D&C 64:33 -- On Doing Good

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."
Doctrine and Covenants 64:33


I like the idea here that the good that we do isn't lost in the vastness of the world, but that it is building something. All the good things, working together to build better things and eventually a better world, which is God's plan. :)

Today, let's remember that we're building something together with God, and not feel like our efforts are pointless or unappreciated.

1 Nephi 4:31-33 -- On Courage and the Unknown

"And now I, Nephi, being a man large in stature, and also having received much strength of the Lord, therefore I did seize upon the servant of Laban, and held him, that he should not flee.
And it came to pass that I spake with him, that if he would hearken unto my words, as the Lord liveth, and as I live, even so that if he would hearken unto our words, we would spare his life.
And I spake unto him, even with an oath, that he need not fear; that he should be a free man like unto us if he would go down in the wilderness with us."
1 Nephi 4:31-33


If this were a movie, Zoram would definitely die here. I like that he doesn't, and that Nephi turns it into something positive, making him equal with them and trusting that he would keep his word to stay with them. With our perspective, reading back, it is clear that God arranged this and wanted Zoram to go to the promised land as well, but in that moment, having to make a choice to leave his whole life behind... I'm guessing that he was thankful for his life, but I'm sure it was difficult for him for quite a while, if not most of his life.

Today, let's take courage even when our lives twist in ways that we could never have expected. God knows what he is doing, and whatever ways our lives go, God has something in mind for us, and he is helping us to grow and change and find our way back to him. Let's trust, and pray, and dedicate ourselves to his path, even when it leads us to hard choices and places we never dreamed.

1 Nephi 4:1 -- On Faith

"And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?"
1 Nephi 4:1


Having read the story of David and Goliath recently, I see a lot of parallels here, as this is on the way to Nephi slaying Laban to accomplish the Lord's will. And I'm astounded by the faith in both cases, that the Lord could do great things, and that he would do them.

Our lives seem to be a little bit more like the Nephi example, where they tried many times and failed, and yet Nephi still had faith. God had commanded them to do it, so he would provide a way. I think this is incredibly hard sometimes, to keep that faith and hope when we have seen a pattern of failure. But I also think that is one of the reasons that we are asked to become like little children. They have an incredible capacity to believe in us, as adults, even when we have disappointed them in the past. They can believe life is good even when things are not ideal. And so can we, if we tune in to our inner child (in a good way). :)

Today, let's pray and ask for help and faith and humility and simple trust, and let's know in our souls that God will deliver us, and help us to do as he asks. It might not be the first time we try, or even after years in some cases (thinking of the woman with an issue of blood)... but the miracle and the deliverance DOES come, soon or late, in God's time. As we trust Him and live His way, we will find happiness and peace, even while waiting for deliverance or a way forward.

Luke 18:17 -- On Receiving the Kingdom

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."
Luke 18:17


To me, this means that we need to look at God's kingdom with a sense of wonder and trust and love rather than one of cynicism or judgement. God doesn't always do things the way that we expect, or handle things in the way that we prefer, but he is wiser than we are, by far, and if we truly get that, and understand that we are as children before him, then perhaps we can look up to him and his kingdom with the correct reverence--not some humility that he demands, but the actual situation that we are in--and see the miraculous wonder of what God is doing. We see evil and corruption pretty well, but sometimes we miss the miracles that are happening all around us, because God isn't spewing drama and grabbing headlines. He is helping us individually and quietly, but his small and simple things are moving the universe.

Today, let's pay attention to the things of God, and try to catch the wonder of it all. :)

Daniel 12:10 -- On Trials and Understanding

"Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
Daniel 12:10


This chapter is about the last days (our time), and it predicts a time of trouble "such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time" (verse 1). Our selection is towards the end of the chapter, with Daniel wondering how things would work out. And God doesn't tell him, but he does say this. I think in a small way, we can understand this to mean that the wicked and the righteous will both be running around and doing things... but that the righteous people will be focused on learning (gaining wisdom, not just knowledge), and becoming better (symbolically clean, as represented by the repentance, and the temple). So in the distinction between groups of people here, let's work on being part of the group that the Lord says will understand. Let's work on learning the things of God, and applying those things to our lives with God's help. Let's ask for wisdom and understanding, and work to be more pure, and to learn the lessons that God gives us through trials.

3 Nephi 4:31-33 -- On Repentance and Humility

"And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies.
Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry: Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God.
And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction."
3 Nephi 4:31-33


This is where I am in my personal reading, and these verses are the culmination of an incredibly immense effort of their whole society to stand up to and survive what we might call "the mafia" ... basically a "secret society that had taken over so much of their country that they had to gather together and shore themselves up with supplies for 7 years to resist them. Imagine moving across country to a walled city just so you didn't get killed or kidnapped into a group like that. And this is them at the end of that whole ordeal. It can seem sort of amusing that an entire people are singing and crying in the streets... but this was that big. God taught them how to survive and preserved them because they repented and humbled themselves enough to listen.

I'm thinking perhaps we should do the same... pray, repent, and humble ourselves enough to listen to what the Lord is asking us to do. Let's follow the prophet (as they did) and refuse to become evil even in the midst of a world where evil runs rampant and often unchecked.

Mosiah 4:13 -- On Learning Good

"And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due."
Mosiah 4:13


This is a good reminder of something that we will understand and feel if we are living close to the Lord. We won't want to injure anyone in any way, just like the change of heart that is spoken of elsewhere in the scriptures. Instead of having the instinct to harm, we can learn the instinct to love. The Lord is teaching us how to be amazing, awesome people, and if we just stick with him, we'll get there. :)

Isaiah 34:9-11 -- On Endings and Beginnings

"And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness."
Isaiah 34:9-11


This is part of a prophecy of the Second Coming. A few verses before this it says "all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll" (verse 4). In this selection, the streams into pitch, dust into brimstone, and the "stones of emptiness" are all pretty scary as well, but also kind of cool imagery, and as part of these verses, we know that all hope is not lost, although this all sounds like scary, dramatic, despair-inducing stuff. The hope here are the birds, who aren't dead or gone, but who have a new place to live, theoretically to be unbothered by people for a very long time. It kind of reminds me of pictures from people who have gone into the restricted Chernobyl area and recorded images of nature reasserting itself.

What it seems like to me is that there are going to be huge things that are going to scare people a lot, but that the earth and the animals are going to be okay... and honestly, so will we, if we keep our eyes and our hearts focused on Christ, who has saved us and will continue to save us as we repent, turn to him, and learn how to be the good people that can be part of a better world. Today, let's hold on to hope in Christ and turn to God in all that we do. The future can be uncertain and scary, but there is also a happy ending there waiting for us, after all of that, if we keep turning the pages and sticking with the plot. God is the author, and the scary parts of our lives are never the ending. Only new beginnings.

4 Nephi 1:2 -- On Dealing Justly

"And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another."
4 Nephi 1:2


Compared to the current world, it seems almost mind-blowing that a whole people could get to the point of having zero contentions, and being perfectly just. :) I look forward to a time when that can happen again... but let's remember that to get there, each of us individually has to step up and be part of the solution. Today, let's work on our own lives, learning to let go of contention and deal justly, so that when Christ's Kingdom is fully re-established, in this life or the next, we will be ready to be part of it... and so that we can be examples of love and trustworthiness here on earth, encouraging good to spread and displace the evil around us.

1 Samuel 20:30-33 -- On Power, Prestige, and God's Will

"Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother’s nakedness?
For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.
And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David."
1 Samuel 20:30-33


Saul is one of the great people in the bible, until he moves against David I think. He was chosen of God, but then God chooses another, and it makes him scared at first, and then angry, but instead of correcting his ways and/or accepting God's will, he fights against it and determines to murder David. Here, he confronts his son basically accusing him of sabotaging his own inheritance, and dishonoring all that his parents did for him, because he can't get it through his head that David is going to take the government away from their family, and make it so that Jonathan is never king.

