Helaman 2:6-7 -- On God's Wisdom

"And it came to pass as he went forth towards the judgment-seat to destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of Helaman, having been out by night, and having obtained, through disguise, a knowledge of those plans which had been laid by this band to destroy Helaman—
And it came to pass that he met Kishkumen, and he gave unto him a sign; therefore Kishkumen made known unto him the object of his desire, desiring that he would conduct him to the judgment-seat that he might murder Helaman."
Helaman 2:6-7


I like these verses because it shows that the "good guys" were aware of secret combinations, and working to protect themselves against them. I think the good guys get characterized as ignorant and unaware of reality sometimes, when the truth is that trusting God and listening to his wisdom and inspiration actually help us face reality a lot better than if we didn't have that resource, and support. Today, let's work on being good, and wise, listening to and doing what God advises. He can help us even in the worst circumstances.

Alma 62:15-16 -- On Trust and Change

"And it came to pass that as they were marching towards the land, they took a large body of men of the Lamanites, and slew many of them, and took their provisions and their weapons of war.
And it came to pass after they had taken them, they caused them to enter into a covenant that they would no more take up their weapons of war against the Nephites."
Alma 62:15-16


I like the fact that they could trust their opponents to keep their promises. I feel like we don't have that in the modern day, although I am sure it exists on an individual basis. It wouldn't be considered a solution to have people promise to stop doing something bad or against the law. It's rarely an option to trust people even to do things that they have already agreed to do--which is why it is even more amazing and cool that God trusts us to change when we repent, not assuming that we will regress, but giving us every chance to learn to be wiser and to become the better people that he knows we can be.

Today, let's thank God for his help and for giving us a chance to change... and hey, let's also reach out in trust to others, and give them a chance to step up and do the right thing as well.

1 Nephi 18:19 -- On Tears and Prayers

"And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me."
1 Nephi 18:19


I like the phrase "tears and prayers" here. It is natural to feel sorrow, frustration, etc. when something goes wrong that is out of our control, and there are a lot of things like that, but Nephi's wife wasn't only sad or only worried. She also trusted in the Lord, and petitioned him for his help.

A few verses later, Nephi is loosed, and he says "after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm" (verse 21). Prayer is an integral part of the story throughout.

Today, no matter how things are going in our lives, let's turn to the Lord and use the power of prayer to connect with God. Let's learn and grow, and ask for the help that we need.

3 Nephi 5:13 -- On Discipleship and Messages to the Future

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."
3 Nephi 5:13


I like that this is the information that Mormon gives us right after he gives his name. This is the important thing to know about him. :) Today, perhaps we should think about how we would present ourselves to generations to come, and if being a disciple of Christ is a main part of our lives.

If not, maybe that's something to work on today. And even if so, we could probably practice some more. :)

John 15:13 -- On Being Christ's Friends

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13


I love the idea that Christ considers us his friends. On Easter and always we honor his sacrifice for us, and proclaim with joy "He is Risen." ... Sometimes even as we do that though, we think of him as impossibly distant from us, no one that could be a close friend because the distance, physically and emotionally, is just too far.

It's easy to feel that way, but it doesn't have to be like that. Christ encourages us to learn of him, and come unto him. Those aren't just phrases that mean "go to church" or something... he really does want to talk to us, and wants to have a friendly relationship with us, where we feel we can turn to him in a time of trouble.

Today, let's celebrate Easter not only by honoring the death and celebrating the resurrection of our Savior... let's pray and talk to him personally as well. Let's learn all we can of him, and be the best friends to him that we can be.

Alma 23:14 -- On the One

"And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land wheresoever they dwelt, yea, and all their villages and all their cities."
Alma 23:14


I hope someday we get the story of the one Amalekite that converted, because that was a good and brave thing to do after being raised and surrounded with conflicting beliefs.

Today, let's stand up and do what's right in God's eyes, even when the world wants us to take a different path.

2 Nephi 5:5 -- On Departing From Evil Rather than Wiping it Out

"And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me."
2 Nephi 5:5


I think often we want God to come down and make things right, to solve the problems right in front of us and prove us right. And, as long as we are on his side at the last day, then this will eventually happen, or at least he will make things right, not necessarily prove *us* right. :) Until then, though, often instead of chopping off an evil branch of the tree, he allows it to grow, and instead grafts us into a different tree where we can help and make things stronger. It's not because he loves evil, but because we all need a chance to repent and change, and if we wiped out evil as soon as it happened, we wouldn't get that chance.

Today, let's do what we can where God asks us to go, and strengthen whoever we can. And let's repent and give others the space to repent as well. God will make everything right in the end, but we can help him in his work to save people in the meantime.

1 Nephi 9:5 -- On Moving Forward with Faith

"Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not."
1 Nephi 9:5


I kind of like the mystery in doing something that God asks but not knowing why. It doesn't always seem cool and mysterious I know, but every single time, it is still the right thing to do. Why? We don't always know, but we do know that all things work together for good, and that small things can make a big difference. God asks us each to do small things, but those things fit together into a living tapestry that brings God's will to pass, and moves the gospel forward. Today, let's do God's will and fit our pieces into the whole. It doesn't mean at all that we can't ask why, or that God won't tell us. Often he will, but it is on his timetable, according to his wisdom. Let's trust that, and move forward anyway. :)

1 Nephi 5:21 -- On the Worth of Obedience

"And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children."
1 Nephi 5:21


This is a good illustration of how faith works. We can't always understand beforehand why God asks us to do something, or make certain choices, but when we are obedient and do it, then we find treasures and blessings and understand better. It requires trust in God to begin, but continued practice with doing as God asks, and then seeing the blessings in our lives helps us to learn a little more trust, a little more faith, and our testimonies deepen, so we learn to be a little closer to God, and want the same things that he wants, as he shows us how cool his way is. :) Today, let's be willing to do as God asks, and look forward to discovering why. :)

Alma 19:4-5 -- On Hope and Faith

"And she said unto him: The servants of my husband have made it known unto me that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that thou hast power to do many mighty works in his name;
Therefore, if this is the case, I would that ye should go in and see my husband, for he has been laid upon his bed for the space of two days and two nights; and some say that he is not dead, but others say that he is dead and that he stinketh, and that he ought to be placed in the sepulchre; but as for myself, to me he doth not stink."
Alma 19:4-5


The queen here is a great example of trust and faith, in asking for help from Ammon even though she didn't know for sure why her husband had collapsed. She trusted the servants and trusted in the holy God that was described enough to see if He could help. Sometimes that inch of hope is all it takes to reach out to God and to see his hand in our lives. Let's have a little bit of that faith in our lives today, and ask God for help, and watch for his hand in our lives.

Alma 50:30-31 -- On Listening to God, and Acting on Promptings

"And behold, they would have carried this plan into effect, (which would have been a cause to have been lamented) but behold, Morianton being a man of much passion, therefore he was angry with one of his maid servants, and he fell upon her and beat her much.
And it came to pass that she fled, and came over to the camp of Moroni, and told Moroni all things concerning the matter, and also concerning their intentions to flee into the land northward."
Alma 50:30-31


It's so interesting the tiny things that make a difference. Sometimes the world makes us think that we can't make a difference, but this woman did, and so can we all, if we listen to the Spirit and act on God's promptings. Let's be open to that guidance and remain ready to act when God gives us an opportunity.

1 Nephi 5:1-2 -- On Trials and Testimony

"And it came to pass that after we had come down into the wilderness unto our father, behold, he was filled with joy, and also my mother, Sariah, was exceedingly glad, for she truly had mourned because of us. For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness; and she also had complained against my father, telling him that he was a visionary man; saying: Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness."
1 Nephi 5:1-2


I like these verses I think because it shows us some of the realities of that time. There was no way to communicate with people at a distance. There was no quick transportation. When Nephi and his brothers went back to Jerusalem, they were gone a very long time, trying different things to get the plates, and Sariah admitted to her husband that she thought he was crazy. :) Which, by modern standards seems like a pretty likely explanation. ... The cool thing about this though is that when they come back, Sariah is completely coverted and says that now she knows for sure that the Lord is really commanding her husband. It was a stressful way to gain a testimony, but having that testimony through the rest of the journey was invaluable.

