In the Old Testament I read some verses that admonish us to pay our tithing. Lev. 27: 30-32 "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord."

In the D&C I read that if a marriage is performed in the world, it is for this life only and is of no force after the people have died. This is why marrying in the temple is so important--it is the only way for a marriage to last for eternity. D&C 132: 15 "Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world."


A verse with a thought booklet tell us that God invites all to come unto Him. It doesn't matter what country we come from or what race we are. We are all God's children and He places no difference between anyone who is willing to call upon Him. Rom. 10: 12 "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."

In the Old Testament I read about how people who repent of breaking the commendments can still receive blessings and be forgiven for their sins. Even if we've sinned, there is hope for us and the Lord will remember the covenants He's made with our fathers. Lev. 26: 40-46 "If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes. And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my ccovenant with them: for I am the Lord their God. But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord. These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the Lord made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses."

In the D&C I read that a man cannot be saved in ignorance. All the more reason we need to seek to gain knowledge. D&C 131: 6 "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how to treat our enemies or those who are unkind to us--we should not repay evil with evil. We should treat others kindly, regardless of how they treat us. Instead of being overcome with their evil, we need to overcome evil with good. Rom. 12: 17, 20-21 "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 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."

Yesterday in the Old Testament we read about the blessings we would receive if we kept the commandments. Today we read about the punishments that will be ours if we DON'T keep the commamdments. Boy, there really doesn't seem to be a good reason for not keeping the commandments! One intereseting point here is that the people refused to keep the Sabbath Day holy so after their land was made desolate it was finally able to rest and the Sabbath was able to be observed. Lev. 26: 14-39 "But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul bhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: I also will ado this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and cthe burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate. And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied. And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat. And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your arcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you. And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours. And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it. And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste. Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies’ land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths. As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it. And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth. And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies. And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up. And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them."

In the D&C I read some verses that encourage us to gain learning and knowledge because nothing we learn in this life will be lost to us in the next life--it will rise with us in the resurrection. The more knowledge and intelligence we gain in this life, due to our diligence and obedience, we'll have so much the advantage in the life to come. D&C 130: 18-19 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that keeping our minds and hearts centered on Jesus Christ will give us a peace that passes all understanding. Philip. 4: 7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

In the Old Testament I read about the great blessings that will be ours if we keep the commandments. Lev. 26: 3-13 "If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land. And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you. And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new. And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright."

In the D&C I read a verse that explains why baptism by immersion is necessary--it is in similitude of the grave (being buried in water) and coming forth in the resurrection (being raised up out of the water). When we are baptized, we die to to our old sinful selves and are raised up into a new creature in Christ. D&C 128: 12 "Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead."

In some verses with a thought booklet, Paul says that has has not already attained perfection, but he looks toward Jesus Christ and looks forward in his life at things that are to come rather than backward at things that are alrady past and are best forgotten. Perhaps this is a key to perfecting ourselves. We need to repent of our past sins and then put them behind us, concentrating on our future and what we can become. Philip. 3: 12-13 "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,"
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In the Old Testament I read admonitions to avoid making idols and to keep the Sabbath. Lev. 26: 1-2 "Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord."

In the D&C I read about the importance of doing temple work and all the things the Lord has asked us to do, even redoubling our efforts. We need to be diligent and perservere, even in the face of persecution. We need to remember that all down through the ages, prophets and righteous men have been persecuted, but they will be rewarded in heaven. D&C 127: 4 "And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven."

