“This is a song Charles Manson stole from The Beatles, we’re stealing it back.”
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Today’s App Message #2
Alma 53:18-21 (#265)
Question
What does it mean to you for someone to be described as “valiant for courage?” When in your life do you need to demonstrate courage?
Scripture
18 Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men, who entered into this covenant and took their weapons of war to defend their country.
19 And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be their leader.
20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.
21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.
Alma 53:18-21
Quote
I would like to focus on the first trait that describes [the stripling warriors]: “valiant for courage.” To me, this describes the conviction of these young men to courageously do what is right, or as Alma describes, “to stand as witnesses of God at all times … and in all places.” The 2,000 stripling soldiers had countless moments to demonstrate their courage. Each of you will also have defining moments in your life requiring courage.
Bishop Gary E. Stevenson
Today’s App Message
Ex. 32:26
Question
What helps you have the courage to choose to be on the Lord’s side each and every day?
Scripture
26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
Ex. 32:26
Quote
[W]ill we be like those who were decent but who lacked the courage to declare openly for Jesus and who were afraid of losing their places in the synagogue? There are so many equivalent situations today, and some Church members are reluctant to risk losing their places! Each day we decide the degree of our discipleship. Each day we answer the question, “Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?”
Elder Neal A. Maxwell
I Love This
Song of the Day
Today’s App Message #2
Alma 42:29-31 (#264)
Question
What are some ways, in the past, you’ve attempted to excuse yourself in doing things you weren’t supposed to be doing?
Scripture
29 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.
30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.
31 And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words. Amen.
Alma 42:29-31
Quote
If we attempt to appease our conscience by trying to “excuse [ourselves] in the least point because of [our] sins” or by trying to hide them, the only thing we will accomplish is to offend the Spirit and delay our repentance. This type of relief, besides being temporary, will ultimately bring more pain and grief into our lives and will diminish our possibility of receiving a remission of our sins.
Elder Francisco J. Vinas
Today’s App Message
Ex. 32:1
Question
Sometimes the Israelites lost faith in God and put their trust in other things. What helps you maintain your faith in and focus on God?
Scripture
1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Ex. 32:1
Quote
[C]arnal man tends to let his loyalty drift toward idols.
For example, we marvel at computers and the Internet that enable transmission of data with remarkable speed. We are truly grateful for these electronic servants. But if we let them take over our time, pervert our potential, or poison our minds with pornography, they cease being servants and become instead false gods.
The Master warned of those who “seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol.”
False gods can only lead to dead ends. If our journey through life is to be successful, we need to follow divine direction.
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Today’s App Message
Alma 42:25-28 (#263)
Question
Why do you think Elder Christofferson considers the existence of mercy as compelling evidence of God’s justice? In what ways is exercising mercy an act of justice?
Scripture
25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.
26 And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and misery.
27 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.
28 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.
Alma 42:25-28
Quote
Justice is an essential attribute of God. We can have faith in God because He is perfectly trustworthy… We rely on the divine quality of justice for faith, confidence, and hope.
As a consequence of being perfectly just, there are some things God cannot do. He cannot be arbitrary in saving some and banishing others. He “cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” He cannot allow mercy to rob justice.
It is compelling evidence of His justice that God has forged the companion principle of mercy. It is because He is just that He devised the means for mercy to play its indispensable role in our eternal destiny. So now, “justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Today’s App Message #2
Alma 42:21-24 (#262)
Question
Why is Alma 42:23 such a “tender” and “hopeful” verse?
Scripture
21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?
22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.
23 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.
24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
Alma 42:21-24
Quote
All of us have made wrong turns along the way. I believe the kind and merciful God, whose children we are, will judge us as lightly as He can for the wrongs that we have done and give us the maximum blessing for the good that we do…
Of vital importance is resolving transgression, experiencing the healing process which comes of repentance. As President Kimball reminds us: “The principle of repentance—of rising again whenever we fall, brushing ourselves off, and setting off again on that upward trail—is the basis for our hope. It is through repentance that the Lord Jesus Christ can work his healing miracle, infusing us with strength when we are weak, health when we are sick, hope when we are downhearted, love when we feel empty, and understanding when we search for truth.”
