In the Old Testament I read that Job's friend tells him that he's getting chastening from the Lord and should be happy to be corrected. Again, his friend was misjudging him as having done something wrong to deserve his troubles. Job 5: 17 "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:"
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that it is the work and the glory of God to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Moses 1: 39 "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about the disciples of Jesus disputing among themselves who should be greatest among them. Jesus told them that whoever desired to be first would be last and servant to all. We need to humble ourselves as little children. Mark 9: 33-37 "And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me."
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And it shall come to pass in the last days,when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains....The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Job's "friend" reproves him, telling him that if he was really righteous he wouldn't be going through these kinds of troubles because we reap what we sow. Instead of supporting and empathizing with him, he condemned him as being a sinner and deserving of his problems, which was not true. We need to learn from this not to judge others but to truly be there for our friends when they're going through rought times. Sometimes the least helpful thing we can do is insinuate that they must have done something wrong to deserve what they're getting. Job 4: 7-9 "Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed."
In the excerpts from addresses by President Wilford Woodruff at the end of the D&C I read that the Lord will never allow the President of the Church to lead the church astray. If a President of the Church attempted to do so, the Lord would remove him out of his place. " The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and might. And we should diligently teach our children to do likewise, speaking of these things day and night. Deut. 6: 5-7 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
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In the excerpts from addresses by President Wilford Woodruff at the end of the D&C I read that the Lord will never allow the President of the Church to lead the church astray. If a President of the Church attempted to do so, the Lord would remove him out of his place. " The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and might. And we should diligently teach our children to do likewise, speaking of these things day and night. Deut. 6: 5-7 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
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Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how God gave Satan leave to afflict Job physically, but he remained faithful, even when his wife told him to curse God and die. Job 2: 3-10 "And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips."
In the D&C I read that when righteous people of our day die, they continue to labor on the other side of the veil, preaching the gospel to the dead in the world of spirits, teaching them about Jesus Christ and His atonement. The dead who repent can receive necessarily ordinances for themselves by proxy and can be washed clean and redeemed. D&C 138: 57-59 "I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead. The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God, And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to worry about anything. Instead, we should pray about everything, telling God what we need and thanking Him for all that He's done. Philip. 4: 6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
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In the D&C I read that when righteous people of our day die, they continue to labor on the other side of the veil, preaching the gospel to the dead in the world of spirits, teaching them about Jesus Christ and His atonement. The dead who repent can receive necessarily ordinances for themselves by proxy and can be washed clean and redeemed. D&C 138: 57-59 "I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead. The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God, And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to worry about anything. Instead, we should pray about everything, telling God what we need and thanking Him for all that He's done. Philip. 4: 6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
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Monday, December 28, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Job lost his property and children but still praised the Lord and did not sin. Job 1: 13-22; "And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Then Job arose, and arent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."
In the D&C I read that after the death of Jesus, He went to the world of spirits and preached to the righteous people of the past generations, including great prophets like Moses, Isaiah, Noah, and Daniel. He instructed them and prepared them so that they could carry the message of redemption to all the dead. D&C 138: 36-52 "Thus was it made known that our Redeemer spent his time during his sojourn in the world of spirits, instructing and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets who had testified of him in the flesh; That they might carry the message of redemption unto all the dead, unto whom he could not go personally, because of their rebellion and transgression, that they through the ministration of his servants might also hear his words. Among the great and mighty ones who were assembled in this vast congregation of the righteous were Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all, And our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters who had lived through the ages and worshiped the true and living God. Abel, the first martyr, was there, and his brother Seth, one of the mighty ones, who was in the express image of his father, Adam. Noah, who gave warning of the flood; Shem, the great high priest; Abraham, the father of the faithful; Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, the great law-giver of Israel; And Isaiah, who declared by prophecy that the Redeemer was anointed to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that were bound, were also there. Moreover, Ezekiel, who was shown in vision the great valley of dry bones, which were to be clothed upon with flesh, to come forth again in the resurrection of the dead, living souls; Daniel, who foresaw and foretold the establishment of the kingdom of God in the latter days, never again to be destroyed nor given to other people; Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration; And Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah —of whom also Moroni spake to the Prophet Joseph Smith, declaring that he should come before the ushering in of the great and dreadful day of the Lord—were also there. The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers, Foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in the dispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the sealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming. All these and many more, even the prophets who dwelt among the Nephites and testified of the coming of the Son of God, mingled in the vast assembly and waited for their deliverance, For the dead had looked upon the long absence of their spirits from their bodies as a bondage. These the Lord taught, and gave them power to come forth, after his resurrection from the dead, to enter into his Father's kingdom, there to be crowned with immortality and eternal life, And continue thenceforth their labor as had been promised by the Lord, and be partakers of all blessings which were held in reserve for them that love him."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we are to bear one another's burdens. What can we do to help another person, serve them, or lift the load that they are carrying? Gal. 6: 2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
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In the D&C I read that after the death of Jesus, He went to the world of spirits and preached to the righteous people of the past generations, including great prophets like Moses, Isaiah, Noah, and Daniel. He instructed them and prepared them so that they could carry the message of redemption to all the dead. D&C 138: 36-52 "Thus was it made known that our Redeemer spent his time during his sojourn in the world of spirits, instructing and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets who had testified of him in the flesh; That they might carry the message of redemption unto all the dead, unto whom he could not go personally, because of their rebellion and transgression, that they through the ministration of his servants might also hear his words. Among the great and mighty ones who were assembled in this vast congregation of the righteous were Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all, And our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters who had lived through the ages and worshiped the true and living God. Abel, the first martyr, was there, and his brother Seth, one of the mighty ones, who was in the express image of his father, Adam. Noah, who gave warning of the flood; Shem, the great high priest; Abraham, the father of the faithful; Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, the great law-giver of Israel; And Isaiah, who declared by prophecy that the Redeemer was anointed to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that were bound, were also there. Moreover, Ezekiel, who was shown in vision the great valley of dry bones, which were to be clothed upon with flesh, to come forth again in the resurrection of the dead, living souls; Daniel, who foresaw and foretold the establishment of the kingdom of God in the latter days, never again to be destroyed nor given to other people; Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration; And Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah —of whom also Moroni spake to the Prophet Joseph Smith, declaring that he should come before the ushering in of the great and dreadful day of the Lord—were also there. The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers, Foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in the dispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the sealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming. All these and many more, even the prophets who dwelt among the Nephites and testified of the coming of the Son of God, mingled in the vast assembly and waited for their deliverance, For the dead had looked upon the long absence of their spirits from their bodies as a bondage. These the Lord taught, and gave them power to come forth, after his resurrection from the dead, to enter into his Father's kingdom, there to be crowned with immortality and eternal life, And continue thenceforth their labor as had been promised by the Lord, and be partakers of all blessings which were held in reserve for them that love him."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we are to bear one another's burdens. What can we do to help another person, serve them, or lift the load that they are carrying? Gal. 6: 2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
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Sunday, December 27, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Job was a righteous man and blessed with sons and daughters and great riches. Saten obtained leave from the Lord to tempt and try Job. Job 1:1-3, 9-12 "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord."