Some verses with a thought booklet are some that are often misunderstood or misquoted. But in reality they have a very powerful message--that it is only by the grace of God that we can be saved. None of us is perfect and we all fall short. No one can possibly be righteous enough to save himself by his good works. If not for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His grace, we would not be able to repent of our sins and be forgiven and there would be no chance that we could receive salvation. No matter how good our works are, they can never save us. We need Jesus Christ and His precious gift. However, this does not give us an excuse not to do our best to keep the commandments. We need to do our part as well. But our part is not good enough, no matter how good we try to be. We need to have faith that Jesus Christ suffered for our sins and rely on the cleansing blood of His Atonement. We are saved by grace AFTER all we can do. Eph. 2: 8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

In the Old Testament I read that murder is punishable by the murderer being put to death. Also, if someone kills an animal, he should make ammends by giving the owner of the animal another animal to replace it. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Lev. 24: 17-21 "And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast. And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again. And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death."

In the D&C I read that we need to repent, cease to do evil, and clothe ourselves with charity. D&C 124: 116 "And let him repent of all his folly, and clothe himself with charity; and cease to do evil, and lay aside all his hard speeches;"

Some verses with a thought booklet outline the works of the flesh vs. the fruit of the Spirit. Comparing these two lists we can get a clear picture of the kind of life we need to lead and the type of things we need to avoid if we want to inherit the Kingdom of God. Gal. 5: 19-23 "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." The thought that went with this, written by Lanette Kissel from Evansville, Indiana says: Advertisers vie for our attention as we drive along our streets and highways. Our eyes are attracted to huge, colorful billboards advertising restaurants, hotels, and every business imaginable. The billboard's purpose is to make that business look as appealing as possible to potential customers who happen to be passing by. In essence, we Christians are walking billboards for Christ. If others know we profess to be Christian, they are watching us, observing what we do and say. Do we live our lives in a way that presents Christ in a positive light or a negative one? As people observe how we live our daily lives, will they be thinking, "I want to live my life that way"? Or will they watch us and think, "If that's what it means to be a Christian, I want no part of it"? What kind of billboard do you want to be?

In the Old Testament I read a verse that says we should not harvest thoroughly all the corners of our fields, but should leave it for the poor and stranger. Lev. 23: 22 "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God."

In the D&C I read a verse in which Almon Babbit is likened unto Aaron in the Old Testament who sought to counsel the Israelites instead of his brother Moses who was the Lord's prophet, encouraging them to worship a golden calf while Moses was away getting instructions and commandments from the Lord. When the Lord has a prophet on the earth, we need to heed his counsel and direction and not think that we know better than he does or try to get people to follow our counsel instead of that of the chosen prophet. D&C 124: 84 "And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are many things with which I am not pleased; behold, he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the counsel which I have ordained, even that of the Presidency of my Church; and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people."

Some verses with a thought booklet outline all the many wonderful blessings that would attend the people if only they would be willing to obey the commandments of the Lord. Deut. 28: 1-10 "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee."

In the Old Testament I read once again that we should labor for six days but that the seventh day is the Sabbath and no work should be done on that day. Lev. 23: 3 "Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us if our works are not right, we'll get cursings instead of blessings--brought about through our own abominations. We have no one to blame but ourselves! D&C 124: 48 "For instead of blessings, ye, by your own works, bring cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments upon your own heads, by your follies, and by all your abominations, which you practise before me, saith the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us not to murmur or dispute. We need to shine like lights in the midst of a wicked nation. If God asks us to do something, let's just do it--no complaining and no arguing about why we really don't need to do it. Like President Kimball used to say, "Just do it!" Our examples as children of God can be like a shining light in a dark world. Philip. 2: 14-15 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

In the Old Testament we read an admonition that tells us we keep to keep the statutes of the Lord. In fact, the death penalty was prescribed for those who broke such commandments as cursing their parents or committing adultery. Lev. 20: 8-10 "And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you. For every one that curseth his bfather or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him. And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his aneighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death."

