In the Old Testament I read about how Esau asked Jacob what the meaning was of all the droves that he'd met on his way to him. Jacob said they were presents for him, to find grace in his sight. Esau told him he already had enough and that he should keep his presents for himself, but Jacob insisted that he take them. Genesis 33: 8- 11 "And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people refused to repent, even though Ether sent to them telling them that if they did not repent they would be destroyed. In fact, Coriantumr was told that if he and his people did not repent, he would be the only one left and he would live long enough to see another people come to possess the land, and he would be buried by their hands. Corianthumr and his people not only refused to repent, but they sought to kill the prophet Ether and he was forced to flee and hide in the cavity of a rock. Ether 13: 20-22 "And in the second year the word of the Lord came to Ether, that he should go and prophesy unto Coriantumr that, if he would repent, and all his household, the Lord would give unto him his kingdom and spare the people— Otherwise they should be destroyed, and all his household save it were himself. And he should only live to see the fulfilling of the prophecies which had been spoken concerning another people receiving the land for their inheritance; and Coriantumr should receive a burial by them; and every soul should be destroyed save it were Coriantumr. And it came to pass that Coriantumr repented not, neither his household, neither the people; and the wars ceased not; and they sought to kill Ether, but he fled from before them and hid again in the cavity of the rock."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the importance of bridling our tongues. If we don't do so, our religion is vain. Pure, undefiled religion means that we visit the widows and orphans and keep ourselves upspotted before the world. James 1: 26-27 "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob and Esau meet and are reconciled. What a wonderful story this is of how they were able to find peace between them and Esau was able to forgive Jacob, even though previously he had wanted to kill him. Genesis 33: 1- 7 "And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that tells us that the Lord gives us weaknesses so that we can be humble, and He'll show us our weaknesses if we come unto Him. If we're willing to be humble and have faith in the Lord, He'll make weak things become strong unto us. Ether 12: 27 "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

Some verses in a thought booklet warn us to be careful of the campanions we choose. We should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. I don't think this is saying we can't have friends who don't believe exactly that way we do, but it's important that the people we choose to associate with are the type of people who will be a strength to us and support us in our righteous endeavors, as we should likewise do for them. It's good to have friends who encourage us in righteousness, not ones who would tempt us to do things we know are wrong. It's good to seek out this type of person to be our friends, and also to be that kind of friend for others. 2 Cor. 6: 14-15 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?"

In the Old Testament I read about about how Jacob wrestled all night with a messenger of God. Jacob’s name is changed to Israel and he sees God face to face. Genesis 32: 24-32 "And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank."

In the Book of Mormon I read that faith is to hope for things which are not seen. We don't receive a witness until after the trial of our faith. Sometimes people want some kind of sign before they'll believe. But this is the wrong order of things. We need to have faith FIRST and then we can receive a more sure knowledge. God cannot do miracles unless we have faith. Ether 12: 6, 12 "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how we're to treat out enemies and those who treat us badly. We're to love them and pray for them. Boy, that's easier said than done, but if we truly want to follow the example of our Savior, that is what we'll do. And if it seems too difficult to accomplish, we can pray and ask the Lord to held us do it. He can change our hearts so that we can find it possible to love even those who hate us. Luke 6: 27-28 "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."

In the Old Testament I read about the presents that Jacob prepared for his brother Esau, hoping to appease him. Genesis 32: 13-23 And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother; Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams, Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals. And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove. And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee? Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us. And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him. And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me. So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company. And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that talk about how many prophets came and prophesied against the people, telling them to repent or be destroyed. But the people hardened their hearts and would not listen. This caused the prophets great sadness and they had no choice but to withdraw from the people. Sometimes if people's hearts are so hard they won't listen to us, there really is nothing we can do but withdraw from them. Ether 11: 12-13 "And it came to pass that in the days of Ethem there came many prophets, and prophesied again unto the people; yea, they did prophesy that the Lord would utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth except they repented of their iniquities. And it came to pass that the people hardened their hearts, and would not hearken unto their words; and the prophets mourned and withdrew from among the people."

Some verses from a thought booklet tell us how we can show our love for our Savior by serving others. When we do loving things for other people, we are really serving God. And lIkewise, when we neglect to serve them, we are neglecting to serve the Lord. And these are the very things that will determine whether at the end of our lives we'll be able to enter the Kingdom of God and enjoy Eternal Life or told to depart unto everlasting punishment. Matt. 25: 34-46 "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."

