Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the Assyrians and guided them on every side. 2 Chr. 32: 21-22 "And the Lord sent an angel , which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side."

In the D&C I read that we should organize ourselves and prepare a house of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory, and order--a House of God. D&C 109: 8 "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;"

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how we should not judge others and how we often pick at the small faults of others while possessing huge faults of our own. Sometimes our favorite sin seems to be judging others and we become experts at seeing what is wrong with other people. We clearly see the weaknesses in others while turning the other way instead of seeing that same weakness in ourselves. This should not be! However we choose to judge others will be how God will judge us. Matt. 7: 1-5 "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
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Daily thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the people were told to be strong and courageous for they had the Lord on their side to fight their battles, which was much stronger than the arm of flesh. 2 Chr. 32: 7-8 "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."

In the D&C I read that we need to learn our duty and then fulfill it with diligence. Claiming we didn't know what to do is no excuse; we need to find out. If we're slothful in our callings, we won't be counted worthy to stand. D&C 107: 99-100 "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen."

A verse with a thought booklet warns us to keep perverse words from our lips. We need to watch not only what we do, but what we say. Prov. 4: 24 "Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the people paid tithing and the Lord blessed them abundantly so that they had enough to eat and plenty left over. This is still true today. When we pay our tithing, we seem to have sufficient for our needs and the Lord blesses us greatly. For some reason, the 90% we have left seems to be more than the 100% we'd have if we didn't pay our tithing. 2 Chr. 31: 5-6, 10 "And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps. And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the Lord hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store."


In the D&C I read that the decisions of the Priesthood quorums needs to be made in righteousness, with meekness, humility, patience, faith, kindness, charity, etc. If these things abound, they will not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord. D&C 107: 30-31 "The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity; Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to humble ourselves before God and cast all our cares upon Him. He cares for us and will exalt us in due time. 1 Pet. 5: 6-7 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the people destroyed the idols and overhthowed false worship from among them and then gave thanks and praise to the Lord. 2 Chr. 31: 1-2 "Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities. And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord."

In the D&C we're told that the Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys to spiritual blessings in the church and has the privilege of receiving the mysterires of God. The Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the administering of angels and the outward ordinances, including baptism. D&C 107: 18-20 "The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church— To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the ckeys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, greeable to the covenants and commandments."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. Are we willing to turn our lives over to God and be what He intends us to be? Are we willing to submit to whatever He has in mind for us? James 4: 7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Hezekiah invited all Israel to a solemn passover and encouraged them to not be stiffnecked like their fathers, but to turn unto the Lord. 2 Chr. 30: 1-2, 6-9 "And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel. For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month. So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."

In the D&C I read that sometimes the Lord chastens us because we need to learn obedience by the things that we suffer. Our trials and tribulations can be learning experiences for us. D&C 105: 6 "And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer."

A verse with a thought booklet, appropriate for Thanksgiving Day, tells us that we need to have graditute in our lives and thank the Lord for our blessings. Sometimes we may not feel very thankful. Sometimes we allow the small irritations of life to get us down and sour our attitudes. But if we look at other people in the world we can see how blessed we really are, just to have sufficient food to eat and a roof over our heads. If we have reasonably good health, it is a rich blessing indeed. If we have family and friends to love, they are blessings, even though sometimes we lose patience with them. Whether you look for the good in life or the bad, you're likely to find what you look for. Let's look for the positive things in our lives and give the Lord thanks for them. Ps. 95: 2 "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the wicked King Ahaz died and his son Hezekiah reigned in his stead. He was righteousness, unlike Ahaz, and opened the doors to the House of the Lord back up and repaired it. He realized that the wrath of the Lord had delivered them to trouble and he wanted to turn away the fierce warth of God so he was willing to covenant with Him. He told his sons to serve the Lord and not be negligent toward Him. 2 Chr. 28: 27; 29: 1-11 "And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead. Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them. And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street, And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs. Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel. Wherefore the wrath of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes. For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this. Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense."