In the D&C I read about how the gospel is preached to all the dead, so that those who did not have an opportunity to hear it in this life or who in their transgression rejected the prophets will all be taught the principles of the gospel, including being able to accept vicarious baptism in their behalf. They will all be taught about the atonement of Jesus Christ and how He made redemption possible through His sacrifice on the cross. D&C 138: 32-35 "Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell about how the early Saints shared everything they had with one another so that no one was poor or needy. They bore witness of the resurrection with great power and were of one heart and one soul. Acts 4: 32-37 "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that bought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."
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In the D&C I read about how the gospel is preached to all the dead, so that those who did not have an opportunity to hear it in this life or who in their transgression rejected the prophets will all be taught the principles of the gospel, including being able to accept vicarious baptism in their behalf. They will all be taught about the atonement of Jesus Christ and how He made redemption possible through His sacrifice on the cross. D&C 138: 32-35 "Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell about how the early Saints shared everything they had with one another so that no one was poor or needy. They bore witness of the resurrection with great power and were of one heart and one soul. Acts 4: 32-37 "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that bought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."
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Saturday, December 26, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Esther revealed to the king the wicked plot of Haman to have her people killed. The king was so angry that he had Haman hanged on the very gallows that Haman had prepared to have Mordecai hung on. Esth. 7: 1-10 "So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: For we are sold , I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, balthough the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden : and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified."
In the D&C I read that all who die without a knowledge of the gospel, who would have received it with all their heart had they been given the opportunity, will be heirs to the Celestial Kingdom. This is why baptism for the dead is so important--it allows these people to receive the necessary ordinance of baptism even though they had no opportunity to do so in this life. D&C 137: 7-10 "Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven."
A verse with a thought booklet, from which one of our Articles of Faith is taken, tells us to keep our thoughts on things that are pure, lovely, virtuous, and worthy of praise. The thought that went with this, written by Hannah Beers from Ely, Minnesota says: I don't enjoy watching football. But I, and thousands of Americans like me, still watch the Superbowl for the commercials. It is estimated that a thirty second commercial slot during the 2008 Superbowl cost a company three million dollars. That's one hundred thousands dollars per second of covered air time. Why? Because these companies know that a memorable catch-phrase or a strategically placed image will be enough to convince thousands of people to buy their product. They understand that thought influences behavior. My thoughts in the morning affect my entire day. When I dwell on my complaints and stresses, my interactions with people suffer. I ignore the manifold blessings in my life: my health, relationships, the good weather, or opportunities I have. Every day is an undeserved gift from a merciful God. What response should I have but to start each day with thanksgiving and praise? Philip. 4: 8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
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In the D&C I read that all who die without a knowledge of the gospel, who would have received it with all their heart had they been given the opportunity, will be heirs to the Celestial Kingdom. This is why baptism for the dead is so important--it allows these people to receive the necessary ordinance of baptism even though they had no opportunity to do so in this life. D&C 137: 7-10 "Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven."
A verse with a thought booklet, from which one of our Articles of Faith is taken, tells us to keep our thoughts on things that are pure, lovely, virtuous, and worthy of praise. The thought that went with this, written by Hannah Beers from Ely, Minnesota says: I don't enjoy watching football. But I, and thousands of Americans like me, still watch the Superbowl for the commercials. It is estimated that a thirty second commercial slot during the 2008 Superbowl cost a company three million dollars. That's one hundred thousands dollars per second of covered air time. Why? Because these companies know that a memorable catch-phrase or a strategically placed image will be enough to convince thousands of people to buy their product. They understand that thought influences behavior. My thoughts in the morning affect my entire day. When I dwell on my complaints and stresses, my interactions with people suffer. I ignore the manifold blessings in my life: my health, relationships, the good weather, or opportunities I have. Every day is an undeserved gift from a merciful God. What response should I have but to start each day with thanksgiving and praise? Philip. 4: 8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
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Friday, December 25, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the king read in his records about some great things Mordecai had done for which he had not been honored. So he asked Haman what should be done for someone the king wanted tohonor. Haman, great ego that he had, figured the king wanted to honor him and thought up some things he'd like done for himself. However, to his horror, Haman discovered that Mordecai was the one the king wanted to honor and he was forced to do the things for Mordecai that he'd wanted done for himself. He was very sorrowful when he recounted these events to his wife and friends. Esth. 6: 1-13 "On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him. And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward acourt of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in. So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him."