In the Old Testament I read about how the messengers returned to Jacob saying his brother Esau was coming to meet him--with 400 men! You can imagine how frightened this must have made Jacob. He turned to the Lord, reminding Him that He'd told him to return to the country and that all would be well with him. He asks the Lord to deliver him from his brother whom he's afraid will smite him, along with his wives and children. You know, reading this story has actually had a profound influence on my life. Whenever I've felt the Lord guiding my life in a certain direction, but I'm confronted with doubts and fears about that direction, I remind myself of the 400 men. The Lord told Jacob to return to his brother in yet when he did, here came his brother to meet him with 400 men. How scary! It now looked like it didn't make any sense that Jacob do what the Lord told him. In yet in actually, it made perfect sense. And the Lord would be there for him. And it would all work out. So even if things in our lives don't look like they'll work out, we need to remember the 400 men and realize we're in the Lord's hands. Genesis 32:6-12 " And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape. And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that tell about how the Jaredites were wicked and refused to listen to the prophets that tried to call them to repentance, even though the prophets prophesied that if they did not repent, they would be destroyed. The people rejected the prophets and sought to kill them, so the prophets had to flee unto Com for protection. Ether 11: 1-2 "And there came also in the days of Com many aprophets, and prophesied of the destruction of that great people except they should repent, and turn unto the Lord, and forsake their murders and wickedness. And it came to pass that the prophets were rejected by the people, and they fled unto Com for protection, for the people sought to destroy them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how we cannot commit adultery without being burned. We cannot take fire to our bosom and expect our clothes not to be burned, or walk on hot coals and expect our feet not to burn. Likewise, we cannot commit adultery and expect to remain innocent. When we commit adultery, we actually lack understanding because we are in fact destroying our own souls. Prov. 6: 27-29, 32 "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob saw angels. He sent messengers to Esau telling him of his wealth and that he'd been sojourning with Laban. He wanted to find grace in his sight. Genesis 32: 1-5 "And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now: And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people became wicked again and would not listen to the prophets who tried to call them to repentance. The Lord sent a dearth to the land, and poisonous serpents. When the people saw that they were going to perish, they finally humbled themselves before the Lord and repented of their sins. Then the Lord sent rain to the land and the people began to revive. Isn't it sad that it takes such extreme measures to get people to repent? And that they continually go through cycles where they repent when faced with extreme hardship but then when things start going good again, they return to their sins. How quickly they forget the Lord. Ether 9: 28-35 "And there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance unto them—that they must prepare the way of the Lord or there should come a curse upon the face of the land; yea, even there should be a great famine, in which they should be destroyed if they did not repent. But the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they cast them out; and some of them they cast into pits and left them to perish. And it came to pass that they did all these things according to the commandment of the king, Heth. And it came to pass that there began to be a great dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed exceedingly fast because of the dearth, for there was no rain upon the face of the earth. And there came forth poisonous serpents also upon the face of the land, and did poison many people. And it came to pass that their flocks began to flee before the poisonous serpents, towards the land southward, which was called by the Nephites Zarahemla. And it came to pass that there were many of them which did perish by the way; nevertheless, there were some which fled into the land southward. And it came to pass that the Lord did cause the serpents that they should pursue them no more, but that they should hedge up the way that the people could not pass, that whoso should attempt to pass might fall by the poisonous serpents. And it came to pass that the people did follow the course of the beasts, and did devour the carcasses of them which fell by the way, until they had devoured them all. Now when the people saw that they must perish they began to repent of their iniquities and cry unto the Lord. And it came to pass that when they had humbled themselves sufficiently before the Lord he did send rain upon the face of the earth; and the people began to revive again, and there began to be fruit in the north countries, and in all the countries round about. And the Lord did show forth his power unto them in preserving them from famine."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God comforts us in our times of trouble and tribulation and that we likewise need to comfort others in their times of need. 2 Corinthians 1: 4 "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

In the Old Testament I read about how Laban blessed his descendants, and he and Jacob parted company. Genesis 31: 54-55 "Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat abread, and tarried all night in the mount. And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how prophets came among the Jaredites, calling them to repentance and telling them that if they did not repent of their wickedness, they would be destroyed. At first the people mocked the prophets and reviled against them, but King Shule made a law in the land that gave power to the porphets, allowing them to preach freely. Because of this, the people did repent and the Lord spared them and they again began to prosper. Ether 7: 23-26 "And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent. And it came to pass that the people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them. And it came to pass that king Shule did execute judgment against all those who did revile against the prophets. And he did execute a law throughout all the land, which gave power unto the prophets that they should go whithersoever they would; and by this cause the people were brought unto repentance. And because the people did repent of their iniquities and idolatries the Lord did spare them, and they began to prosper again in the land. And it came to pass that Shule begat sons and daughters in his old age."

