In the Old Testament I read about one more plague that the Lord brought upon Egypt. The Lord told Moses to borrow everything they could from their neighbors, and that at midnight the firstborn in all of Egypt would die (everyone from the firstborn of Pharaoh to the firstborn of servants and animals), but the firstborn of the Israelites would be spared. Ex. 11: 1-10 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether. Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold. And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people. And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the afirstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger. And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land."

In the D&C I read some verses that at times I've had trouble understanding. They talk about the importance of forgiving others and say that if we refuse to forgive, we're actually guilty of the greater sin. How can that be? If we're the victims of someone else's sins and we can't find it in our hearts to forgive them, we're guilty of an even greater sin? But I've seen how this is true in the lives of people I've known. Someone harbors in their hearts anger and bitter feelings against a person who has supposedly wronged them and it changes the type of person that they are. They can no longer feel the Spirit of the Lord in their lives and all they think of are ways to get even and take revenge. If we can forgive and let go of the angry feelings, it helps US far, far more than it helps the person who has sinned against us. D&C 64: 9-10 "Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to let the peace of God rule in our hearts, and then tells us how to do this--be thankful. Indeed, having graditude does bring us peace. Col. 3: 15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord then sent darkness over all the land of Egypt, even darkness that could be felt. This thick darkness covered the land for three days. However, the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. Ex. 10: 21-23 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings."

In the D&C I read that we don't gain faith by seeing signs, but rather signs follow those who believe. There is order to this! Faith comes first, miracles follow. Not the other way around. D&C 63: 9 "But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of the 10 lepers and how only one returned to thank the Lord for healing him. How prone are we to express graditude for all the blessings that are ours? Giving thanks is one way for us to be happy and find joy in our lives, appreciating what we have. Luke 17: 11-19 "And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. nd he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

In the Old Testament I read about the fulfillment of what Moses and Aaron told Pharoh yesterday would take place, the Lord did indeed send the locusts to cover the earth, darkening the land and eating every herb and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left behind. Ex. 10: 13-15 "And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such. For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt."

Some verses in the D&C tell us to be of good cheer for the Lord will not forsake us and will be in our midst. If we remain humble and look for the coming of Christ, the Kingdom will be ours. What a wonderful promise that is! We need to pray always that we don't succumb to temptation. D&C 61: 36-39 "And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you; And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not. Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen."

And going along with not giving in to temptation, some verses in a thought booklet talk about how Jesus was tempted three times by Satan but said "NO!" each time. Jesus is the pefect example of how to handle temptation. Just say no! Matt. 4: 1-11 "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." The thought that went with these verses, written by Lanette Kissel from Evansville, Indiana is as follows: A common question of many parents to their children is: "What part of the word no don't you understand?" Another popular three word phrase is: "No means no." No is a simple yet firm word that gets the point across. We all know its meaning. When temptation strikes, we can strike back by using that oh-so-simple but meaningful little word, no. When we are aware that the Deceiver is near and is temptating us to stray, no is the first word that should come to mind. We can say, "No, Satan! I'll not have any part in your little scheme. I know what you're trying to do, and I'm not going there--so get thee hence!"

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh that if he would not let the poeple go, the Lord would bring locusts to cover the face of the earth and eat everything that had escaped destruction by the hail. Ex. 10: 3-6 "And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast: And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:"

In the D&C I read that the Lord is not pleased with people who are afraid to open their mouths and hide the talents that He has given them. I think I'm guilty of this. I don't like speaking in front of crowds. I remember in school thinking that I'd rather write up 20 written reports than give one oral report. And even now I think I'd rather write up 100 Daily Thought emails than get up in front of a bunch of people and give a speech. Maybe in some ways by writing I am speaking, but I probably need to work harder on the latter as well. D&C 60: 2 "But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them."

Some verses with a thought booklet give us the image of a potter's wheel. People can be like clay on the potter's wheel, molded into what the Lord wants them to be--or if a nation is so wicked it needs to be destroyed it can be like taking a marred vessel and starting over. Jer. 18: 1-11 "The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord caused thunder and hail and fire to rain down upon the land of Egypt, the likes of which had never been seen before. The people and animals left outside in the fields were killed. But in the land of Goshen where the children of Israel were, there was no hail. Exodus 9:18-26 "Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die. He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: And he that regarded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt. So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail."

