In the Old Testament I read an admonition to the children of Isreal that when the Lord would bring them to the promised land and bless them with houses and lots of food, they should not forget the Lord their God. They should serve Him, and Him only--not the idols in the land. They should keep the commandments and do what is right and things would be well with them. Deut. 6:10-18 "And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the banger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah. Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee. And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers,"

In the Book of Mormon I read that the day will soon come when the wicked will be destroyed and Satan will have no more power over the hearts of the children of men. The Lord will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous. 1 Ne. 22: 15-16 "For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned. For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous."


Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we cannot hide from God. There is no where we can go that He will not find us and no night so dark that He cannot see us. Ps. 139: 7-12 "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 that the Lord commanded the children of Israel to keep His commandments and teach them to their children and grandchildren. They were to love the Lord with all their hearts, souls and might. They should teach their children these things and talk of them often every day. Deut. 6: 1-7 "Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is bone Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

In the Book of Mormon I read a profound statement: that there is no peace unto the wicked. Do we want peace in our lives? If so, we must keep the commandments of the Lord do what is right. 1 Ne. 20: 22 "And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of the poor widow who gave two mites to the treasury. This seems like a very small amount compared to the abundance that the rich cast in. But the rich still had plenty left for themselves after their gifts whereas the poor widow had given all that she had. Hers was a much greater sacrifice. Sometimes we might feel that what we have to offer is not enough. We see what others can give and feel inadquate by comparison. But if we do the best we can and give what we have to give, we can know that the Lord will accept of our offering and will bless us accordingly. Mark 12: 41-44 "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
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In the Old Testament I read how the Lord gave the ten commandments to the children of Israel. He spoke them with a great voice in the midst of fire and cloud to those assembled on the mouth, and wrote them on tables of stone which He delivered to Moses. These are commandments which are still applicable to us today. Deut. 5: 6-22 "I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods before me. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Neither shalt thou commit adultery. Neither shalt thou steal. Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s. These words the Lord spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me."

In the Book of Mormon I read that God refines us in the furnace of affliction. Sometimes when we're going through trials it seems like they're more than we can bear and we see no good coming from them. But when we turn to the Lord to help us get through them and rely on Him, it strenghtens us and the things that we suffer help us to grow into the people we have the potential to become. 1 Ne. 20: 10 "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God is our strength and we have no need to fear. Even if the mountains shake and are carried into the midst of the sea, God will be our refuge. We are told to be still, and know that He is God. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life, we become distracted and preoccupied and forget about God. We need to find a quiet place to pray and ponder so we can listen to the whisperings of the Spirit. Do we take time to be still? Ps. 46: 1-3, 10 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

In the Old Testament I read that even after the children of Israel had done wickedly, if they would seek the Lord with all their hearts amidst their tribulations, the Lord would hear them. They should come to Him in the latter-days and be obedient to His voice. The Lord is merciful and would not forget or forsake His covenants to their fathers. Deut. 4:29-31 "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi taught his brothers from the scriptures--the words of Moses and Isaiah so that he might more fully persuade them to believe in their Redeemer. Studying the scriptures is a wonderful way to learn about the Lord and gain faith in Him. 1 Ne. 19: 22-23 "Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old. And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us the importance of love. In fact, if we don't love others, we don't know God for God is love. If we claim to love God but hate other people, we are liars. How can we love God, whom we haven't seen, if we can't love someone we can see? God loved us so much that He sent His only begotton Son into the world to sacrifice His life for us. We likewise need to love one another. There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear. Do we obey God because we're afraid of punishment, or because we love Him? Fear might cause us to do what needs to be done, but what kind of a life will we have, cringing in fear all the time? However, if we truly love God we will WANT to do His will and we'll have joy in obeying the commandments because we'll want to serve the Lord. Love will drive away our fear. 1 Jn. 4: 7-11, 18-21 "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 this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord was angry with Moses and sware to him that he would die in the wilderness instead of going forth to possess the promised land. Deut. 4:21-22 "Furthermore the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance: But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land."


In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that tell us that Nephi was able to build a ship--not after the manner of men but according to the instructions of the Lord, and the Nephites were able to arrive safely in the promised land. 1 Ne. 18: 2-8, 23 "Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men. And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things. And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship. And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and our children. And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder was called Jacob and the younger Joseph. And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land. And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that faith without works is dead. We can't merely say we believe and then break the commandments and not DO what we're supposed to be doing. We show our faith by our actions. If we don't behave the way we claim to believe, we are hypocrites. James 2: 14-18, 26 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord spoke to the children of Israel out of the midst of fire where they could hear Him but not see Him. He declared His commandments and covenants to them, giving them the ten commandments on tables of stone. The people were exhorted to take heed of the things they were given that day, and they should not corrupt themselves with idols. The Lord brought them out of Egypt and He is the God they should worship. Deut. 4: 12-20 "And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve cthem, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. But the Lord hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day."