It turns out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy because Saul sabotages himself by going after the chosen of God. David was never planning to take over the kingdom and harm that family, because he loved them, was married into the family... but circumstances led to all of this because of the blind hatred that Saul had for someone he felt was threatening his power and prestige.

Today, perhaps we can learn from this not to resent others, especially to the point where we take action against them. God's will be done, and if he wants to pull some power or prestige away from us, then let's be humble, accept God's will, and go forward, knowing that if we stay close to God and put his will before our own, we are still chosen, and still loved, and that God will have something else amazing in store for us.

Helaman 14:30-31 -- On Self-Destructive Habits

"And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.
He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you."
Helaman 14:30-31


This is Samuel the Lamanite, prophesying that Christ would be coming soon, and that everyone should consider repenting. This part packs a punch that I don't think that we always understand or consider. Every sin is going to come back and bite us. God isn't asking us not to sin because he's strict or un-fun. He's asking us because we are literally destroying ourselves when we sin. We are choosing death and evil rather than life and good. We're poisoning our souls and making it harder for ourselves to hear God and to feel the Spirit.

Today, let's take a step back and realize what we are doing to ourselves. Let's consider the fact that contention and deception and other sins are worming their way into our souls. Let's be humble and willing to change, and let Christ heal us, and help us to see better, understand more fully, and learn to love and to lift, and never to harm... anyone else or ourselves, through our sin.

1 Samuel 17 -- On Confidence in the Lord's Way

"This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands."
1 Samuel 17


This could be faith, confidence, and showmanship, but I think there has to be a little bit of prophecy mixed into David's speech, even at this young age. He knew that the Lord was going to win the day, and that he was just the means.

I like the idea here that God isn't about overwhelming force or winning because he can be the bigger bully, but that dedication to the Lord makes all of that not matter... God is in charge, not just of this battle, but all of our battles, and if we stop thinking of things as just contests of strength, our minds might be free enough to taste a little bit of David's brand of confidence. He wasn't stronger, or better at killing. He just knew that God was on his side. And I think that is something that can absolutely work in our lives as well. If we are doing our best and working for righteousness, God can and will clear the way before us to accomplish his work.

Today, let's focus on doing, and being, good... on not playing the game as the world presents it to us, but on doing things God's way. As we do, we will find it is the best way, no matter the comparisons and calculations of the world.

1 Samuel 17:37 -- On Faith and Deliverance

"David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee."
1 Samuel 17:37


This reminds me of the stripling warriors, who had the same kind of faith. I think it also shows that faith is built. David knew absolutely that in his times of greatest need the Lord had helped him, and he didn't doubt that God would help him again. Today, let's practice whatever amount of faith we have, and trust God as much as we can, and keep learning and praying. As we do, our confidence wil wax stronger and stronger in the Lord until eventually our faith will remain unshaken because we know the Lord well, and how he works with us.

Isaiah 33:1 -- On How We Treat Others

"Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee."
Isaiah 33:1


This is a good thing to remember. God tries to be gentle with us, and he cautions us to treat people as we would like to be treated. When we treat people as marks or objects of mockery, we risk the whole ideal of restoration turning against us. It can be a great blessing if we have been doing good, and a great curse if we have been doing evil. Let's remember that repentance and Christ's atonement and his forgiveness are the only things standing in the way of us paying for our own sins... and that is something that we could absolutely not handle. We need God, we need help, and we need other people. Let's accept the need humbly and learn how to do better in loving and serving others.

Alma 43:54 -- On Compassion in Conflict

"Now Moroni, when he saw their terror, commanded his men that they should stop shedding their blood."
Alma 43:54


I really like the idea of compassion in the midst of war here... that even though the Lamanites were trying to destroy them and kept doing it, and taught each other to hate the Nephites, still, when the Lamanites were surrounded and scared, Moroni stopped and offered them what was basically a peace treaty.

So often we get into conflict and don't see a way out... it's all or nothing, and no compromises because we're dead-set on proving we're right, or getting out way, or asserting our superiority or whatever. And of course there are some principles that we can't compromise, but perhaps when we are in conflict with others, we should take a step back and really consider if part of what is going on is just pride. Humility and admitting we were wrong is okay, even though sometimes it can feel awful and we feel embarrassed, sometimes working through those feelings are better than the conflict. It's especially important when we are in positions of power that we don't throw people into conflict just because we can. Sometimes we need to step back and consider, and often adjust our position.

Today, let's have compassion in whatever we are engaged in. Let's remember that Jesus Christ, and learning how to see in his way, with love, is a better answer than any conflict.

Alma 1:20-22 -- On Words and Blows

"Yea, they did persecute them, and afflict them with all manner of words, and this because of their humility; because they were not proud in their own eyes, and because they did impart the word of God, one with another, without money and without price.
Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves.
Nevertheless, there were many among them who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists"
Alma 1:20-22


Good reminder here not to contend or persecute, even if we aren't the ones that started it. I don't think that means we can't walk away from a bad situation, but we should be careful to not escalate from words to blows, and to always love first. God can handle justice when it needs to happen, but he requires that we forgive and love, so that we can have those same blessings in our lives. ... I was working in the temple today and a woman came in, and she had tears running down her face the whole time I was interacting with her. She told me after that she was doing work for her abusive parents... getting to that point I'm sure had taken her a long time, but she wasn't crying with sorrow that whole time. She was crying because in doing that work for them, God was lifting that burden from her heart, and she felt truly joyful and at peace for the first time in a very long time. ... I'm not saying that is the answer for everyone, but she impressed me a lot, and I think that we can find ways to heal our hearts as we work with God, and leave the negative consequences for others to him. He paid the price for all of our sins, and that is his job. Ours is to love and serve, and find our way back to God.

Mosiah 29:16 -- On Righteous Rulership

"Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you."
Mosiah 29:16


For Mosiah, the king, to say this, it makes me think he was one of the most humble and righteous people I have ever heard of. To help the people change governments without a power struggle, and working to help them form a government that would be more stable than a kingdom. He cared more about people than about power. Today, let's think about that choice in our own lives, and work to make similar righteous decisions.

Mosiah 28:6-7 -- On Inquiring of the Lord

"And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word.
And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites."
Mosiah 28:6-7


It seems so natural in context, I think maybe we don't stop and consider what a big deal inquiring of the Lord is. It says that his sons pleaded with their father many days about this, so I imagine that at first his answer was no, that he wouldn't even consider it... but after they persisted, he decided to ask the Lord.

To truly inquire of the Lord, we have to first consider that the answer might not be exactly what we want it to be. We have to let go of the sense that we, of course, know what is best, and open ourselves to God's will. We have to let go of pride and adopt a little bit of humility to even get to that point... and then there are further impediments because being able to truly listen to the Lord and get an answer requires study, patience, and practice.

Today, whatever our experience with prayer and the Spirit, let's work on our ability to inquire of the Lord, and listen to his answers. Let's familiarize ourselves with the scriptures and the words of Christ. Let's pray and know how it feels to connect to God. Let's keep God in our hearts as we go throughout our days and include him in our lives and thoughts. Let's work on getting to the point where we can both ask and hear the answers God has for us... and as we practice, we will see God's hand in our lives and everyday miracles all around us.