Today, let's not be afraid to tell God what we think about life and whatever situation that we are in. He wants to know. However, after we express our opinions, let's take a step back and listen to what God has to say. He can help us understand all of it, and guide us in discovering the answers to all of our questions.

Exodus 20:3 -- On Putting God First

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
Exodus 20:3


Even though I don't think that most people worship idols anymore, we still seem to put a lot of things before God, primarily ourselves, which is common, but flawed. Since God can see more, and better, than we can, and understands everything that we don't (even when we think we do sometimes), prioritizing his perceptions before our own makes a lot of sense. We talk ourselves into crazy things sometimes, and God is the most trustworthy of all to be able to get us back on track as we are learning to walk, and think, and reason.

It reminds me of Revelation 3:17 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Today, let's remember that God is our father, and we are still toddlers compared to him. We need some extra wisdom and help as we learn to navigate life, and God is there to help, and wants us to ask. Let's read and study his word, and pray for help rather than trying to do it all alone. We need him, and just like this is the first commandment, admitting that need is the first step on the path to wisdom. :)

Psalms 94:12-13 -- On Chastening

"Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law;
That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked."
Psalms 94:12-13


It's hard to handle sometimes, but the Lord's chastening is good for us. It isn't like human chastening that can be arbitrary and unjust, but God's chastening will be appropriate to the situation and most importantly, will teach us how to improve. Today, let's try to be more patient with chastening and use ut to improve and learn.

Psalms 88:2-3 -- On Turning to the Lord

"Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;
For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave."
Psalms 88:2-3


I like this because sometimes our lives do feel heavy and dramatic, and the best thing we can do in times like that is to turn to the Lord. It also works when we are happy, of course, but emotional heaviness unfortunately gets us to remember God more often. :)

Today, let's turn to the Lord with grateful hearts, whether our lives seem good or bad, and include the Lord in our thoughts and lives. He loves us and wants to be there, in sorrow and in rejoicing.

Psalms 85:7-8 -- On Avoiding Folly

"Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly."
Psalms 85:7-8


God is amazing to grant us repentance and allow us to keep trying until we get it right. We need to take it seriously though, and not just blow it off thinking that we can repent on our deathbeds and everything will be golden. It's a process, not an instant perfection. :) Today, let's make sure we keep going and keep getting better, working with God each day to improve the world and ourselves... and not turning again to folly. :)

Psalms 84:11 -- On Good

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
Psalms 84:11


I like the idea of God allowing us everything good. That's a lot of potential blessings. The trick is of course to make sure we are distinguishing between good and evil, but also to learn to understand what *God* thinks is good more and more... not just avoiding evil, but focusing on understanding and doing good to ourselves and the world around us. Today, let's observe and see if we can fit a little bit more good in.

Luke 4:24 -- On Loving and Accepting People We Know Well

"And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country."
Luke 4:24


This is sort of sad. You would hope that the people who know you best would see your calling and rejoice for you and support you, but instead they might only see your weaknesses, remember your past errors, or treat you like you are still a toddler. In Christ's case he theoretically probably overcame all of his weaknesses, but that might be even worse for the jealousy factor. ... And you expect people who knew you when you were young to be a hard crowd, but after this they try to throw him off the top of a hill, so that's some serious animosity.

Today, let's try to be better to the people that we know well, and see past their weaknesses to who they are trying to be now. Let's give other people the grace that we want for ourselves--the room to change, the freedom from judgement, and the kindness and respect that we show to others.

Let's also respect God and show him love and respect, and not make the same mistake that the people in Nazareth did, assuming they knew him, but not knowing his heart very well at all.

D&C 29:43 -- On the Gift of Immortality

"And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe."
Doctrine and Covenants 29:43


I like the idea here that we have to go through death in order to get something better, and not just hang around living forever in this corrupt state where we can get sick and experience pain, etc. Resurrection gives us a perfect, immortal body without most of the pains and sorrows that we experience now... repentence is a bigger gift, for sure, but immortality is right up there. Another gift from God that we can be looking forward to.

1 Chronicles 28:9 -- On Hearts

"And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever."
1 Chronicles 28:9


I like the idea of God searching all of our hearts, even though it is also a little scary, because it means that he really knows us individually, and everything about us, the good and the bad. So he can be a combination of a best friend and a coach (and of course so much more), since he knows our quirks and our favorite things, but also our weaknesses and how to help.

The forsaking part is scary, but it's similar to being advised not to ask for the wrong things (D&C 88:65), or to deny help to others (Mosiah 4:24-25)... because those things bring our own condemnations down upon us. If we deny Christ and live our lives without him, we can't really expect him to force us to heaven, when we haven't ever gone in that direction. He does search for us, and our hearts, and give us every chance, so let's not think that part happens easily. It requires resisting and abandoning Christ over a lifetime and on a broad scale.

It also makes me think of someone in Conference today emphasized... that our obedience to God should be about love. That's why God comes to find us, and we do ourselves a disservice if we don't seek God out and try to get to know him through prayer, the scriptures, etc. and really find out for ourselves what God is about. That's a more important question than almost any other, and getting to know and love God is imperative if we want to see how any of this life stuff fits together, because that love is at the center of it all.

Ruth 1:16-19 -- On Love and Kindness

"And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?"
Ruth 1:16-19


Ruth's loyalty to her mother in law is commendable, but, to me, her commitment to the religion that she married into is even more so. I feel like this woman realizes that who she is now is better than who she used to be, and she doesn't want to go back, or leave the new life that she loves, despite the loss of her husband.

I'm also impressed that when they return, everyone knows who Naomi is, and throughout the story people hear about Ruth and how good she is to her mother-in law. It's a community that knows each other and at least to some extent, watches out for each other.

Today, let's love people and God more, and watch out for others and treat them with respect and kindness.

Judges 5:9 -- On Offering Ourselves

"My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the Lord."
Judges 5:9


I like the idea here of offering yourself. It sounds sacrificial, and in a way it is. God wants the sacrifice of a broken heart, a contrite spirit, and also a willing mind (2 Corinthians 8:12, D&C 64:34). He wants us to realize that we need improvement and to be meek enough to work with God to do good to ourselves by growing and improving and do good to others by learning to love, and forgive, and bless and not curse, to help rather than harm.

I don't think that kind of sacrifice has to feel sacrificial... like we are dying or tearing ourselves apart, but depending on what else we are giving up, sometimes repentance and change are painful. Even then though, it leads to more joy than we have ever felt, and a happiness about *ourselves* that we have never felt before either, so getting through that stage is worth the effort. Today, let's jump in and offer ourselves and become better while helping others to thrive and improve as well.

Psalms 32:2 -- On Guile

"Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile."
Psalms 32:2


I like the idea here of being without guile. Guile is basically being deceptive or duplicitous... or creative and intelligent, but in a devious way. :) So, perhaps someone who it doesn't even cross their mind to cheat, or to lie or to treat people differently, that might be a person without guile. Little kids are, but I think most of us quickly learn some guile from the world.

Maybe today, with God's help we can unlearn some of it, and look at other people with fresh eyes and a spirit of sincerity and love.

