catch some of that happening. Today, let's call upon the name of the Lord. Let's keep his commandments and take his advice. Let's work to become better. God will help us... it is not impossible. :)

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 -- On Judgement and Praise

"But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."
1 Corinthians 4:3-5

I like this advice not to judge ourselves. I think we have to make some judgements/decisions in order to choose the right and take action in our lives, but I think that Paul (and God) are talking about bigger judgements here... giving up, condemning others, or deciding we're not worthy for instance. We truly do not know the whole story, no matter how in touch with ourselves we are, because we lack our knowledge of the pre-existence. That, along with God's far superior knowledge about everything guarantees that we know comparitively nothing by ourselves, and we should wait on the judgement of the Lord for those sweeping, permanent decisions.

I also love the fact that "every man" shall "have praise of God." ... Definitely doesn't mean that we don't have to repent, but I think it does mean that every single one of us has learned a lot, and that we've all done some good in our lives. There are things to rejoice about. :) That's a reason to hope, and also to see the good in others. It's there, whether we agree with them about politics, music, lifestyles, or sandwich toppings or not. Today, let's wait on God for judgement and praise, and meanwhile let's do good to ourselves and to others, living God's example of love, kindness, and service to others.

Mosiah 26:1-6 -- On Sin and Deception

"Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers. They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened. And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God. And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren they became more numerous. For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church."
Mosiah 26:1-6


The idea that unbelief inhibits understanding is kind of strange without context, but thinking about how God enlightens every part of us, including our minds, I think makes it very clear. We need God and his spirit to assist us in understanding the mysteries of the universe, not just things that seem traditionally religious, but in all of God's creations. Our connection with God enhances our understanding and helps us to see how things fit together.

The other interesting thing here is the idea that unbelivers were actively decieving others, which makes it worse. Even if they really believed what they were saying, the effect on the community was incredibly negative, and you have to wonder how much of their ignorance was willful ignorance rather than just not understanding, and how much you have to blind yourself to not see the harm that you are causing.

Today, let's pray, and learn, and not ignore the truth, even if it scares us or means that we need to put forth some effort to get our lives straight. God is there, and he is open to talking to us, no matter how far we have walked away. Let's make people whole rather than tearing them apart.

D&C 98:23-26 -- On Patience and Blessings

"Now, I speak unto you concerning your families—if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded;
But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you.
And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred-fold.
And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold;"
Doctrine and Covenants 98:23-26


This is really instructive, and I like it not just from the main perspective, but from the perspective of someone that smites as well. The Lord is promising blessings for *not* smiting back... giving room for the smiters to repent. And the rules don't stop there... further in the section we learn that there is a point where God will justify us for fighting back, but still prefers that we not, showing how much he loves the sinners and wants to help them... but not to the point where sinners destroy the righteous. On his timetable, he will require justice for things we haven't repented of, and he will fight the battles for the righteous, but judgement is His, not ours. Today, let's bear our burdens patiently, even when, or perhaps especially when, they are undeserved. Let's give our brothers and sisters the chance to see a good example, and to change and learn, and for God to work on their hearts. And lets also learn not to smite. Not because we won't get away with it... sometimes we can, for a time, but because not smiting is better, and Godly, and can teach us about the highest form of love there is, and so much more, if we can get past our own fear and envy and pride.

Mosiah 23:12-14 -- On Trust

"And now I say unto you, ye have been oppressed by king Noah, and have been in bondage to him and his priests, and have been brought into iniquity by them; therefore ye were bound with the bands of iniquity.
And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.
And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."
Mosiah 23:12-14


This is good advice. Trust is a part of love, and we should exercise it and learn how to trust, but this is a good lesson on how far to trust. God is perfect and can't be corrupted, but other people can, and it's hard to resist ethical compromise when you have a lot of power. Let's not tempt people more than they can resist, and listen to God about leadership. Afte all, he leads the universe. :) Let's work on our trust issues, both trusting too much and too little, and remember to pray to and work with God if we need help.

Mosiah 21:14-16 -- On Humility and Hope

"And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.
And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.
And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees in the land, and began to raise grain more abundantly, and flocks, and herds, that they did not suffer with hunger."
Mosiah 21:14-16


Sometimes the Lord is slow to hear our cries because we aren't exactly sincere yet, and we've cried wolf too many times before... listened to God but then done the opposite. But if we persist, and humble ourselves, he will always hear us and help us. We have to be sincere and want to change our hearts and our minds, and with God's help change ourselves into better, stronger, happier people. Still us, of course, but a version that doesn't lie and betray and cause pain to others anymore.

If we can't hear God in this moment, let's focus and persist and humble ourselves. Let's show him that we're serious and we're not giving up--that we want to change, that we know that we need his help. And he will help us. It might be gradual, rather than instantaneous, but the more we feel the spirit, the more we know that a day with prayer is better than a day without it... the more we read and learn of his life and his love for us, the more that we can feel Christ's saving grace, and have God's strangth to help us overcome our problems and our weaknesses. Today, let's turn from the world and cry to God.

Mosiah 18:21 -- On Knitting Hearts

"And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another."
Mosiah 18:21


Good advice, but really, really tough sometimes. Sometimes things seem so wrong that you just want to leave them alone and stay away from the whole thing. The scriptures remind us that with God nothing is impossible, and that even if our timing is off, God will bless us for our efforts to let go of our seeds of disharmony.

Today, let's remember that we're in this together. Let's reunite... the Montagues and the Capulets, the elephants and donkeys, the rich and the poor, the old and young, the lion and the lamb. Today, let's pray and work with God on softening and opening our hearts. Let's try to knit our hearts with each other and become a Zion people. Let's learn to love, to knock down the walls that tell us we are strange and different and not part of each other. We all belong in God's kingdom. Let's translate that into action.