In the D&C I read some verses that enumerate various commandments that we need to keep--loving the Lord with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves; not stealing or killing or comiting adultery; keeping the Sabbath Day holy. Those are all things we know about. But we also need to thank the Lord in all things. Do we realize that having graditude in our hearts is actually a commandment? In fact, God's wrath is kindled against those who don't confess His hand in all things. We need to acknowledge God's hand in all the blessings we have in our lives and express our graditude for them in our prayers. If we do this and obey the commandments, we'll have peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come. This reminds me of an older lady that I deliver Meals on Wheels to. She was telling me that she has a disease that will eventually prove fatal and that she knows she doesn't have a long time to live. In yet she told me of the joy she has in her life--going for walks around her neighborhood where she has lived for more than 50 years, and standing under the apple tree in her back yard which is her special little place of peace and communion with God. She says she loves her home and she loves her life, even though she lives alone other than her cat. But then she says that when it's her time to go, that will be okay too because she'll get to be with her Heavenly Father. In other words, she's happy being alive but when she passes to the other side, she'll be happy there too. So what does she have to worry about? If we're living the way we should, we can feel the same way. D&C 59: 5-10, 21, 23 "Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything flike unto it. Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come."

A verse with a thought booklet tells gives us an example to follow--to receive the Word of God with readiness of mind and search the scriptures daily. This is how we can gain an understanding of the Gospel. Sometimes we might read our scriptures and then not remember a word we read. So what's the use? Many times in the very hour I've needed it, a scripture I read months ago has popped into my mind. When we prayfully and faithfully study the Word of God, the Spirit will bring things to our remembrance in the very hour we need it. Acts 17: 11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord sent boils and blains upon men and beasts, including the magicians. But Pharaoh still hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses. Exodus 9: 8-12 "And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt. And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast. And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians. And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken unto Moses."

In the D&C I read some verses that tell us we need to be anxiously engaged in doing good, and think of things on our own that we can do to serve and bless the lives of others. We should not wait until we're commanded in all things but be LOOKING for good we can do. This requires being sensitive to the needs of others to watch out for ways we can serve them without waiting to be asked. If we'll pray and make ourselves available to the Lord, asking Him to help us find people to serve and good things to do, He'll answer our prayers. D&C 56: 26-29 "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about the importance of love. In fact, if we don't have one for one another, we do not know God, for God is love. 1 Jn. 4: 7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

In the Old Testament I read about how the cattle of the Egyptians died, but none of the cattle of the children of Israel died. But Pharaoh still hardened his heart and would not let the Israelites go. Ex. 9: 1-7 "Then the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still, Behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain. And the Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel. And the Lord appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land. And the Lord did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go."

In the D&C we're given comforting words that if we're faithful in tribulation and endure it well, the blessings we'll receive will be more than we can even imagine. D&C 58: 2-4 "For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural aeyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."

Some verses with a thought booklet go along with this idea. Job had lost everything, including his health but he refused to take his wife's advice to "curse God and die." Instead he pointed out that we receive both good and bad at the hand of God and he retained his integrity. Trials and tribulations come to even righteous people, but if we endure them well, we'll receive our reward. We can take a lesson from Job in enduring tribulation well. Job 2: 7-10 "So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord sent swarms of flies to infest the entire land. Exodus 8:20-24 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be. And the Lord did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants’ houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies."

