In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord appeared unto Isaac and promised to be with him and multiply him. Isaac built an altar. Genesis 26: 24-25 "And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac’s servants digged a well."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that talk about how Jesus was able to do mighty works and miracles among the Nephites that He was not able to do among the Jews because of their unbelief. Faith is required for miracles to take place. 3 Ne. 19: 35-36 "And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying he came again to the disciples, and said unto them: So great faith have I never seen among all the Jews; wherefore I could not show unto them so great miracles, because of their unbelief. Verily I say unto you, there are none of them that have seen so great things as ye have seen; neither have they heard so great things as ye have heard."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about the wonderful state of the world that we'll enjoy during the millenium. There will be no animosity between animals. The lamb and the wolf will dwell together, the leopard will lie down with the kid and the calf with the lion and the cow with the bear. A baby will be able to play on a cobra den and not be harmed. No one will hurt or destroy and the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth. What a wonderful day to look forward to! The thing I'm most looking forward to is petting big cats like lions and tigers. That sounds like lots of fun for a cat lover like me! Isa. 11: 6-9 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

In the Old Testament I read about how Isaac departed and redug wells of his father's which had been filled in with earth. Genesis 26: 16-19 "And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we. And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them. And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how after Jesus had ministered among the Nephites, he ascended into heaven and the multitude who had seen him dispersed to their homes for the night. However, it was noised abroad among the people that they had seen Jesus and that He would again show Himself unto them the next day so the people gathered to the place where Jesus would come, some even travelling all night to get there. 3 Ne. 19: 1-3 "And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ascended into heaven, the multitude did disperse, and every man did take his wife and his children and did return to his own home. And it was noised abroad among the people immediately, before it was yet dark, that the multitude had seen Jesus, and that he had ministered unto them, and that he would also show himself on the morrow unto the multitude. Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to call upon the Lord in the time of our trouble, and He will answer us. Ps. 86: 7 "In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me." The thought that went with this, written by Norma C. Mezoe from Sandborn, Indiana says: When I told my daughter about somone who was going through one crisis after another, she had an apt comment: "Sounds as though she has a full plate--and it's filled with all Brussels sprouts and no dessert!" Most of us have gone through a time of all Brussels sprouts (or spiniach or liver or you-name-it) and no dessert. Our plate isn't always filled with the good things in life. Sometimes death, illness, job loss, or some other trial is served up. But sooner or later, brownies or a large slice of warm apple pie will appear on our plates again. And God will use the Brussels sprouts days to bless us and draw us closer to Him. Loving God, when our plates are filled with things not of our choosing, help us to still be willing to praise you.

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord prospered Isaac and blessed him, which made the Philistines envious. Genesis 26: 12-14 "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that discuss the importance of our motivation in doing good. Do we do good because we love God and want to please Him, or to be seen of men? If it's only to be seen of men, we've already received our reward. We should give alms and say our prayers in secret rather than making a show of them so other people will think well of us. 3 Ne. 13: 1-6 "Verily, verily, I say that I would that ye should do alms unto the poor; but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven. Therefore, when ye shall do your alms do not sound a trumpet before you, as will hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest alms let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth; That thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest thou shalt not do as the hypocrites, for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, whoseeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that in our lives, we must think and act like Jesus, and be humble and unselfish in our dealings with other people. Philippians 2:3-5 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" Part of the thought that went with this, written by Petra Lyall from Ulysses, Pennsylvania says: I read about a little girl who was in the Special Olympics. She came in last in every event she entered and had numerous blue ribbons. She didn't care about coming in last, but she wanted a different colored ribbon! Her grandmother told her that she was praying that God would send an angel to help her. The little girl was in her last event and running in last place when the girl in front of her looked back and then stopped to wait for her. Then they grasped hands and finished the race together. Both received white ribbons! I think the second little girl was God's answer to prayer--and a great example for us.

In the Old Testament I read the story of how Isaac claimed Rebekah was his sister, in an incident very similar in nature to what had happened when his father Abraham had claimed that Sarah was his sister. He didn't want to be killed by people who wanted his wife. Genesis 26: 6-11 "And Isaac dwelt in Gerar: And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon. And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife: and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her. And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us. And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death."

In the Book of Mormon I read that in order to be saved we need to come unto Christ and keep His commandments. If we don't do this, under no circumstances can we enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 3 Ne. 12: 20 "Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to wait in patience on the Lord, look to Him, and trust in Him. Sometimes things don't always work out the way we hope they will and circumstances can look grim. But we need to be patient and know that all things will work together for our good in the long run if we trust in the Lord and seek Him. Isaiah 8:17 And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him."