Romans 12:9-10 -- On Preferring One Another

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"
Romans 12:9-10


I like the idea of preferring one another. We're told to treat everyone well and to not be thinking that someone is better because of riches or whatever, and even to love our enemies, so we know it isn't about saying these people are better than those people. I love the idea of having everyone be your favorite for different reasons. Preferring not one person over another, but people over worldly thing. Everyone has something cool and special about them, and their own kind of genius. If we look for those things, then we can make people feel special and noticed as we love them and not just treat everyone the same because we are glossing over everyone in the same way. :)

Today, let's try to love everyone as God does, not just in bulk, but also on an individual level, finding out what makes a person awesome and celebrating it. :)

D&C 19:41 -- On Being Humble, Meek, and Wise

"Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me thy Savior. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 19:41


This is a good question... can we be humble and meek and conduct ourselves wisely before Christ? Perhaps not yet consistently, but with God's help, we can get there. Let's pray for help and work on it today.

Zechariah 13:6-9 -- On Layers of Meaning and Finding the Hope

"And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God."
Zechariah 13:6-9


I was reading in Mark today, and in Mark 14:27, Christ refers to verse 7 in this selection. The chapter heading talks about it referring to the Second Coming, but it obviously also refers to things that happened the first time. :) A lot of prophecies seem to be like that, with layers of meaning, and symbolic repetition (probably so that we catch on at some point).

One thing I love about these verses is that, whichever layer of meaning you are looking at, there is also the prophecy of hope. Tragedy strikes, but God holds some in reserve to endure, and to renew God's covenants with his people.

Today, whatever tragedy we face, let's focus on the hope that is always also there, and which persists in spite of death and suffering. Let's turn to the Lord and pray for help in figuring things out and choosing to do good and help others. Let's be part of God's solution.

Colossians 4:5-6 -- On Wise Words and Salty Seasoning

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Colossians 4:5-6


This is an interesting one about treating people outside the church with grace and kindness. The "seasoned with salt" phrase to a modern ear might suggest "being salty" or snarky/negative, but likely at the time it didn't have those overtones, but was rather a comment similar to the one in Mark 9:50, encouraging us to have salt in ourselves... since salt was a preservative, it saved food from going bad, and so having salt in us is a way to save/preserve us and keep us from rottenness and corruption. It could also just be talking about having a good flavor as well... kind of like asking us to be graceful and palatable to others, rather than sour or bitter.

Today, let's speak with grace and kindness to everyone, including people not in our religion, our circle of friends, our country, and even our enemies. God asks us to love all people. That is sometimes difficult, but as we follow God's acvice in the scriptures and turn to him in prayer, he can help us learn to do and be better.

Mormon 5:8-9 -- On Hidden Things and House-Tops

"And now behold, I, Mormon, do not desire to harrow up the souls of men in casting before them such an awful scene of blood and carnage as was laid before mine eyes; but I, knowing that these things must surely be made known, and that all things which are hid must be revealed upon the house-tops—
And also that a knowledge of these things must come unto the remnant of these people, and also unto the Gentiles, who the Lord hath said should scatter this people, and this people should be counted as naught among them—therefore I write a small abridgment, daring not to give a full account of the things which I have seen, because of the commandment which I have received, and also that ye might not have too great sorrow because of the wickedness of this people."
Mormon 5:8-9


I like that Mormon is trying to spare our feelings here. I think it shows the stark difference between him and the people around him.

The thing that struck me besides Mormon's kindness was the idea of all things that are hid will be made known upon the house-tops. Not sure where that house-tops idiom comes from, but the idea that everything will be revealed and nothing will be secret is clear.

It's interesting because our society faces a privacy dilemma right now. Not just trying to hide things, but also just trying to protect our information from being destroyed by malware, preventing our identities from being stolen, and hoping someone doesn't use AI to duplicate our likenesses and voices to decieve someone else. It can be hard to tell what's real, and what is true.

As a society we keep pulling back and trying to protect secrets, but at the same time the good guys and the bad guys are both building tools to find out all the secrets. And then those tools get abused to break into more things by the bad guys, and the cycle continues.

I think God's solution is different. We likely can't handle it right now, but when Christ comes again he'll reveal everything, which I think has to be part of the fear of judgement day, right? And once everything is known, there will be no hiding places anymore. It will be a super scary day for any of us / all of us who have something to hide.

Maybe today we should take a look at the things that we have to hide and start clearning those things up and making things right with God and with other people, so that when that day comes, we won't be asking the mountains to hide us because of our shame or guilt, but rather will be able to participate joyfully.

Mosiah 14:7 -- On Silence

"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth."
Mosiah 14:7


This is talking about Christ's death, and makes me wonder how hard it was for him to be silent about so much injustice. In our lives we complain a lot about things that aren't fair (to us). I wonder if silence, at least when we can't do anything about it, is a better strategy. No more thinking up retorts or trying to exact revenge, or broadcasting our displeasure. We'd probably have a lot more energy to invest in doing something good. Perhaps something to try today... a little silence in the right spots could improve things.

Romans 12:21 -- On Expanding and Increasing the Good

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21


So much good in this chapter, but this is the best part I think. There is some great guidance throughout, but if we can leave with just one takeaway, it is this. Don't bend to evil, and return that to others. That just makes us evil. Instead, we have to expand and increase the good that we do... *that* is what overcomes evil. Today, let's think of some big projects to spread some good. God will be behind us in those efforts.

2 Peter 1:2-9 -- On Abounding and Remembering

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."
2 Peter 1:2-9


I like how it talks about escaping corruption and gives a list of things to aspire to. It's interesting that he adds "and abound" near the end, making it clear that none of this is passive. :)

Today, let's remember that we were purged from our old sins, and live in newness of life, embracing and abounding in faith, virtue, knowledge, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. We can't be perfect all at once, but Simon Peter (and God) give us some great suggestions for things to work on and pray about here. :)

John 8:34 -- On the Trap of Sin

"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
John 8:34


Sin is a trap. It's why God warns us against it... because sin ensnares us and challenges our priorities and our devotion. Sin can deceive us because we want what it promises, even though it can't actually deliver happiness or peace or maintain anything else for very long. Those things come from God, and there isn't another path. All roads to eternal joy go through Jesus Christ.

Today, let's avoid the snares and walk in God's path. Improving ourselves does require effort, but it is worthwhile as we grow into people that we like better and that we want to be... an investment in eternity, which we wouldn't have without the atonement. Let's take a step away from sin and towards God, even if it is just a little one. God can help us keep moving.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 -- On the Love of Truth

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12


This is talking about the Second Coming. Jesus Christ will overcome lying wonders and the "mystery of iniquity" (verse 7). It seems like those who are not decieved are people with a real love for the truth, which is verse 10 is clearly something we receive. Perhaps today is a good day to question and study and pray to make sure we are on God's side, which is the side of truth, and work with God to get that gift of the love of truth, and nurture it and learn how to spiritually discern between truth and error.

Zephaniah 1:7 -- On the Lord's Guests

"Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests."
Zephaniah 1:7


It talks in these verses about the destruction of Jerusalem, which is also symbolic of the second coming, so the two ideas/events are mixed together here. This verse in particular reminded me of the parable of the ten virgins. Leading up to this it doesn't sound like anyone is going to survive, but then here we are reminded that the Lord has invited us to dinner on this night. And if we are watching and waiting for his return, then we will be invited in before the door is shut, which at least in the context of this chapter seems to mean the burning of everything (as in the allegory of the olive trees as well--the season and the end.).

Today, let's make sure we are diligently watching and waiting and communicating with God, prepared as only he can prepare us, for his coming.

2 Nephi 5:34 -- On Happiness and War

"And it sufficeth me to say that forty years had passed away, and we had already had wars and contentions with our brethren."
2 Nephi 5:34


By itself, this verse sounds like things were kind of bleak. But in verse 27, Nephi says "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness." And then we get here and we find out that wars and conflicts were happing during that happiness.

I think it reinforces the lesson that happiness isn't dictated by external factors, but instead is a product of both our focus and attitude and our connection with God, who brings us hope and joy even when we personally can't see past the current darkness.