Mosiah 1:4 -- On Scriptures, Memory, and Preparation

"For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates; for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even down to this present time."
Mosiah 1:4


In context, this is a good explanation of why Nephi and his brothers needed to obtain the plates from Laban. I think it is instructive for us as well, to recognize that God's commandments are important and necessary, and also the history of our lives, which live in the memories of the people around us, but not for long if they aren't written down. Our memories and our lives are short, compared to God's overall plan that encompasses all of human history, and our collective human future.

Also, just as a thought... perhaps if we only have a copy of the scriptures on our phones, we should get a physical copy for a backup? It's always good to be prepared if we get called to go on a long journey, in the wilderness or across an ocean. :)

2 Chronicles 36:11-13 -- On Stiff Necks and Hard Hearts

"Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the Lord.
And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the Lord God of Israel."
2 Chronicles 36:11-13


The idea of pride is shown here both in "humbled not" and in "stiffened his neck" ... not willing to give reverence or honor to God or his prophets, and of course hardening the heart indicating that he resisted compassion and love and the softer emotions that God helps us feel so that we can relate to others and learn empathy.

Today, let's make sure that our necks are pliable and able to bend in humility. Let's make sure that our hearts are softened and open to feeling the Spirit as God shows us how to love.

Helaman 5:51 -- On Laying Down Hatred

"And as many as were convinced did lay down their weapons of war, and also their hatred and the tradition of their fathers."
Helaman 5:51


I really like the idea that these people were converted all the way through. They didn't just change their actions, they changed their hearts and feelings as well. Thay laid down their weapons AND their hatred. Throughout the Book of Mormon, even just to this point, we have seen the Lamanites lay down their weapons and depart with a covenant of peace, only to have them, or their descendants, come back later because their whole society is still teaching hatred... but this group stopped hating.

That's often the solution to our own troubles too. We definitely should put down our weapons, or whatever we are using to fight those we hate. Our voices or our keyboards sometimes. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't speak the truth or participate in respectful political discourse (if we can find the respectful kind), but what is does mean is that we have to let go of our hate. We have to realize that hate never helps, or succeeds. It only poisons. The solution is always going to be Christ, and love.

In the chapter above, in the very next verse, the Lamanites give up the lands that they won in the many wars, and give them back to the Nephites. Not in a war, not even in a treaty negotiation. Just because they let go of their hatred. What would our lives look like if we let go of hatred? ... Remember, not just going silent and seething in private. What if we actually just let it go completely? Today, let's find out. Let's ask God to fight the battles that need to be fought, but to help us purge any hatred from our hearts so that we can serve and love and be part of the solution... like these people were. Let's remember that we are on God's side, and that's the only side we need.

1 Nephi 17:2-3 -- On Wilderness and Strength

"And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.
And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness."
1 Nephi 17:2-3


I think it would be hard to talk about "great blessings" when you were wandering in the wilderness for years and eating raw meat... but perhaps that is part of the point. God strengthened them to not feel like complaining... which I think is a lot stronger than we often are in easier circumstances.

So the lessons I am seeing here are first, that when God leads us to a cool, promised land, often that means hardship along the way, and starting from scratch. The Jaredites, the Nephites, Abraham and later Moses with the Israelites, the Pioneers, and we should probably count Noah in here as well. They all went from something established to unknown and really starting from scratch starting over. No existing homes to buy, no sewer hook ups.

And second, that the first part doesn't matter. The hardship factor of being led to a promised land is nullified by the strength that the Lord gives us so that we can tackle the new situation that we're thrown into.

We don't have to be in the wilderness literally to face the scary and the new and sometimes our hardships come in different ways. Our world is a wilderness sometimes, not because there are trees and wild animals, but because of the new things that we have to face and the new ways that evil is trying to attack us. AI has made it very, very easy to fake voice, video, or anything written. The internet is becoming increasingly fictionalized. Truth is harder to come by, and many prominent companies and personalities are boldly lying to the public about different technologies in order to enrich themselves.

Today, let's keep the commandments of the Lord and look to him for strength to live in our day. He can help us navigate the wilderness of our modern day challenges, and feeling the Spirit is one of the only ways that we are going to be able to truly know truth from deception as we move forward. Let us put our trust in God above all, and he will strengthen us and "provide means for us" as we sojourn in this wilderness.

Isaiah 30:18 -- On Waiting and Changing

"And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him."
Isaiah 30:18


I feel like this is the reason that the Lord doesn't judge us instantly... why sometimes the bad guys get away with it, but remembering that the bad guys are sometimes ourselves. Because he is giving us grace and space... time to get our heads on straight and our lives cleaned up. Time to change so that he won't have to come down in wrath during our judgement, but so that he can give us mercy and forgiveness instead. He longs to purify our hearts and welcome us, but he can't do that in the middle of us being rebellious and causing harm to others. ... Today, let's reach out to him and learn, so that when it is time for that judgement, we will be better than we are, and able to embrace the Lord without shame and fear of who we are.

Isaiah 30:9-10 -- On Smooth Lies and Difficult Truth

"That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord:
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:"
Isaiah 30:9-10


How often do we do this to ourselves, I wonder. Sometimes we say we want the Lord to guide us, but we're actually not really open to his will. Instead, we're only open to a single answer where we win or prosper in some way, or get the particular answer that we want. Other answers that make things harder for us we don't want, and perhaps we really would rather be lied to, and told "smooth things" that don't necessitate change.

God's way isn't easy. None of the people that he led to their own "promised land" (Jaredites, Nephites, Israelites, etc.) had an easy time of it, and they didn't arrive to catered meals and hotels. They got to the particular promised land and they had to overcome challenges, and in many cases start from scratch. But it was still promised, and they were meant to be there, to begin so many things, and to further God's plan. We too may have to face hard things in our lives... storms and darkness come to everyone. But God will be with us if we cling to him, and help us through, and help us to do good works and further his plan of happiness as well. Let's join with him and do good even in hardship, rather than reaching for and desiring lies.

1 Samuel 3:8-9 -- On Connecting with the Lord

"And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.
Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place."
1 Samuel 3:8-9


This is some excellent advice from a priest, familiar with the voice of God, to the new prophet Samuel, who didn't yet understand that the Lord was speaking to him. I think it can also be instructive to us as well, to think about whether the Lord is speaking to us in ways that we might not expect. God wants to communicate with all of us, but we don't always hear him, or understand yet how to listen. Today, let's pray and talk to the Lord, and then work on staying open to the Spirit as we go througout our day, paying attention to how the Lord might be communicating to us. It doesn't always take words, but God is always reaching out his hand to us, ready to connect. Let's tear down the walls on our side, and reach out to him as well.

1 Samuel 2:12 -- On Prepared Miracles

"Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord."
1 Samuel 2:12


I think it is interesting here how the earnest desire of Hannah for a son (in chapter 1) coincided with a desperate need for some new priests... and of course, it wasn't truly a coincidence, but rather "all things working together for good" (Romans 8:28), but it is still so interesting how all of God's creation is woven together so that a prayer over here solves a problem over there, etc.

I think the same thing is going on in our lives. Sometimes our needs lead to other people's blessings. Things that seem completely disconnected are often connected through the Lord making a way to provide what is necessary. Even things that seem awful at the time... say we break an arm or a leg, but then after we're healed up, the mobility aids that we needed are given away and come to bless someone's life that is desperately in need of exactly those things. Just an example, not a personal story, but that sort of thing happens every day with the Lord directing all of it. The whole world is connected by things like that, which is how Christ could do amazing things like tell Peter to get a piece of money out of a fish, or direct his disciples to go find a donkey. All of it is known to the Lord, and we often find that when we need something most, God has provided something that is miraculous, but the miracle isn't it appearing out of thin air, but rather God preparing it slowly for years ahead of time.

