Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord again delivered Saul into David's hands but he refused to smite him. 1 Sam. 26: 8-9 "Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?"

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Zoramites worshipped each week. They built a holy stand and one by one stood on it and loudly prayed, thanking God that they were elected to be saved while those around them were not, and thanking God that they were lot lead astray by foolish traditions such as a belief in Christ. When Alma saw the manner of their prayers he was greatly grieved at their wickedness. Alma 31: 12-31 "Now, when they had come into the land, behold, to their astonishment they found that the Zoramites had built synagogues, and that they did gather themselves together on one day of the week, which day they did call the day of the Lord; and they did worship after a manner which Alma and his brethren had never beheld; For they had a place built up in the center of their synagogue, a place for standing, which was high above the head; and the top thereof would only admit one person. Therefore, whosoever desired to worship must go forth and stand upon the top thereof, and stretch forth his hands towards heaven, and cry with a loud voice, saying: Holy, holy God; we believe that thou art God, and we believe that thou art holy, and that thou wast a spirit, and that thou art a spirit, and that thou wilt be a spirit forever. Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren, which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers; but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children; and also thou hast made it known unto us that there shall be no Christ. But thou art the same yesterday, today, and forever; and thou hast elected us that we shall be saved, whilst all around us are elected to be cast by thy wrath down to hell; for the which holiness, O God, we thank thee; and we also thank thee that thou hast elected us, that we may not be led away after the foolish traditions of our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief of Christ, which doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God. And again we thank thee, O God, that we are a chosen and a holy people. Amen. Now it came to pass that after Alma and his brethren and his sons had heard these prayers, they were astonished beyond all measure. For behold, every man did go forth and offer up these same prayers. Now the place was called by them Rameumptom, which, being interpreted, is the holy stand. Now, from this stand they did offer up, every man, the selfsame prayer unto God, thanking their God that they were chosen of him, and that he did not lead them away after the tradition of their brethren, and that their hearts were not stolen away to believe in things to come, which they knew nothing about. Now, after the people had all offered up thanks after this manner, they returned to their homes, never speaking of their God again until they had assembled themselves together again to the holy stand, to offer up thanks after their manner. Now when Alma saw this his heart was grieved ; for he saw that they were a wicked and a perverse people; yea, he saw that their hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all manner of fine goods. Yea, and he also saw that their hearts were lifted up unto great boasting, in their pride. And he lifted up his voice to heaven, and cried , saying: O, how long, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall dwell here below in the flesh, to behold such gross wickedness among the children of men? Behold, O God, they acry unto thee, and yet their hearts are swallowed up in their pride. Behold, O God, they cry unto thee with their mouths, while they are puffed up, even to greatness, with the vain things of the world. Behold, O my God, their costly apparel, and their ringlets, and their bracelets , and their ornaments of gold, and all their precious things which they are ornamented with; and behold, their hearts are set upon them, and yet they cry unto thee and say—We thank thee, O God, for we are a chosen people unto thee, while others shall perish. Yea, and they say that thou hast made it known unto them that there shall be no Christ. O Lord God, how long wilt thou suffer that such wickedness and infidelity shall be among this people? O Lord, wilt thou give me strength, that I may bear with mine infirmities. For I am infirm, and such wickedness among this people doth pain my soul. O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, according to the perfect will of God. The thought that went with this, written by Dr. Dean Deppe from Grand Rapids, Michigan, says: We all conform to something. Less than 1 percent of our thoughts are original. The media play a powerful role in shaping who we are and what we think we need. We often become what other people expect us to be. The apostle Paul coaches us not to conform to the world's pattern but to be transformed. Conforming to the world is like removing the screen door to our minds and letting all the bugs fly in. Transformation means refusing to comply with the evil influences of our culture, and instead conforming to the character of Christ. A psychologist I know attempted to get his client's attention with a dramatic demonstration. He filled a glass with water, added dust and lint from a corner, cigarette butts from an ash try, a dried piece of gum from under the table, and then asked the client to drink it. Of course the client refused. Then the doctor pointed out how the client was constantly polluting her