Today, no matter what is going on around us, let's remember that we can still live after the manner of happiness. Let's call on God for help and be diligent to find the joy that he sends.

D&C 11:12-13 -- On Spirit and Joy

"And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;"
Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-13


I really like this description of the Spirit. It leads us to do good and brings us joy, among other really good things that we need. If we're stuck on something, the spirit will enlighten our minds. If we're prideful, the spirit can help us instill some humility. It helps us make better choices and judgements, to treat each other fairly, and to do good to others. Those are things that we desperately need in our lives.

Today, let's turn to the Lord and feel the spirit in our lives, which can make everything better and happier.

D&C 11:4-5 -- On the Personalized Gospel

"Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.
Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you."
Doctrine and Covenants 11:4-5


Obviously God can't give us everything we want in this life (because, like children, we often want things that are harmful to us, thinking that playing in traffic might be fun, etc.), but it amazes me sometimes how much his gospel *is* catered to what we want. If we jump in and do the work, then we are pre-approved, and God cares about the things that we ask and the things that we want access to. There are eternal truths that guide everything, but God really does personalize the gospel for each of us, teaching us in ways that we will understand and rewarding us according to our desires.

Like a perfect teacher, he pays attention to the individual and caters all of his lessons to us, in the context of our needs and our desires. God can help us to change our hearts, but he never does it without our willing participation. respecting both who we believe ourselves to be, and who he knows that we can be. He urges us to raise our sights and improve, aiming at becoming our ideal (and heavenly) selves.

Today, let's have hope and aim higher, trusting in God to help us accomplish much more than we could accomplish alone, and to teach us to be better than we now are.

4 Nephi 1:16 -- On Finding Happiness

"And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God."
4 Nephi 1:16


It's interesting here that we're shown happiness by the lack of certain things rather than the presence of certain things. I think it shows just how much freedom and joy that God offers us just by promising us a better world, free of strife. Now, of course, we don't inherit that world in our sins. We have to be willing to repent and change into the type of person that could live there... one that doesn't create strife, for instance, but it's also not something we have to be perfect at immediately. God is willing to take the time to teach us and help us get there, as long as we are willing to change.

Today, let's not look for happiness in acquisitiveness or cool toys, but instead aim for a better world, and work on being better people.

2 Corinthians 5:17 -- On Newness

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians 5:17


I love the promise of newness here... leaving behind sins and mistakes and moving on trying to be new and better, and God allows everyone that same grace. The ability to start over and try again, no matter how much you've messed things up.

Today, let's turn to God and embrace newness and repentance and the chance for all of us to change and grow and improve.

Ephesians 4:31-32 -- On Bitterness and Love

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:31-32


I think this is hard to do... to let go of bitterness, wrath, etc. ... Sometimes injustice has been done, and soemtimes we've just been embarrassed or ignored. But all that bitterness, malice, etc. poisons our souls. Love is the cure, and God can teach us how to love those who have wronged us... and anyone else as well. Let's turn to the Lord for help, so that we can rid our souls of the poison of bitterness and learn how to forgive.

D&C 27:15 -- On Lifting Up Our Hearts and Rejoicing

"Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand."
Doctrine and Covenants 27:15


I like that beginning of this verse is asking us to rejoice. God's armor is there to protect us, but I think part of rejoicing is nor getting caught up in, or becoming part of, the evil around us, but rather being resilient and seeing the good that is out there, and being part of *that* instead.

Today, let's take upon ourselves the armor of God, but also remember that it begins with attitude and trust that in God, and knowing that in Him, there is always reason to rejoice.

D&C 5:19-20 -- On the Brightness of the Lord's Coming

"For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming.
Behold, I tell you these things, even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem; and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified."
Doctrine and Covenants 5:19-20


This reminds me of the allegory of the Olive trees. This "desolating scourge" could be the pruning, and the clearing away the bad as the good shall grow. (I am not claiming that only bad people die in any scourges. Just generally comparing the predictions.)

The idea of the earth being empty is kind of mind-boggling, but it goes along with scriptureal predictions of the earth finally being able to rest, and growing in glory. Whether anyone lives through the "end" that way or not, we know that God still has plans for us, and for the earth, so all will work out according to his will in the end.

It was hard for the people in Jerusalem to believe that no stone would be left on top of another, and so many blew the idea off, but let's be diligent and repent and prepare spiritually so that we aren't caught unprepared with no time left, like the five foolish virgins in another parable. Today, let's listen, and believe, and pray, and prepare.

D&C 22:4 -- On Seeking to Counsel God

"Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 22:4


This answr from God is interesting. He was responding to some people who wanted to join the church without rebaptism, but I think that it can apply to any time we think that we can do things our own way rather than God's way. And we do tend to question or even think that we are right and God is wrong sometimes.

Today, let's turn to God with our questions, and let him guide us. He listens, and helps us understand. Let's also be careful to be humble and to remember that God's path is the correct path. Going our own way will just result in having to turn around and get back on God's path anyway, so let's put the effort in ahead of time and be open to God teaching us why his way is right, and helping us get on the same page.

Acts 10:34 -- On Learning Love

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons."
Acts 10:34


I got to this verse by looking at the footnotes for D&C 1:35, but wanted to use this one instead just because D&C is warning everyone, but here the context is offering everyone the same gifts and promises.

What about places where we read about God's chosen people? That sounds like being a respecter of persons. ... I don't think that is actually a contradiction though. It's more like the story of the talents or the parable of the prodigal son. There seems to be favoritism in general in both cases, but what it is is actually responsibility. If we join in God's work then we are chosen (called) to the work, and might get different levels of "talents" (whether spiritual gift or monetary unit) as we choose to serve God, or we might start out well, but then choose to squander our inheritance / blessings. The inequity is temporary, but the underlying lessons of responsibility and priorities are what matter.

It's a hard concept to understand on one level because we are respecters of persons, and we change how we act and how we treat people based on a lot of things. Today though, let's do our best at trying it God's way, treating everyone with kindness adn respect (in a good way), and not promoting inequity. As we work on it, God can teach us more about others and about how to be better people.

D&C 1:32-33 -- On Losing Light

"Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;
And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts."

Doctrine and Covenants 1:32-33


This life is a probationary time, and it seems, a time when we can have it both ways to some extent. Temporarily, some people might be able to profit from evil, and we can waffle a little in our dedication to God without losing the connection entirely. We at least have what we have learned in the past, and can look back and feel that... hopefully to inspire us to go further.

This verse tells us that it won't always be that way, which raises the importance of repentance to a critical level. If we don't repent, at some point it will be too late, and we will lose even the light that we have gained in the past. All progress lost... "as though there had been no redemption made" (Alma 12:18), because we rejected the chance to partake of God's mercy and change.

Today, let's take advantage of our time in this life, and welcome the opportunity to repent. Let's gather more light into our lives, being thankful for the atonement, and working to allow it full sway in our hearts, so that we can become better and not lose everything we already have, spiritually.

D&C 20:37 -- On Baptism

"And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church."
Doctrine and Covenants 20:37


I like this description of baptism, and the idea that we're doing it as a witness that we are humble and repentant. Being willing to take upon us the name of Christ is an ongoing promise that our humility and repentance aren't just a one-time thing, but a promise to keep coming back and putting God first in our lives, recognizing that salvation comes through Him. Today, let's work on upholding that promise that we made at baptism, or, if we aren't baptized yet, discussing it with God and being humble and willing to enter into this covenant with Him.