In the D&C I read that there are many people in the world who have been blinded by the craftiness of men who have deceived them. They are kept from the truth only because they don't know where to find it. We need to wear out our lives teaching these people and bringing light to them. D&C 123: 12-13 "For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven— "

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that god wants to bring peace to us and give us good things, not evil. We just need to call upon Him in prayer and He will hearken to us. We need to seek Him with all our hearts and we will find Him. Jer. 29: 11-13 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." The thought that went with this, written by Norma C. Mezoe from Sandborn, Indaia says: A road that I travel frequently had been under reconstruction for a long time. Often it seemed that the road builders were totally confused about the work that was being carried out. The construction has finally been completed, and now I can see that the contractor did have a plan, and the results make traveling on that road much smoother. Sometimes I have looked at things going on in my life and they seemed to be a total mess, just like the road. I knew God had a plan for my life, but I couldn't imagine how he would fit all of the jumbled pieces together. Now from the vantage point of age and passing of years, I look back and see clearly how he has smoothed my life and helped me through the construction periods.

In the Old Testament I read the Lord's injuction that we should treat strangers with kindness and love. He reminded the Israelites that they were once strangers in the land of Egypt. How can this apply to us today? Do we hate foreigners who come to our country and resent them? Or do we treat them with love, realizing that our ancestors were strangers when they came to this land many years ago. Some things to think about. Lev. 19: 34 "But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."

In the D&C I read that no matter what trials and tribulations we go through, they will give us experience that we need and be for our good. Sometimes it's hard to remember this when things are rough in our lives, but God in His eternal perspective knows exactly what experiences we need to have in this life in order for us to learn and grow and become what He wants us to be. We need to trust in Him. D&C 122: 5-7 "If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea; If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb; And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Philip. 2: 10-11 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

In the Old Testament I read some of the commandments the children of Israel were asked to obey. They should not steal, lie, defraud their neighbor, swear falsely, put stumblingblocks before the blind and deaf, bear tales, judge others unrighteously, nor hate or seek revenge or hold grudges against their neighbors. They were to love their neighbors as themselves. All these things are applicable in our lives today also. Lev. 19: 11-18 "Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord. Thou shalt not defraud thy bneighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord."

The D&C talks about how men should exercise their priesthood in righteousness. They should not set their hearts upon the things of the world or seek to cover their sins or exercise unrighteous dominion over others. Instead, he should use persuasion, being gentle and kind and showing forth love. If chastisement is necessary, he should do so as directed by the Holy Ghost and then afterward show forth an increased love for the person he has reproved so they won't think him to be their enemy. He should exercise charity toward all men and let virtue garnish his thoughts always. The Holy Ghost should be his constant companion. D&C 121: 34-46 "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson— That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our bsins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen. No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile— Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that when we cry unto the Lord He'll hear us and strenghten our souls. We can turn to Him in times of trouble and know that we can trust in Him. Ps. 138: 3 "In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul."

In the Old Testament I read how the Lord spoke unto Moses, telling him to tell the children of Israel to obey the commandments and walk in the ordinances of the Lord. The man who does this shall live. This is just as true today as it was in Moses' day. Lev. 18: 1-5 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord your God. After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord."

In the D&C I read a verse that I've often reminded myself of when I'm going through difficult times. If we could see things with an eternal perspective we would see that our adversities are but a small moment and if we endure them well, we'll have all exaltation for all eternity. Knowing this can give us peace, even as we're going through tribulations. D&C 121: 7-8 "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

A verse in a thought booklet talks about how wonderful it is when our hopes are realized. Prov. 13: 12 "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life."

In the Old Testament I read that the shedding of blood is necessary for the atonement of sins. This was true of the animal sacrifices during ancient days before Christ, and it was also true of the infinite atonement that Christ made for the atonement of our sins--it was necessary that His precious blood be shed. Lev. 17: 11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."

In the D&C I read about the institution of the law of tithing and that it's a standing law unto us forever that we need to pay 10% of our income to the Lord. D&C 119: 1-4 "Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion, For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church. And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us the importance of serving others. Jesus told his disciples that whoever would be chief among them should be their servant, and He set the perfect example of this by His own service, especially giving His life as a sacrifice for our sins. Matt. 20: 24-28 "And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

In the Old Testament I read about the use of a scapegoat in ancient days. The sins of the people would be confessed while Aaron lay both his hands on the head of the goat. Then the goat would be sent out into the wilderness, bearing all the iniquities with him. Then an animal would be offered for a sin offering, shedding their blood to make atonment. Lev. 16: 21-27 "And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness. And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there: And he shall wash his flesh with water ain the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people. And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar. And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp. And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung."