I've sometimes heard people question whether it's possible for young people in today's world to refrain from having sex before marriage. I've heard other people, who have succumbed to sin, rationalize that "anybody under the same circumstances would have done the same thing." Is there any truth to the idea that people under terrible circumstances and under tremendous temptation just have no choice but to give in and commit sin? NO!!!!! A verse from a thought bookle states emphatically that temptation is common to man, but God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we're able to bear. With every temptation that comes our way, the Lord will provide a way for us to be able to escape. Temptation is not an excuse to sin. We're all tempted. But God expects us to resist temptation and will always give us a way to avoid commiting the sin. If we feel it's too much for us, we need to pray and ask Him to help us. He's promised us in this verse that He will. We need to trust Him to do what He says He will. 1 Cor. 10: 13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

In the Old Testament I read about how Laban pursued Jacob after he left and they are able to resolve their differences, and make a covenant of peace. Genesis 31: 22 - 53 "And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled. And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days’ journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead. And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead. And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father’s house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods? And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me. With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, and into Leah’s tent, and into the two maidservants’ tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent. Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel’s furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images. And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both. This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight. And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap. And Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee. And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee; This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac."

In the Book of Mormon I read the continuing story of the Brother of Jared and his family and how they traveled to the promised land in the barges they'd made, with the stones the Lord had touched giving them light. All through their nearly year-long travels over the ocean, they continually gave praise to the Lord, giving Him thanks for all the blessings they had. He watched over them as they were buried in the depths of the sea, and as they were tossed upon the waves before the wind. He provided a wind to continuously blow them toward their destination. They knew they were in His hands and were full of gratitude for all He did for them. Ether 6: 2-12 "For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels. And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness. And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the bark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind. And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord. And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water. And thus they were driven forth, athree hundred and forty and four days upon the water. And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to be honest. We need to get rid of all lies in our lives and speak the truth to others. Eph. 4: 25 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord commanded Jacob to return to Canaan, and he departs secretly. Genesis 31: 1-7, 17-18 "And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, And said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padan-aram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan."


Some verses in the Book of Mormon tell us that if we have faith and believe in the things of God, we'll have great manifestations of His Spirit, which will testify that these things are true. And we can know the things of God because they persuade us to do good. Whatever leads men to do good is of God, who if full of light and truth. When we show forth our faith, even greater things will be manifest unto us. Ether 4: 11-14 "But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good. And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief. Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that with God's help, even great mountains can become like plains to us, or a steep climb can be made smooth. Zech. 4: 7 "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." The thought that went with this, written by Fara Linn Reed from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania says: My young daughter coasts down a slight hill while riding her tricycle. Her small feet move quickly to keep up with the pedals. At the bottom, she turns around. Her short legs now push hard against the pedals as she tries to move the bike up the hill. Soon she gets frustrated and yells, "Mom, my pedals don't work going this way!" In my own faith walk, I find myself feeling quite confident when life coasts easily by. Then mountains of disappointment come, and I struggle to pedal uphill. I need more power than I have by myself. Like my daughter on the tricycle, I cry out, "Father my faith doesn't work going this way!" Is it possible for me to go up a mountain alone? No, I tire quickly when the task is too great. However, God can cause mountains to fall into the sea. When I rely on God's power and not on my own, the mountains blocking my way become level ground. Now my cry is, "Father, it works! It works!"

In the Old Tesatment I read about how after Jacob agreed to wages of speckled and spotted animals, the stronger and healthier of the flocks were born speckled and spotted. He increased greatly in wealth. Genesis 30: 41-43 "And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s. And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that warns us that if we contend against the things of God and deny them, we'll be accursed and the Lord won't show us any greater things. Ether 4:8 "And he that will contend against the word of the Lord, let him be ccursed; and he that shall deny these things, let him be accursed; for unto them will I show no greater things, saith Jesus Christ; for I am he who speaketh."

Some verses in a thought booklet are a good example of placing blame on other people and passing the buck as far as taking responsibility for our own actions goes. This is the story of how the Lord confronted Adam about partaking of the forbidden fruit and he blamed Eve. Eve, in turn, blamed the serpent. How often do we blame other people for our problems and refuse to see the part our own actions have played in what has gone wrong in our lives. If things aren't going well in our marriages, do we blame our spouse? If things go wrong at work, do we blame a co-worker? If we have a disagreement with a friend, is it all the friend's fault? Sometimes we need to look for the beam in our own eyes instead of concentrating on the speck in someone else's. Gen. 3: 9-13 "And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."