In the D&C I read some verses that warn us of the dangers of being rich but unwilling to share what we have with the poor. Their souls will not be saved. Also if we're poor but greedy and unwilling to work, but rather we want to lay hold on other men's goods without working for them, we also will not be saved. But the poor who are humble and pure of heart will be rewarded in the Kingdom of God. D&C 56: 16-18 "Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved! Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands! But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that we need to leave peaceably with all men, inasmuch as it is possible. This is not always easy to do, especially when we're dealing with difficult people who are prone to bringing contention into their relationships with us. But as far as it lies without our power, and with help fromt he Lord, we need to do our best to have peaceful relationships with everyone we come into contact with. Rom. 12: 18 "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord then sent a plague of lice throughout the land. However, the magicians with their enchangments were unable to do likewise when they tried. They told Pharaoh that the finger of God was behind this, but he still hardened his heart and refused to listen. Exodus 8: 16-19 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast. Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us we need to be patient in our afflictions and we'll receive our reward. If we seek the Lord, we'll find rest to our souls. D&C 54: 10 "And again, be patient in tribulation until I bcome; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Paul, who wrote this verse says that he is a chief sinner himself. Actually, we all could consider ourselves "chief sinners" as we all have come short of keeping the commandments and obeying the word of God. We all are in need of repentance. But the good news is that Jesus Christ atoned for our sins! This is why He came into the world--to save us. 1 Tim. 1: 15 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save csinners; of whom I am chief."

In the Old Testament I read about how Lord sent a plague of frogs to the land. Frogs were everywhere, covering the land of Egypt. Again, the magicians with their enchantments duplicated this. Exodus 8:1-7 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt."

In the D&C I read that in order to avoid being deceived, we need to pray with humility and keep the commandments. D&C 52: 14-18 "And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations— Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine cordinances. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God chastens us because He loves us. Our earthly fathers rebuke us and we're in subjection to them, so how much more should we endure the chasening of the Lord. At the time we're chastened, it seems very hard to take. But in the long run, it's really for our best good and we'll be better people for it. Heb. 12: 5-11 "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

In the Old Testament I read about how Aaron stretched out his hand with the rod upon the waters of Egypt and turned the streams and rivers and ponds into blood. All the water in Egypt was turned to blood and the fish died and stank. Exodus 7: 15-22 "Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river’s brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. And thou shalt say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. Thus saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the Lord had said."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us we'll inherit eternal life and enter into the joy of the Lord if we are found faithful, just and wise stewards. D&C 51: 19 "And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life."

A verse with a thought booklet says that if we run a race we need to have a goal and if we fight we should not be as one who beats their fists into the air. How futile these things would be! How can we possibly hope to get where we're going if we don't have a goal of where we're headed? It's like beating our fists into the air! 1 Cor. 9: 26 "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:"

In the Old Testament I read about how Aaron was able to cast down his rod and it became a serpent. However, the sorcerers and magicians of Egypt were able to do the same thing by their enchantments and Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the people go. Exodus 7:8-14 "And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said. And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go."

In the D&C I read some verses that tell us that God is light and whoever receives this light and continues in it, will grow brighter and brighter. We can know that something is not of God if it does not edify and is darkness. The more light and truth we allow into our lives, the more it will drive the darkness away. D&C 50: 23-25 "And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more elight; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;"

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how God truly knows and understands us. He knows our every secret thought and action. There is nothing that can be hidden from Him. This can leave us feeling uncomfortable and exposed, especially if we have unrepented of sins on our conscience. But it can also be a comfort to us to know that there is someone who truly does understand us. How many times do people in our lives misunderstand our motives or accuse us of doing things we haven't done? God will never do that to us. He truly does understand us in a way that no human can. Ps. 139: 1-12 "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord commanded Moses and his brother Aaron to go to Pharoah and speak to him as He commanded them to do, that the signs and wonders would be multiplied and that the Lord would bring judgments upon the Egyptians and bring the children of Israel out from among them. Throughout these verses and other verses in Exodus it repeatedly says that the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart. However, it should be noted that the Joseph Smith Translation corrects these verses to say that Pharaoh hardened his own heart. Exodus 7:1-6 And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us it is not right that one man should possess above what another man possesses, and so the world lies in sin because this is the case. I think it's especially a problem if a rich person looks down on other people or thinks he's better than they are, and refuses to share what he has with those in need. D&C 49: 20 "But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that before we bring gifts to the altar, we need to make sure our hearts are right with those around us. If we have a disagreement with another person, we need to go to that person and try to reconcile. If we have contention in our hearts or have unkind feelings toward another person, our hearts are not right with God. Before we can approach Him, we need to make things right with the other person. Matt. 5: 23-24 "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

In the Old Testament I read about how the people were so disheartened by the cruel bondage they were under, that they refused to listen to Moses or believe what he told them. The Lord gave a charge to Moses and Aaron to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the children of Israel go. Moses retorted that if the children of Israel would not listen to him, how could he ever expect Pharoh to listen to him? But the Lord again told him to go to Pharaoh and to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. Ex. 6: 9-13 "And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt."