In the D&C I read that we need to repent of our covetous desires, for what is property to the Lord? This helps us put things into better perspective. Of what eternal value is money and the things we can buy with it? A hundred years from now, what will it matter how big a house we lived in or how fancy a car we drove? If we're coveting after these material possessions, we need to repent! D&C 117: 4 "Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet exort us to be humble and unselfish--looking out for the needs of others instead of always thinking of ourselves. Philip. 2: 3-4 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

In the Old Testament a read a verse that tells us that we need to be holy, as God is holy. Lev. 11: 45 "For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy."

In the D&C I read that we're supposed to let our lights shine forth so that we can be a standard for the nations. Very important that we serve as good examples that others can emulate. D&C 115: 5 "Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;"

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that just like a fire will go out without wood, so will a quarrel die down without gossip. Prov. 26: 20-21 "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife." The thought that went with this, written by Wilma Musser from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania says: What an appropriate illustration of gossip! Just as fire requires fuel to keep it going, so gossip requires a talebearer to spread it. If you don't want it to spread, don't put any fuel on it. Gossip often involves lying or misrepresentation or embellishment of facts. Few people who gossip would actually kill someone, but gossip has assassinated many a person's good reputation. Some children have been shunned at school because a classmate started a false rumor. Some ministers have been forced to leave their pastorates because of malicious slander. Some friendships have been broken and some marriages and homes destroyed because of false reports. Gossip hurts not only the person talked about, the the gossiper as well. God hates a lying tongue and a false witness and reminds us that you reap whatever you sow.

In the Old Testament I read about how Nadab and Abihu performed unauthorized sacrifices and were slain by a fire from the Lord. This emphasizes the importance performing ordinances only in the ways directed by the Lord. Lev. 10: 1-2 "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord."

In the D&C it says that gross darkness covers the earth and the minds of the people, and they have become corrupt before the face of the Lord. But the day is coming when the vengeance of the Lord and His wrath will be poured out on the inhabitants of the earth. Boy, if gross wickedness prevailed in the days of Joseph Smith back in the 1800's, look at the world today and you can see even more! You can see that the world is indeed ripening for destruction. We need to make sure we're prepared for the Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord so we won't be burned at His Coming along with the wicked. D&C 112: 23-24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face. Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that all people have sinned (if they say they haven't, they're lying!) and that we all are in need of the cleansing power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. We need to repent of our sins and walk in the light. 1 Jn. 1: 5-10 "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no bsin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." The thought that went with this, written by Darlene Peterson from Arlington, Washington, says: A friend asked one day, "Have you discovered Tide to Go? It is amazing. I spill on my blouse at lunch and no worries. I pull out this little Tide to Go stick, rub it on the stain, and viola! The stain is gone." A bit dubious about something that could clean without water, I nevertheless went to the store and purchased my very own. And it really does work. I carry it in my purse, prepared for any undesirable stain. When the stains of sin appear on our hearts, God's cleansing power is much greater tha Tide to Go. The Scriptures say, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrightouenss" (1 John 1:9). God has promised to remove the stains of our sins "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12). God's grace is beyond our comprehension. Don't doubt this cleansing power! Let God cleanse your heart daiily from every stain so you will always be "good to go."

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses and Aaron came out of the tabernacle and blessed the people and that the glory of the Lord appeared to the people. A fire from teh Lord came out and consumed the burnt offerings, and the peopel seeing this fell down on their faces and shouted. What a marvelous manifestation this was of the power of the Lord! Lev. 9: 23-24 "And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces."