In the D&C I read the admonition that we need to stop contending with one another and stop speaking evil of each other. If we heeded this advice, how much happier would our relationships be? How much more peace would we have in our homes? How much better would be get along with our friends, neighbors and coworkers? Indeed, without contention and evil speaking, this would be a much more harmonious world to live in. D&C 136: 23 "Cease to contend one with another; cease to speak evil one of another."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we seek the Lord with all our heart and soul, we will find Him. Do we really do this? If our efforts to seek the Lord are half hearted or lukewarm, we won't get results. But if we put our whole hearts and souls into seeking Him, we WILL find Him. That's especially important to remember today, on Christmas. In all the hussle and bussle of dinners and presents and decorations, let's not forget the true purpose of the season--to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let's remember to seek Him on this special day. Deut. 4: 29 "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul."
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In the D&C I read the admonition that we need to stop contending with one another and stop speaking evil of each other. If we heeded this advice, how much happier would our relationships be? How much more peace would we have in our homes? How much better would be get along with our friends, neighbors and coworkers? Indeed, without contention and evil speaking, this would be a much more harmonious world to live in. D&C 136: 23 "Cease to contend one with another; cease to speak evil one of another."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we seek the Lord with all our heart and soul, we will find Him. Do we really do this? If our efforts to seek the Lord are half hearted or lukewarm, we won't get results. But if we put our whole hearts and souls into seeking Him, we WILL find Him. That's especially important to remember today, on Christmas. In all the hussle and bussle of dinners and presents and decorations, let's not forget the true purpose of the season--to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let's remember to seek Him on this special day. Deut. 4: 29 "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul."
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Thursday, December 24, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Haman was very pleased to be invited to a banquet by the queen but was upset that Mordecai was at the king's gate but would not stand up or move for him. At the advise of his wife and friends, he had a gallows built which he planned to have Morecai hanged from. Esth. 5: 9-14 "Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had apromoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king. Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate. Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made."
In the D&C I read a document written by John Taylor telling about the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, and about the great contributions Joseph made. D&C 135: 1-3 "To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o'clock p.m., by an armed mob—painted black—of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calmly, exclaiming: I am a dead man! Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaiming: O Lord my God! They were both shot after they were dead, in a brutal manner, and both received four balls. John Taylor and Willard Richards, two of the Twelve, were the only persons in the room at the time; the former was wounded in a savage manner with four balls, but has since recovered; the latter, through the providence of God, escaped, without even a hole in his robe. Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be content with having food and clothing. We came into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing. The love of money is the root of all evil and can be a snare to the rich. Some of the happiest people are those with little in the way of wordly goods, but who are content with the little that they have. And some of the most miserable people are wealthy in terms of money, but live empty, meaningless lives. 1 Tim. 6: 6-10 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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In the D&C I read a document written by John Taylor telling about the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, and about the great contributions Joseph made. D&C 135: 1-3 "To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o'clock p.m., by an armed mob—painted black—of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calmly, exclaiming: I am a dead man! Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaiming: O Lord my God! They were both shot after they were dead, in a brutal manner, and both received four balls. John Taylor and Willard Richards, two of the Twelve, were the only persons in the room at the time; the former was wounded in a savage manner with four balls, but has since recovered; the latter, through the providence of God, escaped, without even a hole in his robe. Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be content with having food and clothing. We came into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing. The love of money is the root of all evil and can be a snare to the rich. Some of the happiest people are those with little in the way of wordly goods, but who are content with the little that they have. And some of the most miserable people are wealthy in terms of money, but live empty, meaningless lives. 1 Tim. 6: 6-10 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read how the king held out the golden scepter to Ester, thus sparing her life. He asked her what she wanted and she said she wanted to prepare a banquet for him and Haman. Esth. 5: 1-4 "Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him."
In the D&C I read a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws. Governments should preserve freedom of conscience and worship and men should uphold their governments and show respect to the laws of the land. D&C 134: 1-5 "We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life. We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign. We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul. We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God watches over us and never slumbers nor sleeps. The thought that went with this, written by Jerilyn Tyner from Arlington, Washington, says: One night long ago, instead of sleeping in my upstairs bedroom, I wanted to sleep on the couch in the living room. I had some childhood illness and wanted to be downstairs, closer to my dad. I just felt safer there. My dad took care of me whenever I was sick, patiently bringing drinks of water, rubbing my back or feet, or doing whatever else he could to help me get well. I remember looking across the living room and into the dining room where my dad sat at his desk, working. Even though I felt sick, before long I was sound asleep, secure in the knowledge that my father was close by, awake and watching over me. Oh, to have that childlike trust in my Heavenly Father today! Instead of tossing and turning, fretting through the night hours about things I can't control, I want to call to mind the image of that night and reach out in faith to the One who does not slumber nor sleep. God is always awake, watching over me. I am safe in Him. Ps. 121: 4 "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
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In the D&C I read a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws. Governments should preserve freedom of conscience and worship and men should uphold their governments and show respect to the laws of the land. D&C 134: 1-5 "We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life. We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign. We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul. We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God watches over us and never slumbers nor sleeps. The thought that went with this, written by Jerilyn Tyner from Arlington, Washington, says: One night long ago, instead of sleeping in my upstairs bedroom, I wanted to sleep on the couch in the living room. I had some childhood illness and wanted to be downstairs, closer to my dad. I just felt safer there. My dad took care of me whenever I was sick, patiently bringing drinks of water, rubbing my back or feet, or doing whatever else he could to help me get well. I remember looking across the living room and into the dining room where my dad sat at his desk, working. Even though I felt sick, before long I was sound asleep, secure in the knowledge that my father was close by, awake and watching over me. Oh, to have that childlike trust in my Heavenly Father today! Instead of tossing and turning, fretting through the night hours about things I can't control, I want to call to mind the image of that night and reach out in faith to the One who does not slumber nor sleep. God is always awake, watching over me. I am safe in Him. Ps. 121: 4 "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Ester, at the peril of her life, decided to go in unto the king to plead for her people. She asked everyone to fast for her. Esth. 4: 11, 15-16 "All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
In the D&C it says that if we repent and sancitify ourselves before the Lord, we'll have eternal life. But if we refuse to listen to the voice of the Lord, we'll be cut off. D&C 133: 62-63 "And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life. And upon them that hearken not to the voice of the Lord shall be fulfilled that which was written by the prophet Moses, that they should be cut off from among the people."