Today let's remember that God really does know the end from the beginning and there are miracles all around us, in everything we say and do, in everyone we meet. Let's join with the Lord and follow the Spirit, and be part of the interconnectedness of it all. :)

Ruth 1:1-5 -- On Bitter Beginnings

"Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband."
Ruth 1:1-5


This part doesn't get much into the story of Ruth, but what it made me think of today is how God designs our lives for good. Naomi's life up to this point is severely truncated. We don't know the joys and the sorrows of moving to a different country to escape the famine, or the courtship and joy of the sons and their marriages. In a way though, the lack of detail helps us to see the overall design a little bit better. This is a story partly about the genealogy of Christ, but also about virtue and faith, and adoption and conversion into the gospel. This chapter of Naomi's life seemed bitter to her because she lost her loved ones. But it had meaning and purpose still, which she and Ruth find later. It's a good reminder that even when things seem bleak, God is still ordering all things for our good, leading us towards the happy ending that he still, and always, promises, for those who keep working and don't give up on the story. :)

Acts 17:24-25 -- On Life and Breath

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;"
Acts 17:24-25


This is a good reminder that God gives us everything, including breath and life. :) The temple part reminds me of the woman of Shunem who built a room for the prophet. Temples are mostly to do God's work, not for him to live in, but like that chamber, it is a place dedicated to welcoming him.

Worship is also about us for the most part. God doesn't need our devotion, but WE need it, to understand who God is and what he offers to us, and as we work to do His will. Today, let's remember that despite everything God has given us (life and breath, etc.), what God asks is a broken heart and a contrite spirit. He wants us to repent and change so that we can be eternally happy. Let's work with him to get there.

Luke 24:44-47 -- On Understanding

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
Luke 24:44-47


I love the idea here that Christ "opened their understanding." I think that part of it could be just him explaining it to them, but he had done that before his death, and so this time seems different, perhaps a spiritual gift, helping them to understand on a deeper level.

I think that Christ still does this for us sometimes. When a scripture strikes us in a new way, or it seems that a talk in church or at conference is speaking directly to us, or something that we absolutely couldn't understand before finally gets through to us. As we invite God into our lives, he can help us understand more and more of the gospel and his great plan of happiness.

Today, let's not despair or give up when we don't get something. Let's keep reading and doing as God asks, and turn to Him and ask him to open our understandings, and help us to grasp the ideas behind the commandment or principle that we aren't getting. God will help us to understand... in his own time of course. Faith is still important, and sometimes we need to trust enough to walk forward anyway, but as we do, God helps us to learn and understand more.

Galatians 6:9 -- On Not Being Weary

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9


Normally I look at verses like this as exhortations to do good, but today it struck me that it is a command to not be weary, or perhaps in the vernacular or our day, to not get burnt out on doing good things. Sometimes doing God's will is tough, in different ways. I know on my mission, for instance, it was tough for me to go knock on doors and face rejection so often, to anticipate it and to endure it. Sometimes it paid off in terms of getting to talk to amazing, interesting people who sometimes embraced the gospel and sometimes not, but the connections and conversations were useful to God either way I believe. Looking back, I think the whole rejection thing also taught me a lot, and it was essential to my life, but in the moment, it was very easy to get "weary" of it and not want to do it.

There are a lot of things like that in life that God asks us to do. Often the benefit to others is obvious, but not always. We might not understand part of the why at the moment, but if we trust God in faith and do it anyway, because he asked us to do it, the reason and the reward will come. Almost always there is a built-in benefit for us as well, but even when there isn't, God blesses us in other ways so that our effort is more than made up. God is never in debt to us even in small ways... it is always the other way around.

Today, let's trust God about the rewards that he has promised, and not be weary, or burnt out, or frustrated, or grumpy about doing good, as we put forth effort to do as God asks. Let's endure to the end and find ourselves better people than we were, happier than we ever could have been without God's instructions, guidance, and commandments.

Matthew 16:26-27 -- On Worlds and Souls

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
Matthew 16:26-27


A good reminder to look forward to the results of this life and what is really going to matter in the end rather than just at short term payoffs. It's our choice, but it is a very good question to consider... what are we willing to trade for our souls? Even the best life we can imagine pales in comparison to the worth of a soul. The whole world pales in comparison. Let's work with God to learn that worth and to get the help that we need to find our way in the confusion, rather than devaluing ourselves and our potential and selling our birthright to what amounts to a mess of pottage.

Let's go out there and do good, in partnership with God, learning from him as we go the value of others and ourselves.

Isaiah 29:24 -- On Change and Becoming

"They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."
Isaiah 29:24


I like the idea of change and learning here. We don't always like change, but that is what helps us improve and become better than we used to be. So errors and murmuring can be overcome, as can all of our past mistakes and sins, as we change in partnership with and under the tutelage of God. Today, let's realize that we can change, and have hope that God will help us grow and learn and become more than we are. Let's reach for God's hand and accept his help in becoming greater and better than we can imagine... bit by bit, unlearning bad habits and learning better ones.

Isaiah 28:9-10 -- On Learning of God

"Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little."
Isaiah 28:9-10


A good thing to remember this day is that we are children of God. This is a deity that we are talking about, with knowledge way beyond our current capacity to understand. He needs to lay the foundation of knowledge first, and then build upon it... just like a toddler can't understand particle physics in kindergarten, so we can't understand all the things of God instantly. We need to work on it over time, developing faith and learning what the spirit feels like. We need to read our scriptures and pray because these are the basics of learning to communicate with the Lord, and have his Spirit with us. Over time, as the Word gathers in our minds and the Spirit is able to call certain scriptures to our minds, God's word and his instructions can become more complex. Our faith develops and we learn to recognize his voice and presence in other ways.

Today, let's try not to get frustrated with imperfect communication, as we are still imperfect. Instead, let's study and learn how to listen and how to understand, and grow in the knowledge of God, so that we can build on whatever knowledge we already have.

Isaiah 28:15-18 -- On Lies, Falsehood, and Sin-Resistance

"Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it."
Isaiah 28:15-18


I probably don't understand all the nuances of meaning here, but what strikes me are the parts about making lies a refuge, and hiding under falsehood, and then God has hail to sweep away the refuge of lies and waters overflow the hiding place (which was under falsehood, so another triumph of truth here). Deception seems like an easy out sometimes, but lies are dangerous and addictive, and it just gets worse when we see so much deception in our society today. Deception is becoming the foundation of so many things, and it's good to know that God won't let that stand forever, but will wash it away in favor of truth.

Today, let's stand up for truth and righteousness and be an example of authenticity and sincerity as we interact with others. It's not always easy to be honest, but it is valuable to learn how to be lie- and sin-resistant and to trust God to show us the difference in a world that is becoming more and move deceptive.

Alma 40:11 -- On Homecomings

"Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life."
Alma 40:11


I love the idea of death just being a gateway to our home, and the clear idea that *this* is the strange part, not after. In the next verse it even says that (at least for the righteous), it will be a place where we can rest from all troubles, care, and sorrow. I don't know if that is because all of those things are tied to being mortal, or just if our Earthly troubles will seem insignificant after realizing that we are home again, but either way, it seems like it will be a good, familiar, peaceful place, as long as it is a place we want to be.

I guess that's part of the challenge--making sure we don't change ourselves into people that don't ever want to go home again. God always wants us back. Today, let's reach out to him and let him help us remember him and learn more about our home and where God's plan will take us, so that we will welcome our homecoming.

Mark 8:14-21 -- On Understanding the Lord

"Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?"
Mark 8:14-21


This is an interesting exchange where Christ and the disciples were definitely on different pages. Christ was talking symbolically about the influence of powerful groups in more of a political way, and the disciples were focused on the literal meaning of leaven, perhaps because they were hungry, or feeling bad about not being prepared.