In the Book of Mormon I read some verses that tell of the continued hard hearts of Laman and Lemuel and how even though they had seen angels they would not believe. God had spoken to them with a still, small voice but they wre past feeling that they could not feel his words. How often are we in that kind of spiritual state ourselves? We need to be in tune that we can FEEL the words of God. Nephi was very troubled over the spiritual state of his brethren. Indeed, he says he was rent with anguish because of them. This is often the way loved ones feel when they see those they care about going astray. Nephi then goes on to say that if God commanded him to build a ship, he can do it. God is all powerful and if He commanded the water to be made earth, it would be done. So how could He not do a simple thing like instruct Nephi in how to build a ship and provide the way for him to accomplish it? If God asks us to do something difficult, we can be assured that we'll be able to do it, with God's help. We only need to trust in Him and ask for help, and then live our lives so that we're in tune with His Spirit so we can be directed as to how to proceed. 1 Ne. 17: 45-52 "Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel , and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder. And ye also know that by the power of his almighty word he can cause the earth that it shall pass away; yea, and ye know that by his word he can cause the rough places to be made smooth, and smooth places shall be broken up. O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your hearts? Behold, my soul is rent with anguish because of you, and my heart is pained; I fear lest ye shall be cast off forever. Behold, I am full of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my frame has no strength. And now it came to pass that when I had spoken these words they were angry with me, and were desirous to throw me into the depths of the sea; and as they came forth to lay their hands upon me I spake unto them, saying: In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed; and he shall be as naught before the power of God, for God shall smite him. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them that they should murmur no more against their father; neither should they withhold their labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should build a ship. And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship? And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said many things unto my brethren, insomuch that they were confounded and could not contend against me; neither durst they lay their hands upon me nor touch me with their fingers, even for the space of many days. Now they durst not do this lest they should wither before me, so powerful was the Spirit of God; and thus it had wrought upon them."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that God with strenghten us and give us power when we are weak. We'll be able to run and not be weary and walk and not faint. I think this not only means in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense as well. When we're feeling weak and suseptible to temptation, we can call upon the Lord to give us strength to resist. He can give us strength to continue on our paths in life and run the course, being able to endure to the end. Indeed, if we turn to the Lord and rely on Him, we can feel like we're mounted on the wings of eagles as we soar through the air! Isa. 40: 29, 31 "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." The thought that went with this, written by Wally Kennicutt from Salina, Oklahoma says: A friend once told me, "Whenever I start feeling discouraged and utterly worthless, I start thinking about the vastness of the universe, all those billions of stars, and all the other things we can't even imagine." That puzzled me. "How could that help? Thinking about that sort of thing would make me feel small and completely insignificant." He responded, "It might if you thought everything just happened by chance--but the God who created and takes care of all surely is big enough to take care of any problems I have." That does help. Once you realize that God is able to take care of everything you know that God will take care of you, too. All you have to do is ask.

In the Old Testament I read about the importance of taking diligent heed to the things of God and not forgetting or departing from those things. We also need to teach them to our children. Deut. 4:9 "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;"

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the brothers of Nephi murmurred and complained against him, recounting all the suffering they had gone through in the wilderness and claiming that if they'd stayed in Jeruselem they could have enjoyed their possessions and been happy--when it reality they would have been destroyed. Nephi was sad because of the hardness of their hearts, and when they saw that he was sad, they rejoiced over him and mocked him all the more, saying he was lead away by foolish imaginations. 1 Ne. 17: 19-22 "And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceedingly sorrowful because of the hardness of their hearts; and now when they saw that I began to be sorrowful they were glad in their hearts, insomuch that they did rejoice over me, saying: We knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish so great a work. And thou art like unto our father, led away by the foolish imaginations of his heart; yea, he hath led us out of the land of Jerusalem, and we have wandered in the wilderness for these many years; and our women have toiled, being big with child; and they have borne children in the wilderness and suffered all things, save it were death; and it would have been better that they had died before they came out of Jerusalem than to have suffered these afflictions. Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have been happy. And we know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem were a righteous people; for they kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses; wherefore, we know that they are a righteous people; and our father hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto his words; yea, and our brother is like unto him. And after this manner of language did my brethren murmur and complain against us."