A verse with a thought booklet pointed out something that I hadn't noticed previously when I've read this verse--that it was Jesus usual custom to attend the synagogue every Sabbath day. This is just one more area where Jesus was our example, in regularly attending church servies every week. Luke 4: 16 "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read."
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In the D&C it says that if we repent and sancitify ourselves before the Lord, we'll have eternal life. But if we refuse to listen to the voice of the Lord, we'll be cut off. D&C 133: 62-63 "And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life. And upon them that hearken not to the voice of the Lord shall be fulfilled that which was written by the prophet Moses, that they should be cut off from among the people."
A verse with a thought booklet pointed out something that I hadn't noticed previously when I've read this verse--that it was Jesus usual custom to attend the synagogue every Sabbath day. This is just one more area where Jesus was our example, in regularly attending church servies every week. Luke 4: 16 "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read."
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Monday, December 21, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that when the Jews found out about the king's decree to have they all destroyed, they mourned and fasted. You can imagine how distressed they would feel when receiving this terrible news. Esth. 4: 3 "And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes."
In the D&C we read about how the dead will be resurrected and the righteous will be made partakers of glory and will sing the song of the Lamb day and night. For this cause the Lord sent forth the fulness of the gospel and His everlasting covenant in plainness and simplicity. D&C 133: 56-57 "And the graves of the saints shall be opened; and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount Zion, and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem; and they shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever. And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity—"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that love is patient, humble, and kind. Is this the way we act with people we love? Or do we sometimes treat them unkindly and are less than patient with them? This should not be. 1 Cor. 13: 4 "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity denvieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up"
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In the D&C we read about how the dead will be resurrected and the righteous will be made partakers of glory and will sing the song of the Lamb day and night. For this cause the Lord sent forth the fulness of the gospel and His everlasting covenant in plainness and simplicity. D&C 133: 56-57 "And the graves of the saints shall be opened; and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount Zion, and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem; and they shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever. And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity—"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that love is patient, humble, and kind. Is this the way we act with people we love? Or do we sometimes treat them unkindly and are less than patient with them? This should not be. 1 Cor. 13: 4 "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity denvieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up"
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Sunday, December 20, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Haman arranged a decree to kill all the Jews. Esth. 3: 13-15 "And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in cone day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed."
In the D&C I read that the Lord calls upon all men to repent and prepare for the coming of the Lord, which is nigh. D&C 133: 16-17 "Hearken and hear, O ye inhabitants of the earth. Listen , ye elders of my church together, and hear the voice of the Lord; for he calleth upon all men, and he commandeth all men everywhere to repent. For behold, the Lord God hath sent forth the angel crying through the midst of heaven, saying: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight, for the hour of his coming is nigh—"
Some scriptures from a thought booklet tell us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Sometimes we may forget this, especially when we've distanced ourselves from God or feel unworthy of his love because of our own sins. But no matter what we've done, God still loves us and beckons us back to Him with open arms, if we'll only come unto Him. If we'll humble ourselves and repent, He'll forgive us. Jesus Christ loved us so much He suffered for our sins. We need never doubt the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Rom. 8: 35, 38-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In the D&C I read that the Lord calls upon all men to repent and prepare for the coming of the Lord, which is nigh. D&C 133: 16-17 "Hearken and hear, O ye inhabitants of the earth. Listen , ye elders of my church together, and hear the voice of the Lord; for he calleth upon all men, and he commandeth all men everywhere to repent. For behold, the Lord God hath sent forth the angel crying through the midst of heaven, saying: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight, for the hour of his coming is nigh—"
Some scriptures from a thought booklet tell us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Sometimes we may forget this, especially when we've distanced ourselves from God or feel unworthy of his love because of our own sins. But no matter what we've done, God still loves us and beckons us back to Him with open arms, if we'll only come unto Him. If we'll humble ourselves and repent, He'll forgive us. Jesus Christ loved us so much He suffered for our sins. We need never doubt the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Rom. 8: 35, 38-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Mordecai, a Jew, refused to do obeisance to Haman which greatly angered him. After that he sought to destroy all the Jews throughout the kingdom. Esth. 3: 2-6 "And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai."
In the D&C we're told to prepare for the coming of the Lord. We need to go out from Babylon, sanctify ourselves, and be clean. D&C 133: 1-5 "Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord concerning you— The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you. For he shall make bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of their God. Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been commanded to tarry. Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth. What do we care more about--treasures in heaven or wordly things that money can buy? What's more important to us--to be able to live in luxury or be able to help our fellowmen? Do we really put the Lord first in our lives? Col. 3: 2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
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In the D&C we're told to prepare for the coming of the Lord. We need to go out from Babylon, sanctify ourselves, and be clean. D&C 133: 1-5 "Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord concerning you— The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you. For he shall make bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of their God. Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been commanded to tarry. Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth. What do we care more about--treasures in heaven or wordly things that money can buy? What's more important to us--to be able to live in luxury or be able to help our fellowmen? Do we really put the Lord first in our lives? Col. 3: 2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
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Friday, December 18, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the king loved Esther above all the other women and made her queen instead of Vashti. Esth. 2: 16-17 "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."
In the D&C I read that eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent, and to receive the law which they have given. D&C 132:24 "This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that we can do all thing through Christ, who strengthens us. When we have a daunting task before us that feels like more than we can handle, we need to turn it over to the Lord and allow Him to guide and direct us on how to proceed. With His help, we can do anything that He asks us to do. He'll give us the strength that we need. Philip. 4: 13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
In the D&C I read that eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent, and to receive the law which they have given. D&C 132:24 "This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that we can do all thing through Christ, who strengthens us. When we have a daunting task before us that feels like more than we can handle, we need to turn it over to the Lord and allow Him to guide and direct us on how to proceed. With His help, we can do anything that He asks us to do. He'll give us the strength that we need. Philip. 4: 13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the kind sought out a new queen to replace Vashti. Esther was among many maidens gathered together at the palace. The keeper of women was pleased with her and offered her kindness. Esth. 2: 3-4, 8-9 "And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women."