Christ makes it very clear though that they don't need to think about whether they have enough bread... and I think the overall message to us is here as well. We're worried about the wrong things. We're not trusting God enough, and not thinking enough about his words. Today, let's try to do better in both of those areas, and put God's concerns above our own desires and guilt so that we can see the bigger picture, with God's help. :)

Mark 5:35-40 -- On Being There for the Miracle

"While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying."
Mark 5:35-40


When Christ tells them that she is just asleep, he might have been explaining that she was in a coma or just unresponsive, rather than being dead, but it has little to do with the miracle. We can't know the actual medical condition of this girl, but whatever it was, at this point she would have been mourned and buried. It reminds me of Victorian era "safety coffins." Scary. Christ restored her life, either way.

What really struck me here was not the statement that she wasn't dead though, it was how carefully he chose his companions, and put everyone else out. The people laughing and scorning weren't able to be present for the miracle, perhaps because he needed concentrated faith, or maybe just because they were distracting from the serious spiritual event.

I wonder how many miracles we miss out on because we are incredulous and disbelieving. How many spiritual moments do we miss because of mockery? Today, let's work at keeping our doubting mouths shut and our physical and spirital senses open, and see if we can participate a little more in the spiritual glory of the universe and hear God's voice echoing through everything around us.

Job 42:5-6 -- On Realization

"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job 42:5-6


Job's reaction to seeing God is amazing. The fact that he was brave enough to address him is already huge, but he did really well, and it is telling that all the things that he had gone through were as nothing compared to encountering the Lord. He knew instantly that all of his complaints were misplaced. I don't think that means we have to hate ourselves, but the comparison would make us feel like something we don't want to be.

Today, let's remember that God is more wonderful and amazing than we imagine. Let's stop treating him like a more powerful version of ourselves, and remember that he is so far beyond us that we can't imagine how glorious he really is. Let's prepare to meet him again by praying and listening to God's advice through his prophets and scriptures.

Mark 2:3-5 -- On Faith, Healing, and Working Together for Good

"And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."
Mark 2:3-5


What strikes me today about this is that Jesus saw "their" faith, as a group. In other healing situations he asks if people believe, or tells them that their faith has played a part, helping us to understand that faith is part of the process, and that we can't just passively wait for God to change us. We have to be believing in, and willingly participating in the change. This goes further and helps us to understand our power as united believers. The power of the faith of many, working together... the power of prayer, not just one voice, but many united in faith and action. These friends of the sick man were also part of the process, their physical actions to get their friend there AND their belief that Jesus was the answer and the cure were both integral to the process.

The other awesome thing I noticed especially is that Christ healed him spiritually first, and as they discuss later, this was the more important healing. In the verses that follow, the man is also physically healed (verses 9-11), but this group faith helps in spiritual as well as physical ways. Not against the will of God, of course... God is the core part of the process. Faith moves mountains, but it happens through the willing participation of God. It can't do anything without that partnership of us and God together.

Today, let's apply our individual and our group faith to things that matter, and that will make things better. Let's talk to God, and consider the spiritual needs as well as the physical needs of those we serve and help. Let's pray for help, strength, and even for miracles, always remembering to allow room for the Lord's will to be done rather than our own. Faith involves God, and welcomes all, and it can make a difference in the world, as we work together for good. :)

Ephesians 3:17-19 -- On Love and Fullness

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
Ephesians 3:17-19


I really like that consistently, the scriptures and the teachings of Christ are "grounded in love." Satan gets us with a parody of love sometimes, and tries to convince us it is the real deal, but the love of God is so much more than the counterfeits. It truly "passeth knowledge," and just a taste of how much God loves us can banish everything else from the mind as we realize that is what truly matters. Today, let's pray to feel that love from God, and to also feel it for others, so that we can share it with them and lift them up and help them understand what life is really about. Let's turn to God who is the only one who can fill us so that there is no more emptiness.

1 Nephi 16:20 -- On Murmurs and Mornings

"And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord."
1 Nephi 16:20


I think we are all tempted to murmur at times, when things are hard. It seems easier to believe in God when he is blessing and prospering us than when he is allowing us to experience hardship. The conditions of our lives don't change the reality of God though. No matter what we go through and how bad it gets, we can never be harmed more than God has the power to heal. He will swallow up every bit of our sorrow with his joy, as we continue on the path. The road sometimes look bleak in chapter 5, but let's keep reading. The destination that God has set for all of us still leads to a happy ending, with joy beyond imagining. Let's remember that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." It's not always literally one night, but it's the promise that joy always comes again. We're not stuck in the darkness. With God there is always hope, and a new sunrise coming.

1 Nephi 8:33 -- On Strange Buildings and Sticking With God

"And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not."
1 Nephi 8:33 This is from Lehi's dream, talking about the people who went to the great and spacious building, described here as "strange," and who mock the people who are dedicated to Christ. ... Reading this today, I think we need to be careful of not becoming those people. Spacious buildings and large friend groups seem cool, and maybe that is the draw, being popular or cool, or fitting in, or feeling competent and superior. Problem is, we're trying to fill an emptiness in ourselves, longing for love, acceptance, importance, and none of those things can actually come from the world in a satisfying way. We are trying to fill a God-shaped hole with inadequate duct tape and painful things like barbed wire. Let's take a look at our lives and step back from criticizing, scorning, or mocking others, no matter how much we think they deserve it. Instead, let's talk to God about what we need and want, and let him fill us and help us to be better than we have been. And when misguided people mock us for belief in the greatest thing in the universe, let's smile and move on, letting our example and our love be the return message from God, inviting them in as well.

Romans 9:33 -- On Stumbling and Shame

"As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
Romans 9:33


We see a variation of this in the next chapter, which says "Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (Romans 10:11), and there are messages about being ashamed in lots of other places. Isaiah tells us "ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end" (Isaiah 45:17). We also hear "my people shall never be ashamed" (Joel 2:26), "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16), "hope maketh not ashamed" (Romans 5:5), and "the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed" (2 Nephi 6:13). Some of them are from God's perspective, as in "God is not ashamed to be called their God" (Hebrews 11:16), and some are definitely from our side, like in Lehi's dream where it says that some people "after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost" (1 Nephi 8:28).

This particular verse talks about laying a stumblingstone and a rock of offense, perhaps indicating that this is an expected obstacle and test. Staying on the Lehi's dream theme, just like the rod of iron gets us through the mist of darkness when we can't see, in order to make it to the tree, and the mist of darkness isn't something that we can just avoid by walking around it, so also is mockery and people attempting to shower us with shame for believing in and following Christ. In Lehi's dream, the people in the great and spacious building were mocking the people at the tree (1 Nephi 8:27), which perhaps to us seems like a minor part of the story, but to those enduring the mockery, that can be just as large of a trial as the dark and dreary wilderness or the mist of darkness.

God's message to us is multilayered. He is saying "Do not be ashamed," but also "I won't let shame harm you" and "I will not be ashamed of you." God is telling us that yes, we do need to feel bad when we do something wrong, and repent, but none of that impacts our *worth* as His children. We are glorious beings of light, and he loves us and will do all things for us to save us. All we have to do is hang in there and keep trying. We are of infinite worth, and each of us is vitally important to God, as we should be to each other.

Today, let's do our best not to stumble because of the rocks that are strewn in our path, and when we do stumble, let's remember that it happens, and it is okay, and that we can get back up and keep going. Let's pay attention to where we are going, and hold tightly to God's word when the darkness comes. Let's remember our goal, and in whom we trust. God will help us, as we turn to him rather than letting the world drag us down. He will lift us up, heal us, and walk with us.