One of the tender stories of the Book of Mormon takes place when Alma speaks to his son Corianton, who has fallen into transgression while on a mission to the Zoramites. As he counsels him to forsake his sin and turn again to the Lord, he learns that Corianton is worried about what will happen to him in the Resurrection. There follows a detailed treatment of the probationary state of this life, of justice versus mercy, and God’s plan for our happiness in the hereafter, culminating in [the verse found in Alma 42:23].
President James E. Faust
Today’s App Message
Ex. 24:15-18
Question
Why do you think the Lord wanted Moses to ascend a mountain?
Scripture
15 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.
16 And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
17 And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.
Ex. 24:15-18
Quote
Of course it’s hard. Everything to do with becoming more like the Savior is difficult. For example, when God wanted to give the Ten Commandments to Moses, where did He tell Moses to go? Up on top of a mountain, on the top of Mount Sinai. So Moses had to walk all the way up to the top of that mountain to get the Ten Commandments. Now, Heavenly Father could have said, ‘Moses, you start there, and I’ll start here, and I’ll meet you halfway.’ No, the Lord loves effort, because effort brings rewards that can’t come without it.
President Russell M. Nelson
Today’s App Message
Exodus 20:17
Question
In what way does the commandment not to covet “keep us from hurting ourselves?”
Scripture
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.
Exodus 20:17
Quote
One observer has written: “In a world that constantly compares people, ranking them as more or less intelligent, more or less attractive, more or less successful, it is not easy to really believe in a [divine] love that does not do the same. When I hear someone praised,” he says, “it is hard not to think of myself as less praiseworthy; when I read about the goodness and kindness of other people, it is hard not to wonder whether I myself am as good and kind as they; and when I see trophies, rewards, and prizes being handed out to special people, I cannot avoid asking myself why that didn’t happen to me.” If left unresisted, we can see how this inclination so embellished by the world will ultimately bring a resentful, demeaning view of God and a terribly destructive view of ourselves. Most “thou shalt not” commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the commandment not to covet is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Today’s App Message #2
Alma 42:14-15 (#260)
Question
Do you believe Jesus Christ’s Atonement can ultimately make right any injustices you’ve seen in your life?
Scripture
14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence.
15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.
Alma 42:14-15
Quote
Having satisfied the demands of justice, Christ now steps into the place of justice; or we might say He is justice, just as He is love. Likewise, besides being a “perfect, just God,” He is a perfect, merciful God. Thus, the Savior makes all things right. No injustice in mortality is permanent, even death, for He restores life again. No injury, disability, betrayal, or abuse goes uncompensated in the end because of His ultimate justice and mercy.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Today’s App Message
Exodus 20:8
Question
How can you use President Nelson’s question, “What sign do I want to give to God?” as a standard to help you keep the Sabbath day holy?
Scripture
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exodus 20:8
Quote
The Savior identified Himself as Lord of the Sabbath. It is His day! Repeatedly, He has asked us to keep the Sabbath or to hallow the Sabbath day. We are under covenant to do so.
How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.
Elder Russell M. Nelson
I’ll Try Again Tomorrow
You know, that’s probably not true. I think my employer has stopped the retaliation but you can hardly blame me for thinking in those terms. What I think is that they genuinely thought they were doing the right thing this entire time, but unfortunately it wasn’t and it’s had lasting effects and consequences. It gets really frustrating when it seems like nobody is sorry, and you have to see them acting as if nothing is wrong. Everyone just seems really insincere even when they are trying hard not to be. There is all of this unspoken knowledge which nobody can talk about, and even if I bring it up, I’ll only get lied to. How can you have sincerity and trust in that environment?
I have a meeting with my boss next month and I’m supposed to bring two of my concerns. What do I say? You people have ruined my life and you refuse to acknowledge it, but otherwise I’m good. I have a feeling that if I voiced my real concerns that I’d be sent to mandatory therapy again. (Which is also why I never post The Smiths as my song of the day, mandatory therapy for sure.)
I’m really trying to have patience and be forgiving as I should be, but some days it escapes me.
I’ll try again tomorrow.
Thanks for reading.
I’ll Say it Again…
See, I had a little glimmer of hope that my management was going to finally do the right thing, but instead they decided to try and show me how great they “really” are by highlighting everything the engineering department did. I really don’t care.
You all conspired to have me fired on top of covering up a crime, and defaming my character. That’s pretty f***ing stupid if you ask me.