In the D&C it says that it's impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. So we need to be diligent in gaining knowledge and understanding. D&C 131: 6 "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
Some verses with a thought booklet tells us that people have various spiritual gifts that differ from one another, but they all come from the same Spirit and are all necessary. Sometimes we're looking for some "big" calling the Lord wants us to do; when what we really need is to be sensitive to the little everyday things the Lord has planned for us. Maybe we need to give a smile or encouraging word to someone, or do a good job at our work, or be a good parent to our child. Let's look for ways we can serve and use whatever spiritual gifts the Lord has blessed us with. 1 Cor. 12: 8-11 "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
In the D&C it says that it's impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. So we need to be diligent in gaining knowledge and understanding. D&C 131: 6 "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
Some verses with a thought booklet tells us that people have various spiritual gifts that differ from one another, but they all come from the same Spirit and are all necessary. Sometimes we're looking for some "big" calling the Lord wants us to do; when what we really need is to be sensitive to the little everyday things the Lord has planned for us. Maybe we need to give a smile or encouraging word to someone, or do a good job at our work, or be a good parent to our child. Let's look for ways we can serve and use whatever spiritual gifts the Lord has blessed us with. 1 Cor. 12: 8-11 "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how made a royal feast and sent for Queen Vashti to come, but she refused, which made him very angry. Esth. 1: 5, 10-12 "And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the agarden of the king's palace; On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, aHarbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,1 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him."
In the D&C I read that whatever knowledge we obtain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection. So if we are diligent in obtaining knowledge, we'll have so much the advantage in the life to come. When we obey the commandments, we are blessed. D&C 130: 18-21 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord can cause us to increase and abound in love for one another. If we're having difficulty in feeiing love for someone, we can turn to the Lord for help. 1 Thes. 3: 12 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:"
In the D&C I read that whatever knowledge we obtain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection. So if we are diligent in obtaining knowledge, we'll have so much the advantage in the life to come. When we obey the commandments, we are blessed. D&C 130: 18-21 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord can cause us to increase and abound in love for one another. If we're having difficulty in feeiing love for someone, we can turn to the Lord for help. 1 Thes. 3: 12 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:"
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read a recounting of many historical events that occured among the Israelites, all the wonderful things that the Lord had done for them. First it talks about the creation, then makes references to the Abrahmic covenants, then theExodus from Egypt, the pillar of fire and smoke, giving of the Law, and the giving of manna and water coming from a rock. And after all this, it refers to the rebelliousness of the Israelites and their breaking the commandments, including the golden calf incident. After all the Lord had done for the people, why would they turn from Him in this manner? Yet in all this, when they forsook the Lord, He lead them through the wilderness and sustained them with manna and water and made sure they lacked nothing. How merciful and longsuffering the Lord is toward His children. Neh. 9: 6-21 "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous: And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day. And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go. Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:5 And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them. But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. Yea, when they had made them a molten bcalf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go. Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not."
In the D&C we read that the mountains shall shout for joy and the rivers flow with gladness. What a wonderful description of all of God's creation praising and giving glory to God. D&C 128: 23 "Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jonah prayed to the Lord from inside the belly of the fish, and the Lord heard his cries. No one else could have heard Jonah, nor helped him in his distressing circumstances. But God did. When we're suffering great trials and tribulations, even in situations where no one else can come to our aid, we can always turn to the Lord. Jonah 2: 1-2 "Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice."
In the D&C we read that the mountains shall shout for joy and the rivers flow with gladness. What a wonderful description of all of God's creation praising and giving glory to God. D&C 128: 23 "Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jonah prayed to the Lord from inside the belly of the fish, and the Lord heard his cries. No one else could have heard Jonah, nor helped him in his distressing circumstances. But God did. When we're suffering great trials and tribulations, even in situations where no one else can come to our aid, we can always turn to the Lord. Jonah 2: 1-2 "Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice."
Monday, December 14, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the Jews proceeded with their work of rebuilding in spite of opposition by their enemeis. Half of them worked on the rebuilding project while half of them stood guard with weapons to keep the enemies from hindering the work. The work went forward in spite of their enemies because God was fighting for them. Neh. 4: 15-21 "And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us. So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared."
In the D&C, baptism for the dead is discussed, with quotes from the Bible helping us understand that our dead ancestors who did not have an opportunity to be baptized during their lifetimes, need us to perform this necessary ordinance for them. And likewise we cannot be made perfect without being willing to provide this service for our progenitors. The people from the different generations need each other. D&C 128: 16-18 "And now, in relation to the baptism for the dead, I will give you another quotation of Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:29: Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? And again, in connection with this quotation I will give you a quotation from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the priesthood, the glories to be revealed in the last days, and in an especial manner this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel, namely, the baptism for the dead; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th and 6th: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that he who is faithful in little things will also be faithful in larger things; and likewise he who cannot be trusted in small things also cannot be trusted in larger things. Let's remember this when we're tempted with "little sins" that don't seem to matter very much. Do we tell "little white" lies? If the clerk gives us a small amount of too much change, do we figure it's not worth the trouble to give it back? When we feel the spirit prompting us to give some small act of service, do we ignore it because it's not much anyway? When we're called to be a nursery helper instead of the primary president, do we turn down the calling because it's not important enough? Do we cheat "just a little" on our income taxes? Do we put "just a couple of nickels" in the slot machine? Do we just "occasionally" watch movies that are not appropriate? Let's be faithful in the small things and the larger things will take care of themselves. Luke 16: 10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
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In the D&C, baptism for the dead is discussed, with quotes from the Bible helping us understand that our dead ancestors who did not have an opportunity to be baptized during their lifetimes, need us to perform this necessary ordinance for them. And likewise we cannot be made perfect without being willing to provide this service for our progenitors. The people from the different generations need each other. D&C 128: 16-18 "And now, in relation to the baptism for the dead, I will give you another quotation of Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:29: Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? And again, in connection with this quotation I will give you a quotation from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the priesthood, the glories to be revealed in the last days, and in an especial manner this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel, namely, the baptism for the dead; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th and 6th: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that he who is faithful in little things will also be faithful in larger things; and likewise he who cannot be trusted in small things also cannot be trusted in larger things. Let's remember this when we're tempted with "little sins" that don't seem to matter very much. Do we tell "little white" lies? If the clerk gives us a small amount of too much change, do we figure it's not worth the trouble to give it back? When we feel the spirit prompting us to give some small act of service, do we ignore it because it's not much anyway? When we're called to be a nursery helper instead of the primary president, do we turn down the calling because it's not important enough? Do we cheat "just a little" on our income taxes? Do we put "just a couple of nickels" in the slot machine? Do we just "occasionally" watch movies that are not appropriate? Let's be faithful in the small things and the larger things will take care of themselves. Luke 16: 10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that enemies mocked the Jews who were trying to rebuild Jerusalem and tried to prevent them from doing so. However, the Jews prayed unto God and set a watch by day and night to guard against their enemies destroying their work. Neh. 4: 1, 7-9 "But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them."