Romans 8:37 -- On Walls and Love

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Romans 8:37


The surrounding verses here give some examples of things that could get in the way or separate us from the love of God, but none of them can... Christ's love can defeat anything that comes between us. The only thing that can possibly separate us is our specific choice to walk away. And even then, Christ's arms are continually reaching for us, welcoming us back if we turn around. God's whole plan is built around making it possible to bridge the gap that separates us, so that we can return home, better.

Today, let's not turn away from God, but allow him into our lives. Existence is infinitely better with God in it. The day goes better if it starts with a prayer. Life goes better when God is there to help and heal us, and give us good advice, and teach us. Let's work on breaking down the walls, and the attitudes, that are standing between ourselves and Christ, so that we can be our best selves, and be reunited with the love that makes all else worthwhile.

Joseph Smith--Matthew 1:37 -- On Not Being Deceived

"And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Joseph Smith--Matthew 1:37


What strikes me about this verse is the idea that if we treasure up the word of God, we won't be deceived. That's a huge and very important promise in these days where AI voice and video have gotten to a point where in many cases, people honestly cannot tell the difference. Stories online are often fictional, or partly fictional, even when presented as factual news, not always intentionally, but that too.

Today, let's cling to the word of God and treasure it, trusting God to show us the way through the falseness and ground us in a higher truth, so that we know how to help others survive in our new reality. :)

Leviticus 21:18-23 -- On Blemishes and Perfection

"For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous, Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy. Only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the Lord do sanctify them."
Leviticus 21:18-23


There are a lot of things that are difficult to understand in the Old Testament, and the seeming exclusion of everyone with a physical blemish or abnormality seems like it could be concerning, if we thought that God could be discriminating and love one group a little less. Thankfully, I think this is all just about symbolism. Sacrifices were sybolically a type of Christ, and Christ, as a symbol, needs to be pure, whole, and a symbol of perfection.

It's clear that others were allowed into the temple from the "eating the bread of his God" part, and to confirm that God wants us all with him, we have only to pray. I think the prayer sincerely asking whether we are loved is one of the more reliably consistent questions we can ask. It obviously still depends on faith and sincerity, and God's timing... but he wants us to know that we are loved, and that there is always a place for us with him. Let's trust in that, praying for understanding and remembering that God will raise us all with perfect bodies in the resurrection.

Alma 42:23 -- On The Fall, and After

"But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice."
Alma 42:23


Was thinking about this verse today and how it says that the resurrection brings us back into the presence of God... which is basically a reversal of the Fall (verse 6) in the Garden of Eden. The fall brought a separation of us from the presence of the Lord, which gave us agency and the chance to choose for ourselves, but also brought about death. The resurrection solves that, while still giving us time on Earth to learn and become and choose. The resurrection also triggers judgement/restoration, which is where God restores to us what we have chosen.

Today, let's look forward to the resurrection with hope, and remember repentance, which Christ grants us so that we can let go of our sins before they are delivered back to us at the restoration. :) Let's take advantage of that gift, and work to change and improve.

Alma 42:27-29 -- On Restoration and Repentance

"Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds.
If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God.
And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance."
Alma 42:27-29


I really like this chapter... so many great things. It goes very deep into the plan of redemption--why death is necessary, why repentance is required, etc. as Alma explained it to his son Corianton. This summary is compelling, explaining that we get to choose, but whatever we choose will be restored to us. Today, let's let our sins / those things that we don't want restored to us / trouble us to the extent that we are willing to repent and change and work with God to clear those things from our lives and we can move forward again without those burdens. God can help us if we ask for his help.

John 4:48 -- On Signs and Wonders

"Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."
John 4:48


Christ was merciful to the man that he said this to, and healed his son... and the man and his household believed. And Thomas believed when he saw Christ as well (John 20:29), but we're told that we're more blessed if we believe without the proof in front of our eyes. Perhaps because the proof prevents us from learning and exercising faith. Faith is powerful, and combined with hope, and rooted in God, it can change our lives and allow us to experience miracles.

Today, instead of demanding that God show us proof, let's flex our faith a little bit, and learn that belief and trust and faithfulness to God that will help us through the rough patches. Let's reach out and explore who we are and what we believe without constant reassurance... which isn't bad, of course, but if we keep looking for that constantly then we are stuck there, revisiting our initial testimony rather than strengthening and deepening it. Let's build on what we know of God and trust that it will remain true as we continue to walk the path and develop our partnership with God to face the terrors of life and to find joy and peace, even in the midst of trial.

Alma 40:12,23 -- On Death and Resurrection

"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
-----
The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame."
Alma 40:12,23


These verses are separated by a lot of other discussion, which is very worthwhile, but what struck me today is the progression. The first verse is talking about "the state of the soul between death and the resurrection" (verse 11), and the final verse is talking about the resurrection itself. I love that when we die we go home to "that God who gave [us] life" (verse 11), and the peace and rest promised, which I think is what so many people is the end result after life, but there is so much more. Eventually, we will be resurrected in a "proper and perfext" body, and that's just the beginning of another, more infinite story. Today, let's look forward to an awesome, glorious future. God can help us get there, and prepare for meeting Him on that judgement day, if we look to him and learn from his words.

Matthew 14:13-16 -- On Solutions and Support

"When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat."
Matthew 14:13-16


Reading this today it reminded me of the Brother of Jared going to God with a problem. There was no light or way to refresh the air in the barges (Ether 2:19). He expected instructions, and he did get some... a way to solve the air problem. But for the light problem, the Lord turned the problem back over to the Brother of Jared. He asked "What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" and helped him by telling him a couple of things that would not work... no windows, no fire (Ether 2:23). God was helping him to think outside the box, to exercise his faith and come up with whatever solution he could imagine. And the solution that the Brother of Jared came up with was sixteen clear stones. And although it was inadequate without God's intervention, God made it work. Here, similarly, Jesus turns a problem back to the disciples. The conventional solution of making the multitude all go buy something wasn't going to work, so that solution was out. What else could they think of? And they tried what they could think of as well, coming up with the sum total of five loaves and two fishes. And God, again, made it work.

Today, as we are endeavoring to do God's will, and we encounter a problem that doesn't have a simple solution, let's turn to the Lord, and remember that sometimes God is going to turn it back to us to think about. He isn't always going to give us the answer, but as we consider the resources that we do have, in conjunction with the miraculous power of God, he will help us with the solution, as we keep working on it to find a way.

Matthew 13:34-35 -- On Parables

"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."
Matthew 13:34-35


I like the idea of Christ speaking in parables and providing analogies that the people could think about / we can think about. Nephi gloried in plainness, and some parables are full of that simplicity and clarity that he loved, but some of them have layers of meaning, like poetry, where we can ponder and learn more, as long as we have the Spirit to guide us. This helps God speak to all of us in individual ways as we read and listen and notice different ideas and aspects of the scriptures. Simple, profound truths and deep, thoughtful truths that we can ponder and learn more about. Today, let's remember that reading through the scriptures once never gleans all of their meaning. They are rich and varied and full of truth, and God will lead us to more and more of it as we study and open our hearts to learn.

Leviticus 19:9-13 -- On Simple Truth and Lighting the Path

"And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God.
Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning."
Leviticus 19:9-13


I like reading about The Lord teaching the Children of Israel about the gospel because it reminds us of how much we also need to learn the gospel and learn some of these basic truths... don't hoard your stuff, but what you have left over, give to others. Don't be miserly... share. Don't steal or lie or deceive others (fiction/parables are okay. Just make sure others know that your stories aren't literally true when you spin them.). Don't risk using God's name inappropriately. Don't defraud or rob others, and pay people quickly.