In the Old Testament I read that Jacob agreed to work for Laban for wages of cattle and sheep, the spotted and speckled among them. Genesis 30: 31-34 "And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock. I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire. So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me. And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that promises us that if we'll exercise faith in the Lord like the Brother of Jared did, we'll become sanctified in Him and He will manifest the things to us that were manifest to the brother of Jared, unfolding revelations to us. What a marvelous promise this is! Ether 4: 7 "And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are."

Some verses with a thought booklet give us a wonderful list of qualities we need to cultivate in our lives--mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, and forgiveness. Indeed, if we have a quarrel against any person, we need to forgive them the same way Christ forgave us for our sins. And the most important thing we can have is charity, or the pure love of Christ. Col. 3: 12-14 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."



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In the Old Testament I read that Jacob wanted to leave Laban's household and find a place of his own to live in his own country. Laben did not want him to go because he realized how greatly the Lord had blessed him since Jacob had been there. Genesis 30: 25-30 "And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the Lord hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?"

In the Book of Mormon I read a continuation of the story we read yesterday. The brother of Jared had asked the Lord how they could have light in the barges to cross the ocean and the Lord and turned the question around and asked the brother of Jared how he wanted this problem to be solved. Today we read the the brother of Jared's solution was to molten 16 stones out of rock and have the Lord touch each one with His finger to make it give off light. This would provide two lighted stones for each vessel. What great faith this solution shows! The brother of Jared truly believed that the Lord could do all things and had no doubt that asking Him to touch the stones with His finger would provide the desired solution to his dilema. Ether 3: 3-6 "Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness; but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock. And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea. Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men. And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to have patience. We need to wait on the Lord, and allow him to strenghten us. Things don't always happen on OUR timetable and sometimes we have to patiently wait for the answers to our prayers. Ps. 27: 14 "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." The thought that went with this, written by Elizabeth Rosian from Johnstown, Pennsylvania is as follows: A while ago my microwave oven broke down. It looked fine and sounded fine, but it didn't cook anything. Ray and I looked at each other and for the first time in our marriage, we didn't know how to cook anymore. Or maybe we just didn't want to go back to the slow way of preparing food. Within a day we went out and bought a new microwave. That's the kind of world we live in. We want everything fast, and we want it now. We want fast food, speeding cars, instant Internet access, and a phone in every pocket. And oddly enough, we even include our faith in this fast track. Don't we want our prrayers answered immediately? Don't we want to call on God to change people or circumstances today to make life easier? There are times when cooking the long way is what it takes to turn out a special meal. And waiting on God is often what it takes to draw closer to Him and become the special people God wants us to be. We can look like Christians and sound like Christians, but it takes time to grow into mature ones. Much as we'd like it otherwise, some things can't be rushed.

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In the Old Testament I read that Leah had more children and Rachel also was finally able to conceive and bear a son, Joseph. Genesis 30: 17-24 "And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son. And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar. And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son. And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun. And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah. And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: And she called his name Joseph; and said, The Lord shall add to me another son."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord directed the brother of Jared to build barges to cross the ocean to a choice land. They were going to be tight like unto a dish so that water could not leak into them, so it was almost going to be like crossing the ocean in submarines! The brother of Jared questioned how they would receive air to breath and also how they could have light in the barges. He didn't want to cross the waters in darkness, and who could blame him? The Lord instructed him about how to provide air in the barges, and then asked HIM what he wanted to do about the light. Isn't it interesting how the Lord does give us answers when we need them but sometimes requires us to use our own heads and come up with our own ideas. Ether 2: 16-23 "And the Lord said: Go to work and build, after the manner of barges which ye have hitherto built. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which they had built, according to the instructions of the Lord. And they were small, and they were light upon the water, even like unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water. And they were built after a manner that they were exceedingly tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish; and the bottom thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the sides thereof were tight like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me. And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish. And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom; and when thou shalt suffer for air thou shalt unstop the hole and receive air. And if it be so that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole, that ye may not perish in the flood. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did so, according as the Lord had commanded. And he cried again unto the Lord saying: O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me; and I have prepared the vessels for my people, and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness? And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels? For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire."

Some verses with a thought booklet give us advice about how to speak to each other and treat each other. We need to get all bitterness and anger and evil speaking out of our lives and not allow them to become a part of how we treat other people. Instead we need to be kind, loving and forgiving of others, just as the Lord has forgiven us. Eph. 4: 29-32 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."