mind through the worldly influences she allowed into her brain. As you ask Christ to dwell in you richly, you can expect joy beyond limits, peace that passes understanding, hope that overcomes despair, and love that allows you to care for people whom you once ignored. Today, begin to live out the character of your Lord. Rom. 12: 2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that when Abigail finally told her husband what she had done in bringing food to David that his heart died within him and he became like a stone. Ten days later he died. When David heard that Nabal had died, he rejoiced that the Lord had punished the wicked Nabal. He then sent for Abigail to become his wife. 1 Sam. 25: 36-39 "And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And it came to pass about ten days after, that the Lord smote Nabal, that he died. And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the Lord, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the Lord hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Korihor continued to demand a sign before he would believe that there was a God so the sign he was given was that he was struck dumb. He then wrote that he always really knew that there was a God but he'd listened to the devil who had taught him what to preach--things that appealed to the carnal mind. He begged Alma to pray unto the Lore to remove the curse from him and allow him to speak again, but Alma replied that if he did that, Korihor would just go back to his old ways and preach false doctrines once again. Korihor than went begging for his food from house to house and was eventually trampled to death. And from this we see that those who pervert the ways of the Lord come to sad ends and that the devil does not support his followers but speedily drags them down to hell. Alma 30: 48-60 "Now Korihor said unto him: I do not deny the existence of a God, but I do not believe that there is a God; and I say also, that ye do not know that there is a God; and except ye show me a sign, I will not believe. Now Alma said unto him: This will I give unto thee for a sign, that thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my words; and I say, that in the name of God, ye shall be struck dumb, that ye shall no more have utterance. Now when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck dumb, that he could not have utterance, according to the words of Alma. And now when the chief judge saw this, he put forth his hand and wrote unto Korihor, saying: Art thou convinced of the power of God? In whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign? Behold, he has showed unto you a sign; and now will ye dispute more? And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God. But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought this great curse upon me. Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma should pray unto God, that the curse might be taken from him. But Alma said unto him: If this curse should be taken from thee thou wouldst again lead away the hearts of this people; therefore, it shall be unto thee even as the Lord will. And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off of Korihor; but he was cast out, and went about from house to house begging for his food. Now the knowledge of what had happened unto Korihor was immediately published throughout all the land; yea, the proclamation was sent forth by the chief judge to all the people in the land, declaring unto those who had believed in the words of Korihor that they must speedily repent, lest the same judgments would come unto them. And it came to pass that they were all convinced of the wickedness of Korihor; therefore they were all converted again unto the Lord; and this put an end to the iniquity after the manner of Korihor. And Korihor did go about from house to house, begging food for his support. And it came to pass that as he went forth among the people, yea, among a people who had separated themselves from the Nephites and called themselves Zoramites , being led by a man whose name was Zoram—and as he went forth amongst them, behold, he was run upon and trodden down, even until he was dead. And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell about how Jeremiah was told to go to the potter's house where the Lord helped him see how we are like the potter's clay and the Lord is like the potter. We need to be willing to be molded into a useful vessel that is what the Lord would want us to be. Jer. 18: 1-6 "The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that David decided to take Abigail's advice and not shed the blood of her husband Nabal and his household. He thanked her for coming to him. 1 Sam. 25: 32-35 "And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Korihor wanted to be given a sign that there is a God before he would believe. But Alma pointed out to him that he already had plenty of signs. The earth and all things on it testify that there is a God. When we look at all the things that God has created, they witness that there is a Surpreme Creator. Alma 30:43-44 "And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign , that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words. But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we truly believe in God, we won't be ashamed. If we're with worldy people who state views contrary to the teachings of the gospel do we just remain silent because we're embarassed to express our beliefs? We should not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rom. 10: 11 "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

Daily Thoughts

Yesterday we read about how Nabal refused to give food to David. This made David angry and he was going to come to kill him. Nabal's wife was a good woman and when she found out about this she took much food and went out to meet David, begging him not to harm her husband. 1 Sam. 25: 17-20, 23-28 "Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal. And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down aby the covert of the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them. And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send. Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord. I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days."

In the Book of Mormon I read about Korihor, an anti Christ, who began preaching in the land. He said we cannot know of things to come and people who believe that they can have their sins remitted have frenzied minds and are deranged. He told the people that there could be no atonement made for their sins and that no matter what they did, it was no crime. He lead them away into wickedness and told them that when they died, that was the end. How similar are these teachings to what some people are saying today? Alma 30: 6, 12-18 "But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ. And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying: O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come. Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers. How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ. Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so. And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime. And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness, yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit whoredoms—telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we repent, the Lord will not remember our sins and iniquities anymore. What a wonderful promise this is! Heb. 10: 17 "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how David sent his men to Nabal in friendship and peace but he was a wicked man and refused to give them food. This was told to Nabal's wife, who was a good and righteous woman. 1 Sam. 25: 2-8 "And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep. And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name: And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David. And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be? So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings. And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff. But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them. But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:"

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that tells us that if a person doesn't know good from evil, he is blameless. But if we know good from evil, we can choose for ourselves according to our desires. But we will reap the consequences of our choices--whether that results in great joy or remorse of conscience. Alma 29: 5 "Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience."

In a verse with a thought booklet I read about how God will sit upon His throne and all things will become new--there will be no more pain, sorrow of death and God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. What a glorious day that will be! Rev. 21: 4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord delivered Saul into the hands of David but he did not kill him because he had respect for theh Lord's annointed, even though Saul had sought to kill David. When David told Saul that he'd found him sleeping but had not killed him, Saul acknowledged the fact that David was more righteous than he and that he would surely be king. 1 Sam. 24: 3-20 "And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed. Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me agood, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand."

In the Book of Mormon I read a discourse by Ammon in which he glories in the Lord. He tells about going among the Lamanites to preach to them, even though the people from Zarahemla had told him he was foolish to do so and that they should go destroy the wicked Lamanites instead of trying to convert them. But he did go among them and even though he suffered much in doing so, he was able to bring many people to repentance and change their lives--even to the point that they were full of so much love they'd rather give up their lives than kill other people. The Lord is mindful of every people and loves them all. His mercy is extended to anyone who will repent. This filled Ammon with great joy and thankfulness, and it should do the same for us. Alma 26: 23-37 "Now do ye remember, my brethren, that we said unto our brethren in the land of Zarahemla, we go up to the land of Nephi, to preach unto our brethren, the Lamanites, and they laughed us to scorn? For they said unto us: Do ye suppose that ye can bring the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth? Do ye suppose that ye can convince the Lamanites of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers, as stiffnecked a people as they are; whose hearts delight in the shedding of blood; whose days have been spent in the grossest iniquity; whose ways have been the ways of a transgressor from the beginning? Now my brethren, ye remember that this was their language. And moreover they did say: Let us take up arms against them, that we destroy them and their iniquity out of the land, lest they overrun us and destroy us. But behold, my beloved brethren, we came into the wilderness not with the intent to destroy our brethren, but with the intent that perhaps we might save some few of their souls. Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God. And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again. And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some. Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us. For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than even to take the life of their enemy; and they have buried their weapons of war deep in the earth, because of their love towards their brethren. And now behold I say unto you, has there been so great love in all the land? Behold, I say unto you, Nay, there has not, even among the Nephites. For behold, they would take up arms against their brethren; they would not suffer themselves to be slain. But behold how many of these have laid down their lives; and we know that they have gone to their God, because of their love and of their hatred to sin. Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name. Now if this is boasting , even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land. Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people , whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we need to keep the commandments of the Lord and that if we do, the Lord will keep his covenants with us and love and bless us. Deut. 7: 11-13 "Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn , and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how David indeed was able to suceed in killing Goliath, even just using a sling and stones. He had faith in the Lord and knew that the Lord had delivered Goliath into his hands. He didn't need a sword when he had the Lord on his side. 1 Sam. 17: 45-50 "Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how Saul doubted that David could prevail against Goliath because he was just a youth whereas Goliah had been a man of war since his youth. However, David described how the Lord had delivered him from a lion and a bear and expressed faith the the Lord would likewise deliver him from the hands of this Philistine. Do we have faith in God that He will help and guide us even when presented with impossible odds and things are looking very bleak? We need to remember the faith of David and put our trust in God the way he did. 1 Sam. 17: 33-37 "And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Anti Nephi Lehies would not take up arms even when attacked (as we read about yesterday) and the result was that some of them were slain. However, when those who were attacking them saw that they were not putting up any resistance and were praising God while they were perishing, their hearts became softened and they stopped killing them and repented for the murders they had committed. They joined the people of God. In fact, more people became converted than those who had been slain, and those who were slain were all righteous people who were saved. The Lord works in many ways for the salvation of His people Alma 24: 21-27 "Now when the people saw that they were coming against them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword. And thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay a thousand and five of them; and we know that they are blessed, for they have gone to dwell with their God. Now when the Lamanites saw that their brethren would not flee from the sword, neither would they turn aside to the right hand or to the left, but that they would lie down and perish, and praised God even in the very act of perishing under the sword— Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they repented of the things which they had done. And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons of war, and they would not take them again, for they were stung for the murders which they had committed; and they came down even as their brethren, relying upon the mercies of those whose arms were lifted to slay them. And it came to pass that the people of God were joined that day by more than the number who had been slain; and those who had been slain were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what they were asaved. And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but there were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people."