It goes on with so much more to learn... but maybe we haven't even mastered this much yet, so we should stop, and pause, and ponder before moving on to more verses. :) I think maybe in this new age of not being able to tell what is true because it is so easy to fake voices and video with modern "AI" algorithms, it is so much more important that we are faithful and true, and provide a spot of authenticity and sanity to others. Let's be certain that we are not passing on internet lies or half-truths. Let's be careful and kind when we speak to others, especially if we disagree. Let's be worthy of being called disciples of Christ, and his holy people. With prayer and study and a lot of God's help, let's be the light and clarity to a darker and more confusing world.

1 Peter 5:8 -- On Avoiding Lions and Finding Happiness

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
1 Peter 5:8


This is a good reminder not to let ourselves become bait by playing near the lion's den. God will help us to find safe places to be, and safer activities to engage in. God's way is also the more joyful and interesting and fun way as well, despite the lies. Let's talk to God about what we really want in life, and be open and honest as we commune with him. There is a path to God for all of us, and yes, sometimes it requires great sacrifice and trust, but God never gives us something worse for something better. Moving towards God is always a step up towards a brighter, happier future.

Luke 21:37-38 -- On Hearing the Lord

"And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him."
Luke 21:37-38


I like this little insight into how Christ lived, and how the people found him. Today, let's remember to take time out of our schedules for Christ, to hear him. As we make that our priority, we will be able to carry that Spirit throughout our day, and it will make all of our more mundane obligations and interactions that much better, because we are starting with our minds and our hearts in the right place.

D&C 46:11-26 -- On Gifts and Interdependence

"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
And to others it is given to prophesy;
And to others the discerning of spirits.
And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God."
Doctrine and Covenants 46:11-26


A few verses before this, God encourages us to "seek ye earnestly the best gifts" (verse 8), and to remember for what they are given. I love the overall idea here of spiritual gifts that God gives us to help us through life, but not just for us individually... the idea is that we use them to help "that all may be profited" (verse 12). So they are things that give us strength that can help the community, helping us grow together and assist each other. We're working out our own salvation, but we're also doing all we can for others as well. Having something to contribute, and knowing that we need things that others can contribute, helps us to learn love and interdependence--the weaving that brings us all into the grand tapestry of God's kingdom.

Today, let's seek the best gifts, using our own gifts to bless others, and seeking out others who have gifts that we need, so we can learn and grow all together in the Lord, lifting each other up, and including God in all that we do.

D&C 42:49-52 -- On Faith and Leaping

"He who hath faith to see shall see.
He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:49-52


I like the emphasis placed on faith here. It's so easy to doubt and to believe that we just can't do it, that things will never work out, that things will always be the same, etc. God promises that change can happen--that even our doubting hearts and minds can be changed through faith on his name. To get there though, we have to make room for hope and faith. We have to stretch and at least start with a "desire to believe" (Alma 32:27), and work from there, letting more of God in as we go. We aren't static beings, or trapped in being the way we are right now. We are "blessed being[s] of light" (Do Your Part With All Your Heart, October 2025 General Conference), and God can still change and mold us, if we let him in and ask for help. He can heal us, and help us.

Today, let's have faith to see and hear and leap. Let's work on our faith and bear our own and others' infirmities as we strive together to become a faithful, believing community in faith and hope and love, with God's help to unify and strengthen us. Let's learn to hope and trust him more, and build the faith necessary to see miracles happen in our lives and all around us, and in learning to leap. :)

D&C 5:34 -- On the Lord's Timing

"Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee."
Doctrine and Covenants 5:34


This is a good reminder that the Lord's timing isn't always what we expect. Often we stop when the Lord wants us to move forward, but sometimes it is the opposite. When in doubt, we should move forward along God's path, striving to become more like him, because it is easier for God to course correct when we are moving rather than sitting still... but let's remember that sometimes the message is also stop. Regrouping, staying healthy, managing stress... these are all things that sometimes require slowing down physically, although we can keep moving forward spiritually in other ways. :) God can see what is coming and we cannot, so he can help us know when to move and when to stop, and when to slow down or speed up. The fastest, most efficient way is not always the best way. Sometimes we need to stop and learn something along the way, and sometimes we need to stop dallying and get on with it. :) As we include God in our decision-making, he will guide us in our paths, including the intended velocity. :) Today, let's pray and listen as we go about our daily activities, and notice when God prompts us about timing.

Leviticus 6:13 -- On Never Going Out

"The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out."
Leviticus 6:13


This struck me today, not as a rule about meat offerings, but as an idea... like making sure our faith never goes out. Too often I think we replay the whole conversion process within ourselves, finding faith and belief within ourselves, and feeling that spark of connection with God, but then not sustaining it and moving on to deeper faith and further lessons, but instead re-introducing doubt and fear and confusion, and having to go through the process over again to regain that spark. Instead, we should be feeding that spark, turning it into a fire and keeping it alive, and keeping us connected with the divine. I'm not suggesting arson here, but who can glory too much in the Lord, right? If we come out of it with a controlled burn, even if it is a raging inferno... that's all good. We just probably shouldn't burn or melt the things around us. :)

In all seriousness, we can be, symbolically, burning brightly with the Spirit every day, if we will talk to God about how to feed that spark and build it up. We don't need to reload and revisit doubt over and over again... this is just where we begin, and conversion is the trailhead, but the rest of the path is long, and sometimes hard, but always amazing. Today, let's keep the fire of faith ever burning, and never, ever go out.

On Age and Spirit and God's Power

"And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh."
Exodus 7:7


Moses being eighty years old when he went in to speak to Pharoah is what struck me today. Moses lived to be 120 or so, so he definitely had plenty of life left in him, but it made me think about how we percieve age. The scriptures are full of young men doing amazing things, like David taking on Goliath, or Joseph being sold into slavery and thriving, or Joseph Smith saying a simple prayer in a grove of trees. But God gives us examples of people being amazing when they are older as well, and of his gospel and his word being true, and powerful, at any age. Underneath, our Spirits are eternal. We are never too young or too old to be able to connect with God and to work with him. And someday our bodies will rise again, never to fail again--through Christ, we will all be immortal beings, with spirits and bodies that can never sicken or die.

Today, let's remember that we are blessed beings of light, only experiencing mortality as a temporary trainging ground that will help us choose and prepare for a far greater eternity. Let's choose happiness and love and follow God's instructions for how to survive, thrive, and succeed here--and let's remember both for ourselves and others that age is also temporary, and doesn't dictate our potential. We can walk in the footsteps of Christ at any age. Let's rely on the Lord and move forward, never fearing that it is too early or too late. The Lord's timing is all that matters.

Philippians 2:21 -- On Seeking Outside Ourselves

"For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s."
Philippians 2:21


This is a good reminder to think outside ourselves, and to seek to lift and help others. Today, let's think and pray about how to get outside the trap of selfishness and consider other people. Valuing ourselves is a good thing... we shouldn't wallow in self-hatred or demean ourselves either. Part of escaping that, though, is considering others and going to work to help rather than just considering ourselves... helping others can help them, and help the way that we think about ourselves. Let's work with God today to find ways to seek His will and spread His love.

D&C 42:2 -- On Repetition

"Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:2


The Lord tells us many things over and over and over again, because we aren't listening or it isn't getting through to the place where we care and listen and act. Today, let's think about what the Lord is saying to us, and really listen this time. Then let's talk to the Lord about how to move forward on his path.