In the Old Testament I read about how upset Rachel was that she was barren. She was jealous of her sister who had given Jacob children. She encouraged Jacob to marry her maid and have children for her by her maid. Leah likewise had stopped bearing childen and gave her maid to Jacob also. The maids bore children to Jacob. Genesis 30: 1-13 "And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her. And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son. And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan. And Bilhah Rachel’s maid conceived again, and bare Jacob a second son. And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali. When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife. And Zilpah Leah’s maid bare Jacob a son. And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad. And Zilpah Leah’s maid bare Jacob a second son. And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that talk about how God is the same yesterday, today and forever so since He performed miracles and gave relvations in days gone by, as attested to in the scriptures, He still is a God of miracles today. Anyone who reads and understands the scriptures knows that such things have not been done away with. The same God who created the heavens and the earth, still works miracles in the lives of His children today. Morm. 9: 7-11 "And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues; Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them. For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing? And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles. But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are."

In a thought booklet I read a scripture that talks about keeping the faith, fighting a good fight, and finishing the course of our lives--enduring to the end. If we do this, we'll be rewarded with a crown of righteousness which the Lord shall give us, and all those who love Him. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah, which must have been very difficult for Leah to bear. The Lord remembered and Leah she bore him several sons while Rachel was barren. Each time Leah had a child, she hoped that this would make her husband love her. But he continued to love Rachel more. Genesis 29: 31-35 "And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the Lord hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the Lord: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing."

In the Book of Mormon I read a chastisement for poeple who love money and wealth more than they love to help the poor, sick and needy. The question is asked how anyone can adorn themselves with someone that has no life (such as perhaps expensive clothing or jewelry?) while letting the hungry and poor remain in need while we ignore them. Good question to ask ourselves. Morm. 8: 37, 39 "For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?"

Some verses with a thought booklet are very familiar ones because they're the verses that Joseph Smith pondered on when he decided to pray and ask God for wisdom. Any of us who lack wisdom and need direction from God can ask in faith and we'll receive. James 1: 5-6 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in bfaith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

In the Old Testament I read about how Laben tricked Jacob into marrying his older daughter Leah, who was not as beautiful as Rachel. Laban told him that the younger daughter should not be married before the older one and that if he'd accept Leah he'd give him Rachel also after a week. But he'd need to serve him for ANOTHER seven years. Boy, Laban really seemed to take advantage of his nephew/son-in-law! But it seems like as long as Jacob got Rachel, he didn't much mind. Genesis 29: 21-30 "And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her. And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid. And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years."

In the Book of Mormon we're admonished not to judge rashly because if we do, we'll be judged rashly ourselves. Judgment and vengence belong to the Lord and He will repay, so we should not breath out wrath and strifes against others, especially against the work of the Lord and His covenant people. Those who try to fight the work of the Lord will be destroyed. But they will not suceed in destroying the work because the eternal purposes of the Lord will roll on and all His promises will be fulfilled. Morm. 8: 19-22 "For behold, the same that judgeth rashly shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth shall be smitten again, of the Lord. Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay. And he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes against the work of the Lord, and against the covenant people of the Lord who are the house of Israel, and shall say: We will destroy the work of the Lord, and the Lord will not remember his covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel—the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the fire; For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we need to avoid sexual sins, which are actually sins against our own bodies. Our bodies are the temples of God and need to be treated with respect and honor. 1 Cor. 6: 18-20 "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob served Laban for seven years for Rachel. But they seemed like but a few days to him because of the love he had for Rachel. Genesis 29: 15-20 "And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be? And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that talk about how we need to repent of our sins and come unto Christ and believe in Him. He died for our sins and made resurrection possible for all mankind. We will be raised to stand before the judgment seat of God. He who is found guiltless at that day will be able to dwell in the presidence of God in His Kingdom in a state of happiness that has no end. What a wonderful reward that would be! Morm. 7: 5-7 "Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up. And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat. And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell about the struggles of Paul and his "thorn in the flesh" which he had asked God three times to remove, but which had remained so that in his weakness he could become strong. Sometimes when we have trials and problems to face, it makes us more dependent on the Lord and we turn to Him to help us through them. This can strengthen us. So instead of lamenting our problems, we should be grateful for them because they make us humble and help us draw closer to God. 2 Cor. 12: 7-10 "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob traveled to Haran, met Rachel at the well, and was welcomed into the home of Laban, his mother's brother. Genesis 29: 9-14 "And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father. And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month."