3 Nephi 19:23 -- On Becoming One

"And now Father, I pray unto thee for them, and also for all those who shall believe on their words, that they may believe in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one."
3 Nephi 19:23


This is part of the prayer that Christ directs to his Father in Heaven. I like the idea of oneness here... that we can have Christ with us as Christ did his Father... the Spirit of God helping us and lifting us up, a constant stream of communication and shared purpose. I think we pull away from the spirit sometimes because we think that God is something external and foreign to us, and that doing his will rather than our own makes us less ourselves in some way, but that isn't the case.

We forget sometimes that God is where we came from, and that our Spirits are part of him, perhaps in a similar way to our bodies being genetically part of our earthly parents... we came from them, and they are a part of us, always. Spiritually we are a part of God, always. Having a fuller consciousness of the Spirit and communing with God doesn't make us more or less a part of Him, but it helps us reconnect with our family, and our friend, and our mentor, and our coach, and everything else that God is to us in all of its divine glory. Doing so brings a oneness that isn't a loss of self, but rather like having a close friend in conversational distance all the time. He knows us, we can bouce ideas off him, and he can help us learn and be a better version of ourselves, not an animatronic simalcrum similar to the Stepford Wives dystopia, but fully ourselves, only influenced by our choices to listen or not, to take advice or not, just like a friend.

If God wanted slaves, he could easily get them... but instead, we are his beloved children, and he wants to be with us to constantly help us. Today, let's unite with Christ's desires in this prayer. Let's believe in, and welcome Christ. Let's make him more a part of our lives, that we may be one with him and learn and become everything that we can be, together.

D&C 98:1-3 --- On Moving from Fear to Joy

"Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;
Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord."
Doctrine and Covenants 98:1-3


I like the progression from reducing fear, to comfort, to rejoicing and thanksgiving. Then, God talks about afflictions working for our good, and it seems to be part of that same progression. We are sometimes afflicted, and have reason to fear, but we don't need to fear, or worry, or be sad, because even those things are all incorporated into the design and plan of God, and all of it, even the hard things, are all helping us towards salvation and joy.

It's hard to feel that all the time, especially in the midst of a tough affliction, or when we realize how wrong and harmful that we have been to others. Even in those times though, God's promise is still true, and he offers us forgiveness if we repent and change, and renew our efforts to trust and follow Him.

Today, let's do our best to move along the line from letting go of our fear all the way to rejoicing. With God's help, we can find the joy even during the tough times. Let's pray and study, and find our way to God, who can help us understand, repent, and see the good around us.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 -- On Forgiving

"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
2 Corinthians 2:10-11


We know from D&C 64:10 that God will forgive who he chooses, but he asks us to forgive everyone. These verses from Paul I think provide some context to that idea. We, of course, can't choose who God forgives, although, like Paul he may be more disposed to do so once we make peace with a situation. Regardless of God's decision however, if we can find a way to forgive others, not only can we understand forgiveness and the love of God more clearly, but we also free ourselves from Satan's trap. He wants us to hold anger and resentment in our hearts, and to feel justified in doing so, so that he can lead us "away carefully down to hell" (2 Nephi 28:21).

Not forgiving someone doesn't mean that God won't forgive in that same situation... after all, he is willing to forgive us even our own worst offenses, if we repent. However, whether or not God forgives, if we don't, our hearts will harden and we will be pulling ourselves away from the Spirit of God, who is merciful and great, and who wants to forgive us all, and help us find our way back to him. Today, let's not resist the spirit that whispers forgiveness to our hearts. Let's let go of resentment and find our way to peace.

Matthew 12:35-37 -- On Idle Words

"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Matthew 12:35-37


This is a good reminder that our idle words matter, that they are a result of who we are choosing to be, and that we need to be careful of that. Let's pay attention, and repent, so that we don't have an impossible list of things to confront at the judgement day. :)

Mark 11:18 -- On Avoiding Harm and Lost Opportunities

"And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine."
Mark 11:18


It's sad here that the reaction to astonishment and fear is plotting destruction. What a lost opportunity. It makes me wonder how often we react similarly to others, turning our astonishment and fear, and plenty of other emotions, into negativity and plotting because we don't see or understand someone else's perspective.

Today, let's listen, learn, and counsel with the Lord, so we don't fall into a similar trap and damn ourselves because of our attitude and judgement.

D&C 97:1-2 -- On Friendship and Judgement

"Verily I say unto you my friends, I speak unto you with my voice, even the voice of my Spirit, that I may show unto you my will concerning your brethren in the land of Zion, many of whom are truly humble and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to find truth.
Verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such, for they shall obtain; for I, the Lord, show mercy unto all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I may be justified when I shall bring them unto judgment."
Doctrine and Covenants 97:1-2


I love it when God calls us his friends, because it shows that there is an affectionate, chosen bond there... not any more important than the other relationships we have with God, but it makes me feel a connection to him that seems different than with other ones. :) So, then when it talks later about judgement, it feels more like the judgement of a mentor or a coach, rather than an impersonal court of law. Of course God is also our father, our lawgiver, and there is no higher court, but that's part of the justice and mercy part here as well. God shows us mercy and an overabundance of kindness... he errs on the side of love, as any friend would, so that the judgements he does have to make are never edge cases or could-have-been-bad-calls. Anything like that results in mercy. God does everything he can to help us learn and grow and become the people that he can bless. Any negative judgement will happen only if we ignore his assistance and advice.

Today, let's trust in God's friendship and mercy, and show our love and faith by taking God's advice and doing our best to walk the path he has shown us that leads to joy.