Day 61 - 3 Nephi 22-27

Spiritual Thought:
"The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion." "...Stakes are a defense for the Saints from enemies both seen and unseen. The defense is direction provided through priesthood channels that strengthens testimony and promotes family solidarity and individual righteousness" ("Strengthen Thy Stakes," Ensign, Jan. 1991, 2, 4).

Daily Focus Scriptures to mark and ponder:

3 Nephi 22:2 - "Enlarge the place of thy tent...[and] lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes".

3 Nephi 23:7-8 - "...Nephi, bring forth the record which ye have kept.  And when Nephi had brought forth the records…he (Jesus) cast his eyes upon them and said:"
3 Nephi 23:9 - "Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel...that he should testify unto this people...was it not so?"
3 Nephi 23:11 - "And Jesus said unto them:  How be it that ye have not written this thing..."
3 Nephi 24:2-3 - "But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth?  For he is like a refiners fire, and like fuller's soap.  And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver..."

Daily Questions: 
How am I doing in keeping a journal of the important things in my life?  If the Savior were to come tomorrow and ask me to bring forth my journal so he could cast his eyes on it, how would I feel?  "I sincerely believe that one day we too will be called to account for what we have written and taught. I want to be able to say to the Savior, when He casts His eyes on what I have written, that I endeavored to build the Kingdom and not tear it down. May we all so write!” (Regional Studies in Church History, New England, “Why Are We Here in New England,” by Keith W. Perkins, )

For Kids/teens/adults:
Click here to watch video of "You Raise me Up" featuring pictures of  Thomas S. Monson

Food for Thought:  Refining of Silver

           Some time ago, a few women met to read the scriptures.  While reading the third chapter of Malachi, (compare 3 Nephi 24:2-3)  they came upon a remarkable expression in the  third verse..."And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

          One lady's opinion was that it was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ.  Then she proposed to visit a  silversmith and report to her friends what he said on the subject.

          She went, and without telling the objective of her errand, asked to know the  process of refining silver, which he fully described to her.  "But Sir,"  she said, "Do you SIT while the work of refining is going on?"

        "Oh yes madam," replied the silversmith: "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

        The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, "He  shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."  Christ sees it needful to put His children into a furnace.  His eye is steadily intent on the work of  purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for  them.  Their trials do not come at random.  "...the very hairs of our head are all numbered."

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said that he had one more thing to mention:  He only knows when the process of  purifying is complete, by seeing his own image reflected in the silver.   (Author unknown)

BOMING Picture: 

                "Enlarge the place of thy tent...[and] lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes"

                                   ..."And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."