Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people that they would be the Lord's people. And the people broke down the house of Baal and all the alters and images in it. 2 Kgs. 11: 17-18 "And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they should be the Lord's people; between the king also and the people. And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the Lord."

In the Book of Mormon I read some parting words of Mormon to his son Moroni in which he recounts the terrible wickedness of the people and how much it grieved his heart to see it. He knows that unless they repent, they will be utterly destroyed. He praises the faithfulness of Moroni and encourages him to remain steadfast in Christ. Moro. 9: 18-26 "O the depravity of my people! They are without order and without mercy. Behold, I am but a man, and I have but the strength of a man, and I cannot any longer enforce my commands. And they have become strong in their perversion; and they are like brutal, sparing none, neither old nor young; and they delight in everything save that which is good; and the suffering of our women and our children upon all the face of this land doth exceed everything; yea, tongue cannot tell, neither can it be written. And now, my son, I dwell no longer upon this horrible scene. Behold, thou knowest the wickedness of this people; thou knowest that they are without principle, and past feeling; and their wickedness doth exceed that of the Lamanites. Behold, my son, I cannot recommend them unto God lest he should smite me. But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved; and I pray unto God that he will spare thy life, to witness the return of his people unto him, or their utter destruction; for I know that they must perish except they repent and return unto him. And if they perish it will be like unto the Jaredites, because of the wilfulness of their hearts, seeking for blood and revenge.And if it so be that they perish, we know that many of our brethren have deserted over unto the Lamanites, and many more will also desert over unto them; wherefore, write somewhat a few things, if thou art spared and I shall perish and not see thee; but I trust that I may see thee soon; for I have sacred records that I would deliver up unto thee. My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and blong-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever. And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever. Amen."

A verse with a thought booklet urges us to pray and make thanksgivings for everyone. The thought that went with this says: Sometimes the challenges I meet in life are more easily overcome when I turn my attention to the needs of family and friends. I pray for them from a heart of love. During my quiet time with God, I consider the challenges faced by people throughout the world. I pray that all are well fed, clothed, and sheltered from the weather. I pray that every child has an opportunity to obtain an education and that every adult who is thirsting for knowledge has that longing satisfied. I pray for everyone who has lost a loved one and for those who are serving far from home. I pray for others, and I also do my very best to help them. The world is indeed a better place because of prayer and acts of kindness. I am blessed as I reach out--heart, and soul, thought and action--to others. 1 Tim. 2: 1 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;"
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