Omni 1:2 -- On Our Wickedness

"Wherefore, in my days, I would that ye should know that I fought much with the sword to preserve my people, the Nephites, from falling into the hands of their enemies, the Lamanites. But behold, I of myself am a wicked man, and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments of the Lord as I ought to have done."
Omni 1:2


This made me think about how we will judge ourselves, looking back on our lives. Omni recognizes that he fought for his people, but that he is wicked. ... Maybe today we should stop and look back a little sooner than Omni did, and if we realize that we are wicked, or off track, let's do something about it. If we don't know how or we think it is too hard, then let's go to the Lord. Nothing is too hard for him, and he loves it when we ask him to teach us how to make better choices. Let's do better, and not end our days as an Omni, accepting our own wickedness. Let's fight it and with God's help, overcome it.

Daniel 6:18-23 -- On Worry and Miracles

"Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God."
Daniel 6:18-23


I love the king in this story. He allows himself to be flattered into signing a law that is designed to get Daniel, his trusted counselor, killed, and the political forces of the time force him to go through with throwing Daniel into the den of lions. But as he is doing so he says "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." He believes, but has a really rough night, worried about Daniel, and he gets to the den really early and calls out in anguish, hoping that Daniel is somehow still alive. And he is, the night he likely spent petitioning God on Daniel's behalf has been heard and a miracle granted.

The miracle here isn't just for Daniel, who definitely deserved to be saved, but also for the King who is angry at himself for letting people talk him into this crazy law and who loves Daniel and wants him to live... and who trusted enough to go to the lion's dan early in the morning to find out.

Later, he sends out a decree telling people about the God of Daniel, calling him the "living God" (as opposed to idols perhaps), and celebrating his greatness... and I can't help thinking that he was honoring the God that helped him when he couldn't do anything himself, even with all his earthly power.

Today, let's also believe, and honor, and trust, the living God of miracles. Let's pray and study his word, and get to know him better and learn from him.

Joshua 6:20 -- On the Way Forward with God

"So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city."
Joshua 6:20


This reminded me today that God's answers aren't things that we can anticipate. He sees more, and is far wiser than we are, and so the things that he asks us to do and the answers that he gives us are not always going to be the answers that we expect or want... but they are always the right choice, because God can see how creation is woven together, and the end from the beginning.

Another thing that it means is that even when we can't see a solution or think that things are hopeless, the Lord knows of a solution, and offers hope. Again, it might not be the answer we want, but there is always a way forward with God.

1 Nephi 22:28 -- On Repentance

"But, behold, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel if it so be that they will repent."
1 Nephi 22:28


It would be difficult to overemphasize the importance of repentence. It's behind the whole purpose of this earth life... we come to learn and to become, and change (for the better) is a necessary part of that. Repentence is what allows us to change, because it is the act of regretting and letting go of who we used to be, and changing into who we want to be, and acting on that premise, getting closer and closer to God's will every time we change. Making mistakes, but learning from them, and trusting in God to teach us another lesson so that we can learn more from our all-wise teacher and coach, who is gentle when we need it and firm when we need it.

Today, let's realize that repentence doesn't have to be scary or bad... it isn't a punishment, but a way to change and become better. It is something to embrace and to invest in, as we listen to God and learn from him. He is helping us become our best selves. It's a long process, and often hard to let go of our souvenirs of hell, but if we stick with the process, and stay close to God, he will help us get to a higher and better self... and help us continue to improve and change into those awesome people that we want to be.

Luke 19:41-42 -- On the Things that Belong to our Peace

"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes."
Luke 19:41-42


This is a good reminder of how blind we are sometimes, and being blind to the things that belong to our peace seems like a tragedy. Today, let's take some time to commune with God and to pray for guidance so that we don't overlook the things that can lead us to peace, but instead hold fast to them and let other distractions fade instead.

D&C 91:4-6 -- On Cultivating the Spirit

"Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 91:4-6


This section is talking about the Apocrypha, but it also seems like a good overall rule... if we have the spirit with us, then we will be able to discern truth in the things that we read and in the world around us, and if we don't have the spirit, then we are left with little to no benefit.

Today, let's step up our game on cultivating the Spirit in our lives, rather than just slipping into a routine or habit that doesn't include the mindfulness and connection with God that we really need in our lives.

D&C 89:18-20 -- On Health, Wisdom, and Endurance

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint."
Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-20


I love that the blessings here are physical, mental, and spiritual. One of the greatest blessings that the Lord has given us are our bodies, and the chance to integrate our spirits with a physical aspect that also becomes a part of us... learning how to navigate that joining is part of what earth life is about. We learn how physical and spiritual relate to each other, and how to make a whole from disparate parts of ourselves that want different things. We learn to follow Christ's example and to follow God's advice not just in philosophical ways, but in actual day to day living.

Today, let's put effort into learning how to be more obedient and tap into blessings that the Lord still has in store for us, in so many different areas.

Galatians 6:7-8 -- On Sowing the Spirit

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
Galatians 6:7-8


An important thing to remember... what we get out of this life depends on what we put into it. Christ's atonement saves us when we repent, but even so it doesn't invent good actions to replace bad ones. Part of the repentance process is learning to change and make better choices.

Today let's work on seeking the Spirit, infusing goodness into our lives, and really focusing on who we want to be and what we are putting out into the world, because whether we are paying attention or not, that is what we are going to get back. Paying more attention and being more intentional with our lives, honoring God and serving other people, can teach us a lot, and make sure that we really know where we're going. :)

Jude 1:17-18 -- On Trusting God and Avoiding Satan's Traps

"But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts."
Jude 1:17-18


A good reminder that we need to be careful of being mockers and putting ungodly things before Godly things. It's easy to dismiss someone else's position and mock it, but much harder to examine it and really find out why they believe as they do... and to examine our own beliefs to avoid deception, which is so prevalent now. Even technology can't tell what is real 100% of the time anymore, so we need to rely on God (which has been the best choice from the beginning, of course.) :)

When all things fail, God will still be there to help us. Let's turn to him to help us to avoid deception and mockery, but also to avoid becoming the deceptive and the mockers to someone else.

Romans 3:10-12 -- On Learning and Seeking

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
Romans 3:10-12


Paul seems to be quoting an Old Testament scripture here, perhaps from Psalm 14 or Psalm 53, but he explains further "Destruction and misery are in their ways / and the way of peace have they not known" (verses 16-17), and "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (verse 23).

It reminds me of the allegory of the Olive Trees, and how they got to a point where none of the fruit was good at all, so they think about burning it all, but the servant (representing Christ) pleads for a little more time. And I think that is what this is about. We all fall short. If it were a college class, we'd all be getting failing grades. But Christ sees the good in us, even though it is deeply buried sometimes, and he asks us to come and study with hia tutoring and coaching we might not get an A, but at least we'll pass. And then after this class (earth life) is over, he can help us even more in our chosen profession, learning how to navigate eternity. :)

Today, let's remember that we're falling short and that we really need help... and then look to Christ as the source of that help. He can teach us the way of peace.

Isaiah 8:12-14 -- On Sanctuary and Stumbling

"Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."
Isaiah 8:12-14


I like the part about not believing rumors, and focusing on and trusting the Lord, but even more I like the second part about God being both a sanctuary and a stone of stumbling... and I think that is in how we approach Him. If we go to God, trusting him and seeking refuge, we will find it... but if we instead approach God to pick a fight, we can find that as well. God will always try to teach us, but often we're just shouting and not listening... and when we're not paying attention like that, we're bound to stumble.

Today, let's approach God for help and protection, in humility. As we do, he will teach us and help us find a better path, as well as a greater measure of comfort and joy. :)

Mark 3:32-35 -- On God, Family, and Unity

"And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
Mark 3:32-35


This is an interesting story from Christ's life, which to me seems to be a little bit like the story of him staying behind in the temple when he was young. The overall lesson is not that family is unimportant. Christ as a young man was chastised and was subject to his parents, and I'm guessing that Christ, here, spoke with his family when he had time. We don't ever want there to be a conflict between family and God, but the lesson here I think is that if and when there is a conflict, that God's priorities are always the correct choice.