In the Old Testament I read about how Abraham was promised blessings and that his seed would be multiplied. Genesis 26: 1-5 "And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws."

In the Book of Mormon I read about a sermon that Jesus gave to the Nephites, which was very similar to the Sermon on the Mount He'd given to the people on the other side of the world. God loves all His children no matter which part of the world they live in, and has similar words for all of them. And these words certainly give us inspiration to live by. 3 Ne. 12: 3-12 "Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God. And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; For aye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will bring us health and cure and heal us, bringing us an abundance of peace and truth. Jer. 33: 6 "Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth."

In the Old Testament I read about how Esau came from the field hungry and sold his birthright to Jacob for some pottage to eat. Geneis 25: 29-34 "And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright."

In the Book of Mormon I read that contention is of the devil, who stirs up the hearts of men to contend with anger against one another. But it is Christ's doctrine that such things should be done away with. Whenever we allow anger and contention to enter into our hearts, it's impossible to feel the Spirit of the Lord. Contention drives the Spirit away. 3 Ne. 29-30 "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of the rich young man who inquired of Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. He said he'd been keeping the commandments from his youth. When Jesus told him he needed to sell all that he had and give to the poor, he went away sorrowing, unwilling to part with his worldly goods in order to receive treasure in heaven. Mark 10: 17-22 "And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." The thought that went with this, written by Elizabeth Provost from Modesto, California said: The rich young man in this story believed himself to be honorable, and he told Jesus that he kept all the commandments. But when Jesus asked him to sell all his material goods and follow him, the man just couldn't do it. Maybe that's because his goods were almost as numerous as dust and he felt comfort and safety in their number. But he failed to realize that what he was asked to give up was worth no more than dust, either. And following Jesus would have given him diamonds in comparison!
What is it about riches that takes charge of our lives? Whenever I look forward to getting something material, the anticipation is always far more exciting than the object I finally get. I discover it's only dust, after all. From now on, I'm going for the diamonds of following Jesus! Lord, please help me to remember the rich young man when I begin to long for material things, and help me to long for you instead.

In the Old Testament I read about Rebekan gave birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. They were very different from each other, with Esau liking to hunt and Jacob dwelling in tents. Esau was the favorite of his father, who enjoyed eating his venison, but Rebekah's favorite was Jacob. Genesis 25: 24- 28 "And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them. And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob."

In the Book of Mormon I read the description of Christ coming to the Nephites, after his crucifixion in the Old World, and His subsequent resurrection. Heavenly Father introduced Him as His Beloved Son before He descended from Heaven. Jesus told the people that He was the Light and Life of the world and that He had taken upon Himself the sins of the world. He allowed the people to feel the nail prints in His hands and feet and thrust their hands into His side so that they could know of a surety that He was the one whom the prophets had testified would come. 3 Ne. 11: 7-17 "Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter bcup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his scension into heaven. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole dearth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we keep our minds stayed on the Lord and trust in Him, He'll keep us in perfect peace. Isa. 26: 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

In the Old Testament I read about the how Rebekah, Isaac's wife, was barren but after Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, she was able to conceive and bear twins. She felt the babies struggling within her womb and was told by the Lord that they would be two nations and that the elder would serve the younger. Genesis 25: 19- 23 "And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac: And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the Lord. And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger."