In the D&C we're told that we should pay our debts. D&C 104: 78 "And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that whatever we sacrifice for the Lord's sake will be rewarded to us a hundredfold and we'll inherit everlasting life. Matt. 19: 29 "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how things went from bad to worse for Ahaz. When, because of his wickedness, the Lord was not with him in battle and Damascus was able to defeat him, he then turned to the gods of Damascus, figuring that since they helped them, they should help him. He sacrified to these false gods and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of the Lord, shutting up the doors of it. He made high places to burn incense to other gods. Of course all this just provoked the Lord to anger even more. 2 Chr. 28: 22-25 "And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord: this is that king Ahaz. For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the Lord God of his fathers."

In the D&C I read that if we're humble, the Lord will multiply blessings upon us. D&C 104: 23 "And I will multiply blessings upon him, inasmuch as he will be humble before me."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to trust in the Lord, delight in Him, and do good, and He'll give us the desires of our hearts. Ps. 37: 3-5 "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Ahaz reigned in wickedness, worshipping idols and burning his children in the fire. Because of this wickedness, his people were defeated in battle and killed or carried away captive. 2 Chr. 28: 1-8 "Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father: For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter. For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king. And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria."

In the D&C we're told that victory is brought to pass through diligence and prayers of faith. We need to be diligent in doing all we can do, and then ask the Lord, in faith, to help us. D&C 103: 36 "All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to be kind and forgiving of one another, just like God has been forgiving of us. Eph. 4: 32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."




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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how King Uzziah burnt incense to the Lord, which only the priests were authorized to do. When he was chastised by the priests he became angry, and the Lord punished him by givng him leprousy. 2 Chr. 26: 16-21 "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him. And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the king's house, judging the people of the land."

In the D&C I read that after much tribulation come the blessings. Sometimes we have to endure trials and prove ourselves through the difficult times, before the blessings will come. D&C 103: 12 "For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet say that many of us bless God and curse our fellowmen, who were created in the image of God--all coming out of the same mouth. This ought not to be! How can we go to church on Sunday and praise the Lord and then turn around and curse people who upset us or get in our way. If we truly praised God in our worship, we should not be using our tongues to curse others and use language that dishonors the Lord. James 3: 9-10 "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same amouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."




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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that after Amaziah slaughtered the Edomites, he set up their gods and worshipped them. This kindled the anger of the Lord who sent a prophet to ask him why he'd worship gods that could not deliver their own people out of his hand. Really, people can be pretty stupid sometimes. The true God had delivered him in battle so he turns to the false gods who were not able to help the people he had conquered. 2 Chr. 25: 14-15 "Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?"

In the D&C I read that the president of the church is appointed by revalation and acknowledged by the voice of the church. He should preside over the council of the church according to the dignity of his office and is assited by two counselors who are appointed after the same manner that he is appointed. D&C 102: 9-10 "The president of the church, who is also the president of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged in his administration by the voice of the church. And it is according to the dignity of his office that he should preside over the council of the church; and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other presidents, appointed after the same manner that he himself was appointed."

Some verses with a thought booklet give a good illustration about how the Lord feels about people who come to Him seeking forgiveness when they themselves are unwilling to forgive other people who have tresspassed against them. We all have sinned and need forgiveness from the Lord. But we can't expect to get it unless we are likewise forgiving of our fellowmen. If we expect mercy, we must be merciful to others. Matt. 18: 21-25 "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the people forsook the Lord and worshipped idols, which caused the wrath of God to come upon them. He sent prophets to the people to call them to repentance, but they would not listen and they stoned Zechariah to death.2 Chr. 24: 18-21 "And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord."


In the D&C I read that the Lord established the Constitution of this land and raised up wise men to that very purpose. D&C 101: 80 "And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we keep all the commandments except in one point, we're guilty of all. Wow! What a scary thought. If it wasn't for the atonement of Christ and our being able to repent, no one would have any hope at all. James 2: 10 "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Jehoiada made a covenant that they would be the Lord's people and the people went to the house of Baal and broke down all the altars and images and slew the priest of Baal. 2 Chr. 23: 16-17 "And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the Lord's people. Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars."