In the D&C I read a verse that tells us we need to be wise and without sin and the Lord will order all things for our good as fast as we're able to receive them. Sometimes we don't get blessings as quickly as we'd like, but there may be something we need to do in our life to prepare for that blessing. Perhaps the Lord is waiting to give us that blessing as fast as we're ready to receive it. We need to trust in the Lord's timing and realize that He knows best. D&C 111: 11 "Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us to follow after righteousness and we'll find it, along with life and honor. Prov. 21: 21 "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour."

In the Old Testament I read how Moses put some blood from the offering upon the tip of the right ear, the right thumb, and the great toe of the right food of the person to be consecrated (Aaron and his sons). This might seem strange, but it symbolized HEARING or hearkening to the word of the Lord, and ACTING and WALKING according to the commandments. Lev. 8: 23-24 "And he slew it; and Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot. And he brought Aaron’s sons, and Moses put of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about."

In the scriptures we're told to pray for our enemies. In the D&C I read that Joseph Smith actually prayed for the mobs that persecuted him, in the hopes that they would repent of their sins and the Lord would be merciful to them. D&C 109: 50 "Have amercy, O Lord, upon the wicked mob, who have driven thy people, that they may cease to spoil, that they may repent of their sins if repentance is to be found;"

A verse from a thought booklet tells us to be doers of the word, not just hearers. Otherwise, we deceive ourselves. It's not enough just to listen to the Word of God. We need to obey and keep the commandments and DO whatever the Lord tells us to do. James 1: 22 "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

In the Old Testament I read about how when the people committed sins they were to make ammends to those they had harmed or defrauded and then they were to give a tresspass offering unto the priest. The priest would make an atonement for him before the Lord and he could be forgiven for the thing which he had done. Lev. 6: 1-7 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering. And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein."

In the D&C I read about the necessity of speedily repenting and returning to the Lord when we have sinned, so that we can return to the favor and blessings of the Lord. Note the word "speedily" here. It's not good to procrastine our repentence and figure we'll do it someday; we need to act NOW. D&C 109: 21 "And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that we can turn to the Lord for help. He made the heavens and the earth. If He had the power to do that, think of how much help He can give with any problem we might have in our lives. We can dependon Him. Ps. 121: 2 "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

In the Old Testament I read that in addition to making a trespass offering when they had sinned, people also needed to make amends for the harm that they had done. Lev. 5: 14-16 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him."

In the D&C I read that we need to strenghten our brethren in all we say and do, and also in our prayers. If we do this, the Lord will be with us and bless us. We need to make sure that our actions and words build each other up and encourage others, not tear them down. We can have a powerful impact on the lives of others, for good or ill. D&C 108: 7-8 "Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings. And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen.

A verse from a thought booklet reminds us not to judge or comdemn other people. It is not our place to do so. We need to forgive. If we do this, we ourselves will also be forgiven. Luke 6: 37 "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

In the Old Testament I read about those who were guilty of sin needed to confess their sins and offer sin offerings to the Lord. The priest would make atonement for their sins and they could be forgiven. Lev. 5: 5-6, 13 "And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing: And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest’s, as a meat offering."

In the D&C I read the importance of learning our duty and fulfilling it with dilligence. If we're slothful in not trying to learn what is required of us and then doing it, we won't be counted worthy to stand. D&C 107: 99-100 "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen."

A verse in a thought booklet reminds us that the Lord loves us with an everlasting love. Jer. 31: 3 "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

In the Old Testament I read about how if the people committed sins, a sin offering was to be brought unto the Lord, a young bullock without blemish. This was a type of things to come--that Jesus, who was without blemish, would atone for our sins. Lev. 4: 1-3 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the Lord for a sin offering."