In the Book of Mormon I read how after three days the darkness dispersed and the earth ceased to tremble and the groanings and tumultuous noises stopped. The weeping and wailing of the surviving people also stopped and gave way to joy and thanksgiving and praise for their Redeemer, Jesus Christ. It was the more righteous of the people who had been spared--the ones who did not kill the prophets. In all these things the prophesies of many prophets had been fulfilled. 3 Ne. 10: 9-14 "And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away. And it was in the morning, and the darkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the rocks did cease to rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises did pass away. And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer. And thus far were the scriptures fulfilled which had been spoken by the prophets. And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared— And they were spared and were not sunk and buried up in the earth; and they were not drowned in the depths of the sea; and they were not burned by fire, neither were they fallen upon and crushed to death; and they were not carried away in the whirlwind; neither were they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness. And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by tempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the opening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to give thanks always in all things. How very important to show gratitude for all the Lord has given to us. Eph. 5: 20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" The thought that went with this, written by Gary Roberts from hanover, Indiana is as follows: Have you heard this story about a mother and her young daughter? As they were strolling through an open-air market in Florida, the little girl stopped and stared at a large pile of oranges. the generous vendor picked one up and gave it to her. "What do you say to the nice man?" the mother asked her dauther. The little girl looked at the orange, then thrust it toward the man and said, "Peel it!" We live in a world where people are always expecting and seldom say thank you. How easy it is to fall into the trap of expectation as if the world owes us! We often respond to God in like manner, saying to God in response to his graciousness, "That's nice, but I want more!" Gratitude toward God is one of the marks of spiritual maturity. Paul tells us in today's lesson that, as followers of Jesus, we are to give thanks always for all things, to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing makes life more joy-filled than to have a grateful heart. So let's practice being thankful for all that God has provided. Let's forget the complaints about what we don't have. Instead of being downcast, be grateful. Instead of saying, "Peel it!" say, "Thank you." And when we do, life will seem so much more enjoyable. O Lord, it's so easy to see the thorns in life and forget the tasty oranges that you have also offered us. Help me to count the blessings and keep me grateful, Lord. Let me find my contentment in you. Forgive me for forgetting all you do and have done and will do for me.

In the Old Testament I read about how after the death of Abraham, the Lord blessed Isaac and he dwelt by the well Lahai-roi. Genesis 25: 11 "And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahai-roi."

In the Book of Mormon we read that after the great destructions and the three days of darkness, the voice of the Lord spake to the people, telling them that the destructions came because of the wickedness of the people, and that they now need to repent and come unto Him. He has brought redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin. They just need to repent and come to him as a little child. He has laid down his life and taken it up again, and all the world who comes unto Him will be saved. 3 Ne. 9: 12-15, 21-22 "And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations. O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine carm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name. Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin. Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."

Some verses from a thought booklet tell us that we need to avoid judging other people, for with the same judgment we give to others, we'll be judged. Sometimes it's easy to see what's wrong with others while ignoring our own faults. But before we can cast out the tiny speck that's in our brother's eye, we need to cast the huge beam out of our own eye so that we can see more clearly. Matt. 7: 1-5 "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye."
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In the Old Testament I read about how Abraham died at the age of 175 and was buried in the cave of Machpelah. Genesis 25:7-9 "And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;"

In the Book of Mormon I read about the terrible destruction that came to the American Continent at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the Old World. There were storms and earthquakes and great upheaval in all the land. Cities burned and cities fell into the ocean, highways were broken up and smooth places became rough. The whole face if the earth became deformed. And following all this, there were three days of darkness where there was no light at all and people could feel the vapors of darkness. Great were the cries and mourning of the people, weeping and wishing that they had repented before these terrible calamities came upon them. 3 Ne. 8: 5-25 "And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great bstorm, such an one as never had been known in all the land. And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder. And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. And the acity of Zarahemla did take fire. And the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned. And the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah, that in the place of the city there became a great mountain. And there was a great and terrible destruction in the land southward. But behold, there was a more great and terrible destruction in the land northward; for behold, the whole face of the land was changed, because of the tempest and the whirlwinds, and the thunderings and the lightnings, and the exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth; And the highways were broken up, and the level roads were spoiled, and many smooth places became rough. And many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left desolate. And there were some cities which remained; but the damage thereof was exceedingly great, and there were many in them who were slain. And there were some who were carried away in the whirlwind; and whither they went no man knoweth, save they know that they were carried away. And thus the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the quaking of the earth. And behold, the rocks were rent in twain; they were broken up upon the face of the whole earth, insomuch that they were found in broken fragments, and in seams and in cracks, upon all the face of the land. And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease—for behold, they did last for about the space of three bhours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; nevertheless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours—and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land. And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the bvapor of darkness; And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all; And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land. And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them. And in one place they were heard to cry, saying: O that we had repented abefore this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that great city Zarahemla. And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our mothers and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah. And thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that even though Jesus loved Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus, when He heard that Lazarus was sick, Jesus waited two days before He went unto him. Why the wait? As we know, Lazarus died during this time. If Jesus had come right away, Lazarus might not have died. But God's purposes were brought forth in that Lazarus was allowed to die and Jesus could raise him from the dead, showing forth His power over death. Sometimes we may wonder why the Lord doesn't answer our prayers right away and why we have to suffer while waiting. But we should trust in the Lord that all these things will be for our good and there is a reason why the Lord answers our prayers the way He does and in the timing that He does. John 11: 5-6 "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was."