In the D&C we're told to continue on with temple work with all diligence and perserverance. We should redouble our efforts with all patience. If we're persecuted, we need to remember that prophets and righteous men were persecuted before us, but there is a reward in heaven. D&C 127: 4 "And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence , and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that if we have faith, through the power of the Holy Ghost, we'll be filled with joy, peace, and hope. What a wonderful promise! Rom. 15: 13 "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
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In the D&C we're told to continue on with temple work with all diligence and perserverance. We should redouble our efforts with all patience. If we're persecuted, we need to remember that prophets and righteous men were persecuted before us, but there is a reward in heaven. D&C 127: 4 "And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence , and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that if we have faith, through the power of the Holy Ghost, we'll be filled with joy, peace, and hope. What a wonderful promise! Rom. 15: 13 "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about Jerusalem lying in waste and Nehemiah encouraging the rebuilding of it, saying God would help them. However, others laughted them to scorn. Neh. 2: 17-20 "Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem."
In the D&C Almon Babbit was warned that the Lord was not well pleased with him because he had established his own counsel instead of abiding by the counsel of the President of the Church. If we set aside the counsel of the prophet, thinking we know better than he does, we too can know that the Lord is not pleased with us. D&C 124: 84 "And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are many things with which I am not pleased; behold, he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the counsel which I have ordained, even that of the Presidency of my Church; and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we should be unified and full of compassion toward one another. We should treat each other with respect. If we want to love life and have good days, we need to refrain from speaking evil of others. When people do evil toward us, we should not return evil, but rather blessing. By doing so, we will be blessed. 1 Pet. 3: 8-10 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:"
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In the D&C Almon Babbit was warned that the Lord was not well pleased with him because he had established his own counsel instead of abiding by the counsel of the President of the Church. If we set aside the counsel of the prophet, thinking we know better than he does, we too can know that the Lord is not pleased with us. D&C 124: 84 "And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are many things with which I am not pleased; behold, he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the counsel which I have ordained, even that of the Presidency of my Church; and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we should be unified and full of compassion toward one another. We should treat each other with respect. If we want to love life and have good days, we need to refrain from speaking evil of others. When people do evil toward us, we should not return evil, but rather blessing. By doing so, we will be blessed. 1 Pet. 3: 8-10 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:"
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Friday, December 11, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read the words of Nehemiah who fasted and prayed for the Jews at Jerusalem, mourning for them and realizing that they had sinned and needed to repent. Neh. 1: 4-11 "And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned. We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer."
In the D&C it says that those who were slain in Missouri who were pure in heart will be saved. Indeed, all the righteous throughout the ages who were persecuted and killed will receive salvation in the life to come. D&C 124: 54 "For I am the Lord your God, and will save all those of your brethren who have been pure in heart, and have been slain in the land of Missouri, saith the Lord."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when our faith is tried, it helps us develop patience. When we go through trials that put our faith to the test, these can actually strengthen us and help us to grow and become better people. James 1: 3 "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
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In the D&C it says that those who were slain in Missouri who were pure in heart will be saved. Indeed, all the righteous throughout the ages who were persecuted and killed will receive salvation in the life to come. D&C 124: 54 "For I am the Lord your God, and will save all those of your brethren who have been pure in heart, and have been slain in the land of Missouri, saith the Lord."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when our faith is tried, it helps us develop patience. When we go through trials that put our faith to the test, these can actually strengthen us and help us to grow and become better people. James 1: 3 "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Ezra could not ask the king for an army guard to protect him because he'd alredy told the king that the power of the Lord would be upon all those who sought Him. He wanted to glorify the Lord and knew that if he became a prey to enemies, the religion he professed would look false and weak and vain. He had more anxiety for the glory of God than he did for his own safety. So since he couldn't ask the king's armies to help defend him, after representing his God to be all powerful and capable of saving him, he fasted and prayed and asked God to save him. And indeed, God delvered him from his enemies who lay in wait by the way. Ezra 8: 21-23, 31 "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and esought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way."
In the D&C I read that if we do our best to do what the Lord tells us to do but are hindered from accomplishing it because of the wickedness of others, the Lord will accept of our offerings. D&C 124: 49 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell that people would fall away from the true gospel--they would believe fables rather than believe the truth and not endure sound docrtine. We can be very thankful for the restoration of the gospel so that we can know the same truths that were given in Jesus' day. 2 Tim. 4: 3-4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
In the D&C I read that if we do our best to do what the Lord tells us to do but are hindered from accomplishing it because of the wickedness of others, the Lord will accept of our offerings. D&C 124: 49 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell that people would fall away from the true gospel--they would believe fables rather than believe the truth and not endure sound docrtine. We can be very thankful for the restoration of the gospel so that we can know the same truths that were given in Jesus' day. 2 Tim. 4: 3-4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the House of the Lord was finished and dedicated and the people rejoiced. Priests were set up and offerings given. Ezra 6: 15-18 "And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy, And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses."