In the D&C I read some verses that tell us we need to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized for the remission of sins, and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. This is what needs to be preached to the people. D&C 49: 11-14 "Wherefore, I give unto you a commandment that ye go among this people, and say unto them, like unto mine apostle of old, whose name was Peter: Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and the end; Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the remission of sins; And whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of the church."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about repentance. We need to turn to the Lord in all humility in seeking forgiveness for our sins. He can wash us clean, whiter than snow, and clease us from all our iniquities. But we need to come to Him with a broken spirit and contrite heart. No half hearted "kinda sorry" will do the trick. We need to fully acknowledge our sins, want them blotted from our lives, and truly want the Holy Spirit to return to us. Only God can create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. When we do this, joy will be restored in our lives and we'll also want to teach these things to other sinners and help them become converted so that they, too, might receive a forgiveness for their sins and find joy in salvation. Ps. 51: 1-3, 7, 9-13, 17 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

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In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord spake unto Moses, telling him that He was the God of his fathers and introducing Himself as Jehovah. He reassured him that He would bring the childlren of Israel out of Egypt and deliver them from bondage. They would receive the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all his covenants with them would be fulfilled. He would be their God and they would be His people. Ex. 6: 1-8 "Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the Lord: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the Lord."

Some verses in the D&C warn us about how to avoid being deceived. We need to ask God in all things and listen for what the Sprit testifies to us. We need to have a prayer of thanksgiving in our hearts alsows and not be dedeuced by doctrines of devils or doctrines of men. We need to seek earnestly for the best gifts and always remember for what they are given. D&C 46: 7-8 "But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;"


Some verses with a thought booklet talk about a self righteous Pharisee who compares himself to others and thinks he's better than they are. In reality, the humble Publican who recognized his sins and tried to repent was more righteous in the sight of God than this proud Pharisee. Who are we more like? Do we humbly pray before God asking for forgiveness for our sins? Or do we compare ourselves to others and think how great we are because we pay our tithing or go to church every week? Are we overlooking our sin of pride? Do we look down on others and think we're better than they are? Perhaps in God's eyes, they are more justied than we are. Luke 18: 9-14 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Yesterday in the Old Testament we read about how Pharoh had increased the people's burdens by requiring them to gather their own straw but still produce the same number of bricks as before. This was in reaction to Moses asking him to let the people go and do sacrifice to the Lord. Can you imagine how discouraging this situation was to Moses? The Lord had commanded him to return to Egypt to help the people but instead he'd only made matters worse for them. Do we sometimes get dircouraged when things don't always go as planned? Maybe the Lord has told us to do something in our lives and when we've tried to obey, it appeared that things only got worse. Do we lose faith and hope? Or do we trust in the Lord that everything will eventually work out? Ex. 5: 20-23 "And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: And they said unto them, The Lord look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all."

In the D&C I read about how the day of the coming of the Lord will be similar to the parable of the ten virgins. Those who are prepared by having taken the Holy Spirit to be their guide which prevented them from being deceived will receive their reward. But those who are unprepared will be cast into the fire. We need to make sure we're prepared, like the virgins who had oil in their lamps. D&C 45: 56-57 "And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord will answer our prayers in the way that's best for us, according to His will, even if we don't know what we should pray for. The Spirit makes intercession for us, even according to our groanings which cannot be uttered. The Lord truly understands our needs, even if we don't know how to express them, and will give us what's best for us. Rom. 8: 26-27 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him to let the people go into the desert to sacrifice unto their God. He not only refused, but he decided that the people were too idle, giving them time to worry about going and doing sacrifices. So he increased their work and laid more burdens upon them, thinking they needed more to keep them busy. He stopped providing them with straw to make bricks but still required them to make the same number of bricks and had them beaten if they were not able to perform these unreasonable tasks. Ex. 5: 1-19 "And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the Lord. Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task."