Some verses with a thought booklet tells us that after Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, they hid themselves from the Lord. Gen. 3: 8-10 "And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." The thought that went with this, written by Sarah R. Lachowicz from Howell, Michigan says: When I was a little girl, I wanted glass slippers like Cinderella. One day I decided to make my own. I took my new patent leather dress shoes into the bathroom and proceeded to concoct a mixture of baking soda, baby powder, and toothpaste. I painted my shoes with the creation, and they became roughly the same color as the glass slippers that Cinderella wore to the ball. The color, however, was the only similiarity. Sticky and minty-fresh, my shoes were nothing but messy and ruined. Disappointed and knowing I had done something wrong, I hid my shoes under my parents' bed, sure they wouldn't be discovered. The next day my mom found my shoes, and I was disciplined. Often we do what I did as a little girl and try to hide our messes. Adam and Eve did the same thing when they ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We can't do things we know are wrong and expect to be able to hide them from God or to escape discipline. God knows what we've done and disciplines us in order to teach us. It's far better to own up to the messes we make than it is to try to hide them and have to learn the hard way.

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses exhorted Israel to keep the commandments of the Lord. Deut. 4: 1-2, 5-6 "Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord commanded Nephi to build a ship so that they could cross the ocean to another land. Nephi was willing to do this, but his brothers berated him and called him a fool. They complained and refused to help him work on the ship. They wouldn't believe that he had been instructed by the Lord in the building of this ship. 1 Ne. 17: 8, 18-19 "And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters. And thus my brethren did complain against me, and were desirous that they might not labor, for they did not believe that I could build a ship; neither would they believe that I was instructed of the Lord. And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceedingly sorrowful because of the hardness of their hearts; and now when they saw that I began to be sorrowful they were glad in their hearts, insomuch that they did rejoice over me, saying: We knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish so great a work."

A verse with a thought booklet tell us that we should not allow anything to move us from the correct path. We need to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15: 58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord gave the land to the Israelites to possess it. They had no reason to fear, for the Lord would fight for them. When the Lord commands us to do something, even something that appears to be difficult or impossible, we need to trust in Him and know that He'll prepare the way before us, just like He did for the ancient Israelites. Deut. 3:21-22 "And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you."


In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Nephites found the Liahona, a brass ball of curious workmanship outside their tent door one morning. It gave them directions from the Lord about which way to travel in the wilderness and also directed Nephi about where to hunt for food. It worked according to their faith and diligence. Again in these verses we read about how Laman and Lemuel murmurred against the Lord because of their sufferings. But now even Lehi began to murmur against the Lord. However, Nephi remained faithful and exhorted them to humble themselves before the Lord. Lehi did humble himself and was truly chastened, being brought down into the depths of sorrow over what he had done. After he repented, he was able to inquire of the Lord as to where Nephi should go to hunt food and the Lord answered him through what was written on the Liahona. Even though we don't have an actual Liahona today, we have our own personal Liahonas, in that we have the Gift of the Holy Ghost which will guide and direct us if we'll have faith and diligently keep the commandments of the Lord. We can inquire as to what we should do in our lives, and the Lord will give us direction to follow. 1 Ne. 16: 10, 18-32 "And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness. And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food. And it came to pass that we did return without food to our families, and being much fatigued, because of their journeying, they did suffer much for the want of food. And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord. Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, having been afflicted with my brethren because of the loss of my bow, and their bows having lost their springs, it began to be exceedingly difficult, yea, insomuch that we could obtain no food. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren, because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto acomplaining against the Lord their God. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food? And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father; and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him: Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written. And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them. And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain, according to the directions which were given upon the ball. And it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts, insomuch that I did obtain food for our families. And it came to pass that I did return to our tents, bearing the beasts which I had slain; and now when they beheld that I had obtained food, how great was their joy! And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord, and did give thanks unto him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Christ was raised from the dead, will never die again, and that death has no dominion over Him. Rom. 6: 9 "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him."
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In the Old Testament I read about how Israel destroyed the people of Bashan, taking cattle and spoil for themselves. Deut. 3: 1-7 "Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So the Lord our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city. But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi's brothers complained that the things he told them were hard to bear. Nephi responded by saying that when the wicked hear the truth, it is hard for them to bear. The righteous are justified but the guilt of the wicked cuts them to the very center. Nephi exhorted his brethren to keep the commandments of the Lord with all diligence and told them that if they did so, they would not find need to murmur against the Lord. If we find the truths of God hard to bear and find ourselves complaining about it, perhaps we need to look into our own hearts and realize that if we were keeping the commandments and doing what we should, we would not feel that way. 1 Ne. 16: 1-4 "And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear. And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the ctruth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about Jesus healing a blind man. However, he wasn't completely healed immediately. It took a second touch of Jesus before he could see clearly. Sometimes seeing God clearly takes multiple spiritual lessons. We don't always understand the first time we hear spiritual truths. This is why it's important to continue going to church and continue reading our scriptures even though sometimes we feel like we've "already heard all that." Sometimes we don't really learn something until it's been repeated a few times. Mark 8: 22-25 "And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly."