In the D&C I read a description of a wonderful meeting held at Adam-ondi-Ahman just prior to Adam's death, in which he gave his last blessing to some of his descendants and in which the Lord appeared to them and administered comfort to Adam. Even though Adam was bowed down with age, he was full of the Holy Ghost and was able to prophesy about what would befall his posterity down to the last days. What a marvelous gathering this must have been! Last year I had the opportunity to visit Adam-ondi-Ahman and there is such a peaceful feeling there. D&C 107: 53-56 "Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing. And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel. And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him: I have set thee to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art a prince over them forever. And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation; and, notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the latest generation."

A verse with a thought booklet emphasized the importance of serving others, saying that a disciple of Christ will be willing to give a drink to a little one, and will in no wise lose their reward. Matt. 10: 42 "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. The thought that went with this, written by Brooke Vinar from International Falls, Minnestoa says: "The ringing of the doorbell pulls me from a light sleep. This is my third trip to the door in the last hour, and I'm grumbling as I trudge down from my third-floor apartment. After a full week of ministry, I deserve an afternoon nap. Opening the door onto the hot Philadelphia street, I see Aunni, my persistent neighbor girl. She begs me for another drink of water; or could we bake cookies? I say no, but her fingers cling to my door knob. That's when God gets my attention. Does God have to glue a small hand to my doorknob just so I will see his priorities for me? I realize I've been self-centered and spiritually blind. How many other opportunities have I missed because they interupted my grocery shopping or a hectic day at work? In the scope of eternity, should my peaceful afternoon really be this important to me? I open the door and pull Aunni into my lap. For now, I use this interuiption to show love to one of God's children--and then I'll review my priorities. All-knowing Father, you see my selfish priorities. Give me grace to use any interuption I face today as a way to demonstate your love to the world." As I was trying to do my daily reading and writing up this daily thought, my phone rang twice and I was getting a little perturbed by the interuptions when I was trying to concentrate on my scripture reading. Then I read this message in the thought booklet and it helped me put things into perspective. Sometimes I need a reminder of my priorities also!

In the Old Testament I read about how sacrifices of animals without blemish was to be made as an atonement for sins. This was in similitude of the sacrifice Jesus would make when he suffered and died for us, and made atonement for our sins. Lev. 1: 1-4 "And the Lord called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him."

In the D&C I read that decisions of the quorums of the church need to be made in righteousness, with meekness, long suffering, faith, virtue, patience, kindness, charity, etc. Very important attributes for all of us to emulate! D&C 107: 30-31 "The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity; Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we're to rejoice always in the Lord, and we'll have peace that passes all understanding. Philip. 4: 4, 7 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

In the Old Testament I read about how the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. A cloud covered the tabernacle by day and fire rested on it by night. Ex. 40: 34-38 "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys."

In the D&C I read a verse that might shed some light on the age old question of why sometimes bad things happen to us and why we need to suffer. Sometimes it's only by our suffering that we're able to learn obedience, and sometimes the Lord chastens us for this purpose. No matter what we go through in life, we need to remember that it's for our best good and needed for our growth and development. D&C 105: 6 "And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of the Israelites who decided they wanted a king because other nations had kings and they wanted to be like them. The Lord warned them, through Samuel, what trials would befall them if they had a king. But the people refused to listen and still insisted they wanted a king. So the Lord told Samuel to go ahead and give them a king. Sometimes we just have to learn things the hard way! The Lord will warn us of the consequences of our poor choices but if we refuse to listen sometimes he'll just say, "Fine, have it your way!" and then we get the opportunity of learning from our mistakes. 1 Sam. 8: 10-22 "And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to aear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."

In the Old Testament I read about how Aaron and his sons were washed and annointed and given an everlasting priesthood. Exodus 40: 12-16 "And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats: And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations. Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him, so did he."

