Daily Gratitude – The Power of Prayer

Posted on October 31, 2024 by latterdays

Today, I am grateful for the gift of prayer. In moments of solitude and in times of need, prayer offers me a sacred refuge, a place where my heart can be laid bare before the Lord. It amazes me that despite my weaknesses, I can approach Heavenly Father with confidence, knowing that He listens with compassion and understanding. For me, prayer is not always about asking for something, but also about finding peace in His presence and being reassured that I am never alone, even when life’s burdens seem heavy.

I am reminded of the words in the Book of Mormon: “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 37:37) This counsel encourages me to trust in God’s wisdom and seek His guidance continually. In expressing my deepest concerns and sincerest gratitude through prayer, I feel His love and experience His grace in my daily life. For this precious communion with my Heavenly Father, I am deeply thankful.
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The Inspired Version – Rediscovering a Sacred Legacy

Posted on October 30, 2024 by latterdays

My grandmother always had a copy of Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of the Bible and the Book of Mormon (1830 edition) in her house. Her example has stayed with me all these years, and it has stirred in me a desire to reflect on these sacred texts. Back in the early 1980s, Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles referred to the Inspired Version at a symposium highlighting the importance of this version of the Bible. I think a lot of our brothers and sisters have forgotten or are unaware of what this version of the Bible actually is.

Elder McConkie said that the Inspired Version “is a thousand times over the best Bible now existing on earth.” This was quoted and addressed further in the June 1999 copy of the Ensign magazine. Elder McConkie’s words were not simply a casual endorsement but a significant recognition of what Joseph Smith’s translation sought to achieve. The Prophet’s efforts were not just an endeavour to clarify doctrinal matters; they reflected an inspired mission to restore truths lost or obscured over time.
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Daily Gratitude – The Blessing of a New Day

Posted on October 30, 2024 by latterdays

Today, I find myself grateful for the simple gift of a new day. As the morning light streams through my window, I am reminded of the goodness and mercy of God, who renews His blessings each dawn. Each day presents a fresh opportunity to draw nearer to Him, to serve others with love, and to strive to be more like Christ. There is a quiet beauty in waking up to new possibilities and receiving the strength to meet both the joys and challenges that lie ahead.

I am especially thankful for the promise of renewal that a new day symbolises. It brings to mind the words of the psalmist: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24). No matter the trials or mistakes of yesterday, today is a chance to walk in faith, relying on His grace. For this daily reminder of His love and the hope it brings, I am deeply grateful.
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God’s Compassionate Call to Return and Rebuild

Posted on October 29, 2024 by latterdays

And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptised, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared.

– Mormon 3:2

I think this passage offers a convincing glimpse into God’s heart for His children. Here, the Lord commands Mormon to cry out to the people, urging them to repent, be baptised, and rebuild His church. There is an urgency in these words that connects deeply with me—a reminder that God’s patience is not passive indifference, but a yearning call for us to return to Him. Continue reading →

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A Hope That Allows Us to Press On

Posted on October 28, 2024 by latterdays

And wo is me because of their wickedness; for my heart has been filled with sorrow because of their wickedness, all my days; nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day.

– Mormon 2:19

As I read Mormon’s words in Mormon 2:19, I sense the weight of sorrow he felt for the wickedness of his people. He lived among them, witnessing their decline into choices that distanced them from God’s love and peace. Mormon’s heartache is very deep, yet it strikes me that even in the midst of such despair, he clings to hope. He writes, “nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day.” In these words, I see a spirit trusting in the Lord’s ultimate promises despite the bleakness around him. I do not think it to be that difficult to relate to Mormon’s sorrow in our own day. There are moments when we look around at the world and feel that deep ache within our hearts. Sometimes it is due to what we see on the news, with conflicts, political strife, and injustices that weigh on our spirits. Other times, it is closer to home—loved ones making choices that draw them away from faith, leaving us feeling helpless. In these moments of feeling that “woe,” it can be challenging to find hope. Yet, like Mormon, we can find solace in knowing that Heavenly Father’s promises are sure and that He sees our sorrow. Continue reading →

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Serving Others Real Spiritual Food

Posted on October 27, 2024 by latterdays

Seeking spiritual nourishment is vital, as Christ Himself urged us to pursue that which truly sustains our souls. When a church or denomination fails to offer such sustenance—whether due to watered-down teachings, a lack of reverence in its duties, or an environment that stifles genuine spiritual growth—it may be a sign to seek a different pasture. Christ calls His flock to receive abundant life, not to languish in spiritual stagnation or starvation. If the teachings are diluted, the priesthood taken lightly, the members of the flock neglected, or the reverence and awe of the Godhead diminished, the faithful are left wanting in essential graces and truth.
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When God’s Timing Seems Uncertain

Posted on October 24, 2024 by latterdays

And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel.

– 3 Nephi 29:2

In today’s verse from the Book of Mormon, we find a firm assurance that the words of the Lord, as spoken by His holy prophets, will come to fruition. This verse declares, “the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled,” which serves as a reassuring reminder for all who seek hope and constancy in a world full of uncertainty. It’s not simply a statement about prophetic fulfilment but also a testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness. His promises are sure, even when our circumstances may make us doubt that certainty.
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Contemplating Divine Promises

Posted on October 23, 2024 by latterdays

Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened.
– 3 Nephi 27:29

When reading this passage this morning, I can’t help but thinking of both the simplicity and the depth of God’s promises to His children. It is similar to Christ’s invitation in His Sermon on the Mount. Here the Saviour speaks with such clarity and directness that it feels like we are personally addressed. “Ask, and ye shall receive.” What a promise this is! Yet, with it comes an implied responsibility—a calling to faith and trust in Heavenly Father’s willingness to answer. It is not a demand but an invitation to approach the Lord with the humility of one who recognises their need for divine grace. Continue reading →

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Repentance and Sanctification

Posted on October 22, 2024 by latterdays

“Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptised in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.”
– 3 Nephi 27:20

As I ponder this verse, I am reminded of a similar call from the New Testament. In Acts 2:38, after Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, the people asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter’s reply is direct and echoes the Saviour’s words in 3 Nephi: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Both passages testify to the vital process of repentance, baptism, and the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. What stands out most to me is the universal scope of Christ’s invitation. “All ye ends of the earth” includes every soul, regardless of race, nationality, or prior belief. This invitation is not only for a select few; it is a global call to repentance and faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Ephesians, shows how far reaching this invitation is, proclaiming that Christ “came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh” (Ephesians 2:17). Christ’s atonement spans every divide, and His call to repentance is extended to all people, from the most devout to the most distant. Continue reading →

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The Promise of Forgiveness and Endurance

Posted on October 21, 2024 by latterdays

“And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.”
– 3 Nephi 27:16

Jesus Christ offers a merciful yet demanding invitation to all who seek salvation. The words, “whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled,” speak directly to my soul, reminding me of the enduring and expansive nature of His grace. This is a promise of divine fulfilment if I am willing to follow His path—a path that is paved with repentance, humility, and obedience to His Commandments.
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