In the Old Testament I read about how while the people wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, the Lord had been with them and they had lacked nothing. Deut. 2: 7 "For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing."

In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's explanation to his brothers about what the iron rod is in their father's dream. It is the Word of God. Just as people holding on to the iron rod are lead to the tree of life in Lehi's dream, so can people who hold firmly onto the word of God be lead to eternal life where they can receive great joy and feel of the love of God forever. We cling to the iron rod when we hold tightly to the commandments of God always in all things. 1 Ne. 15: 23-25 "And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that wisdom is more valuable than rubies. Indeed, you can't put a price tag on wisdom--it's worth more than what money can buy. Prov. 8: 11 "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."

In the Old Testament the Lord would fight for the people and be wuth them so they had no need to fear. But in spite of the fact that the Lord had bore the people the way a father would bear his son, the people did not believe Him. He had been with them and heard their prayers. Because they would not have faith in Him, He was angry with them and said they would not see the good land He had sworn to their fathers, except for Caleb and Joshua who were righteous, and for the children too young at the time to know good from evil. They would be given the land to possess it. But as for those who had sinned and refused to go up to possess the land when the Lord commanded them, they would wander in the wilderness. They wept to the Lord, but He would not hear them. Deuteronomy 1:29-45 "Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God, Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day. And the Lord heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord. Also the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. 8 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea. Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the Lord, we will go up and fight, according to all that the Lord our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill. And the Lord said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord, and went sumptuously up into the hill. And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah. And ye returned and wept before the Lord; but the Lord would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi's brothers were disputing about the great things their father had tried to teach them. These were things which were difficult to understand except a person inquire of the Lord for understanding. And Nephi's brothers had hard hearts and refused to look unto the Lord for answers. I've found from personal experience that if I try to study scriptures or spiritual things without first asking the Lord to help me understand what I'm studying, I often can make no sense out of it. It is only by asking God to help us understand that we gain insights from the Spirit which helps us comprehend the things of God. We need to ask in faith, beliving that we'll receive, and we need to be willing to keep the commandments of God with dilligence. If we're willing to do these things, the things of God will be made known unto us. 1 Ne. 15: 2-3, 11 "And it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they were disputing one with another concerning the things which my father had spoken unto them. For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood , save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought. Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you."


Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the woman who had ten coins and lost one of them. She diligently searched until she found the lost one and then rejoiced with her friends when she found it. Likewise, there is joy in heaven when one lost sinner if found. Have you ever lost something valuable and then found it? It is such relief when something we've misplaced is found again. But this is a small joy in comparison over how God feels when one lost soul is found. Luke 15: 8-10 "Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

In the Old Testament Moses recounts how the spies who were sent said the land was good, but the rebellious people refused to go possess the land. They were fearful of the strength of the people they would need to fight against. Deuteronomy 1: 25-28 "And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the Lord our God doth give us. Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God: And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that the power of the Lamb of God would descend upon the members of His church, who are His covenant people. Even though they are scattered throughout the earth, they are armed with righteousness and the power of God. 1 Ne. 14: 14 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt us in due time. 1 Pet. 5: 6 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:"

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord blessed and multipled the people. Deuteronomy 1:10-11 "The Lord your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. (The Lord God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!)"

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that talks about how those who seek to bring forth Zion will be greatly blessed, and they will be given the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. If they endure to the end, they'll be lifted up at the last day and receive everlasting life. What a wonderful promise this is! 1 Nephi13: 37 "And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God will carry us and deliver us even in our old age when our hair is gray. Isa. 46: 4 "And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." The thought that went with this, written by Wilma Musser from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania said: Althought it was the middle of February, the little poinsettia I had taken to my friend for Christmas still stood on the bedside table in the nursing home where she resided. The bright, green, shiny paper around the pot only emphasized the bare stem from which two fading red petals hung. Why hadn't my friend discarded this forlorn-looking flower weeks ago? But no, she was a plant lover, and as long as there was any evidence of life, she watered it and cared for it. She could not bear to discard it. On the way to the florist to buy her a fresh bouquet, I meditated on God's care for the elderly. Though we do not look as beautiful as we once did, and though we may even be losing some of our parts, God's love for us never diminishes. Dear Heavenly Father, you have known me even before I was born. You have provided for me and will nourish me all my earthly days. Then you will take me to heaven to live with you eternally. Thank you for your everlasting love.

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord commands the people to go in and possess the land He has given the, which He swore to their fathers. Deuteronomy 1:5-8 "On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying, The Lord our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates. Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them."

In the Book of Mormon I read that people would try to destroy and saints of God and bring them down to captivity for the praise of the world. Righteous people all down through the ages have been persecuted for their beliefs. 1 Ne. 13: 9 "And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity."

A verse with a thought booklet talks about how the Israelites rebelled against the commandments of the Lord and did not believe what He said to them, that they could go possess the land. So they did not obey Him and they did not trust Him. I think these two things--obedience and a willingness to trust go hand in hand. If we trust, we'll naturally want to obey. And trust shows itself through obedience. Trust is internal and obedience is external but they are tied together when we have a loving relationship with God. Do we both obey the Lord AND trust Him? Deut. 9: 23-24 "Likewise when the Lord sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice. Ye have been rebellious against the Lord from the day that I knew you."

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord told Moses that the inhabitants of the land needed to be driven out of the land and their idols and high places destroyed. They needed to be dispossessed so that the Isrealites could possess the land. Num. 33: 50-53 "And the Lord spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan; Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places: And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi was shown in vision the many destructions which would come upon the land at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and about how He would come down and appear to the people on the American Continent after His resurrection from the dead. 1 Ne. 12: 4-6 "And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise; and I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises; and I saw the earth and the rocks, that they rent; and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces; and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up; and I saw many cities that they were sunk; and I saw many that they were burned with fire; and I saw many that did tumble to the earth, because of the quaking thereof. And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth; and behold, I saw multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible judgments of the Lord. And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God descending out of heaven; and he came down and showed himself unto them."

A verse with a thought booklet says that we should receive those who are weak in the faith and try to nurture them; however we should not get into doubtful disputations with them. When people start getting into contentious arguments about spiritual things, the Spirit leaves, and nothing is gained by either person. Rom. 14: 1 "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations."

In the Old Testament I read that those willing to go armed before the Lord to war and drive out their enemies would be able to have the land for their possession. But if they were not willing to do this, they sinned against the Lord. We need to always do what the Lord commands us to do, even if it requires us to go to war when the Lord tells us it is justified. Num. 32: 20-23 "And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the Lord to war, And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the Lord, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him, And the land be subdued before the Lord: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the Lord, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the Lord. But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out."

In the Book of Mormon I read of the wonderful vision that Nephi had of Jesus Christ. He was shown by an angel how Jesus would be baptized by John the Baptist, minister to the people, healing their sick and casting out unclean spirits, and how he would die on a cross to atone for the sins of the world. 1 Ne. 11: 27-33 "And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove. And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him; and I beheld that they cast him out from among them. And I also beheld twelve others following him. And it came to pass that they were carried away in the Spirit from before my face, and I saw them not. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men; and they did minister unto them. And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we'll be blessed if we walk in the ways of the Lord, do no iniquity, and seek the Lord with all our hearts. Ps. 119: 1-3 "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways."

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord punished those who discouraged the Isrealites from fighting the Caananites and taking possession of the promised land by making them wander in the wilderness for 40 years until those who had sinned were gone. Only Joshua and Caleb had remained faithful and would be allowed to enter into the promised land. Num. 32: 7-13 "And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord hath given them? Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land. For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the Lord had given them. And the Lord’s anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying, Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall asee the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord. And the Lord’s anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed."

In the Book of Mormon I read that after Nephi had heard all the words of his father, concerning the things of the Lord, he desired to know these things also by the power of the Holy Ghost. He said that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And just as God revealed Himself to prophets of old, He will also make Himself known to people of every age if they are willing to repent and obey Him. If we diligently seek God, we will find Him, and the mysteries of God will be unfolded unto us. 1 Ne. 10: 17-19 "And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision , and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of hold as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

A verse in a thought booklet tells us to love righteousness and hate wickedness. Sounds pretty simple. But are we sometimes willing to compromise righteousness? Or downplay wickedness? Do we think we'd like to be graded on a Bell Curve and that compared to other people we'll come out looking okay? Do we overestimate our goodness and underestimate our sins? Instead of excusing wickedness or tolerating it, we need to hate it! And run away from it as far as we can get. Ps. 45: 7 "Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."

In the Old Testament I read that we need to keep the vows that we make. We should not break our word, but do everything we promise that we'll do. Num. 30: 1-2 "And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded. If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth."