Some verses in the D&C tell us that the last days will be full of wars, rumors of war, and commotion. The love of men will wax cold and iniquity will abound. But people will say that Christ delays His coming. Sounds like pretty troubling times, and I think we can begin to see the fulfillment of these things in our own day. D&C 45: 26-27 "And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound."

Some verses with a thought booklet give us instructions on how to treat one another--with brotherly love and kindness. we need to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who mourn. If someone is unkind to us, we should not return evil for evil, but should overcome evil with good. We should feed our enemies and not seek revenge against wrongs they have committed against us. Easier said than done? Certainly! Samuel Johnson once said, "Kindness is within our power; fondness is not." We have it within our power to be kind to even people we are not fond of. However, often if we are kind to others, fondness does follow. C.S. Lewis said that we shouldn't waste time worrying about whether we love our neighbors or not. We should simply act as if we did. And often the kinder we treat another person, the more fond of them we become. Instead of allowing evil to overcome us, let's overcome evil with good! Rom. 12: 10-21 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 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."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord told Aaron to go into the wilderness to meet Moses. Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord and the signs he'd been given. Moses and Aaron gathered the elders together and Aaron spoke all the words of the Lord to them and did the signs for them. The people believed and bowed their heads in worship, grateful that the Lord had looked upon their afflictions. Ex. 4: 27-31 "And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the amount of God, and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him. And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped."

In the D&C I read a verse that warns us to listen to the words of the Lord NOW. We never know when death might overtake us and our days of probation will be past. We need to repent of our sins and be prepared for the end of our lives. It could come when we least expect it. D&C 45: 2 "And again I say, hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you; in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to lay aside the weight of our sins and run the race of life set before us with patience. We need to look to Jesus, the author of our faith, who endured suffering on the cross for us, and who now sits at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb. 12: 1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." the thought that went with this, written by the Rev. Peter Hoytema from Midland Park, New Jersey says: My daughter once had a stuffed animal that she crawled into bed with each night. Once when I was tucking her in, she showed me how some of the stitching was coming loose on her stuffed dog. She was sad because she wanted "Buddy" to stay new. I told her there was only one way to keep him from looking worn: we would have to put him away in a closet or drawer. She resisted that idea immediately. She would rather keep Buddy than put him away, even if that meant he would get more and more ragged. That reminds us of how risky love can be. When we love someone, the wounds they sustain hurt us as well. I once attended a worship service at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City. I noticed a pillar at the front of the sanctuary with the following inscription: "Grief is the price we pay for love." Queen Elizabeth of England had chosen those words to conclude a message she sent to this troubled congregation shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Grief feels heavy because it corresponds to the size of love. Grief is as deep as love is high. When Jesus was crucified, his suffering was more than physical. He also felt the sharp pain of love deep in his heart. His grief was the price he paid for a love wide enough to cover the world.

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses told his father in law that he needed to return to Egypt, and his father in law told him to go in peace. Moses took his wife and sons and returned to Egypt, with the rod of God in his hand. Ex. 4:18-20 " And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life. And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us to treasure the words of Christ in our hearts, and hearken to them, allowing the solemnities of eternity to rest upon our minds. I think one way to do this is to study the scriptures every day and ponder them. D&C 43: 34 "Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity erest upon your minds."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we need to be truthful as friends, even if that sometimes means chastising our friends or calling them to repentance. Sometimes when our friends are starting to go down pathways in their lives that we know will only lead them to heartache, it's easier to just say nothing and not make waves. But sometimes the most loving thing we can do for them is help them to see that the choices they're making are not in their best interests or will cause them harm. Sometimes we have to risk upsetting our friends or offending them rather than stand idly by and watch them ruin their lives without doing anything to try to prevent it. It's easier to say nothing, but the easy thing to do is not always the right thing to do. A true friend will rebuke us when they see us going astray. Prov. 27: 5-6 "Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."