A coworker got fired yesterday and everybody knows it’s because of attendance. You can’t keep anything a secret in this place. My theory is that they’re trying to make me believe it was due to a training error. And guess who they put as the new trainer? You guessed it. Me. Go ahead and try to fire me, it’s worked thus far.
Oh, and I’m staying. I can’t believe I have to say it again.
Today’s App Message #2
Alma 42:6-11 (#259)
Question
Why is death essential and, in many ways, a blessing? In what ways can it be a joyful gateway?
Scripture
6 But behold, it was appointed unto man to die—therefore, as they were cut off from the tree of life they should be cut off from the face of the earth—and man became lost forever, yea, they became fallen man.
7 And now, ye see by this that our first parents were cut off both temporally and spiritually from the presence of the Lord; and thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own will.
8 Now behold, it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan of happiness.
9 Therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal, that is, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord, it was expedient that mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual death.
10 Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preparatory state.
11 And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord.
Alma 42:6-11
Quote
If the body’s capacity for normal function, defense, repair, regulation, and regeneration were to prevail without limit, life here would continue in perpetuity. Yes, we would be stranded here on earth! Mercifully for us, our Creator provided for aging and other processes that would ultimately result in our physical death. Death, like birth, is part of life. Scripture teaches that “it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan of happiness.” To return to God through the gateway we call death is a joy for those who love Him and are prepared to meet Him.
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Today’s App Message
Exodus 20:3
Question
How can you use the first commandment and President Nelson’s counsel to “let God prevail” guide your actions this week?
Scripture
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:3
Quote
The question for each of us…is the same. Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?
When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues.
President Russell M. Nelson
Song of the Day
Hurdy Gurdy Man by Donovan. Donovan was one of my first followers on Twitter. (the first time around anyway) Dana Carvey was also following me but I think they both probably muted my posts immediately. 😁
Today’s App Message
Exodus 19:6
Question
How does the call to be a “holy nation” influence the way you live?
Scripture
6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Exodus 19:6
Quote
To ancient Israel, by the mouth of Moses, the Lord said: “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”
This promise is ours also. If we will walk in paths of virtue and holiness, the Lord will pour out his blessings upon us to a degree we have never supposed possible…
[H]e has promised us that if we magnify our callings and walk in the light, as he is in the light, we shall have glory and honor with him forever in his Father’s kingdom.
With such a glorious hope before us, can we do less than forsake the evil ways of the world? Shall we not put first in our lives the things of God’s kingdom? Shall we not seek to live by every word that proceedeth forth from his mouth? Shall we not magnify our callings and become in very deed a kingdom of priests and righteous brethren?
President Joseph Fielding Smith
Today’s App Message
Exodus 19:5
Question
As you learn about the word “peculiar” in Hebrew in the quote below, how does it make you feel knowing that your covenant keeping allows you to become God’s “valued treasure?”
Scripture
5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.
Exodus 19:5
Quote
Peter used uplifting terms in a prophecy regarding our day. He identified members of the Church as “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” The adjectives chosen, royal, and holy we recognize as elevating. But what about peculiar? A modern dictionary defines peculiar as “unusual,” “eccentric,” or “strange.” What kind of compliment is that?
But the term peculiar as used in the scriptures is quite different. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means “valued property,” or “treasure.” In the New Testament, the Greek term from which peculiar was translated is peripoiesis, which means “possession,” or “an obtaining.”
Thus, we see that the scriptural term peculiar signifies “valued treasure,” “made” or “selected by God.” For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order.
Elder Russell M. Nelson
I Feel Rebuked 😉
And this kind of thing happens to me a lot lately. Sunday… Easter Sunday, I didn’t go to church and here’s how I justified it; I was sincerely trying to do the right thing, but sometimes it’s hard to know what the right thing is.
My sister had her 50th birthday party on Saturday night (which most of my entire family attended). My other sister and sister-in-law helped clean up as best they could, but there were still a lot of dishes in the sink and other stuff to do. The last party guests stayed until 1:00 am.
My husband has just taken in a 12 year old foster child with Autism as his new full time job. John has been staying with us for three days now, but at the time of the party it had only been overnight and into the next day. My husband is still getting used to the situation as is John. My husband hates there to be dishes in the sink and I knew he’d try to do the dishes as he also tried to watch John. (which can be difficult) I knew the entire situation would be very stressful for him so I decided to stay home and clean up instead of going to church.