It also seems like a really awesome invitation to be part of Christ's family. People had been following him around, wanting to touch him to be made whole, and here he tells them that they (and we) are invited to be his family and his priority, if they do the will of God.

It would be easy to look at choices like these as disloyal and exclusionary, leaving family out or excluding them, but instead of asking Christ to come out to them, they could have chosen to come in. I think it is similar to choosing to be baptised or not. God invites us in, welcoming *everyone* ... he wants us to be a close community of believers, to love each other, to serve each other. He isn't trying to exclude, but to welcome, and invites all of us to join with him.... but the correct place to join together is where he is, not where we are.

Let's choose to come to Christ and be part of it all, to unite and rejoice in all that God offers us, together.

Psalms 127:1-2 -- On Trusting the Lord

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."
Psalms 127:1-2


I like this reminder that the Lord helps us, always, to the degree that if he didn't help us, our efforts would be in vain. When we work towards God's will, then things work out better. Similarly, worry doesn't help. Trusting in God is the only thing that can help for so many things that we don't have any control over... because God does. He can calm our worries and help us with anything.

Today, let's counsel with the Lord in all that we do, and follow his instructions so that we are not working in vain, but rather towards a better world and an eventual happy ending/eternity. And let's get some sleep, knowing that God has things under control. :)

D&C 46:30-32 -- On Spiritual Gifts and Blessings

"He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh. And again, I say unto you, all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit; And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with."
Doctrine and Covenants 46:30-32 This is near the end of the section talking about spiritual gifts, and I really liked this last advice. If we are in tune with God, and ask for something, then we can trust that it is also God's will. We need to do everything in the name of Christ, because Christ is the center of all of it, and we should express our thankfulness for our blessings. When we leave that part out, it is easy to start feeling that it is something that we did without God's involvement, which is true of very little that is good. Today, let's cultivate the Spirit, remember, and offer thanks.

4 Nephi 1:10-13 -- On Unity and Joy

"And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became an exceedingly fair and delightsome people.
And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them.
And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord.
And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land; but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus."
4 Nephi 1:10-13


This is after Christ comes, and I love seeing how quickly they grow as a righteous / ideal community, like the City of Enoch / Zion. I feel like we spend so much time on things that don't bring us joy (not necessarily in a Marie Kondo way, but in a "Man is that he might have joy" way), and here, in this society there were no impediments to that joy... which is why I think also Christ's joy was full when he visited these people, because he could finally teach them that pure joy. :)

Today, let's work to get closer to this ideal of joy. :) Let's let go of contention. Let's continue in fasting and prayer. Let's meet together to pray and to hear the word of the Lord. Let's focus on Christ, and let go of the temptations that the devil throws in there to distract us. I don't think an ideal society, at least in mortality, removes all trials, but I think that despite all our trials, if we counsel with the Lord, he will lead us to the kind of pure happiness that we dream of.

Mosiah 23:13-15 -- On Trust

"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.
Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them."
Mosiah 23:13-15


It's interesting to hear "trust no one" from the scriptures. :) It's good that God wants us to be discerning and make sure that we aren't being taken advantage of by unscrupulous types... and let's remember here that we are probably all unscrupulous types. The scriptures instruct us that "it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion" (D&C 121:39). And if we can't trust ourselves 100%, then how much less those who are out there intentionally playing on our weaknesses and filling the world with scams and deception?

Let's take God's advice to heart today, and judge the world by, and through, Christ. Let's look unto God's commandments as a guide for our behavior, striving to love and avoid contention, and when we need help deciding what to do and we are looking for a teacher or a minister to help, let's turn to the Lord or those he has approved, rather than any other options.

Amos 4:13 -- On Mountains and Wind and High Places

"For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The Lord, The God of hosts, is his name."
Amos 4:13


Good reminders that God can do things that we can't dream of doing, even with the miracles of modern technology. He has better, and he can inspire our thoughts and tell us what we are thinking, so it isn't just an extra few generations of mundane tech that we are missing either. :)

Today, let's remember that God loves us, and that he is wiser than we are. He is someone that we can trust, and that we can consult him in all that we do, so we never have to struggle alone.

Romans 4:18-21 -- On Believing in Hope

"Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."
Romans 4:18-21


This is talking about "the faith of Abraham" (verse 16), and I love the general idea of this. It is so easy to accept the world's view and believe only in what we see, but God is the promise of things beyond our understanding and the hope of salvation that we can't make for ourselves. And trusting him and being in tune with that Spirit... that's not trusting in fakery, but instead wisely trusting in someone who can see more, who knows more, who loves us, and who can teach us more, just as children trust their parents.

Not much in this world is worthy of our trust. There are people trying to steal our identities and so much else, people taking advantage of each other, and with new AI technology being able to fake almost anything, it isn't always easy to sort out truth and fiction anymore. With God though, we always have a solid foundation, and a friend who knows reality and can help us see through the deceptions.

Today, thought we face different challenges, we need the same things that Abraham did... hope, and faith in God's promise that he can save us, and that he will keep his word, even in situations where we don't see a solution.

Deuteronomy 4:29-31 -- On Hearts and Souls

"But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
(For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them."
Deuteronomy 4:29-31


More good reminders. I love the part about the latter days when it seems that it is addressd directly to us, reminding us that God has not forsaken us, and that if we seek him with all our hearts and souls, we will find him. Let's take the time and make that mental and spiritual effort :) Not just temporarily, but to change ourselves and align our hearts with God's, so that we want what he wants, and we are working with God towards a permanent change.

Deuteronomy 4:9 -- On Taking Heed and Remembering

"Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;"
Deuteronomy 4:9


This is a really important verse I think, because it isn't that we don't have experiences with God. We all do. Miracles happen. We feel Christ in our lives. But later, when we're less in tune, it can be easy to forget or dismiss the way those things felt, the surety and confidence that we had in the truth. We are really good at blowing things off or explaining them away, and forgetting who we are as children of God.

Today, let's remember what we have seen, and hold them in our hearts, and pass them on in whatever way we can. Writing them down can help us remember, and also be there for others later. God is real. He loves us and is there for us. We know this. Let's take heed and do what it takes to remember, and to pass that knowledge along, as did those before us, thankfully, so that we have the scriptures to guide us.

Obadiah 1:15 -- On Rewards upon our Heads

"For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
Obadiah 1:15 In context, this is a horrible condemnation. The cool thing is that it is also a great blessing, if we learn to do better. And because of Christ, we can repent of past sins and change. Today, let's think about how we are treating others, and whether there are some things we need to clear up before we get those rewards that we have been storing up. When we get to the day of Restoration, let's make sure we have some goodness that can come back to us. :)

D&C 7:1-3 -- On Tarrying

"And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you. And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee. And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people."
Doctrine and Covenants 7:1-3 This seems like such a huge thing to ask... but also cool, to be willing to spend thousands of years being a missionary. Perhaps today we can take some time to ponder that level of committment to the gospel, and renew our own committment to help build the kingdom of God.

D&C 4:2 -- On Committing to God

"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day."
Doctrine and Covenants 4:2 An excellent reminder that if we are going to commit to God, we need to really commit. He loves us so much, but not in a permissive-grandmother type of way that stands back and watches the loved one choose destruction. He is committed, and does *everything* possible, short of denying our free will, to get us to make better choices and find happiness. If we want the happy ending that he wants to give us, we need to want that tpp, and to work and strive to be as worthy of it as we can. If we do that, then Christ makes up the difference. Today, let's reach beyond our capability for God, and God will teach us to reach father and to be better.

D&C 11:21-22 -- On Spirit and Word

"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.
But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto."
Doctrine and Covenants 11:21-22


I like this message. Not jsut the idea that sometimes you have to stop and study, which is a great principle, but also the idea of being able to have the power of God in his word. Today, let's take the first step and work on obtaining his word by reading and studying the scriptures. As we learn, God will lead us on to additional lessons, loosening our tongues, and granting us his spirit and his word.