In the D&C I read an admonition that we need to pay our debts. This is as true today as it was back when this scripture was written. We need to do our best to stay out of unnecessary debt and if we do have debts we need to do our best to get them paid off as soon as we can. D&C 104: 78 "And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us to be strong and of good courage. We have no reason to be afraid or dismayed because the Lord will be with us wherever we go. As long as we're doing what the Lord has commanded us to do, we can move forward with faith and confidence that He will prepare the way before us. These words were actually given to Joshua before he was to fight against the Caananites, who he knew would put up a fierce fight. But the Lord had commanded him, so there was no reason to fear. The Lord would be with him. What about our own lives. Has the Lord commanded us to do something that seems difficult or impossible? No need to fear. The Lord will be with us and help us do whatever it is we need to do. Josh. 1: 9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

In the Old Testament I read about how the children of Israel built a tabernacle to the Lord as the Lord had commanded Moses to commanded them. When the Lord gives us commandments through His prophets, we need to obey. If we do, we will be blessed. Ex. 39: 32, 42-43 "Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord acommanded Moses, so did they. According to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them."

In the D&C I read that if any man that has an abundance given him by the Lord and refuses to share what he has with the poor and needy, he'll end up being in the torment of hell along with the wicked. Pretty strong words! It sounds like a pretty serious sin to be greedy with what we have and be unwilling to share it. D&C 104:18 "Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment."

A verse with a thought booklet, which contains some of the same thoughts as the Thirteenth Ariticle of Faith, tells us to keep our thoughts on pure, honest, and virtuous things. Philip. 4: 8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

In the Old Testament I read about how men and women whose hearts were willing brought offerings for the Lord, as the Lord had commanded them through Moses. In every age, the Lord has commanded His people to give what they can to further His work. Ex. 35: 29 "The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses."

In the D&C I read that those who are faithful in keeping the commandments will be blessed with many blessings but those who are not faithful will be cursed. The Lord has promised this, and it is an unchangable promise we can count on. D&C 104: 2-3 "With promise immutable and unchangeable, that inasmuch as those whom I commanded were faithful they should be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings; But inasmuch as they were not faithful they were nigh unto cursing."

Some verses with a thought booklet liken the Lord to a vine and us to branches. We need to abide in the Lord or we can do nothing--just like a branch cut off from a vine withers and is good for nothing but to be cast into the fire. In order to bear fruit, we need to remain connected to the Lord. John 15: 4-6 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."

In the Old Testament I again read about the importance of keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, and doing no work thereon. In fact, the death penalty was given for violating this commmandment! Ex. 35: 1-2 "Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the Lord hath commanded, that ye should do them. Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death."

In the D&C I read that blessings come after much tribulation. This is important to remember when we're going through great trials in our lives. If we're patient and endure, the blessings will come. D&C 103: 12 "For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing."

Going along with this, some verses with a thought booklet outline some of the tribulations that Paul went through. Boy, after reading this list and comparing it with my tribulations, I don't feel like I have anything to complain about! 2 Cor. 11: 24-30 "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities."

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses hewed new tables of stone and went up into Mount Sinai for 40 days, fasting. When he came down, his face shone which frightened the people. he gave them the commandments. Ex. 34: 1-4, 28-32 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount. And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount. And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither beat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two btables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai."

In the D&C I read that the president of the Church is appointed by revelation and that the voice of the church ackowledges his administration. D&C 102: 9 "The president of the church, who is also the president of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged in his administration by the voice of the church."

Some verses with a thought booklet says that we should care for one another to the extent that if one of us suffers, we all suffer with him and if one is honored, we all rejoice with him. It's important that we be there for other people during their trials, mourning with them, and also that we can rejoice with others when they're going through happy times. 1 Cor. 12: 25-26 "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord promised to be with the Israelites and drive out the people of the land. Ex. 33: 1-2 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it: And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:"

In the D&C I read that God raised up wise men for the very purpose of establishing the Constitution in this land. We should be very grateful for the blessings of liberty we have in our country and realize that this is something given to us by God and that His hand was in it. D&C 101: 80 "And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that we need to love one another as Jesus loved us. How much love did He have for us? Enough to die for us. Do we love others this much? John 13: 34 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."