In the Book of Mormon it tells us that we are in the hands of God, who has all power and can do all things. So we need to humble ourselves and repent, or He'll come out in justice against us and there will be none to deliver us, which would be a mighty scary thing to have happen! Morm. 5: 23-24 "Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll? Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you—lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver."

Some verses with a thought booklet let us see what will happen to us if we're righteous and allow ourselves to be purified--we can become like God, and be pure as He is pure. We are God's children. 1 Jn. 3: 2-3 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob made covenants to the Lord, including that he would pay tithing, or one tenth unto the Lord. Tithing actually means one tenth. So if we pay less than one tenth of our income to the Lord, we're not really paying tithing, we're merely making a donation. Genesis 28: 20-22 "And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses about the sorry state of the people who had once been righteous and delightful but who were now being lead about by Satan to the point that the Spirit of the Lord had ceased to strive with them. They were being driven as chaff before the wind or as a vessel that was without sail or anchor and had nothing to be steered by. The Spirit of the Lord gives us guidance and direction in our lives and steers our lives along the path we should go. Without it, we are lost. Morm. 5: 16-18 "For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind. They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father. But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they."

In two different thought booklets I read two different scriptures which both seemed to have the same message. If someone curses us, we should bless them. If someone treats us unkindly, we should be kind to them. We need to be patient in tribution and pray constantly for help. We need to refrain our tongues from speaking evil, do good and seek for peace. Rom. 12: 12-14 "Rejoicing in hope; apatient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not." 1 Pet. 3: 9-11 "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it."

In the Old Testament I read about a vision that Jacob had in which he saw a ladder reaching up into heaven. The Lord promised Jacob numerous seed and that he and his seed would bless all the families of the earth. Genesis 28: 10-17 "And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood babove it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold,aI am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the wicked will be overtaken by the judgments of God and that it is often by the wicked that the wicked are punished, for they stir up people to bloodshed. Interesting concept that the Lord allows the wicked to punish each other! Morm. 4: 5 "But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that the Word of God can be a lamp to our feet, lighting up our path and showing us where we should go. If we want to travel down the right path and allow the Lord to guide our lives, we need to immerse ourselves in His Word. Studying the scriptures every day is a good way to do that. Ps. 119: 105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

In the Old Testament I read about how Esau saw that his father wanted Jacob to marry someone from thier own kin instead of a Canaanite and how Jacob obeyed his father. So Esau married a daughter of Ismael. Genesis 28: 6-9 "When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padan-aram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan; And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padan-aram; And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Mormon again tried to cry repetance unto the people, but his efforts were in vain because of the hardness of their hearts. The people did not realize that it was the Lord who had spared them and granted unto them another chance to repent. And they continued to harden their hearts against Him. Morm. 3: 2-3 "And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared. And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that husbands and wives need to give due benevolence to one another. What does benevolence mean? The dictionary defines it as follows: "Desire to do good to others; goodwill; charitableness: to be filled with benevolence toward one's fellow creatures. An act of kindness; a charitable gift." Do we constantly desire to do good to our spouses? Do we seek to be kind to them and give to them whatever is in our power to give? This is what the Lord has instructed us to do. 1 Cor. 7: 3 "Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband."

In the Old Testament I read about Isaac blessing Jacob and his seed with the blessings of Abraham. Genesis 28: 3-5 "And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padan-aram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people began to mourn and lament because of the evils that had come upon them. Mormon rejoiced thinking that the people were beginning to repent. But they were not really turning to the Lord and repenting of their sins, they were sorrowing because they could see that they could not always take happiness in sin. Instead of coming unto Jesus with humble hearts, they cursed God and wished to die, even while struggline with the sword for their lives. Thousands of them were hewn down in open rebellion against God. What a sad and sorry state for these people to be in, and how much it must have saddened Mormon to have to witness this. Morm. 2: 11-15 "Thus there began to be a mourning and a lamentation in all the land because of these things, and more especially among the people of Nephi. And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would bagain become a righteous people. But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin. And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their lives. And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto me again, and I saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually; for I saw thousands of them hewn down in open rebellion against their God, and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And thus three hundred and forty and four years had passed away."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that vengence belongs to the Lord, not to us. Instead of seeking revenge against those who have hurt us we need to be kind to them--giving them food if they're hungry and drink if they're thirsty. Instead of allowing ourselves to be overcome by evil, we need to overcome evil with good. These are easy words to say, but not so easy to live by. However, if we seek the Lord's help in doing as He has asked us to do, we'll be blessed and be much happier than if we allow anger and bitterness to take hold of our hearts and seek to "get even" with those who have harmed us. By seeking revenge we'll only bring more sorrow into our own lives. Rom. 12: 19-21 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

