Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that we need to declare the glory of God to all nations. Their gods are just idols, but the Lord created the heavens and all glory and honour need to be given to Him. We need to give thanks unto Him, for His mercy endures forever. 1 Chr. 16: 24-34 "Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. Give unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigneth. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the Lord, because he cometh to judge the earth. O give athanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."

In the D&C we're given a pattern to discern if someone is speaking by the Spirit and is of God. This is important to know because Satan is abraod in the land and seeks to deceive. A person who is of God will pray and have a contrite spirit. His language will be meek and will edify. He will obey the ordinances of God. However, a person who is overcome and does not bring forth fruits according to this pattern, is not of God. D&C 52: 14-19 "And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations— Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine cordinances. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me. Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens."

A verse with a thought booklet talks about how a great ship that is driven forth by fierce winds can be turned about with a very small rudder. There can be great power in small things! The thought that went with this, written by Douglas Raymond Rose from Grand Prairie, Texas, says: "Did you empty out all your pockets?" my wife asked. It was wash day and we were sorting the clothes. "Yes," I answered, silently hoping I as right. When we began to move the wet clothes into the dryer, guess what? Small bits of wet white tissue were stuck to everyting! Now I had to take time to pick bits of wet tiessue off the clothes. And for days, I kept finding more tiny pieces of tissue on the floor-all because I wouldn't take a few seconds to check my pockets! Always remember the power of the small. Small acts can have far-reaching effects. We must never overlook the details of our spiritual life: prayer, Bible reading, a gentle word, simple acts of kindness--such things may seem small but a lack of them can greatly hinder us. Excuse me, but I have to go now and empty out some pockets. James 3: 4 "Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth."
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