In the Book of Mormon I read that after Lehi had his vision, he greatly feared for his sons Laman and Lemuel, fearing that they'd be cast out from the Lord because of their wickedness. He exhorted them with all the feelings of a tender parent that they would listen to the words of the Lord and keep the commandments. He preached to them, he prophesied to them, and then he ceased speaking unto them. It can be heartbreaking for a parent to find themself in this situation. They've tried their best to teach their children the ways of the Lord. But sometimes chldren rebel and choose to go another way. Parents can exhort them with love and caring and give them advice they need to hear. But in the end, if they refuse to listen sometimes all that is left to do is cease speaking, at least for a time. If they're not listening, continuing to try to persuade them sometimes can do more harm than good. Just like it says in Ecclesiastes--there is a time to speak and a time to keep silence. 1 Ne. 8: 36-38 "And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord. And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them. And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a brother offended can be harder to win over than a strong city and contentions can be a barrior between people that can be worse than the bars of a castle. Let's try to avoid offending others whenever possible, and most importantly, let's try to not be offended ourselves. When we have contention in our lives, it drives the Spirit away and separates us from loving relationships we're meant to have. Prov. 18: 19 "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle."

In the Old Testament we're told that the Lord gave commandments to Moses and Moses in turn told them to the children of Israel. All down through the ages, the Lord has spoken to His children through His prophets. And when the prophet speaks, we need to listen. Num. 29: 40 "And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the Lord commanded Moses."

In the Book of Mormon I read about Lehi's vision of the true of life. When he partook of the fruit that brought such joy into his life, he desired to share this fruit with his family. Likewise, when the gospel and love of God brings great joy into our lives, we want to share it with those we love. However, just like what was experienced by Lehi, sometimes those we try to share the gospel with partake of it and it brings great joy to them; but other times people reject the gospel and refuse to partake of it. This is very sad when this happens. 1 Ne. 8: 12-18 " And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit. And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit. And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go. And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit. And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also. And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them. And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us the Lord will hear us when we pray and deliver us from all our fears. This doesn't say that the Lord will necessiarily deliver us from all our problems and trials. But He'll deliver us from all our FEARS. In other words, we may still have tribulations in our life, but we don't need to fear them if we'll place our trust in the Lord. Ps. 34: 4 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
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In the Old Testament I read that of all the people numbered by Moses and Aaron, only two were left after the forty years in the wilderness (Josua and Caleb). All the others had died in the wilderness, just as the Lord had said, because of their unfaithfulness. Num. 26: 63-65 "These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun."

In the Book of Mormon I read how Nephi attempted to call his rebellious older brothers to repentance, reminding them that they had seen an angel and of all the things the Lord had done for them. He exhorted them to hearken to the word of the Lord and be faithful to Him. However, as is often the case with wicked people who are being chastised, Nephi's brothers were angry with him and wanted to take away his life. 1 Ne. 7: 8-12, 16 "And now I, Nephi, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, therefore I spake unto them, saying, yea, even unto Laman and unto Lemuel: Behold ye are mine elder brethren, and how is it that ye are so hard in your hearts, and so blind in your minds, that ye have need that I, your younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an example for you? How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord? How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord? Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record? Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him. And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord gave us apostles, prophets, teachers, etc. for the perfecting and edifying of the members of the church. And these would continue to be necessary until we all come to a unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God and attain perfection. I think we've still got a ways to go to be totally unified, perfect, and have a knowledge of God the way we should. This is why having apostles and prophets in our present day is still as important as it was in ancient times. Eph. 4: 11-13 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord told Moses to smite the Midianites so they would not vex them with their wiles and cause the people to sin, as Peor had, which brought the plague upon the people. We need to be careful not to allow sinful people around us to influence us to sin also. And if they are having a bad influence in our lives, we need to avoid them. Numbers 25: 16-18 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Vex the Midianites, and smite them: For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor’s sake."

A verse from the Book of Mormon tells us that Nephi was lead by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which he would do. Are we willing to trust in the Lord as much? Are we willing to follow the direction of the Spirit, even if we don't know exactly where it will take us beforehand? Sometimes we're only directed on where to take the next step, but we don't know beyond that. But if we take one step at a time in the way the Lord guides us, we'll be on the path we need to follow. 1 Ne. 4: 6 "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."

In a thought booklet I read some scriptures that tell us there is a time for every purpose under heaven and to everything there is a season. I remember as a teenager hearing these words in a song "Turn, Turn, Turn" and wondering if there really was an appropriate time for all these things. It's easy to see there is a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to speak and a time to be silent. But I still have a hard time understanding when it would be a time for hate rather than a time for love, unless it's a time to hate wickedness and evil. What do you think? Eccl. 3: 1-8 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Israelites who worshipped false gods were slain. Phinehas slew the adulterers and the plague was stayed as a result, after it had killed 24,000 people. Num. 25: 1-9 "And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the Lord against the sun, that thecfierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baal-peor. And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand."