Yesterday we read in the Old Testament about how Moses was hesitant about his calling to lead the chidren of Israel out of Egypt, so the Lord gave him signs to show the people. However, today we read that Moses was complaining about being slow of speech and felt incapable of being able to talk to the people. The Lord pointed out that He would help him and give him the words to say, but Moses still insisted he needed a spokesman to speak for him. This angered the Lord, but he told him he would allow Moses' brother Aaron to act as a spokesman for him. Ex. 4: 10-16 "And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God."

In the D&C I read that death is sweet to a righteous person who dies in the Lord, but it is bitter to those who die not in the Lord. All the more reason we need to repent of our sins and draw close to the Lord before we die, which can come to any of us at any time. D&C 42:46-47 "And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them; And they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about the sacrament, how it is given in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ which was sacrifed for us. Luke 22: 19-20 "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my bbody which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." The thought that went with this, written by Dan Nicksich from Somerset, Pennsylvania, was so appropriate for today that even though I write these emails a couple of months in advance, I switched this paragraph with what I had planned for today. It reads as follows: It used to be an unused piece of property in the middle of nowhere. but now this previuosly ignored spot brings in a constant flow of people who speak respectfully in hushed tones of bravery, heroism, and sacrifice. It is the memorial site near Shankisville, Pennsylvania, where the crew of Flight 93 resisted hijackers who were determined to crash the jet into the White House or Capitol. As we mark the seventh anniversary of the attack, the sacrifice and bravery of the passengers and crew still inspire awe and wonder. The willingness of people to give their lives for a greater cause can help us appreciate more fully the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The same reverence and awe inspired by a site like Flight 93 should be the same attitude we hold whenever we approach the table of our Lord. The bread--his body. The cup--his blood. Precious reminders of the greatest sacrifice ever given. Receive it accordingly. Lord, thank you for the heroic sacrifices of others. Lead us to partake of your memorial feast reverently. In humble awe of the sacrifice of Calvary, and to live each day without taking for granted your sacrifice for us.

In the Old Testament I read some verses that talk about how Moses reacted to the Lord sending him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He questioned if anyone would believe him or listen to him. The Lord told him about signs that would be given to prove to people that the Lord had sent him--a rod that would change into a serpent and back into a rod again, a hand that would become leprous and then normal again, and water turned to blood. Ex. 4: 1-9 "And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee. And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us not to be idle. It's not right that a lazy person who refuses to work should eat the food and wear the clothing of someone who does work. D&C 42: 42 "Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."


Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we'll be blessed as we endure and resist temptation. The Lord promises a crown to those who love Him. No one can say, when they are tempted, that God tempted them, for God won't tempt any man. It's our own lusts that allow us to be enticed, and if we allow lust to be conceived in our hearts, it can bring forth sin, which leads to death. So important to keep our thoughts and our hearts pure! James 1: 12-15 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord sends Moses unto Pharaoh that he may bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt. He promises to smite Egypt and bring his people out with great wealth. Moses questions who he is that he could acomplish such a thing. But the Lord reassures him that He will be wtih him. Sometimes the Lord commands us to do difficult or seemingly impossible things, but we also can trust in the Lord that He will be with us to help and strenghten us so that we can accomplish whatever He asks us to do. Exodus 3: 10-22 "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be ba token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us we need to have the Spirit in order to teach. And how do we get the Spirit? By praying in faith. Very important to do this before attempting to teach because if we don't have the Spirit, we should not teach. D&C 42: 14 "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."

A verse in a thought booklet tells us that God does not give us a spirit of fear. Rather, He gives us power, a sound mind, and love. So if we're feeling fearful, we can know that this is not coming from the Lord. We can pray to Him for strength to overcome these feelings. 2 Tim. 1: 7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord identified himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and as the Great I AM. Moses was afraid to look at Him and hid his face. The Lord told Moses that He had seen the afflictions of the people and knew their sorrows. He had heard their cries. He had come down to deliver them. Exodus 3: 6 - 9 "Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them."