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In the Old Testament I read about how Isaac met Rebekah as she arrived with the servant. He married her and he loved her, and she was a comfort to him after the death of his mother. Genesis 24:61-67 "And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahai-roi; for he dwelt in the south country. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how most of the people continued to be wicked. In a short space of just six years they turned from their righteousness, like a dog to his vomit. Nephi was full of faith and preached to them with great power about repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ--so much so that they could not disbelieve. However, most of the people were angry with him because of the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds. 3 Ne. 7: 7-8, 15-21 "And they did cause a great contention in the land, insomuch that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked; yea, there were but few righteous men among them. And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire. And it came to pass that Nephi—having been visited by angels and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he might know concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being eye-witness to their quick return from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations; Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds—went forth among them in that same year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority. And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily. And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he craise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people. And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus. And it came to pass that the thirty and first year did pass away, and there were but few who were converted unto the Lord; but as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how the people honored the Lord with their lips while their hears were far from Him, worshipping Him in vain. Mark 7: 6-7 "He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." The thought that went with this, written by Renie Smith from Rapid City, South Dakota says: A friend of mine recently left her job at a small business where she had worked for a few years. One her last day they held a lunch in her honor. However, the entire discussion during the lunch was business related, and she really received no attention whatsoever. After lunch everyone went to do other things and my friend was left by herself the entire afternoon. Although they had made a nice gesture, she did not feel honored or valued. How often do we treat our Lord the same way? We make the appropriate gestures: we read our Bibles, we pray, we attend chruch, and we help with a church project. But we totally ignore the Lord Himself. We daydream during the sermon, we contemplate dinner plans as we read the Bible, we gossip about others while we help clean the church, or we go through the motions of doing something to help a neighbor but resent the time and effort it takes. Just as my friend did not feel honored by the behavior of her coworkers and boss, so our Lord doesn't feel honored if we serve Him with our words and motions but not our hearts.

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In the Old Testament I read about how the servant spent the night with Rebekah's family and then wanted to depart with her the next morning, but her family wanted to procrastinate her departure. However, when they inquired of Rebekah what she wanted to do, she agreed to go with the servant right away. Her family sent her away with a blessing that she would become the mother of thousands of millions. Genesis 24:54- "And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master. And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go. And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master. And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth. And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men. And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them. And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way."

Yesterday we read in the Book of Mormon about how the people repented and became a righteous people. Today we read about how they began a decline into wickedness. It all started with pride and allowing themselves to be lifted up and think they were better than others because of their riches or their education. This allowed Satan to gain a foothold into their hearts and they then were in a position to harken to his temptations, rebel against the things they knew to be right, and fall into great iniquity. How very sad it is that a people so enlightened and righteous could fall in such a short space of time. We need to be very careful that we don't allow pride and the vain things of the world to turn us away from the things of God. We need to be firm, steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord, and always remain humble and penitent. 3 Ne. 6: 4-5, 10, 12-18 "And they began again to prosper and to wax great; and the twenty and sixth and seventh years passed away, and there was great order in the land; and they had formed their laws according to equity and justice. And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression. But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year there began to be some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions; And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were bignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches. Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God. And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord. Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world. And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years. And thus, in the commencement of the thirtieth year—the people having been delivered up for the space of a long time to be carried about by the temptations of the devil whithersoever he desired to carry them, and to do whatsoever iniquity he desired they should—and thus in the commencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state of awful wickedness. Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God."

Some verses from a thought booklet talk about Jesus being the vine and we being the branches. If the branches don't bear fruit, they're cast away. If they bear fruit, He purges them so they bring forth even more fruit. Any branch that is cut off from the vine withers away and dies. If we cut ourselves off from the Lord, we likewise will wither and die spiritually. If we keep the commandments, we'll abide in the Lord's love, He will give us answer to our prayers, and our joy will be full. Let's never cut ourselves off from the very thing that will nourish us and keep us alive and fruitful. Without the Lord, we can do nothing. John 15: 1-11 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye akeep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."

In the Old Testament I read about the response of Rebekah's family to what the servant of Abraham had to say. They realized that this was of the Lord and could not withhold their daughter from becoming Isaac's wife. The servant worshipped the Lord and gave thanks once again. He gave jewels to Rebekah and her family. Genesis 24: 50 - 53 "Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the Lord hath spoken. And it came to pass, that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things."

In the Book of Mormon we read how righteous the Nephites became. Every one of them gained faith in the coming of Christ and the words of the prophets who foretold this event. They were willing to repent and forsake all their sins and serve God with diligence day and night. It's too bad this righteousness would be shortlived, as we'll see in future readings. 3 Ne. 5: 1-3 "And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled. And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come, because of the many signs which had been given, according to the words of the prophets; and because of the things which had come to pass already they knew that it must needs be that all things should come to pass according to that which had been spoken. Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night."

A verse with a thought booklet tell us we can rejoice greatly in the Lord and have much joy in the knowledge that He has clothed us with the garments of salvation. We have so much to be grateful to the Lord for! He created us and the beautiful world we live in, and provided a way for us to be forgiven for our sins and be saved in His Kingdom. Through His atoning blood, we can receive a remission of our sins. And we can be resurrected, just as He was. We have much to be thankful for and rejoice in. Isa. 61: 10 "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

In the Old Testament I read about how the servant of Abrham explained to Rebekah's family who he was and why he came. Genesis 24:34- 49 "And he said, I am Abraham’s servant. And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses. And Sarah my master’s wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath. And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me. And he said unto me, The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house: Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath. And I came this day unto the well, and said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go: Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the Lord hath appointed out for my master’s son. And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also. And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands. And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter unto his son. And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Nephites praised the Lord for all He had done for them, in protecting them against their enemies and preserving them from falling into their handes. Their hearts were swollen with joy and their tears gushed forth because of the great goodness of God. When God answers our prayers, are we this grateful? Do we show our appreciation to the Lord? 3 Ne. 4:31-33 "And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and apraising 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."

Going right along with this is a verse from a thought booklet, telling us to give thanks and sing praises unto the name of the Lord. Ps. 92: 1 "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:"



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In the Old Testament I read about the Lord guided Abraham's servant in choosing Rebekah as a wife for Isaac. The servant then gave thanks unto the Lord for showing mercy and leading him to Abrahman's brethren and helping him find the right wife for Isaac. This serves as a good example to us that when the Lord hears and answers our prayers, we need to give Him thanks for the blessings He gives to us. Genesis 24: 10-27 "And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master. And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking. And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not. And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold; And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in? And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor. She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in. And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the army of Giddiahni was very fierce and looked frightening, but the Nephites turn to the Lord for help and protection against them and the Lord answered their prayers so that the Nephites beat them and they fell back before them. When we have the Lord with us, we have no need to fear. 3 Ne. 4: 8-12 "And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites, when they saw the appearance of the army of Giddianhi, had all fallen to the earth, and did lift their cries to the Lord their God, that he would spare them and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies. And it came to pass that when the armies of Giddianhi saw this they began to shout with a loud voice, because of their joy, for they had supposed that the Nephites had fallen with fear because of the terror of their armies. But in this thing they were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection; therefore, when the armies of Giddianhi did rush upon them they were prepared to meet them; yea, in the strength of the Lord they did receive them. And the battle commenced in this the sixth month; and great and terrible was the battle thereof, yea, great and terrible was the slaughter thereof, insomuch that there never was known so great a slaughter among all the people of Lehi since he left Jerusalem. And notwithstanding the threatenings and the oaths which Giddianhi had made, behold, the Nephites did beat them, insomuch that they did fall back from before them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to let our lights shine. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we can let our lights shine forth to brighten the lives of all those around us. Let's not hide the light in our lives, but allow it to shine forth to others. Matt. 5: 15-16 "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

In the Old Testament I read about how Abraham made his servant swear that he would try to find a wife for his son Isaac among his kindred rather than let him marry a Caananite. Genesis 24:2-9 "And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again. The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter."

In the Book of Mormon I read about the continued wickedness of the people, in spite of the much preaching and prophesying in their behalf. They continued on in their iniquity. 3 Ne. 2: 10 "And it came to pass that the people did still remain in wickedness, notwithstanding the much preaching and prophesying which was sent among them; and thus passed away the tenth year also; and the eleventh year also passed away in iniquity."

Some verses with a thought booklet go along with the theme of "you reap what you sow." It will be well with the righteous, but wo unto the wicked! Isa. 3: 10-11 "Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him."

In the Old Testament I read about how Sarah died at the age of 127, Abraham mourned for her, and she was buried. Genesis 23: 1-2, 19 "And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died in Kirjath-arba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that sadly relate how shortlived the faith of the people was after they witnessed the day, the night and the day of no darkness. It wasn't many years before they again allowed Satan to take hold of their hearts, blinding their eyes and leading them away from the truth. They began to say that believing in Christ was a vain and foolish thing and they returned to their wickedness. How sad it is that people are so quick to do iniquity and are so swift to return to their sins after seeing such great signs and miracles. 3 Ne. 2: 1-3 "And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen— Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing. And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong in wickedness and abominations; and they did not believe that there should be any more signs or wonders given; and Satan did go about, leading away the hearts of the people, tempting them and causing them that they should do great wickedness in the land."

Some verses from a thought booklet refer to the law of the harvest--we reap what we sow. So we should not be weary in well doing. If we continue on in righteousness, we'll in due season reap the rewards for our labors. Gal. 6: 7-9 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

In the Old Testament I read that after Abraham had passed his test in showing his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, the Lord promised him that his seed would be multiplied more than the stars of the heavens or the sands of the seashore and through his seed, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. When we're willing to obey, we receive blessings. Gen. 22: 15-18 "And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."

Some verses from the Book of Mormon tell about the sign being given of a day, a night, and a day when there was no darkness, and the resulting reaction of the people as they witnessed this. People who before had not believed in the prophesies now fell to the earth in astonishment. They now believed that Jesus would come, just as the prophets had testified. They began to fear because of their iniquities. 3 Ne. 1:15-21 "And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came. And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand. And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth. For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief. And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets. And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the proud and haughty will be humbled and only the Lord will be exalted. Isa. 2: 11 "The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day."

In the Old Testament I read the story of how Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his precious son Isaac. Can you imagine being asked to sacrifice a much beloved child in this way? But he did not hesitate. He rose up early in the morning to set out to do what the Lord had commanded him to do. And he was prepared to do it before an angel from the Lord stopped him and told him it was enough--he'd proven he was willing to do it and did not have to go through with it. He'd passed the test! How many of us would be willing to sacrifice anything and everything for the Lord? Do we truly put Him first in our lives? One thing to note here is that our Heavenly Father had to do the very thing that Abraham was stayed from doing--sacrifice His Son Jesus Christ, for us. How difficult this must have been for Him to see His beloved Son suffer and die on a cross. Gen. 22: 1-13 "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. nd Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son."

In the Book of Mormon I read about the persecution heaped upon those who believed in the coming of Jesus Christ and who placed faith in the prophesies of Samuel the Lamanite, watching for the sign that would be given of a day, a night, and a day with no darkness. The unbelievers claimed that the time for this to be fulfilled was already past and set a date by which if it didn't happen, all the believers would be killed. Nephi prayed mightily to the Lord in behalf of the believers and received the answer that the day for this sign to be given was at hand and would take place that very night. 3 Ne. 1: 4-13 "And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people. But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite. And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain. And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass. But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain. Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet. Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful. And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers. And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying: Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us how peace will come during the millenium and there will not be war anymore. People will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks. What a wonderful day that will be! Isa. 2: 4 "And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

In the Old Testament I read that Hagar was cast out but an angel visited her and told her that her son would make a great nation. God helped her find a well of water to sustain them and the lad grew and dwelt in the wilderness. Genesis 21:14-20 "And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba. And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer."

In the Book of Mormon I read about the reaction of the people to the words of Samuel the Lamanite as he preached upon the top of the city wall. Some of them believed his words, repented and sought out baptism. Others did not believe him and tried to throw stones and arrows at him as he stood upon the wall. But when they saw they couldn't hit him, they were then convinced that the Lord was with him so they then repented and were baptized. However, the majority of the people still were unbelieving and decided that the reason they could not hit him with their arrows and stones was because he had the power of the devil with him. They tried to capture him but he was able to flee from them. How very sad that some people refused to be brought to repentance and continued on in their wickedness, even when hearing a prophet of the Lord preach to them. Hel. 16: 1-7, 10 "And now, it came to pass that there were many who heard the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake upon the walls of the city. And as many as believed on his word went forth and sought for Nephi; and when they had come forth and found him they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the Lord. But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of Samuel were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall; but the Spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones neither with their arrows. Now when they saw that they could not hit him, there were many more who did believe on his words, insomuch that they went away unto Nephi to be baptized. For behold, Nephi was baptizing, and prophesying, and preaching, crying repentance unto the people, showing signs and wonders, working miracles among the people, that they might know that the Christ must shortly come— Telling them of things which must shortly come, that they might know and remember at the time of their coming that they had been made known unto them beforehand, to the intent that they might believe; therefore as many as believed on the words of Samuel went forth unto him to be baptized, for they came repenting and confessing their sins. But the amore part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him. And as they went forth to lay their hands on him, behold, he did cast himself down from the wall, and did flee out of their lands, yea, even unto his own country, and began to preach and to prophesy among his own people. And thus ended also the eighty and seventh year of the reign of the judges, the more part of the people remaining in their pride and wickedness, and the lesser part walking more circumspectly before God."

A verse with a thought booklet tell us to pray for one another because the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Sometimes we see a friend or family member with an illness or some other trial or tribulation and we feel helpless to do anything to aid them in their time of trouble. But if we'll simply pray for them, this is doing a great thing and can actually have a huge impact on their lives. When someone we know is going through a tough time, don't forget to pray for them! James 5: 16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

In the Old Testament I read that after Sarah bear Isaac, she mocked the bondwoman who had born Ismael and wanted her cast out. Abraham didn't want to do it, for the sake of his son, but the Lord told him to listen to Sarah because Isaac would be called his seed. However, He would make a nation from Ismael also. Genesis 21:9-13 "And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son. And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that tell about agency. We are free to choose good or evil, but we receive the reward or suffer the consequences according to our own choices. It's up to us! The Lord gives us knowledge and makes us free to make our own decision about how to use that knowledge. Hel. 14:30-31 "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."

A verse with a thought booklet was something I needed to hear because I tend to worry and fret and be overly concerned about things sometimes. But this verse tells me that I need to pray with thanksgiving and let my requests be made known unto God. The phrase "be careful for nothing" didn't make much sense to me until I read the footnote with this scripture which says, "Don't be unduly concerned about anything." Indeed, if we turn our problems over to the Lord and thank Him for all He's given to us, we don't need to be unduly concerned about anything. Easier said than done for me, but something I need to work on. Philip. 4: 6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

In the Old Testament I read about how Sarah was able to conceive a child in her old age and bore a son named Isaac. Abraham had his circumcised when he was eight days old, just like the Lord had commanded him to do. Genesis 21:1-5 "And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him."

In the Book of Mormon I read more of the prophesies of Samuel the Lamanite, talking about the death and resurrection of the Savior. Because Jesus died for us, He made salvation possible. He redeemed us from physical death, bringing to pass the resurrection of the dead. And he also redeemed us from spiritual death, making it possible for us to repent of our sins and be forgiven. If we repent, we can avoid being hewn down and cast into the fire. If we believe on the name of Christ, we'll repent of all our sins and receive a remission of sins through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Hel. 14: 12-19 "And also that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and that ye might know of the signs of his coming, to the intent that ye might believe on his name. And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits. And behold, again, another sign I give unto you, yea, a sign of his death. For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord. Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual. But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord. Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness. Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that men are known by their fruits. Someone evil will bring forth bad fruit and someone righteous will bring forth good fruits. A corrupt tree will bring forth bad fruit and needs to be hewn down and cast into the fire. Matt. 7: 16-20 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

In the Old Testament I read about how Abimelech had a dream warning him not to touch Sarah, who Abraham had told him was his sister. Abimelech confronted Abraham about this deception and returned Sarah to him. Genesis 20: 2-14 "And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife. But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine. Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake. And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother. And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife."

Some verses in the Book of Mormon tell us the prophesies of Samuel the Lamanite who prophesied of signs that would be shown in the new world at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. There would be a day, a night, and a day in which there would be no darkness. And a new star would appear. He said these things would occur in five years from that time. He told them that Jesus Christ would come to redeem those who would believe on His name. He cried repentance unto the people and told them to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Hel. 14: 1-9 "And now it came to pass that Samuel, the Lamanite, did prophesy a great many more things which cannot be written. And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born. And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven. And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life. And behold, thus hath the Lord commanded me, by his angel, that I should come and tell this thing unto you; yea, he hath commanded that I should prophesy these things unto you; yea, he hath said unto me: Cry unto this people, repent and prepare the way of the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we need to be clean and put away our evil doings if we expect the Lord to hear our prayers. We need to do good and relieve the oppressed. These verses reassure us that repentance is possible and that even though our sins are red like crimson, they can be made as white as snow. If we're willing and obedient, we'll be rewarded, but if we rebel we'll be devoured with the sword. Isa. 1: 15-20 "And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us areason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

In the Old Testament I read about how the daughters of Lot got him drunk and lay with him, both becoming pregnant. They both bore sons, named Moab and Benammi. Genesis 19: 30-38 "And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day."

In the Book of Mormon a read a verse warning about procrastinating the day of our repentance until it is everylasingly too late, and admonishing us that we cannot seek happiness in doing iniquity, because that is contrary to the nature of righteousness. Wickedness never was happiness and the only way to find joy in life is to repent and keep the commandments so that we can be worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Hel. 13: 38 "But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head."

Some verses with a thought booklet express the importance of each member of the church. We're all different with unique talents and abilities that are not the same as someone else. But we're all needed and necessary in our own ways and have our own ways of contributing to the good of the whole. Maybe we're not good at getting up in front of a whole congregation and preaching a masterful speech, but we might have special talents to comfort a crying child in the nursery or to help prepare the programs that are handed out, or to prepare a meal for a family going through a rough time, or to organize the library, or to be sensitive to a new person coming to church and help them feel welcome. We've each been given gifts and talents that we can use to bless the lives of others. We're all necessary and need to use our talents to care for one another. 1 Cor. 12: 14-27 "For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

In the Old Testament I read about how Lot and his family were warned not to look back at the destruction of the city. The Lord rained fire and brimstone upon the city. However, Lot's wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Genesis 19: 17-29 "And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord: And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace. And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt."

In the Book of Mormon I read some very descriptive verses that talk about how the poeple forgot the Lord and set their hearts upon their riches and the vain things of the world. Their hearts were swollen with pride and they were full of iniquity. In this wicked state, they did not want to hear what the prophets had to say about how they needed to repent of their sins. So they cast them out and cast stones at them. They said in their hearts that if they'd lived in days of old they would not have stoned the prophets, in yet they could not tolerate hearing their sins testified against so they wanted to do whatever was necessary to shut the prophets up who called them to repentance. However, if someone came to them who told them they were righteous and that whatever they did was okay, they'd proclaim him to be a prophet and willingly support him with their money. You know, in reading these verses I'm reminded of a news show I saw several months ago. It was a special about a very sucessful "mega" church. People flocked to this church and were so willing to contribute to it that they were able to build a huge auditorium to hold their Sunday services in each week. What did this church preach? They never mentioned a word about sin or repentance, nor did they suggest anything that the people should be doing with their lives. The sermons were "feel good" types of things, telling people that they were just fine the way they were and reassuring them that all was well. Some ministers of other nearby churches were also interviewed for this program who said that people had left their churches in droves to attend this mega church. These ministers said that they felt duty bound to preach about sin and repentance, but that the people preferred to attend the other church where these things were never mentioned. Hmmm.... sounds like some things never change and that these verses could very well be directed to some people today who choose darkness rather than light and who choose to follow blind and foolish guides. Hel. 13: 22-29 "Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them; yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and all manner of iniquities. For this cause hath the Lord God caused that a curse should come upon the land, and also upon your riches, and this because of your iniquities. Yea, wo unto this people, because of this time which has arrived, that ye do cast out the prophets, and do mock them, and cast stones at them, and do slay them, and do all manner of iniquity unto them, even as they did of old time. And now when ye talk, ye say: If our days had been in the days of our fathers of old, we would not have slain the prophets; we would not have stoned them, and cast them out. Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light?"

A verse from a thought booklet tells us to be meek and longsuffering in dealing with one another. We need to bear with each other in love and patience. Eph. 4: 2 "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"

In the Old Testament I read about how the angels who visited Lot told him that Sodom and Gomorrah were going to be destroyed because of the wickedness of the people and that he needed to get out. Lot went to his sons in law and tried to warn them but they just mocked him and would not listen. The angels told Lot to flee with his wife and two daughters, and they brought them forth out of the city. Genesis 19: 13-16 "For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city."

Some verses in the Book of Mormon talk about how the people's hearts were so hard that they refused to accept the glad tidings of the gospel. They were warned that if they would not repent, the Spirit of the Lord would withdraw from them. However, if they would repent and return to the Lord, He would bless them. Hel. 13: 7-8, 11 "And behold, an angel of the Lord hath declared it unto me, and he did bring glad tidings to my soul. And behold, I was sent unto you to declare it unto you also, that ye might have glad tidings; but behold ye would not receive me. Therefore, thus saith the Lord: Because of the hardness of the hearts of the people of the Nephites, except they repent I will take away my word from them, and I will withdraw my Spirit from them, and I will suffer them no longer, and I will turn the hearts of their brethren against them. But if ye will repent and return unto the Lord your God I will turn away mine anger, saith the Lord; yea, thus saith the Lord, blessed are they who will repent and turn unto me, but wo unto him that repenteth not."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how God is our salvation. He is our rock and if we cling to Him, we will not be moved. Ps. 62: 1-2 "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved."