Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we read that Ahaziah became sick and sent servants to inquire of Baal-zebub whether he would be healed or not. But an angel of the Lord appeared to Elijah and told him to go meet the messangers of the king and ask them why they were going to inquire of Baal-zebub when they had a God in Israel. They were to tell Ahaziah that he would not arise from his sickbed, but would surely die. The messangers went back to the king and told him these things. 2 Kgs. 1: 2-6 "And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back? And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die."


Yesterday we read how the people began to allow pride and wickedness to enter into their hearts. Today we read how this wickedness spread so that none were righteous save for the disciples of Jesus who sorrowed for the sins of the world. How sad that such a happy and righteous people could change so much. 4 Ne. 1: 42-46 "And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton. And also the people who were called the people of Nephi began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, and become vain like unto their brethren, the Lamanites. And from this time the disciples began to sorrow for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that when three hundred years had passed away, both the people of Nephi and the Lamanites had become exceedingly wicked one like unto another. And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of traffic."

A verse with a thought booklet talks about how God will provide refuge for us, and we can trust in Him like a baby bird finds protection under the protective wings of its parent. The thought that went with this, written by Mary L. Scramlin from Rockford, Michigan says: When I'm weary, overwhelmed, or stressed, I'm often reminded of the time we saw an elegant swan backing up to the edge of the riverbank. My husband, three little daughters, and I watched in wonder as five cygnets darted out from under a bush and scurried onto her back. Folding her wings over them, she silently glided down the river again, the cygnets totally hidden from view. I was amazed and tried to imagine how it must feel for the cygnets. Tired, tiny, and vulnerable, they got to sink down into the soft, downy white feathers and nestle peacefully under the shelter of mother's protective, powerful wings. Likewise I can turn to my God and sink into the soft, downy feathers of His wings. Once safe and secure, I can let go of all that is too big for me. I can rest and be comforted. I can look at the world around me with fresh eyes, from a new perspective. My spirit once again restored, I too, can float in peace. God, thank you for the comfort, peace, and joy we find while resting in the shelter of your wings. Your presence carries us, encourages us, and delights us. Ps. 91: 4 "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."