In the D&C it tells us that the indignation of the Lord will soon be poured out upon the nations when their iniquity is full. Looking at the world today, that day probably is not far off. D&C 101: 11 "Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full."

Some verses with a thought booklet show the foolishness of laying up riches for ourselves and thinking we've got it made. In reality, we could die at any moment, and then what good would our riches do us? Only if we place our hearts upon God will we have lasting treasure. Luke 12: 16-21 "And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, beat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about the horrible death of the wicked Jehoram, who had sore diseases and his bowels fell out. 2 Chr. 21: 17-19 "And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. And after all this the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease. And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers."

In the D&C I read that we need to be tried and chastened in order to be sanctified. If we're slow to hearken to the voice of the Lord, He will be slow to hear our prayers. However, the Lord is filled with compassion and mercy for us. He'll send things to challenge us so that we will feel after Him in the days of our troubles. D&C 101: 4-9 "Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son. For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified. Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me. Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we sin, we will become a servant to sin. So if you want to be free, keep the commandments! John 8: 34 "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."



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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Jehoram reigned in wickedness and Elijah prophesied a pleague upon the people and the death of Jehoram because of it. 2 Chr. 21: 11-15 "Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto. And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself: Behold, with a great plague will the Lord smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day."

In the D&C we're given instructions about when we are justified in going to war. We should not take the offensive, but rather if a nation declares war against us, and we try to lift a standard of peace toward them three times, then we're justified in defending ourselves and the Lord will fight our battles for us. D&C 98: 33-37 "And again, this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the Lord, commanded them. And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against them, they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue; And if that people did not accept the offering of peace, neither the second nor the third time, they should bring these testimonies before the Lord; Then I, the Lord, would give unto them a commandment, and justify them in going out to battle against that nation, tongue, or people. And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children's battles, and their children's children's, until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, to the third and fourth generation."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to walk in love, just as the Lord loves us and gave Himself for us. Eph. 5: 2 "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."



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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read how what Jahaziel had told the people came to pass. Their attackers war among themselves and destroy each other, and much spoil is left for them to gather. 2 Chr. 20: 22-25 "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy aanother.And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much."

In the D&C we're told to give thanks in all things and to rejoice. I think if we truly do give thanks in all things, it will give us joy because we're be appreciative for all we have. We're also told to wait patientlly upon the Lord and to know that all our afflictions shall work together for our good. Sometimes when we're going through trying times it's hard to imagine how it could be for our good, but if we trust in the Lord to know what's best for us and be patient, we can know that the experiences we're going through will strengthen us and prepare us to become the person we're meant to be. D&C 98: 1-3 "Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to be swift to hear and slow to speak. And also slow to wrath. How many arguments could be avoided if we spent more time listening and less time talking? If we'd truly listen with understanding instead of trying to get our own points across, our relationships would become closer. Too many people are quick to speak and slow to hear. Let's make sure that isn't the case with us. James 1: 19 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Jahaziel came with the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation and told the people not to fear because the Lord would be with them. The battle was not theirs to fight, but the Lord's. They wouldn't even need to fight in battle, they just needed to stand still. There was no reason to be dismayed or fear. 2 Chr. 20: 14-18 "Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you. And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshipping the Lord."

In the D&C I read that if we are honest, humble, and willing to sacrifice and keep our covenants, we will be accepted of the Lord. D&C 97: 8 "Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord hears our supplications and will be our strength if we'll trust in Him. He can help us and bring joy to our hearts. Ps. 28: 6-8 "Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Jehoshaphat was afraid of the great multitude that was coming to battle him, so he turned to the Lord in fasting and prayer and gathered all Judah to seek the Lord. 2 Chr. 20: 2-4 "Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi. And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord."

In the D&C I read that those who are humble and seek diligently to learn wisdom and seek truth, will find it and they will be blessed. D&C 97: 1-2 "Verily I say unto you my friends, I speak unto you with my voice, even the voice of my Spirit, that I may show unto you my will concerning your brethren in the land of Zion, many of whom are truly humble and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to find truth. Verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such, for they shall obtain; for I, the Lord, show mercy unto all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I may be justified when I shall bring them unto judgment."