D&C 42:27 -- On Doing No Harm

"Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:27


This is a jam-packed section, with so much in it. Earlier it has "if ye have not the spirit, ye shall not teach" which is what I was originally going to write about, but as I was reading through the commandments, this one struck me. It isn't very specific with specific instructions like some of the others about killing and adultery, for instance, but instead it is a general guideline, which seems to indicate that we shouldn't say anything bad about others and shouldn't hurt them in any way--mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. No harm. Which is one of the reasons that God asks us to be "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and pervese nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15). Harmless here not meaning "not really able to affect things" as we sometimes use it now, dismissively, but sincerely "without harm" ... not willing to harm others.

Today let's take a step back and really think about whether we are doing harm, and then let's counsel with the Lord about becoming less harmful.

James 4:10 -- On Humility, Comparison, and Change

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
James 4:10


Thinking about humility today, as the opposite of pride. I've never been great at learning it, but I think at least a beginning is recognizing God and his greatness, and that compared to that, we have a lot to learn, although "a lot" is a laughable understantement. :) Perhaps the harder part is the "supposing that [we] are better one than another" (Alma 5:54). I think we learn that comparison and judgement from the world, but abandoning it is hard because that is the way we think about things sometimes. Maybe the answer there (well, the answer is always God, but I mean a mental way of thinking about it) is just comparing ourselves to ourselves. Are we better than we were before... are we growing or regressing? Instead of just coasting through life and letting things happen, are we recording who we are? Do we have goals for becoming better? If we put as much effort into self-improvement (in God's way of course) as we do into the rank/power/political games of corporate America, or politics, or even unfortunately interpersonal relationships, then I think we could improve greatly.

Today, let's recognize our humility in the presence of God, but also, let's change the way we compare. Let's compare ourselves to ourselves. Let's consider our own failings rather than the failings of others. Let's plan improvement and changes for our own behavior. When we consider God's word, let's think about how we can change to accomodate God rather than about someone else who needs to change. Let's give others grace and love, and not judgement. We have enough to worry about trying to sort ourselves out. :)

Alma 29:4-5 -- On Desiring Goodness

"I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience."
Alma 29:4-5


Reading about how God grants people according to their desires, on one hand it seems crazy for anyone to want destruction or remorse of conscience... but then again, thinking about our own lives, sometimes that's exactly what we are choosing, knowing ahead of time that there will be consequences and choosing it anyway, and even sometimes trying to talk ourselves into something bad by disparaging God's offers, saying that being good is boring or ... whatever it is that we tell ourselves to block the knowledge that this is wrong and we need to go the other direction.

But goodness isn't boring, and being bound to Satan with self-forged chains is infinitely worse than being chosen in the family of our Father, with access to oceans and worlds of knowledge, and his infinite and abiding love--the one thing that can actually fill the emptiness. We think sometimes that we can't change, that through nature or habit our minds and/or bodies are firmly set on the path to hell, or somewhere besides heaven, which is essentially the same thing. But there is no depth into which God cannot reach to save us, if we are willing to change. He can change our hearts. He can help us be the people we want to be rather than the people that we are. It is not too late. Today, let's reach out to him and listen to his advice, and take a step towards God rather than away. If God is going to give us what we most desire, let's let him help us change our desires into something that will make us truly happy rather than eternally miserable.

Alma 34:4 -- On Moving Forward with Christ

"My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us.
And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and to patience—
Yea, even that ye would have so much faith as even to plant the word in your hearts, that ye may try the experiment of its goodness."
Alma 34:4


I like Amulek's words here in support of Alma, pulling all the threads together for his listeners. I also love that God is willing to show us the truth and to answer our prayers, allowing us to "experiment" on God's words. Alma 32:28 is where Alma compares the word to a seed, and is an excellent read. As Amulek moves past this experiment stage with them he centers on Christ, because us mortals aren't the power or doing any of the convincing here. It is all God, who speaks to us all, proving his words, and convincing our hearts... and as we ask, giving us power to accomplish anything that he asks of us, as we seek to know him in humility, patience, and faith. Today, let's start where we are, and seek the Lord, who will help us believe, build on our testimonies, and help and serve others.

Helaman 3:31-32 -- On Peace, Rejoicing, and Interest

"And in this year there was continual rejoicing in the land of Zarahemla, and in all the regions round about, even in all the land which was possessed by the Nephites.
And it came to pass that there was peace and exceedingly great joy in the remainder of the forty and ninth year; yea, and also there was continual peace and great joy in the fiftieth year of the reign of the judges."
Helaman 3:31-32


I like the mentions of the times of peace. Usually when we hear news or read history (including the scriptures), the focus is on something dramatic and "newsworthy," but it is good to read about times of rejoicing and peace as well, knowing that is what we are striving for... trying to make those times last, through remaining dedicated to God. In the next verse we read about the pride that starts the downward spiral, but here I love that there was just rejoicing and peace for a couple of years. Learning peace is also important, if we are to become peacemakers. We have to learn how to be okay with peace, and not be always in need of, or instigators of, drama. :)

That doesn't mean that life has to be boring. I don't think for a second that God wants us to be boring, or that heaven is boring. It just means that the kind of excitement that the Lord offers is different than the kind that Satan offers. Instead of conflict or prideful comparison, maybe we'll be learning walking on water, the mysteries of the Jaredite stones or the Liahona, or mountain-moving. We can dedicate our attention and interest to buiding something amazing that lasts, rather than something destructive and temporary. Perhaps today in talking with God, we can come up with some good ideas.

Daniel 4:27-31 -- On Heeding God's Warnings

"Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee."
Daniel 4:27-31


This is a good reminder to heed God's warnings. God warns us when we are going astray. We don't always hear it, or take it seriously, but he cares, and he wants us to have a chance to turn around. When God helps us out with such a warning, let's listen. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, unlike Pharoah, unlike Laman and Lemuel... let's learn from their mistakes and change course. Let's develop some humility, and avoid the really bad consequences of thinking that ignoring God is a good idea. He is trying to help and save us from worse.

Psalms 120:1-7 -- On Inner Conflict and Changed Selves

"In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war."
Psalms 120:1-7


I love the poetry of this. It reminds me of John Donne's Holy Sonnet 14, where he asks the Lord to "batter [his] heart" and force his way in, because he was trying and failing to drop his defences and let him in himself... basically, his reason conflicting with his faith. Here, David expresses a similar emotion... that part of him (in this case his tongue and his lips) are rebelling against what he truly wants.

This echoes back to a scripture we talked about recently, where Christ tells us that if our hand or foot offend us, then cut them off. Not I think telling us to intentionally maim ourselves, but to force us to confront our choices with that alternative in mind. If the alternative is getting rid of our reason, or our tongue and lips, or whatever it is that is within us that is blocking what we say we want... then we have to choose. If we want God, we have to accept him completely, and not hold out. We have to convince our reason... we have to tame our mouths. Sometimes we do have to let go of part of our self-definition, and it can feel like an amputation. God can help us through it, if we truly choose him.

C.S. Lewis explained a similar necessity for choice in his introduction to his book The Great Divorce. He says "I do not think that all who choose wrong roads perish; but their rescue consists in being put back on the right road. A wrong sum can be put right: but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on. Evil can be undone, but it cannot "develop" into good. Time does not heal it. . . . It is still "either-or." If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell."

Today, let's cry to the Lord in our distress... and let's be willing to set whatever is holding us back on the altar, offering it to the Lord, either to purify or to consume. In Alma 19 when Lamoni and his household are converted, they explain that their hearts had been changed. They had no more desire to do evil. God does that for us, if we go to him in humility, willing to let go of all of our "souvenirs of Hell." It isn't easy, and it isn't painless, but it is the way to happiness and peace. God will strengthen us, be with us, and protect us as we sincerely choose Him, even over our own body. He will help us be at peace within ourselves if we open our hearts to him and let him change us. Instantly, or little by little, in God's time and not ours... choosing Christ is always the answer.