Some scriptures with a thught booklet tell us that we are the lights to the world and we should let our lights shine before men that they will see our good works and glorify God. Are we good examples of what a true follower of Christ should be? Can people look at the way we live our lives and see that we're on a path that would be good for them to emulate? Or do we do things that would make someone say, "Boy, if that's an example of a believer, I want no part of it!" We need to make sure our lives are full of the light of the gospel and our actions show that. Matt. 5: 14-16 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Daily Thoughts

A verse in the Old Testament says that the Lord doesn't judge people by how tall or how good looking they are the way people often do each other. He doesn't care about the outward appearance of people. Instead, He looks upon their hearts. 1 Sam. 16: 7 "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies choose to bury their swords as a testimony to God that they will no longer shed the blood of other people and that they would rather suffer death themselves than stain their swords with blood anymore. Alma 24: 15-18 "Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby. And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall go to our God and shall be saved. And now it came to pass that when the king had made an end of these sayings, and all the people were assembled together, they took their swords, and all the weapons which were used for the shedding of man's blood, and they did bury them up deep in the earth. And this they did, it being in their view a testimony to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of man's blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands."

A verse with a thought booklet warns us to keep ourselves from idols. At first glance we might think that's an easy thing to do. Afterall, we don't have any idols of pagan gods sitting in our living rooms that we kneel in front of and worship. Pretty easy to avoid doing that. But when we think of an idol as anything that we place greater importance on than the Lord, it takes on a different light. Do we care more about money and the things it can buy than we do for the Lord? Are our relationships with familiy and friends more important to us than our relationship with the Lord? Is our job more important? Our recreational activities? And keep in mind that we show our true hearts by our actions. Where do we place our priorities in how we spend our time and energies? What is really of greatest importance to us? Are we truly putting the Lord first in our lives? 1 Jn. 5: 21 "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read an opt quoted verse that tells us that to obey is better than sacrifice. This was after Saul had disobeyed to command to destroy all that the Amalekites had supposedly because he wanted to keep some of their animals to sacrifice them to the Lord. But obedience is a more important principle. 1 Sam. 15: 22 "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Aaron taught the king the gospel--expounding the scriptures unto him and teaching him about Jesus Christ's atonement for our sins. If we'll have faith and are willing to repent of our sins, we can be forgiven for our sins and the grave will have no victory over us. What a wonderful message thisi is! Alma 22: 13-16 "And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name. And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king. And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy. But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the miraculous story of how the Lord delivered Peter out of prison after the members of the church had prayed without ceasing for him. The Lord does hear and answer prayers! Acts 12: 5-12 "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Samuel had given the people a king, as per their insistant request. He exhorted them that if they and their king would keep the commandments, the Lord would be with them and bless them. However, if they and their king were to sin against the Lord, He would consume them. The Lord sent thunder and rain to testify as to what Samuel was saying and the people greately feared and asked Samuel to pray for them, which he gladly did. He said he was willing to teach them the good and right way and that they should fear the Lord and serve Him with all their hearts, and to always remember the great things He had done for them. 1 Sam. 12: 13-25 "Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over you. If ye will fear the Lord, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the Lord your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against your fathers. Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the Lord will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king. So Samuel called unto the Lord; and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right away: Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Aaron had preached to the Amalekites, teaching them from the scriptures concerning the coming of Christ and telling them that no redemption of men could be made except through the atonement of Christ. This made the people angry and they mocked him. Alma 21: 9-10 "Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood. And it came to pass as he began to expound these things unto them they were angry with him, and began to mock him; and they would not hear the words which he spake."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that all the prophets have witnessesd that through Jesus Christ we can receive a remission of our sins if we'll believe in Him. Acts 10: 43 "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read the words of Samuel to the people as he was old and about to die. He testified to them that he had always dealt justly with them--never stealing from them or defrauding them or oporessing them. And they agreed that this was true. This is a great example for us to follow. Will we be able to say, at the end of our lives, that we have treated everyone justly and have nothing to make right with them? 1 Sam. 12: 1-5 "And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and gray-headed; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. Behold, here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand. And he said unto them, The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Ammon and Lamoni went to Middoni to have Ammon's brethren released from prison. They had fallen into the hands of a hardened and stiffnecked people and had suffered much--thrown into prison, bound, suffering hunger and thirst and all kinds of afflictions. Nevertheless, they had been patient in all their sufferings. Alma 20: 28-30 "And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni proceeded on their journey towards the land of Middoni. And Lamoni found favor in the eyes of the king of the land; therefore the brethren of Ammon were brought forth out of prison. And when Ammon did meet them he was exceedingly sorrowful, for behold they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all their sufferings. And, as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen into the hands of a more hardened and a more stiffnecked people; therefore they would not hearken unto their words, and they had cast them out, and had smitten them, and had driven them from house to house, and from place to place, even until they had arrived in the land of Middoni; and there they were taken and cast into prison, and bound with strong cords, and kept in prison for many days, and were delivered by Lamoni and Ammon."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that even though some things might seem impossible for men, all things are possible with God. Mark 10: 27 "And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read how the Lord told Samuel to select Saul to be king of the people. This was in spite of the fact that Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel and his family was the least of all the tribe of Benjamin. 1 Sam. 9: 17, 21 "And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people. And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?"

In the Book of Mormon I read that many of the Lamanites were converted and repented of their sins. They were baptized and the church was established among them. From this we can see that the Lord will extend His mercy and pour out His spirit to all those willing to repent of their sins and have faith in Him. Alma 19: 35-36 "And it came to pass that there were many that did believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among them. And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us we can come unto the Lord when our labors are heavy and we're burdened down with care--He will give us rest. Matt. 11: 28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we read that Samuel's sons took bribes and perverted judgment, turning aside from the Lord for lucre. The people insisted on Samuel giving them a king, in spite of his warnings that such would not be good for them. They said they wanted to be like other nations and have a king. So the Lord told Samuel to give them what they wanted and they would have to suffer the consequences of their poor decision. 1 Sam. 8: 1-10, 19-22 "And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how a man whose brother had been slain by Ammon was angry with him and tried to slay him with the sword, but fell down dead while attempting this. Ammon's father, Mosiah, had been promised that Ammon would be spared and Mosiah trusted in the Lord, so no one could kill his son. We need to know that we can fully trust in the Lord to keep His promises to us. Alma 19: 22-23 "Now, one of them, whose brother had been slain with the sword of Ammon, being exceedingly angry with Ammon, drew his sword and went forth that he might let it fall upon Ammon, to slay him; and as he lifted the sword to smite him, behold, he fell dead. Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith—therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Spirit of the Lord can speak through us and His Word can come from our tongue. If we're in tune with the Lord He can inspire us on what to say to others and we can be an instrument in His hands. The thought that went with this, written by Linda Neukrug says: When Ellie, a new coworker at the bookstore, told me that she used to be a counselor before she got laid off because of budget cuts, I patted her hand in sympathy. "This retail job must be a real comedown for you," I commented. If I'd expected her to agree with me, I was in for a surprise. "Oh no," she said. "I come in contact with more hurting people in a day here than I did in my old job in a week." "How on earth do you know that?" I asked. Most of the customers I met seemed confident and pulled together. "Why, just yesterday," she said, "a lady came in looking for a book on divorce." I remembered the woman vividlly. She'd looked annoyed, I thought, so I'd passed her on to Ellie. "Well, anyone looking for a book on divorce or grieving is obviously looking for help," I admitted, "but you make it sound like everyone can use help." "I think that many of them can," Ellis said. "Do you remember that tall man who wanted a book on finances?" I did remember him. He'd seemed so snappish that I'd kept right on shelving books while I let Ellie help him. "He was facing bankruptcy," she said quietly. At my astonished look she said, "As I walk them to the right shelf, I try to say a kind word and then I listen carefully. And I ask God to help me say the right thing." So I tried it. A man wanted a book on "neighbor law," and when he poured out his frustration about the child with a drum set who'd moved in above him, I briefly poured out my sympathy...and left both of us with a smile on our faces, for a change. God, help me to help someone with a kind word or an understanding ear today. 2 Sam. 23: 2 "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Samuel called the people to repentance, telling them the Lord would deliver them out of the hand of the Philistines if they would return to Him and serve Him with all their hearts and put away their strange gods. The people did repent, in fasting and prayer, and the Lord gave them power over the Philistines so they were able to smite them. 1 Sam. 7: 3-13 "And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only. And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord. And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Ammon was able to prevail against a fight with many men because he had the Lord's help and protection. The Lord had promised his father that he would not perish, and the Lord fulfills his promises. The men were astonished that they could not prevail against him, even though he was highly outnumbered. If we have the Lord on our side, it doesn't matter who is against us. Alma 17: 34-37 "Therefore, they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went forth and stood to contend with those who stood by the waters of Sebus; and they were in number not a few. Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that one of their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands; neither did they know anything concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king. But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst them; and thus he slew a certain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they could not hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him. But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him; yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to pray for all men, including kings and men in authority. Sometimes we may not agree with some of our government leaders, but that does not mean we shouldn't pray for them. In fact, perhaps the more we disagree with them the more they need our prayers! 1 Tim. 2: 1-3 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the Phillistines smote Israel with a great slaughter, including the wicked sons of Eli. And the ark of God was taken. If the people had been righteous, this would not have happened. 1 Sam. 4: 10-11 "And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the priests went forth preaching to the people and teaching them to avoid committing sins and telling them of the coming of the Son of God who would suffer and die and then be resurrected from the dead. Alma 16:18-19 "Now those priests who did go forth among the people did preach against all lyings, and deceivings, and denvyings, and strifes , and malice, and revilings, and stealing, robbing, plundering, murdering, committing adultery, and all manner of lasciviousness, crying that these things ought not so to be— Holding forth things which must shortly come; yea, holding forth the coming of the Son of God, his sufferings and death, and also the resurrection of the dead."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that we are as clay and the Lord is the potter, and we are the work of His hand. The story is told of a man who restored a Stradivarius violin made in the 1600's and a huge crowd gathered to hear him play--not because of how well he played but because they were in awe to hear a violin made by a master. When dealing with other people we need to remember that they, too, were created by a Master. He made us all and we should deal with other people with a sense of awe, knowing that they have been lovingly created by God. If we are ever mindful of this, it should help us show love and patience for those we come in contact with. Isa. 64: 8 "But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Samuel grew and the Lord was with him, and all Israel knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. The Lord revealed Himself to Samuel. 1 Sam. 3: 19-21 "And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words dfall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord."