At 1:30, John’s parents, who are wonderful people, picked him up for an Easter activity. My son took this as an opportunity to go see the new Fantastic Beasts movie. I didn’t want to go because I already felt guilty for not going to church, but if you know my son, movies are his life. I didn’t know when all three of us would have another opportunity to go see a movie together given our new situation, so I decided to go.
I justified all of this because I thought I was serving others.
Tonight, I decided to catch up on general conference and the first talk I listened to was this:
A Mighty Change of Heart: “I Have Nothing More to Give You”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/16gavarret?lang=eng
These messages are indeed for me, for us. ❤️
Thank you for reading.
Today’s App Message #2
Alma 41:11-14 (#257)
Question
Think about your actions, words, and thoughts from the past week. If those same actions, words, and thoughts were restored back to you, what would that be like for you?
Scripture
11 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.
12 And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?
13 O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.
14 Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.
Alma 41:11-14
Quote
The assurance of resurrection gives us the strength and perspective to endure the mortal challenges faced by each of us and by those we love, such things as the physical, mental, or emotional deficiencies we bring with us at birth or acquire during mortal life. Because of the resurrection, we know that these mortal deficiencies are only temporary!
The assurance of resurrection also gives us a powerful incentive to keep the commandments of God during our mortal lives. Resurrection is much more than merely reuniting a spirit to a body held captive by the grave. We know from the Book of Mormon that the resurrection is a restoration that brings back “carnal for carnal” and “good for that which is good.”
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Today’s App Message
Exodus 18:21
Question
Like Moses, we can wear ourselves out if we try to be everything to everyone. How can you use Jethro’s counsel to Moses in Exodus, and President Eyring’s counsel that “helping may require more than what one person can do” to guide you in your service to others?
Scripture
21 Morever thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, rulers of tens.
Exodus 18:21
Quote
With all your differences in personal circumstances and past experiences, I can tell you something of what lies ahead for you. As you keep the faith, you will find yourself invited by the Lord often to serve someone in need when it will not seem convenient. It may appear to be an unpleasant and perhaps even impossible task. When the call comes, it may seem you are not needed or that someone else could easily give the succor.
Remember that when the Lord lets us encounter someone in distress, we honor the good Samaritan for what he did not do as much as for what he did. He did not pass by on the other side even though the beaten traveler on the road was a stranger and perhaps an enemy. He did what he could for the beaten man and then put in place a specific plan for others to do more. He did that because he understood that helping may require more than what one person can do.
President Henry B. Eyring
Today’s App Message #2
Alma 41:6-10 (#256)
Question
Changing “desires” and acting with “sincerity” are key parts of repentance. Why are they necessary?
Scripture
6 And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
7 These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil.
8 Now, the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved.
9 And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offense against your God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto risked to commit sin.
10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
Alma 41:6-10
Quote
One of the reasons that Alma’s statement is particularly true is that with repeated sinning, we distance ourselves from the Spirit, become discouraged, and then stop repenting. But I repeat, because of the Savior’s Atonement, we can repent and be fully forgiven, as soon as our repentance is sincere.
What we cannot do is rationalize rather than repent. It will not work to justify ourselves in our sins by saying, “God knows it’s just too hard for me, so He accepts me like I am.” “Really trying” means we keep at it as we fully come up to the Lord’s standard, which is clearly defined in the questions we are asked in order to get a temple recommend.
Elder J. Devn Cornish
Today’s App Message
Psalm 30:5
Question
Christ’s friends mourned His death, not realizing the glorious resurrection that would occur on Sunday. We know that through Jesus Christ, the sorrow of death can be replaced with joy as all will be resurrected and live again.
How does this wonderful promise bring you hope, even through the challenges of mortality?
Scripture
5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
Quote
We can imagine how Jesus’s friends, who had followed Him and ministered to Him, felt upon witnessing His death. We know that “they mourned and wept.” On the day of the Crucifixion, not knowing what would happen on Sunday, they must have been overwhelmed by distress, wondering how they would go on without their Lord. …
President Nelson has taught: “Death is a necessary component of our eternal existence. No one knows when it will come, but it is essential to God’s great plan of happiness. Thanks to the Atonement of the Lord, eventual resurrection is a reality and eternal life is a possibility for all humankind.”
Sister Reyna I. Aburto
Bethene Zetterquist Photography 