In the D&C we read that no matter what terrible perils come upon us, we can know that these things will give us experience and be for our good. Sometimes it's hard to understand why we are going through the trials that we suffer, but we need to trust in the Lord and realize that there is a reason in His eternal perspective and that in the long run, all these things will be for our best good. Sometimes we need to go through difficult times in order to be strengthened and to become the people we are meant to be. D&C 122: 7-8 "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep ; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us about how Jesus loved the little children and blessed them and said that if we don't receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, we won't be able to enter therein. We need to be humble and teachable, as little children. Mark 10: 13-16 "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."
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In the D&C we read that no matter what terrible perils come upon us, we can know that these things will give us experience and be for our good. Sometimes it's hard to understand why we are going through the trials that we suffer, but we need to trust in the Lord and realize that there is a reason in His eternal perspective and that in the long run, all these things will be for our best good. Sometimes we need to go through difficult times in order to be strengthened and to become the people we are meant to be. D&C 122: 7-8 "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep ; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us about how Jesus loved the little children and blessed them and said that if we don't receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, we won't be able to enter therein. We need to be humble and teachable, as little children. Mark 10: 13-16 "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the temple was being rebuilt after it had been destroyed due to the wickedness of the people. Nebuchadnezzar had carried away the gold and silver vessels from the house of the Lord and taken them to the temple in Babylon, but now these things were being brought back to Jerusalem for the new house of the Lord. King Cyrus made a decree to make this possible. Why would he do that? It was because he had read prophecies about himself (See Isaiah 44:28, 45:1) and knew that he had to fulfill these prophecies. Can you imagine what it would be like to be reading the scriptures and suddenly see your own name and see that a prophet had prophesied that you were going to do a remarkable thing for someone? Think what your feelings would be. Ezra 5: 8-15 "Be it known unto the king , that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands. Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up. But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place."
In the D&C we read a description of how holders of the priesthood should honor their priesthood and conduct themselves in regard to it. If they are not righteous, are prideful, or exercise unrighteous dominion, the heavens will withdraw themselves, and amen to the priesthood of that man. Instead they need to be kind, gentle, meek, long-suffering, and show forth love unfeigned. They need to let virtue garnish their thoughts unceasingly and have the Holy Ghost as their constant companion. D&C 121: 34-46 "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson— That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen. No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile— Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."
Some verses with a thought booklet point out the need for apostles and prophets, teachers and pastors, saying they help perfect the saints and edify the body of Christ. And how long will they be needed? Until we all come to a unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man. Sounds like something we're all still working on. Eph. 4: 11-13 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
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In the D&C we read a description of how holders of the priesthood should honor their priesthood and conduct themselves in regard to it. If they are not righteous, are prideful, or exercise unrighteous dominion, the heavens will withdraw themselves, and amen to the priesthood of that man. Instead they need to be kind, gentle, meek, long-suffering, and show forth love unfeigned. They need to let virtue garnish their thoughts unceasingly and have the Holy Ghost as their constant companion. D&C 121: 34-46 "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson— That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen. No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile— Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."
Some verses with a thought booklet point out the need for apostles and prophets, teachers and pastors, saying they help perfect the saints and edify the body of Christ. And how long will they be needed? Until we all come to a unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man. Sounds like something we're all still working on. Eph. 4: 11-13 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
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Monday, December 7, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that when the foundation for the temple was laid, there was great rejoicing among the people, praising and giving thanks to God. When new temples are announced and built, how apt are we to give thanks and praise to God? Shouldn't we likewise show our graditude, rather than just take all these new temples for granted? Ezra 3: 10-11 "And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid."
In the D&C I read some oft quoted verses that remind us that our adversities and afflictions are but a small moment and if we endure they well, we'll be exalted on high. Think of what Job endured--our problems seem small in comparison. D&C 121: 7-10 "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands. Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that there is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season. When spring brings forth its beautiful flowers and autumn brings forth its red, orange and yellow leaves, we can enjoy the wonder of the beautiful world the Lord has created. But we need to appreciate these things because they don't last long as the next season rolls along. We need to take time to savor each season as it comes. So it is with the seasons of our lives. We need to enjoy and appreciate whatever season our lives are in and be grateful for all the Lord has given us. Eccl. 3: 1-8 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
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In the D&C I read some oft quoted verses that remind us that our adversities and afflictions are but a small moment and if we endure they well, we'll be exalted on high. Think of what Job endured--our problems seem small in comparison. D&C 121: 7-10 "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands. Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that there is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season. When spring brings forth its beautiful flowers and autumn brings forth its red, orange and yellow leaves, we can enjoy the wonder of the beautiful world the Lord has created. But we need to appreciate these things because they don't last long as the next season rolls along. We need to take time to savor each season as it comes. So it is with the seasons of our lives. We need to enjoy and appreciate whatever season our lives are in and be grateful for all the Lord has given us. Eccl. 3: 1-8 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
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Sunday, December 6, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia to build up a house of the Lord in Jerusalem. He returned the vessels of the house of the Lord taken by Nebuchadnezzar. Ezra 1: 1-7 "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem. And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered. Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;"
In the D&C we're told to pay one tenth of our income as tithing. This should be a standing law to us forever. D&C 119: 4 "And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we not only need to hear the word of God, but we need to do what it says to do. If we do this, we're building our house on a firm fundation where the storms of life will not be able to destroy us. Matt. 7: 21, 24-27 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:7 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
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In the D&C we're told to pay one tenth of our income as tithing. This should be a standing law to us forever. D&C 119: 4 "And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we not only need to hear the word of God, but we need to do what it says to do. If we do this, we're building our house on a firm fundation where the storms of life will not be able to destroy us. Matt. 7: 21, 24-27 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:7 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
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Saturday, December 5, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the people transgressed the law and polluted the House of the Lord. They committed just as many abominations as the heathens did. The Lord sent messengers to call them to repentance, but they refused to listen to them--mocking and misusing them. They were so wicked that the wrath of the Lord came out against them and they were killed or carried away into Babylon where they became servants. 2 Chr. 36: 14-21 "Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy. Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand. And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon. And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: To fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years."