Some verses with a thought booklet caution us not to blame God when we when we fall into sin. He's not the one who tempts us. When we're drawn away from God by our own lusts, that's when we're suseptible to the temptations of Satan. The thought that went with this, written by Rev. Arthur Schoonveld from Holland Michigan says: Years ago, while living in southern California, I called on a member of our church who had left her husband and had moved in with her boyfriend. As we were talking, she told me that she was doing the right thing because if God had not wanted her to leave her husband, he would not have let her meet the other man. She was saying that God himself had made this happen. So if someone was to blame, it had to be God. But we can't blame God when we mess up. We've been trying to use that excuse since Adam and Eve fell into sin. When we fall into sin, it's our own fault. But it's always easier to try to blame someone else, our circumstances, or even God. James warns against passing the buck or blaming God when we are tempted and we give in to sin. Temptations come from within, from our own desires, which Satan uses to try to pull us away from God. Watch out, says James. Giving in to temptations will cause us to sin, and sin leads to death. If you have given in to sin, don't blame God. Confess your sin, ask God's forgiveness, and pray for strength to resist temptations when they come. James 1: 13-15 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how Jehoshaphat was rebuked for helping ungodly Ahab and he returned the people to the Lord. He set up judges to administer justice. 2 Chr. 19: 1-7 " And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani the aseer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out aagain through the people from Beer-sheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the Lord God of their fathers. And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts."

In the D&C we're warned that we need to pray always to keep the devil from having power over us and removing us out of our place. We need the Lord's help to keep us on the right pathway! D&C 93: 49 "What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God is our salvation and the rock of our strength. We can pour out our hearts to Him at all times and trust in Him. He will be a refuge for us. Ps. 62: 6-8 "He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we read a sad example of someone not trusting in the Lord. Asa King of Judah solicits the help of the king of Syria to help him in battle, rather than trusting in the Lord. Hanani the seer came to Asa and chastised him for that, reminding him how the Lord had delivered them in battle in times past. Rather than repenting, Asa is angry and throws the seer into prison. Then he becomes ill and instread of asking the Lord to heal him, he seeks physicians instead. He dies. 2 Chr. 16: 7-13 "And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the bking of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians. And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign."

In the D&C we're told to search diligently, pray always, be believing, and keep our covenants, and all things will work together for our good. D&C 90: 24 "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we gain patience when our faith is tried. Sometimes God uses trials in our lives because He wants us to grow in faith. We can trust in God, even in troubing times, and it can help us grow into the people God wants us to be. James 1: 2 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;"
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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that for a long season Israel was without the true God and without the law, and they had no peace. But in time of trouble, they turned to the Lord and sought Him and they found Him. 2 Chr. 15: 3-6 "Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity."

In the D&C we're told that every man will have the opportunity to hear the gospel preached in his own language by someone ordained unto this power. D&C 90: 11 "For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a friend loves at all times, and is a brother to us in times of adversity. Sometimes it takes the really rough times in life to find out who our true friends really are. Do they stand by us when the going gets tough, or do they avoid us and don't seem to want to deal with us? The true friends who support us and do their best to be there for us, even if only to provide a listening ear, can make all the difference in the world. When our friends are going through trials and tribulations, we need to do everything we can to be there for them and help them through whatever they're going through. Prov. 17: 17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Abijah died and his son Asa reigned in his stead. He reigned in righteousness and took away the strange gods and their altars. He told Judah to seek the Lord and keep the commandments. 2 Chr. 14: 1-5 "So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him."

