Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the children of Israel were wicked so the Lord delivered them up to the hands of the Midianites for seven years. They were greately impoverished at the hands of the Midianites and cried unto the Lord for help. After they prayed for help, the Lord sent them a prophet who reminded them that He had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. Judges 6: 1-2, 6-10 "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord. And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midianites, That the Lord sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land; And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Mosiah was a very great king and the people loved him very much. He was not a tyrant who sought for gain or who delighted in the shedding of blood. But rather he had sought to establish peace in the land and had labored to serve his people and deliver them from bondage. Mosiah 29: 40 "And they did wax strong in love towards Mosiah; yea, they did esteem him more than any other man; for they did not look upon him as a tyrant who was seeking for gain, yea, for that lucre which doth corrupt the soul; for he had not exacted riches of them, neither had he delighted in the shedding of blood; but he had established peace in the land, and he had granted unto his people that they should be delivered from all manner of bondage; therefore they did esteem him, yea, exceedingly, beyond measure."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us about the wonderful fellowship that existed among the early church members. They devoted themselves to the teachings of the aposles and gathered to worship, study scripture, and offer prayer. And they had so much love for one another that they willingly shared whatever they had. Those with plenty freely gave to those who lacked. Signs and miracles took place among them, and the church was added to daily by those who desired to be saved. What a wonderful time in which to live among a loving community of commited saints. What are we doing today to help our churches become loving communities of believers? Are we doing our part to generously give to those in need? Do we help to spread the gospel to those who don't know about it? Do we fellowship and love others? Are we living our lives so that miracles occur regularly? Acts 2: 42-47 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

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