In the Book of Mormon I read about the fate of the Ammonihahites who had claimed that God could not destroy their city because it was so great. But in one day it was destroyed and every living thing in it was destroyed. Anyone haughty enough to think that they are so mighty and strong that God cannot touch them is sadly mistaken. Even the most powerful man is no match for the Lord. Alma 16: 9-10 "And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness. But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcases were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we profess to know God but don't keep His commandments, we are liars. Truly, if we love the Lord we will obey His commandments. 1 Jn. 2: 4 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we read about the continued wickedness of Eli's son, but that Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with God and men. 1 Sam. 2: 22- 26 "Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them. And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Alma and Amulek were delivered out of prison by the Lord--He caused that the walls of the prison were rent in two and fell to the earth, killing everyone inside except for Alma and Amylek who were able to walk out into freedom. Alma 14: 26-28 "And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance . And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them. And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison ; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof. And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ. And they straightway came forth out of the prison; and they were loosed from their bands ; and the prison had fallen to the earth, and every soul within the walls thereof, save it were Alma and Amulek, was slain; and they straightway came forth into the city."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how to treat our enemies. We should not take vengence against them, but rather treat them with kindness, giving them food if they are hungry. Inasmuch as it is possible, we should live at peace with everyone. Rom. 12: 17-21 "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."