In the D&C I read a verse that says in order to be disciples of the Lord, we need to obey His law and do what He says. If we aren't willing to obey the word of the Lord, we're not His disciples and we'll be cast out. D&C 41: 5 "He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you;"

Going right along with this idea, a verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord would rather we be obedient to His word than that we offer sacrifices. 1 Sam. 15: 22 "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." The thought that went with this, written by Martha Zalar from Caldwell, Ohio says: "Daddy, what do you want for your birthday?" Four pairs of eager eyes focused on their father's face. He lovingly wrapped his arms around the closest child. "Oh, how about you just be good?" His face was tired, but he was smililng. "No, Dad. We want to get you something!" exclaimed one of the older children. Their Dad smiled. "But being good would be the best present!" How God must feel the same way! "Lord," we say, "we want to move mountains for you and do great things, and make you proud." God must smile and say, "That's wonderful. But what I really want is a heart that is fully obedient." Jesus said that if we become as little children, we will understand our need for God better. Just as an adoring child tries to please his or her parents, we need to make it our highest priority to please our Lord. Are we that adoring? Are we 100 percent willing to obey?

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord appeared to Moses at the burning bush and told him to remove his shoes because the place where he stood was holy ground. Exodus 3: 1- 5 "Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."

In the D&C I read a verse that says if we seek riches, the Lord will give them unto us--but they can be riches of far greater value than the riches of the world, they are the riches of eternity. But he can also bless us temporally as well with the riches of the earth if it is His will. However, if He does that, we need to be aware of pride which can destroy us, just like it did the Nephites of old. D&C 38: 39 "And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old."


A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord's presence can go before us and give us rest. Ex. 33: 14 "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."

In the Old Testament I read about how the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of the hard bondage they were under. God heard their groaning and remembered the covenant He had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Ex. 2: 23-25 "And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them."

In the D&C we're told that the Lord's eyes are upon us and He is with us, even though we cannot see Him. However, the day will soon come when the veil of darkness will be removed and we will see Him. If we are not pure, we won't be able to abide that day. Very important to prepare ourselves! D&C 38: 7-8 "But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me; But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we are to be tried and tested, and hopefully we'll come forth as gold. Job 23: 10 "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." The thought that went with this, written by Ginny Pfeifer from Winona Lake, Indiana is as follows: My head was swimming as my eyes tried to focus and finish the history exam. Any moment I would hear, "Pencils down, please." Just as I marked the last box, I heard those inevitable words. There would be no second chances. I'm so glad my test days are over. But are they really? How did I pass that patience test this morning when someone beat me to that parking spot? How did my voice sound to the clerk at the checkout when she messed up my order? Do I need to appologize to someone? Life is filled with tests, and one day there will be a "pencils down" for all of us. Sometimes we pass life's tests, and sometimes we don't. But unlike our school days, we have a God of compassion. We can come to God and ask for a second chance to do better, and with God's help we can pass the next test with flying colors. That is the grace and mercy of our loving Father.

In the Old Testament I read about how an Israelite woman gave birth to a baby boy and hid him three months to keep him from being killed. When she could not hide him anymore she made an ark for him and laid it by the riverbank. The daughter of Pharaoh found it and had compassion on the baby. She hired his own mother to nurse him and then raised him as her own son. She named him Moses. Ex. 2: 1-10 "And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water."

In the D&C I read a verse that tell us that God's arm is not shortened, but he can perform miracles and signs and wonders for those who believe on His name. Indeed, if miracles aren't occuring in our lives we can know that it's not because God can't perform them, it's because we ourselves are lacking in faith. D&C 35: 8 "For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us the source of all good gifts--they come from God. This is why it's so important that we show our thanks to Him in all things. James 1: 17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

In the Old Testament I read about how the king tried to get the midwives to kill the baby boys of the Israelites but they refused to do as he asked for they feared God. The Pharaoh charged all his people that they should cast the baby boys of the Israelites into the river. Ex. 1: 15-22 "And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses. And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive."