In the Book of Mormon I read a familiar verse that tells us that the Lord won't give us any commandment except He'll prepare the way for us that we may keep that commandment. Sometimes it takes great faith to move forward in doing what the Lord has asked us to do, especially if we don't see any way possible for us to accomplish what's been commanded of us. But if we remember this scripture and trust in the Lord, we can move forward in faith, knowing that the Lord will provide the way. 1 Ne. 3: 7 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

In the Old Testament I read about how angry Balak became because Balaam not only refused to curse Israel, like he'd asked him to, but blessed them intead. However Balaam reminded him that he'd told his messengers before he'd even come that even if he was offered a house full of silver and gold, he would only speak what the Lord commanded him to speak. Num. 24: 10-13 "And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times. Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour. And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak?"

In the Book of Mormon I read Lehi's admonition to his son Lemual, telling him that he wished he could be firm and steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord. This is how we all need to be. 1 Ne. 2: 10 "And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!"

It's amazing how many times different verses from different books of scripture that I read in a day seem to tie in together. Going along with what I just read in the Book of Mormon, a verse with a thought booklet tells us that we need to be steadfast and immovable in doing the work of the Lord. We can do this when we have faith that our labor is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15: 58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord put words into Balaam's mouth so that instead of cursing Israel as Balak wanted him to do, he blessed them instead. Num. 23: 5-12 "And the Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab. And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth?"

In the Book of Mormon yesterday we read about how the people wanted to kill Lehi for prophesying against them that they would be destroyed if they did not repent. Today I read that the Lord commanded Lehi to leave and go into the wilderness so that his life would be spared. He was to take his family and leave his home and possessions behind. 1 Ne. 2: 1-4 "For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him. And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."

Some verses with a thought booklet warn us not to be tossed about by every wind of doctrine devised by the cunning craftiness of man. Instead we need to be grounded in Christ, our head, speaking the truth in love. Eph. 4: 14-15 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord put words into Balaam's mouth so that instead of cursing Israel as Balak wanted him to do, he blessed them instead. Num. 23: 5-12 "And the Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab. And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth?"

In the Book of Mormon yesterday we read about how the people wanted to kill Lehi for prophesying against them that they would be destroyed if they did not repent. Today I read that the Lord commanded Lehi to leave and go into the wilderness so that his life would be spared. He was to take his family and leave his home and possessions behind. 1 Ne. 2: 1-4 "For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him. And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."

Some verses with a thought booklet warn us not to be tossed about by every wind of doctrine devised by the cunning craftiness of man. Instead we need to be grounded in Christ, our head, speaking the truth in love. Eph. 4: 14-15 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

In the Old Testament I read about how Balaam did go with the princes of Moab, which made the Lord angry. An angel of the Lord stood in the way as he traveled. Balaam could not see the angel but the ass he was riding on could and reacted accordingly. Balaam became very angry with his ass and smote her, until the ass was given speech and was able to explain to Balaam what was going on. Then Balaam's eyes were opened so that he could see the angel, who told him to go with the men but to only do what the Lord commanded him to do. Num. 22: 21-35 "And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the aass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. And the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak."

In the Book of Mormon I read that after Nephi's father Lehi had seen marvelous things in a vision, he went forth to preach repentance to the people in the land, telling them that Jerusalem would be destroyed if they did not repent. However, they would not listen to him. Just like wicked people did to so many other prophets, they were angry with him, mocked him, and sought to take away his life. Evil people do not like to be told they're doing something wrong and will try to get rid of the person calling them repentance. 1 Ne. 1: 18-20 "Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard. And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their bominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world. And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how NOT to pray. We should not pray to be seen of men, so they'll be impressed with us and think highly of us, and we should not use vain repetitions. It's important to pray sincerely and from our hearts. Sometimes it's easy to get into a rut and pray for the same things over and over again without even thinking about what we're saying. It's good to have a habit of saying prayers, but not good to form a habit of just rambling off the same old thing day after day without giving it any thought. We need to remember that we're actually speaking to our Heavenly Father and pour out our hearts to Him the way we would to a loving parent. And let's not forget to always thank Him for all the things we have to be grateful for. Matt. 6: 5-7 "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

In the Old Testament I read about how Balak did not want to take no for an answer and offered riches and honor to Balaam if he would come curse the Israelites. Balaam replied that he would not do more or less than the Lord commanded him. Num. 22: 16-18 "And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more."