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In the Old Testament I read about how Isaac forbade Jacob from marrying a Canaanite woman and sent him to Laban to find a wife. Genesis 28: 1-2 "And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padan-aram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother’s brother."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people became wicked again and the Gadianton robbers again spread all over the face of the land. No righteous people were left other than the disciples of Jesus. 4 Ne. 1: 45-46 "And it came to pass that when three hundred years had passed away, both the people of Nephi and the Lamanites had become exceedingly wicked one like unto another. And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of traffic."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to forget about ourselves and our own selfish interests and lose ourselves to the service of the Lord. In doing so, we'll truly find ourselves and receive a wonderful reward. Matt. 16: 24-27 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."

In the Old Testament I read about how Esau hated Jacob and was very angry with him for receiving the blessing from their father that Isaac had intended for him. Rebekah heard that as soon as Isaac died, Esau planned take revenge against Jacob and kill him. So she told him to leave and go stay with her brother Laban in Haran until Esau's wrath might have a chance to die down. Genesis 27: 41-45 "And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran; And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother’s fury turn away; Until thy brother’s anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?"

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that tells us we need to listen to the words of Jesus and also those He has chosen and sent. If we don't receive those He has sent to us, we don't receive Him, and He won't receive us at the last day. 3 Ne. 28: 34 "And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom he hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent receiveth not him; and therefore he will not receive them at the last day;" This reminds me of another verse of scripture that tells us that whether the Lord speaks by His own voice, or the voice of His servants, it is the same, and in either case whatever He says will come to pass. D&C 1: 38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that sometimes we lay the foundation for a work but another builds on it. Sometimes we can plant a seed in another person which does not sprout or grow for years, but is nonetheless important. We need to do whatever work we can, and allow others to do their parts also. 1 Cor. 3: 10 "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon."

In the Old Testament I read about how right after Jacob left his father's presense, Esau came in with the venison for his father and asked him to bless him. Isaac realized what had happened and told Esau about how his brother Jacob had come pretending to be him and had supplanted his blessing. Esau wept and begged his father to give him a blessing also. He blessed him that he would serve his brother and that Jacob would have dominion over him. Genesis 27: 30-40 "And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison, that thy soul may bless me. And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau. And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed. And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing. And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck."

A verse in the Book of Mormon tells us that we need to ask the Lord for what we want and it will be given to us. Sometimes the Lord is just waiting to give us blessings, but we need to ask before He'll grant them unto us. 3 Ne. 27: 29 "Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us a good man allows the Lord to order his steps; and if he stumbles or falls he will not be utterly cast down because the Lord holds him by the hand. It's almost like a little baby just learning to walk who holds the hands of a parent. If the baby starts to stumble, the parent holds him up. If we'll trust in the Lord and hold His hand, He'll keep us from falling. But if we try to stumble on by ourselves and think we don't need the Lord, we'll fall. Ps. 37: 23-24 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."

In the Old Testament I read about how Isaac blessed Jacob, that nations would bown down to him and that he would be lord over his brothers. Genesis 27: 26-29 "And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son. And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed: Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that tell us what the gospel is about--that Jesus came into the world to do the will of His father, that He would be lifted up upon the cross and atone for our sins with His blood so that we could be forgiven if we would repent, be baptized, and keep the commandments of the Lord. We can be washed of our sins by His blood if we will but have faith and repent and be faithful unto the end. We may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost and stand efore God stopless at the last day. We need to do those things that Jesus would do and follow His example. 3 Ne. 27: 13-21 "Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. nd my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil— And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works. And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world. And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father. And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words. And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;"

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the commandments are not hidden from us, but we have clearly been told what we need to do. The word of God is near to us and within our reach. The choice has been set before us of life and good or death and evil. We have been commanded to love the Lord and keep His commandments and we will be blessed if we do so. Deut. 30: 11-16 "For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it."

In the Old Testament I read about how Jacob went to Isaac pretending to be Esau, and brought him savory meat. Genesis 27: 18-25 "And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son? And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me. And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord thy God brought it to me. And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not. And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him. And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am. And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank."

In the Book od Mormon I read that Jesus expounded to the Nephites all things from the beginning until the time when He would come again to the earth and the heaven and the earth would pass away. At the great and last day, all people will stand before God to be judged of their works, whether they be good or evil. And they will receive the reward or punishment that they deserve, receiving the resurrection of everlasting life if they are righteous or the resurrection of damnation if they have been evil. 3 Ne. 26: 3-5 "And he did expound all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory—yea, even all things which should come upon the face of the earth, even until the elements should melt with fervent heat, and the earth should be wrapt together as a scroll, and the heavens and the earth should pass away; And even unto the great and last day, when all people, and all kindreds, and all nations and tongues shall stand before God, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil— If they be good, to the resurrection of everlasting life; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation; being on a parallel, the one on the one hand and the other on the other hand, according to the mercy, and the justice, and the holiness which is in Christ, who was before the world began."

A short verse with a thought booklet tells us to continue in brotherly love. Showing love for others is one of the most important things we can do in our lives. It's what the gospel is all about. Heb. 13: 1 "Let brotherly love continue."

In the Old Testament I read how Rebekah went to Jacob and told him that Isaac had asked Esau to make him some venison and that he would bless him. She persuaded him to pose as Esau and bring savory meat to his father so that he would bless him instead of Esau. They put the skins of goats on him to try to fool Isacc into thinking he was Esau, since Esau was a hairy man and Jacob was a smooth man. Genesis 27: 6-17 "And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the Lord before my death. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee. Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth: And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death. And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man: My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing. And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them. And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved. And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son: And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck: And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob."

In the Book of Mormon I read that whoever repents and is baptized will be saved and that we need to search what the prophets have said, for many have testified of these things. 3 Ne. 23: 5 "And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things."

In a thought booklet I read about how God can overthrow great and mighty cities and nations and make them desolate, just as He did Sodom and Gomorrah. He is all powerful. Isa. 13: 19-22 "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there. But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged."

In the Old Testament I read that when Isaac was old and blind, he called his son Esau to him and asked him to make him some venison to eat and bring it to him and that then he would bless him before he'd die. Rebekah overheard this conversation. Genesis 27: 1-5 "And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I. And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death: Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison; And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die. And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that talks about the kindness and mercy of the Lord that won't depart from us even though the mountains and hills might be removed. When we look at the mountains and they seem so strong and stable, think how much more strong and stable the Lord is and how we can count on Him. 3 Ne. 22: 10 "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that if we know the name of the Lord we will put our trust in Him, for He will not forsake anyone who seeks Him. Ps. 9: 10 "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." The thought that went with this, written by Phil and Faith Keller from Glen Carbon, Illinois says: Our son, Joel, headed out on a six hundred mile drive to his duty station at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. At one o'clock in the morning, tired and frustrated, he called from his broken down car on the shoulder of the highway. While praying with Joel, we felt led to ask God to send Joel the right person who could help him most. Later we learned that Joel was awakened at dawn by a knock on his car window. One of the sergeants from Joel's own army unit was also returning to duty and had recognized Joel's car. Strangely, there was a highway patrol sticker on Joel's window that read: "This vehicle will be towed within 24 hours." A patrolman had marked the car but had not noticed Joel asleep inside! Our loving Father was busy answering our specific prayer for our son. God intended to give Joel the helper he most needed: his own sergeant, who could not only assist Joel through the process of towing and repairing the car, but was also available to verify why they both were late returning to duty. Lord, thank you for never leaving us stranded and for caring for us in situations that are beyond our abilities to fix.

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In the Old Testament I read about how Esau married a Hittite woman which was a grief unto his parents. Genesis 26: 34-35 "And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the judgments of God will be upon the people who do not repent and they will be cut off. Idolatry, witchcraft, soothsayers, lyings, envyings, strifes and other evils will be done away with. We need to repent to avoid the vengeance and fury of the Lord. 3 Ne. 21: 14-21 "Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles except they repent; for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots; And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strongholds; And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy land, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers; Thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the works of thy hands; And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy cities. And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away. For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel; And I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God's anger is not against us, but against our sin. As soon as we repent, God's anger is turned away and replaced with comfort. Forgiveness is a precious gift! Isa. 12: 1 "And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me."

In the Old Testament I read that Ablimelech could see that the Lord was with Isaac and he came to him wanting to make a convenant with him that they would not harm one another. They had a feast together and then were able to part in peace one with another. Genesis 26: 26-31 "Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army. And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you? And they said, We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the Lord. And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink. And they arose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that says we need to depart from the wicked and not touch the unclean. We that bear the vessels of the Lord need to be clean. 3 Ne. 20: 41 "And then shall a cry go forth: Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that when people rail on us or treat is us in an evil way, we should not behave the same way toward them. But contrawise, we should bless them. Not such an easy thing to do! But if we do this, we'll also inherit a blessing. 1 Pet. 3: 9 "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."