In the D&C I read that the day is nigh at hand when Christ will come in a cloud with power and great glory, but before that day comes, there will be great destructions on the earth. We need to be prepared! D&C 34: 7-9 "For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is soon at hand that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory. And it shall be a great day at the time of my coming, for all nations shall tremble. But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood; and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destructions await the wicked."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how faith was manifested in the lives of many people anciently and what the results in their lives were. Heb. 11: 4-13 "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently eseek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." The thought that went with this, written by Jane E. Maxwell from Vestal, New York says: The eleventh chapter of Hebrews resounds with the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joseph, Noah and many others who obeyed God when perhaps trusting God at that time in their lives was the hardest thing they had to do. Abraham had no way of knowing that God would spare Isaac when he took his beloved son up on the mountain as God had instructed. Moses did not know how he would lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. Noah built an ark in the middle of a dry land as the people jeered hm. Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers, did not know that God would use him to save the Israalites from starvation. Despite their circumstances, they believed God's promise to be with them always--and God was! Today you may be discouraged or grieving. Perhaps you have lost your job or have cancer. Perhaps you are being called to launch out in a new direction, and you feel inadequate. Satan is whispering that you can't do it. How do you keep trusting God? The Bible tells us: (1) "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6); (2) "I can do all things through him who strenghtens me (Philippians 4:13); and (3) "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph and all those from his generation died, and the children of Israel multipled and became very great in number. A new king arose up in Egypt who didn't know Joseph. He was concerned about how the children of Isreal were increasing in numbers and was concerned that they would become mightier than the Egyptians and might join their enemies to fight against them. He put the Israelites under bondage and put taskmasters over them, afflicting them with burdens and causing them to build cities for Pharaoh. He made them serve with rigour and made their lives bitter. Ex. 1: 6-14 "And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour."

In the D&C I read that it's necessary that we should be tempted by the devil so that we could be agents and be able to choose good from evil. We need to know the bitter or we cannot know the sweet. However, we need to pray always lest we fall into temptation and lose our reward. D&C 29: 39; 31:12 "And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet— Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward."

A verse from a thought booklet warms us that we need to be careful not to do anything that others could take offense at or it might have an adverse effect on the ministry. As Christians and members of the church, we need to watch what we do because others are watching us and may judge the entire church by our actions. Let's make sure that what we do is above reproach. 2 Cor. 6: 3 "Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:"

In the Old Testament I read about how Joseph died at the age of 110, was embalmed, and put into a coffin in Egypt. However, before he died he told his brethren that surely God would bring them out of the land of Egypt into the land which he had sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Genesis 50:24-26 "And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt."

In the D&C I read that the day is soon at hand when the proud and wicked will be destroyed so that wicknedness will no longer be on the earth. Whether we dread this day or look forward to it depends on our own state of righteousness. If we have things we need to repent of, we'll be hoping this day will be delayed because we fear the consequences to ourselves. But if we have repented of our sins and are trying to live righteously, this is a day to look forward to with anticipation and joy. Imagine--no more wickedness on the earth, and Jesus Christ reigning! D&C 29: 9 "For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;"

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us what things to put off in our lives--anger, malice, filthy communications out of our mouths, and likewise what things we need to impliment in our lives--kindness, humility, gratitude, mercy, forgiveness, and charity. If we put these positive and worthy attributes into our lives, we'll have the peace of God in our hearts. Col. 3: 8, 12-16 "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 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. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

In the Old Testament I read about how after Jacob died, Joseph's brothers were worried that he would then take revenge on them for the evil they had done to him. However, he reassured them that he would forgive them their trespasses against him and would not seek any evil against them. Instead he would nourish and comfort them and speak kindly to them. What a wonderful example of forgiveness! Something we all could do well to emulate. Genesis 50: 15-21 "And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them."

In the D&C I read about how Oliver Cowdery was told that he could teach the members of the church by the Comforter but that only the prophet Joseph Smith had the keys of the mysteries and revalations and he was the only one to receive commandments and revelations for the entire church. D&C 28: 1-7 "Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be given unto thee that thou shalt be heard by the church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the Comforter, concerning the revelations and commandments which I have given. But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses. And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and cauthority unto the church. And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it. But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom; And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church; For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Job knew that God could do anything and that we cannot withhold our thoughts from the Lord. Job 42: 1-2 "Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee."