Alma 6:5-6 -- A Day of Prayer

"Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God.
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 6:5-6


I like the idea here that the Sabbath is not just a day of prayer, but a day of prayer for those that don't know God. A day to consider then and pray for thier souls. The Sabbath is also a day of repentance and recommitment, a day to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort... a day to be united as a community of believers and strengthen each other. This though seems like an important thing as well, praying for those who are lost, including praying for and loving our enemies. A day of love and compassion, and remembering what Christ has taught us. It's difficult sometimes to love each other in our divisive society, but let's make an extra effort today, and work on being people of love, kindness, and reason in a world of resentment and even hatred.

Colossians 3:12-15 -- On the Peace of God

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful"
Colossians 3:12-15


I like this solid advice about how to let peace rule, and to be in tune with God. It's easy to get riled up about a lot of things, but having peace in our lives and loving and helping others, and recognizing all that the God has done for us... those are things that can keep us firmly anchored and able to withstand the tempting dramatic emotions that threaten to overwhelm our peace. Today, let's let God prevail in our lives, and live in peace and thankfulness.

Alma 4:8 -- On Slippage

"For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure."
Alma 4:8


This verse is scary because I think it is easy to slip from being gung-ho and dedicated to just treading water, and then to not really wanting to put forth the effort, etc. Sometimes we are all there, on the same page with God, and then other days we're frantically searching the index for the right topic. And while it is scary in ourselves, it is sometimes so much more scary in people we love, because we can't read their minds or hearts and we don't know when or if they will come back, and even when we can't always see why it is best for us, we know it is best for them. :)

Today, let's renew our committment to God. Let's remember why we came, and all the things that God has done, for the earth and the people who came before us, but also specific ways that he has blessed us individually. Let's remember the danger of pride, and avoid scorn and persecution. Let's read, and pray, and remember... and keep God at the center of our lives so that we don't slip away.

Mosiah 28:3 -- The Things of God

"Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."
Mosiah 28:3


This is a really good reminder that our hearts should be on the things of God rather than tied up so much with the things of the world. Today, let's try to see God's perspective a little bit more and be concerned for other people and willing to help God help them. :)

Acts 10:34-35 -- Inviting All to God

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
Acts 10:34-35


I love this message, that God accepts anyone, from anywhere, people of all nations alike. Today, let's take a page from God's book and start expanding the circle of people that we feel comfortable with.

D&C 123:12-13 -- On Hidden Truth

"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it--
Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven"
Doctrine and Covenants 123:12-13


I really like the underlying idea here of bringing to light hidden truth... helping people to find it underneath the lies. That seems to be an ever-growing pile and the truth harder and harder to find within it, unless we turn to God, who will show us the way and help us see all that is there, the way it really is. God is not blinded by the storms and deceptions of life. Today, let's turn to him for guidance.

Acts 8:18-22 -- On Money and Power

"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
Acts 8:18-22


I like that Simon does repent after this, and that he doesn't just keep trying, and insist that everything has a price. :) It's a good reminder for us as well, that no matter how big a part money plays in modern society, the true reality of God's creations isn't about that. Lack of money can't stop God's purposes, overall OR in our individual lives. God is with us and he will provide a way for us to do the things that he asks us to do. In a world with so much rampant corruption, it is nice to see that true power cannot be bought, but instead can only be used for good, according to God's will.

Mosiah 27:8-9 -- On Change

"Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.
And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them."
Mosiah 27:8-9


I like this story because it shows the great power of repentance and how hard God works with us to help us see the error of our ways and to change. Here we see that Alma the Younger was "a great hinderment" to the church, setting a very bad example, and yet in the end of the story he comes out of all of this and changes his life, doing everything that he can to make things right. ... We can make a similar change, no matter how much of our lives we have done wrong or even worked against God (as was the case here). God didn't stop loving us, and he will welcome us back as the prodigal son, once we realize we have gone astray and make our way back.

Mosiah 18:8-10 -- On Covenanting With God

"And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"
Mosiah 18:8-10


This is Alma teaching the words of Abinadai at the waters of Mormon, and I love the idea here... we're here discussing and learning about what Abinadai said--let's take the next step and show our committment to God. Let's covenant with him and become his people. I think that is the next step for us too, whenever we learn something. We need to put it into practice and start living it. With God, thankfully, this is easy to do. We can get baptized, or if we already are, we can renew those covenants weekly when we take the sacrament, recommitting ourselves to follow him, to stand as his witnesses (as Abinadi did), and all the other amazing things here... to have compassion for others, to mourn with them, comfort them, and to bear one anothe's burdens. :) Today, let's remember Alma and Abinadai, and these people, and recommit ourselves to Christ and his teachings.

Mosiah 13:11 -- On the Plans of God

"And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives."
Mosiah 13:11


I love the lessons of Abinadi here. He was standing in front of a group that was going to kill him eventually, and yet God had a work for him to do... this lesson, going on for several chapters, originally for an audience of one. Alma was one of the wicked priests, and he believed Abinadi and wrote down his sayings after trying to save him (see chapter 17).
It's a great lesson in sacrifice, but also in redemption. Abinadi triumphed in death, and Alma overcame his folly and built up a righteous church again. Something awful turned into something wonderful, all planned by God, who cannot be stopped in his work of lifting and helping us. Everything bad that the world attempts to do to beat us down and destroy us, God will overcome by infusing hope where there is despair, by bringing to life all that were dead, by healing all of our hurt and harm. He offers us a chance to be part of his work and make a difference. Let's be like Abinadi and like Alma. Being willing to die, and live, for Him, and his work of healing and saving us all.

D&C 117:4-7 -- On Learning to Live By Faith

"Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord
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 117:4-7


I like God teaching us some perspective here, and that as attached as we become to property, that paying our debts and trusting in God's blessings are more important. It's hard to have faith sometimes and let those (seemingly) solid things go, but the whole earth is the Lord's and he will teach and guide us as he will, and learning to trust that helps us transcend, at least to some degree, our ties to the world and find our way to living by faith.

2 Corinthians 11:30 -- On Infirmities

"If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities."
2 Corinthians 11:30


In Relief Society this last week someone was calling weaknesses opportunities, and it wasn't just blind positivity, but made sense. Our weaknesses and infirmities/challenges are what make us into what we are... much stronger than we would be without them. I think we can see that much better as we look back, because in the moment it is awful, but as we meet each of those challenges, learn the lessons, and adapt, we end up in totally different places that where we would be otherwise. God leads us where he wants us to go through our trials and challenges. Just like the promised land didn't start out as a place of leisure just because it was promised, it became perfect because they built it up and learned more about themselves and the world around them. Today, let's lean in to learning and understand that lots of the things that we struggle with are really blessings that transform us into more amazing people. :)

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 -- On Giving

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
2 Corinthians 9:6-8


The first verse here seems similar to the parable of the talents, but this time about generosity and good works. If we plant abundantly and cheerfully, we will be abundantly blessed. I like the idea here that as we trust in God, we don't need to worry about scarcity. God will bless us for being generous, so the process can continue, as we trust in him... like the cruse of oil or the widow's might. We are willing to give all, and trust that God will provide. On the other hand, we are also asked to be self-sufficient, so planning ahead and budgeting are also good, and perhaps part of the overall miracle of God helping us to have enough. There is a lot of faith involved as well. Today, let's learn more of God's ways and practice faith.

2 Corinthians 8:21 -- On Honesty

"Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
2 Corinthians 8:21


I like this emphasis on honesty. With technological innovation speedrunning human mimicry, there is more and more capability for deception out there, and thus more and more importance for us to follow God's admonitions, and not be part of the problem. I don't think that means we can't participate in new technology, but it does mean that we shouldn't be using it to decieve. Let's make sure that we are doing as the verse says, and being honest with other people and with God. As we do, we'll be working with God to make things better, and become better ourselves. :)

D&C 108:7-8 -- On Strengthening Each Other

"Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.
And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 108:7-8


I really like the idea here that we should be lifting each other up, strengthening each other and praying for each other. Modern society doesn't teach much of that. It's more about getting ahead or winning. God's message is to help each other--compete less, cooperate more. Learn to see things from a different perspective and understand each other. Learn how to love and serve and heal and strengthen. :) Today, let's work on living God's way, and work on building each other up as a community rather than living only for ourselves.

Acts 6:10-15 -- On Accepting God's Spirit, Wisdom, and Truth

"And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel"
Acts 6:10-15


This seems so crazy to me. They couldn't resist his wisdom or the spirit of God... so basically they already knew they were wrong, but they still persisted, paying people to tell lies about him. And then they found out that you can't do an end run around God, because he knows exactly what you are doing.

Today, let's remember that God knows what is going on, and when we run up against something where we differ with God, let's defer to his wisdom and work on ourselves to learn to accept the truth rather than doubling down on even bigger mistakes and deceptions. Let's try for a tiny amount of trust in God. Enough to pray and talk to him. If we're willing to go just that far, he will meet us, and help us learn and trust further.

1 Corinthians 13:11 -- On Learning and Loving

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
1 Corinthians 13:11


I like the comparison to growing up here, because spiritually we have a long way to go. We're still learning a lot of basics. I also love the promise that things will be clearer in time, and that we'll be able to understand it all rather than just catch glimpses of the possibilities. :)

And then, a hint about what to focus on in life, as we move towards those possibilities. All good things, but charity (the pure love of God) is the most important, and something that it can never hurt to focus on. Let's work on that today. :)

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 -- Gifts of the Spirit

"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
1 Corinthians 12:8-11


I like the idea here that the Spirit of God grants us gifts, and I also like the idea that they are attached to that Spirit and that we can lose our talents/gifts when we withdraw from God and his Spirit. Unlike so many other kinds of power, real and fictional, God's power can't be used for evil. It starts fading away if we don't use it and nurture the gifts that God has given us. Today, let's take that seriously and work with God to learn and develop our gifts.

Acts 4:18-20 -- On Inspired Options

"And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Acts 4:18-20


I like this response from Peter and John, not getting angry or even saying no, but rather asking them to judge whether it's better to follow God, and that they can only speak the truth. I don't think that it is the sort of response that I would think of in the moment... but maybe that's part of the point. This is a response that was likely prompted by the Spirit, because we can rely on God to help us do good, and there are so many more options open to us than the simpler this-or-that options that we give ourselves, often imagining there is no way out. God always has more alternatives for us. and a better way, if we're willing to listen and follow his counsel.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 -- On Temptation

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
1 Corinthians 10:12-13


Two things strike me today about this. The first is the line "common to men" ... I like that because we often feel like the world is coming down on us and that no one understands. God does though, and he even knows that there are other people who have gone through what we are going through. God knows about it, and he knows how to help, when we reach out to him.

The other thing is that there is a way for us to escape. A guarantee that the puzzle has a solution, which offers some hope. God can help us find the answers.

Another thing that I like, but that isn't explicitly stated here is just that temptations are built into God's plan. They are part of the perfection process, and when we run into these things, even when we make mistakes, as long as we keep trying to solve the problem... it's all making us better and helping us learn. It's part of the plan, and we don't have to be afraid of it. We can trust in God and know that we are going to be able to handle it, with his help.

1 Corinthians 8:5-6 -- On Many and One

"For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."
1 Corinthians 8:5-6


I like the clarification here that while there are many that are called gods, to us there is only one Heavenly Father, only one Christ. The "of whom" and "by whom" is interesting too, as well as "in him" and "by him," but I'm not sure what the distinction is. Today, let's remember our Father, doing his will as Christ also did while he was on the earth, and also Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us. Let's be thankful for the gift of life and for our promised salvation, and do our best to help and serve others that we can have a chance to experience that better world and be reunited with God and our loved ones.

Acts 3:20-21 -- On the Times of Restitution

"And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
Acts 3:20-21


I love the idea of the restitution of all things. Everything that has been lost, every injury ... all restored or made up for. I imagine a time when all of our mental and physical deficits will be healed and every wrong made right in a miraculous way where there are no more consequences of the pain or the loss. Just as when Christ healed physical injuries, there will be no therapy or recovery period... we will just become whole again.

Today, let's trust in God's healing, love, and presence in our lives. Let's look forward to when he comes again with healing, to restore all things to their proper places and resolve all of our losses. We can't always heal what we have hurt, or fix what we have broken, but he can. Let's praise and look forward to God who can and will save us from ourselves.

Acts 2:17 -- On Learning and Becoming

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"
Acts 2:17


I like this idea of the spirit being poured out and filling everyone, letting us all glimpse bits of the mind of God. I think as we learn more and more about God and the gospel and become more accustomed to the spirit, we can understand more and see more, maybe until we're like the Brother of Jared, who couldn't be kept from seeing beyond the veil... although I think it probably takes a long time to get to that point. The cool thing is that we can learn as we interact with the spirit and talk to God and learn his gospel. It's not just going through some tradition or ritual... it's learning and becoming.

Today, let's learn more about who we are and who God is, and more of his love, and more of everything he has to leach us. It's a vast, eternal quest. :)

D&C 107:91-92 -- Modern Day Moses

"And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses—
Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church."
Doctrine and Covenants 107:91-92


I like the idea here of a modern day Moses, leading his people through the machinations of Pharoah, guiding them as they regain their independence, and helping them to find the promised land. There are different troubles to navigate today, of course, but God is still with us, and guiding us through prophets and revelation. Today, let's be mindful of God, include him in our lives (and start making ourselves part of his life), and be willing to follow the prophet and apostles and build the Lord's Kingdom.

John 18:9 -- On Losing None

"That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none."
John 18:9


I love the idea of losing no one, and I think that is a great theme for all that we do. Judgement is God's, and some people may choose to lose themselves, but meanwhile God (and we) will do everything in his/our power to save them, save taking away their agency. Today, let's not give up on anyone, but be kind and welcoming to all, remembering that they are all our brothers and sisters in Christ, and worthy of saving.

D&C 107:48-49 -- On Striving for Perfection

"Enoch was twenty-five years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam; and he was sixty-five and Adam blessed him.
And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he was translated."
Doctrine and Covenants 107:48-49


Enoch is amazing, living 430 years and then being translated... that's a long time to awesome, and I feel like he must have gotten to the point, if anyone does, where it was all just part of him and not a major effort every day to talk yourself into doing the right thing, letting go of anger, etc. Today, let's work on internalizing God's lessons and becoming the pure, cool people that we are meant to be. :)

John 17:24 -- On Goals and Motivations

"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world."
John 17:24


I like this idea that we will eventually be where Christ is, and that the whole goal is refunification and peace. We have so much to learn in this life, and after, but I love God's pure motice that we don't need to question. He loves us and wants us where he is, always.

1 Corinthians 6:19 -- On Belonging to Christ

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
1 Corinthians 6:19


We're obviously not slaves, so this verse is about spiritual symbolism instead of the traditional, earthly idea of being owned. This is more like the relationship interpretation where you voluntarily give yourself to someone, and they do the same. It goes along with other gospel ideas of unity and working towards becoming a Zion people / a cooperative, perfect society. Today, let's be willing to belong to Christ spiritually and dedicate our lives to his gospel, which, after all, is about finding joy, love, and peace for not only ourselves, but everyone.

John 14:3-4 -- On Being Where Christ Is

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."
John 14:3-4


This is a cool and hopeful message from Christ, promising his disciples (and us), that as we follow him, places will be prepared for us so that we can enter into his rest and be where he is. Today, let's work on listening and learning about Christ, his life, his works, and his gospel, so that we are prepared to follow him.

John 12:35 -- On Walking in the Light

"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth."
John 12:35


This is a good reminder that without Christ we are walking in darkness. Christ offers us clarity and guidance, and as we walk with him, we have purpose and we know we are going someplace good. Let's avoid getting lost and walking in darkness today. Let's come unto Christ, and learn of him.

D&C 107:16-17 -- On Promises Kept

"No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant of Aaron.
But as a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood."
Doctrine and Covenants 107:16-17


I like that God explains here. Everything comes full circle, and God's ancient covenant people can step into their role again at will... a place is reserved for them. I find that comforting. It is proof that God keeps his promises, and that we can trust in him to keep his promises to us as well. Today, let's count on God's promises, and let's live his way so that we can someday recieve all the blessings promised to the faithful.