I began reading the Book of Mormon yet again and read, in the beginning verse, that Nephi was going to make a record of the proceedings in his day. He'd been taught by his goodly parents. He'd witnessed many afflictions in his day, but had also seen the goodness and mysteries of God. 1 Ne. 1: 1, 18-20 "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days."

Some verses with a thought booklet describe the depth, height, length and breadth of God's love--it surpasses knowledge. Eph. 3: 17-19 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Included in the thought that went with this, written by Rev. Jimmy Tai-On Lin, is included a little poem that helps give us a glimpse into how much God loves us:

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
and were the skies of parchment made;
were every stalk on earth a quill,
and every man a scribe by trade;
to write the love of God above
would drain the ocean dry;
nor could the scroll contain the whole,
though stretched from sky to sky

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord told Balaam that the Israelites were blessed, not cursed, and that he should not go to Balak and curse them as he requested. Num. 22: 9-13 "And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you."

I finished off my reading of the Pearl of Great Price today with the 13 Articles of Faith--a great summary of what we believe. I still remember memorizing these when I was in Primary. "1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression. 3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. 5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. 6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. 7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. 8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. 9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. 10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. 11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. 12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. 13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Joseph Smith

In a verse with a thought booklet Jesus likens a seed which needs to die in order to sprout and bring forth fruit to Himself and the sacrifice He would make for us--dying so that His followers could live with Him in eternity. John 12: 24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."

In the Old Testament I read about how Balak, the king of the Moabites was very afraid of the children of Israel because they were so great. He'd heard that whoever Balaam blessed was blessed and whoever he cursed was cursed, so he asked him to come and curse the Israelites. Num. 22: 3-6 "And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed."

In the Pearl of Great Price I read that when Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were filled with the Spirit they were able to have a greater understanding of the scriptures than was every possible previously. They were able to understand the true meaning of passages that had seemed mysteries before. I've found that if I try to read the scriptures without the Spirit, I don't have much sucess at understanding what I'm reading at all. It's only when the Spirit speaks to us that we can realy understand the things of God, so this is something vital in our study of the scriptures. JS-H 1: 74 "Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of. In the meantime we were forced to keep secret the circumstances of having received the Priesthood and our having been baptized, owing to a spirit of persecution which had already manifested itself in the neighborhood."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be quick to hear but slow to speak. How often are we so interested in putting across our own point of view that we don't really listen to what the other person is saying? This should not be. It's important we really hear what the other person is saying. We also need to be slow to wrath. The wrath of man does not go with the righteousness of God. James 1: 19-20 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord provided the people with water and the people sang a song about the well springing up. Numbers 21:16-18 "And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:"

In the Pearl of Great Price I read about more of the persecutions that were heaped upon Joseph Smith and the false reports that were spread regarding him. But admidst all that, the Lord sent Martin Harris to help him, giving him $50 and allowing him to go to Pennsylvania. Sometimes when we're going through trials in our lives, the Lord won't completely take them away from us, but he will send people to help us and ease our burdens. And sometimes, if we're in tune with the Spirit, we can be the answer to someone else's prayers and help them in ways the Lord will direct us to. JS-H 1: 61 "The excitement, however, still continued, and rumor with her thousand tongues was all the time employed in circulating falsehoods about my father’s family, and about myself. If I were to relate a thousandth part of them, it would fill up volumes. The persecution, however, became so intolerable that I was under the necessity of leaving Manchester, and going with my wife to Susquehanna county, in the State of Pennsylvania. While preparing to start—being very poor, and the persecution so heavy upon us that there was no probability that we would ever be otherwise—in the midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a gentleman by the name of Martin Harris, who came to us and gave me fifty dollars to assist us on our journey. Mr. Harris was a resident of Palmyra township, Wayne county, in the State of New York, and a farmer of respectability."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God hears and answers our prayers, sometimes even before we finish speaking. Isa. 65: 24 "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." The thought that went with this, written by Wynn Ann Bauman from Henderson, North Carolina said: After praying and looking, I was excited to find a job as a tour guide at a large estate. My new boss told me, "Make sure to get comfortable shoes." But I had a problem. Money was tight and only expensive shoes fit my small, narrow feet. Again I prayed. At the back of a consignment shop, I saw a pair of shoes. I slipped them on, and I felt like Cinderella! I loved giving tours at the grand estate. One morning while we waited for our busses, one guide said, "I've been giving tours for years, and these are the only shoes that work for this job." I looked at her shoes, and I looked at mine. They were identical. I turned away and blinked back the tears. The Lord not only gave me shoes; He gave me the best. Many times since then when our family didn't know how we were going to make it, we have said to each other, "Remember the shoes!" Lord, help us to remember your promise to supply all our needs out of your riches, and that you care about the smallest requests from our hearts.