In the D&C I read a verse that contains several points that we should follow--we need to stop being idle, stop being unclean, and stop finding fault with each other. And here's some advice that I often have trouble following, but know I'd feel better physically if I abided by--we should go to bed early and get up early. D&C 88: 124 "Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to seek the Lord and He will hear us and deliver us from all our fears. When we're troubled and afraid, we can always turn to the Lord for help. He will be there for us. Ps. 34: 4 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Judah and delivered them into their hands. Judah prevailed becausde they relied upon the Lord. Jeroboam's rebellion against the Lord (that we read about yesterday) did not go unpunished. The Lord struck him and he died. 2 Chr. 13: 15-20 "Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand. And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers. And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Beth-el with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the towns thereof. Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the Lord struck him, and he died."

In the D&C we're told to seek learning by study and also by faith. We should teach one another words of wisdom and study the best books. We need to make our houses houses of prayer, fasting, faith, learning glory, and order--houses of God. D&C 88: 118-119 "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house , even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it's not enough to just hear the word of God--we also need to act on what we hear. If we merely listen but don't do what the word of God says to do, we're deceiving ourselves. The thought that went with this, written by Rev. Arthur J. Schoonveld from Holland, Michigan says: Once upon a time, according to an old legend, Satan called a special meeting with several of his demonic agents to decide on the best way to turn people away from God. During the meeting several suggestions were made. One devil suggested all-out persecution, while another wanted to try to turn as many believers as possible into atheists. Several others spoke up, until an older agent rose to say that the best way to turn people away from God is to try to convince them that their faith does not have to make a difference in their everyday lives. Let them sit in church on Sunday, sing their songs, confess their creeds, repeat their prayers, and listen to their sermons. But convince them that their faith does not have to show in the way they live, and you'll turn them into lukewarm Christians. And once they have become lukewarm, they will be of no use to God. Though this story is fictional, we know that throughout history Satan and his agents have spread the lie that we can have our faith without putting it into practice. To expose that lie, James wrote his letter. It's not enough to be hearers; hearers have to become doers. James 1: 22 "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Jeroboam rose up in rebellion against the Lord and made golden calves for gods. He cast out the priests of the Lord and made other priests of them that are no gods. 2 Chr. 13: 6-9 " Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord. And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them. And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. Have ye not cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods."

In the D&C we're commanded to continue in fasting and prayer. D&C 88: 76 "Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us to trust in God at all times and pour out our hearts before Him, for He is our refuge, our rock, our salvation, our defence, and our strength. Ps. 62: 5-8 "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Shemaiah the prophet to Rehaboam told him that the Lord had forsaken him because he had forsaken the Lord. The people then humbled themselves and received a partial deliverance. 2 Chronicles 12: 5-8 "Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous. And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries."

In the D&C I read that if we diligently seek the Lord, we will find Him. If we draw near unto Him, He'll draw near unto us. And whatever we ask the Lord that is expedient for us, we'll receive. D&C 88: 63-64 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;"

A verse with a thought booklet admonishes us to be strong and of good courage because the Lord will be with us wherever we go. There is no reason to be afraid. Josh. 1: 9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Rehaboam forsook the law of the Lord and the Egyptians were able to come up against Jerusalem and take their fenced cities. 2 Chronicles 12:1-4 "And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the Lord, With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians. And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem."

A verse in the D&C talks about the great calamities that will fall upon all the inhabitants of the earth. D&C 87: 6 "And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine , and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to do all things without murmuring and disputing. When asked to do something by the Lord, do we do it cheerfully and willingly? Or do we complain about it or try to argue why we shouldn't really have to do it? Philip. 2: 14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings:"


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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon, bringing him gold and precious things. She had heard of his great wisdom and wanted to see for herself. But she found that his wisdom exceeding even what she had been told. 2 Chr. 9: 1-9 "And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not. And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom:6 Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard. Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice. And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon."

In the D&C we're told to each labor in our own callings. We all have things to do and contribute and we're all important, just like each member of the body is important and necessary. We can all work together to edify each other. D&C 84: 109-110 "Therefore, let every man stand in his own office, and labor in his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand? Also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may be kept perfect."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet admonish husbands and wives to love one another. Eph. 5: 25, 28, 33 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."



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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that because of the wickedness of the people and their serving other gods, the Lord brought evil consequences unto them. 2 Chr. 7: 22 "And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them."