D&C 34:8-9 -- On the Great Day of the Lord

"And it shall be a great day at the time of my coming, for all nations shall tremble.
But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood; and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destructions await the wicked."
Doctrine and Covenants 34:8-9


It sounds great in the sense of big and amazing. Maybe not in the sense of "best day ever" ... although, despite the destruction, it is that as well in a lot of ways. When Christ returns, justice will be restored, the secret combinations done away... the world will finally be right. ... And whether or not we suffer through some destruction, if we are on the Lord's path, we'll still get a happy ending. Today, let's make sure we are on the Lord's path, and that we are helpful and kind to our fellow beings, helping as many as possible to do good and find the right path.

Psalms 86:11-12 -- On United, Whole Hearts

"Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore."
Psalms 86:11-12


It's interesting here that the psalm is asking God to unite the heart, and also mentions praising God with all of the heart. I think this points to our hearts being divided in this life, pulled in at least two directions, the spiritual and the physical, and perhaps more, as God and Satan influence us in different directions. We're fickle and changeable, and God, who is neither, is the source that we can look to for stability and help with uniting our own desires, and being able to find righteous ways to build up our spirits and our bodies into a united whole. Today, let's look to God for an example and power in unity, not only getting on the same page with God, or with others in working for a greater good, but also within ourselves as we try to sort out who we are, and help our spirits shine through and not get overwhelmed with the physical distractions.

Psalms 84:4 -- On Stillness and Praise

"Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah."
Psalms 84:4


I liked this because the "be still praising thee" part reminded me of "be still and know that I am God' ... it might not be meant as similar, but I think that there is a fair chance that it has multiple meanings here and part of the still ness is not just continuing, but rooting ourselves in the Lord, taking time for him, and focusing on him. And those blessings can come in the temple or during the second coming, or perhaps also in church when we are still and dedicated to praise and worship.

God helps us when we stop and focus and when we are in his house, so adding a layer on to those things makes it like a little whirlwind of blessings, helping us find peace but also helping us be the people that can do hard things and help God's kingdom go forward. Let's stand with the Lord and find that perfect stillness that can only be found in him.

Psalms 82:4 -- On Helping the Poor and Needy

"Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked."
Psalms 82:4 I like this because we usually hear about needing to provide for and help the poor, but this goes further, asking us to deliver them from people who are hurting or taking advantage of them... just like we should deliver ourselves if we have the resources. Let's partner with God, and help each other get back to him.

Psalms 81:10-12 -- On Choosing God over Our Faulty Desires

"I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels."
Psalms 81:10-12


It's interesting here that God doesn't mention cursing anyone or lashing out, but just says that he let them make their own bad choices... what we think we want, which never ends up where we wanted to be. I think it is telling that this is the consequence of rebelling against God. Like the parent that he is, God sits back and has to watch the mess we are amking of our lives sometimes, which is hard for him, because he yearns to save us and prevent those bad consequences from reaching us.

Today, let's turn to the Lord and listen to his advice, and not get caught in the trap of our own desires and our own ways, which very often lead us away from the Lord. Instead, let's counsel with the Lord and take counsel from his hand, and learn what will help us grow into better people, improve the world around us, and lead us to light and joy. That is what the Lord offers. Let's learn to align our wills with his, and to want that better self and access to heaven more than we want whatever random sin is tempting us today. Let's not leave the Lord in the dust as we wander off, but turn to him in love, and accept his protection. He will lead us to a place better than anything we could invent on our own.

Enos 1:8 -- On Faith and Wholeness

"And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole."
Enos 1:8


The idea here, that faith can make us whole, is intriguing. Part of that wholeness is likely the remission of sins that Enos has just prayed for, but I think on a larger scale we just aren't complete without God... his light and life are at the core of who we are, as his creations, and when we sin we're going against ourselves on a very basic level, which is why we say that seperation from God is spiritual death.

When we choose physical desires over spiritual desires, it is like choosing a digital avatar over the human self behind it. We might grow to love and adore that digital identity, but it is a tool meant to reflect and complement our true selves, not something that should become more important than our spirits.

Today, let's think about what wholeness means, and do what we can to reconcile our desires with God's will. There are righteous ways to feel happy and fulfilled, and God is leading us to peace and joy. Let's talk to him about what we want, and let him teach us the right way.

Mormon 6:7-8 -- On Fear and Hope

"And it came to pass that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to receive them.
And it came to pass that they came to battle against us, and every soul was filled with terror because of the greatness of their numbers."
Mormon 6:7-8


This is of course a terrible time for the Nephites, who are staring in the face of extermination. I do like though the mention of the "awful fear of death" being attributed to the wicked, even though everyone was "filled with terror," because I think those fears are very different.

We're all going to feel fear in war, or when we know we can't protect our loved ones, but fear that we are going to die without redemption or that death is the end with nothing after... that is an even more terrible fear, and that's the one we have more control over.

I mean, yeah, let's try to stay out of war zones, but more importantly, let's make sure that whenever we die, we know that ourselves and our families are safe in an eternal sense... that we are all sealed together and will see one another again, through the redemptive power of Christ, who died for exactly this... so that our terror can be turned into joy and newness of life beyone the grave.

Let's focus on solving that bigger fear by changing our lives and getting right with God... and then even when we do die, we can do so in hope.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 -- On Inheriting the Kingdom of God

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
1 Corinthians 6:9-11


I like the "and such were some of you" part... reminding us that we won't be judged by who we used to be, but by who we are... and if we aren't who we want to be, we can still put it in the past and become better. Today, let's seek to become inheritors of the kingdom of God by repenting and counseling with God on how to become better. If we follow his advice, we will make it there together.

Exodus 14:13-14 -- On Standing Still and Salvation

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."
Exodus 14:13-14


This is a good reminder that we never see the whole picture, and God has solutions that we have never considered. The Egyptians were following the children of Israel, and the children of Israel were (understandably, considering the circumstances) pretty freaked out. They had escaped slavery for only a very short time and now they were being followed by an army. It looked dire. ... To mortal eyes. God had a plan, and the prophet told them to be still and watch/trust that the Lord would do as he promised. This was just after a bunch of miracles in getting them out of Egypt in the first place, so they did have some experience to draw upon.

Today, let's remember this, and the miracles that God has done throughout the scriptures and in our own lives, and let's take those memories and bolster our confidence in God, and know that he is willing to help us every single time we need it. Let's do everything we can, and definitely pray for help, but then in stillness, let's trust that the Lord knows what he is doing, and not freak out or run around full of anxiety. We don't need to. God will take care of the things that we can't control, and however it works out, he will help us through it.

2 Nephi 27:25-26 -- On Hearts and Wonders

"Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men— Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid."
2 Nephi 27:25-26


The thing that strikes me about this selection is the idea of our hearts being far from God, even though we talk about him all the time... and I think that's kind of a scary thought, and something we need to probably think about and guard against in our lives. God is not a fairy tale, and if we aren't getting that, then let's take some quiet time to sincerely pray and talk to God... only He can convince us that he is there, and of his love. We can talk about it, and say it, but until we feel it and know it on a personal level, we won't be able to get past the blockage described here... that of having our hearts far from God. God is already in the midst of doing his marvellous work. Let's pay attention, and pray and study, and get our hearts and our minds aligned with God, as he works this last time to pull us all back into His fold. :)

2 Nephi 27:23 -- On Miracles

"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."
2 Nephi 27:23


I like this declaration that God is, and always will be, a God of miracles. We look for drama sometimes, and don't see it, and so we think God isn't there... but God works by faith, and the dramatic things come *after* faith, not before it. And even then, most miracles happen in the small and simple things of every day, and might not look like miracles to everyone. I'm sure when Nephi's family left Jerusalem it didn't seem like a miracle to those left behind. And Noah's ark looked like the work of a madman until the floods came.