In the D&C we're told to teach by the Spirit. Instead of taking thought beforehand what to preach, we need to constantly treasure up the words of God in our minds and when the time comes, we'll be told what to say at the very hour we need it. Sometimes I can read scriptures day after day and wonder how much I'm really retaining. But many, many times I'll have a situation come up in my life and suddenly a scripture will pop into my mind with the very answer I'm needing. If we study and keep the word of God constantly in our minds, things will come to us that we need at a particular time. D&C 84: 85 "Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to listen and understand. The thought that went with this, written by Linda Neukrug says: When the grown son of a friend of mine took his own life last year, I didn't know what I could say that would help her. I got an armload of books about grieving and chased down support groups on the Internet. Then I prayed about it and felt led to speak to Ellie, one of my coworkiers who used to be a counselor. I headed into her office and mentioned something I'd seen on her bulletin board--a Band-Aid in a beautiful oak frame, labeled "The Golden Band-Aid." "I don't want to take up your time," I said, "but I know you used to be a counselor, and ... well, I see you have this Golden Band-Aid. Is that an award you got for knowing how to help people?" "To my astonishment, Ellie laughed. "No! It's a reminder to keep my mouth shut, even if I have to clap a Band-Aid over it! What do you think is the hardest thing a counselor has to learn?" I shrugged. "It's just to listen. That's our best and hardest job. And if there's some advice I feel U must give, that means I need to listen all the more!" And so I listened to my friend. I heard about her son's first day at kindergarten and the time he stole a Mars bar and she marched him back to the store. I heard about the aware he'd been given for citizenship in first grade. And much, more later, I listened in amazement as my friend told me how helpful I'd bee. "You're the only one who sat with me as long as I needed it and listened. Everyone else wanted to fix me or get me through it." I blushed, remembered how close I'd come to doing just that. And that's why I always keep a Band-Aid or two in my purse...to remind me just to listen. God, help me approach problems with an open mind and open ears, but not an open mouth. Matt. 15: 10 "And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:"

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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord appeared to Solomon and told him that he would send pestilence among the people unless they would humble themselves and pray, seeking forgiveness for their sins. If they would do this, He would listen to their prayers and forgive them. 2 Chr. 7: 12-15 "And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place."

In the D&C I read that we're commanded to beware concerning ourselves that we give diligent heed to the words of eternal life and live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. D&C 84: 43-44 "And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life. For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us to be followers of God and walk in love as Christ showed His love for us when he gave Himself as a sacrifice for us. Eph. 5: 1-2 "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that after Solomon finished praying, fire from heaven came down and consumed the sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 Chr. 7: 1 "Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house."

In the D&C I read that where much is given to us, much is expected. If we sin against greater light and knowledge, our condemnation will be greater than it would be against someone who didn't know any better. The more we know, the more the Lord requires of us. D&C 82: 3 "For of him unto whom much is bgiven much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to let no corrupt words come out of our mouths and do away with anger, malice, evil speaking and bitterness. These things grieve the Holy Spirit. Instead, we need to be kind and compassionate to one another and be willing to forgive, just like the Lord has forgiven us. Eph. 4: 29-32 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read Solomon's prayer that if the people fell before their enemies or suffered dearth because of their wickedness, but were willing to repent and cry unto the Lord, that He would be merciful and hear them. 2 Chr. 6: 21-31 "Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive. If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house; Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness. And if thy people Israel be aput to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall breturn and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house; Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers. When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."

In the D&C I read that we are to be faithful and stand in the offices we have been called. We need to succor the weak and lift the hands that hang down. We need to strengthen the feeble. If we do these things, in the end we'll be crowned with eternal life. D&C 81: 5-6 "Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father."

Some verses with a thought booklet talk about people who have alienated themselves from God because of the blindness of their hearts--to the point where they are past feeling. This is a very sad state to find ourselves in. We need to put off the old man with his deceitful lusts and become new creatures in Christ, full of righteousness and holiness. Eph. 4: 18-19, 22-24 "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past bfeeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the bold man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."



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