Today, let's be faithful and look to God in faith for help and protection. His blessings won't always seem miraculous to others, but as we seek God's hand in our lives, we will clearly see it.

Jeremiah 47:6 -- On Swords and Scabbards

"O thou sword of the Lord, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still."
Jeremiah 47:6


This is an interesting one... it expresses the fear we have of disasters and destruction that we can't control. It's something we feel often, sometimes thinking "make it stop!" The next verse expresses the contrasting viewpoint: "How can it be quiet, seeing the Lord hath given it a charge...?" We want the pain and confusion to stop, but on the other hand we also want peace and justice. In a world where we are allowed to choose good or evil and happiness or misery, there is always going to be this conflict, because of sin and the consequences of sin. The Lord has to prune his vineyard from time to time, removing the bad branches so that the good ones have room to grow. Interestingly, the verse preceding this says "how long wilt thou cut thyself?," illustrating that often, we suffer from our own destructive choices.

Which leads us to the answer to the query. The sword of the Lord will be still when we stop playing destructive games with it... likely the Millenium is the answer for the world in general, but hopefully some of us can find some measure of peace before that, choosing peace and stillness in our own lives, and turning to God rather than the drama around us--in essence, putting the sword away and accepting the Lord's peace.

Matthew 3:13-15 -- On Suffering it to Be So Now

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."
Matthew 3:13-15


I like that Christ reassures John about this... acknowledges that it is a little awkward, but still important to do. Baptising a sinless man? Silly. Surely it should be an exception. But Christ shows us that sometimes we should do it anyway as a way of marking the path or setting an example for others. God's gospel *is* for everyone, and it works as we apply it in our lives. Let's remember the example of Christ and let go of our rebellion at the exceptions in life, instead trying to live by the Spirit and find out how we fit into God's plan. All of us do, even though we might have to drop some of our burdens to make it work. :)

Romans 12:12-14 -- On Being Instant in Prayer

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."
Romans 12:12-14


This is some great life advice for us (the rest of the chapter is also great if you have time to read today). My favorite part of the selection is the "instant in prayer" part. ... I think what that means is not necessarily dropping to our knees in the middle of the sidewalk, but rather a relationship with God where we think often about what He would think or like or do, as we do with mortal people that we love. I think that's also part of hearkening to the spirit and putting God first... praying always. It's that mental space that is dedicated to God because we love him and he is never far from our thoughts.

Today, let's think about what that kind of relationship with God would be like, and talk to God about how we would like to change our lives to get there. And of course let us also rejoice in hope, help others and invite them in, and bless everyone, even the ones that we are still learning to love.

Judges 6:13-14 -- On Answers from the Lord

"And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?"
Judges 6:13-14


I love this answer from the Lord. You have a question about something I haven't done for you? Let's go and do it together. :) I think the Lord uses this answer with us often... he can work more freely with us if we are engaged in doing something that we care about, and which is pleasing to God, so any project that does good is something that he can use to help us and build us into better people. :)
Today, let's take our own questions to the Lord, and be willing to get in there and work on making them happen.

D&C 45:56-58 -- On a House of Friends

"And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation."
Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-58


A few verses before this, still talking about the second coming, Jesus is asked about the wounds in his hands and feet and says "These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (verse 52) That is a really emotional message, and it made me think about how Christ could feel about all of this. He loves us so much, but we keep rejecting him in all sorts of ways. The whole world, our corruption, and the evil and ludicrous things that we put each other through... we're all certifiable.

Which is probably why even the destruction mentioned in this section seems compassionate to me. He mentions redeeming the heathen and them that "knew no law" and that it will be "tolerable" for them. Trying to help people and give them the best life and best future possible, even though we killed him. We rejected him. We rarely acknowledge him, and are often ashamed of him. That's an awful relationship to be in... and we're the bad guys in this story. So when he reaches out and talks about the parable of the ten virgins, it is so much easier to understand why not everyone is getting in to this feast.

Today, let's be abundantly grateful for Christ's life and his suffering for us, who never deserved what he gave up for us, but he loved us anyway. Let's take the grace that he offers to us, and learn to be wise, to recieve the truth, and take the Holy Spirit for our guide. Let's become the people and the friends that *Christ* deserves.

Mark 14:6 -- On God's Protection

"And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me."
Mark 14:6


I like here that Christ stands up for the woman that poured oil on his head, and explains why, even though the woman herself might not have known. Today, let's remember God's protective power in our own lives as well, and gather with him in safety.

Mark 7:24 -- On Taking Time to Recover and Blessing Others

"And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid."
Mark 7:24


I think it is cool that Christ needed some time away from the crowds. He served and gave of himself to others, which is of course noble and good, but he also took care of himself and those he traveled with. It's a good thing to remember as we face decisions in life as well. We need to take time to rest and recover along with giving service, and all the rest. Let's remember not to glorify overwork and busyness, but rather to find the balance, and to look unto God in every thought, so that he can help us know when to work and when to rest, study, and play. :)

Psalms 4:4 -- On Being Still

"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."
Psalms 4:4


Our Relief Society lesson today was based on Bishop Budge's talk from this last conference (Link), and I really liked a lot of what he had to say about stillness, which is similar to the advice in this verse. Today, let's not let the distractions of the world pull us away from God, but let's make the mental effort to be still, remembering and focusing on God.

When we pray/meditate with God, we don't have to say anything, but we can if we want to. The idea is to lift our hearts to him, and to be able to feel his love... and to take similar time regularly to commune with the Lord. We don't need to fear or run away from our trials, which are there for us to learn from. He will shelter us and protect us if we turn to him in quietness and peace.

2 Corinthians 10:7-10 -- On Appearances, Weaknesses, Judgements, and Love

"Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible." 2 Corinthians 10:7-10 It's interesting to me that Paul talks about the outward appearance, and then talks about his power in writing being stronger than his face-to-face presence and power in speaking. Moses had a similar weakness, claiming to be slow of speech and slow of tongue. Moroni seems to have been opposite, saying that they were not mighty in writing like the Brother of Jared, but rather that their words were "powerful and great, even that we cannot write them." I think that all of this together is a strong message about the way that we look at other people, and the way that we make judgements and decisions. Are we dismissing people because of something external or comparing our strengths to their weaknesses? The prophets all had weaknesses... it's more than likely that we, and the people around us, have some too. Today, let's try to see past the outward appearance and the possibly stumbling words, or the awkward writing. Let's do our best to see as God sees, with love. And when we're having trouble with that, let's pray to him for help to let us glimpse others as he sees them. Let's listen and learn what is inside.

2 Corinthians 7:9-10 -- On Sorrow and Hope

"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
2 Corinthians 7:9-10


I like the idea here that godly sorrow and worldly sorrow are different and lead to different outcomes. I think I have felt this in my life... the difference between the howling loss of something you desperately want, but can't (and shouldn't) have, and the deep shame and remorse for something that you did terribly wrong paired with the determination to improve, and not be that person anymore. Maybe it can also be seen just in the difference between funerals... a group that has lost someone and believes that is the end, and the group that truly believes that they will see thier loved ones again. The difference in hope for the future I think is one of the vast differences between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. God doesn't make us feel bad just to break us down. He shows us our weaknesses to inspire us to do better and to change and heal where we have harmed, and he is there to help us de better and be better. Satan, however, is the author of despair. He wants us to feel bad, and like we're worthless and life isn't worth living, and trying again is pointless. Let's not give in to the lies today, but counsel with God and live in hope. God can help us and change our hearts, and give us the power to overcome any challenge we face, even though we by ourselves could never handle it all. That's why we need him so desperately. He loves us so much to make up for our weaknesses and he teaches us to triumph over them.