A wonderful verse in the D&C admonishes us to be humble and allow the Lord to lead us by the hand. If we do this, we'll be given answers to our prayers. D&C 112: 10 "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us to pray for one another because the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Sometimes we may feel helpless to aid someone who is going through trials or tribulations. We feel like there is nothing we can do. But there is something we can do--we can pray for that person! Prayer is powerful and effective and can indeed make a huge difference. James 5: 16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
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A wonderful verse in the D&C admonishes us to be humble and allow the Lord to lead us by the hand. If we do this, we'll be given answers to our prayers. D&C 112: 10 "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us to pray for one another because the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Sometimes we may feel helpless to aid someone who is going through trials or tribulations. We feel like there is nothing we can do. But there is something we can do--we can pray for that person! Prayer is powerful and effective and can indeed make a huge difference. James 5: 16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
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Friday, December 4, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the next king was Josiah who began to reign when he was only 8 year old. However, unlike previous kings, he was righteous and destroyed the idols and false worship out of the land. Even at a young age, he began seeking after God. 2 Chr. 34: 1-5 "Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images. And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem."
A verse in the D&C has special meaning to me because there was a time in my life, many years ago, when I was praying for something and asking the Lord, "When, WHEN, am I going to get what I'm praying for." I felt impressed to go to the scriptures and opened them up to this verse. Indeed, if I was wise and without sin, the Lord would order all things for my good as fast as I was able to receive them. I still had things I needed to do to prepare before I was ready for the blessings I was asking for. D&C 111: 11 "Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that we need to be reconciled with someone we've got unresolved problems with, or have hard feelings toward, before we can come before God and offer our gifts. Are we still angry with our spouse for something they said that hurt our feelings? Do we feel like strangling our child for the stupid thing they did? Are we upset with our neighbor, our co-worker, our friend? We need to clear up these grievances and try to make peace to the best of our ability. The Spirit can't dwell with someone who is angry, contentious, or hateful. Those kinds of things drive the Spirit away. So if we want to be close to God, we need to try to have peaceful relationships with the people in our lives. Matt. 5: 23-24 "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
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A verse in the D&C has special meaning to me because there was a time in my life, many years ago, when I was praying for something and asking the Lord, "When, WHEN, am I going to get what I'm praying for." I felt impressed to go to the scriptures and opened them up to this verse. Indeed, if I was wise and without sin, the Lord would order all things for my good as fast as I was able to receive them. I still had things I needed to do to prepare before I was ready for the blessings I was asking for. D&C 111: 11 "Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that we need to be reconciled with someone we've got unresolved problems with, or have hard feelings toward, before we can come before God and offer our gifts. Are we still angry with our spouse for something they said that hurt our feelings? Do we feel like strangling our child for the stupid thing they did? Are we upset with our neighbor, our co-worker, our friend? We need to clear up these grievances and try to make peace to the best of our ability. The Spirit can't dwell with someone who is angry, contentious, or hateful. Those kinds of things drive the Spirit away. So if we want to be close to God, we need to try to have peaceful relationships with the people in our lives. Matt. 5: 23-24 "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
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Thursday, December 3, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Manasseh died and his son Amon reigned in his stead. He was sicked and returned the people to serving idols and sacrificing to them. He was sicked like his father except that he didn't humble himself and repent like his father died, but rather sinned more and more. Eventually his servants killed him in his own house. What a sad end to an evil life. 2 Chr. 33: 20-24 "So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead. Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem. But he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord , as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them; And humbled not himself before the Lord, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more. And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house."
In the D&C we read that we can rejoice because our sins are forgiven us. What wonderful words of comfort these are--to know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can be washed clean from our sins if we'll repent. D&C 110: 5 "Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we live by the Spirit, we'll be guided by the Spirit. Gal. 5: 25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
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In the D&C we read that we can rejoice because our sins are forgiven us. What wonderful words of comfort these are--to know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can be washed clean from our sins if we'll repent. D&C 110: 5 "Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we live by the Spirit, we'll be guided by the Spirit. Gal. 5: 25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that because of Manasseh's wickedness, the Lord allowed the Assyrians to take him and bind him and carry him into Babylon. Finally, when he was suffering all these afflictions, he humbled himself and turned to the Lord, who heard his prayers and brought him again to Jerusalem. The repentant Menasseh removed the strange gods and idols and repaired the altar of the Lord where sacrifices to the God of Israel could be made. It's good that Manasseh was able to repent and change his life, but it's sad that it took afflictions and suffering to humble him. How much better had he been willing to do righteousnessly in the first place. 2 Chr. 33: 11-13, 15-16 "Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God. And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel."
In the D&C it talks about how when Christ comes again, the dead will be caught up to meet Him in a cloud and those who are pure and righteous will have crowns of glory upon their heads and reap eternal joy for all their sufferings. What a glorious day that will be! D&C 109: 75-76 "That when the trump shall sound for the dead, we shall be caught up in the cloud to meet thee, that we may ever be with the Lord; That our garments may be pure, that we may be clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads, and reap eternal joy for all our sufferings."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about not just beginning a good work, but continuing to perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. It's not enough to begin doing the right thing, we need to endure to the end. Philip. 1: 6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
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In the D&C it talks about how when Christ comes again, the dead will be caught up to meet Him in a cloud and those who are pure and righteous will have crowns of glory upon their heads and reap eternal joy for all their sufferings. What a glorious day that will be! D&C 109: 75-76 "That when the trump shall sound for the dead, we shall be caught up in the cloud to meet thee, that we may ever be with the Lord; That our garments may be pure, that we may be clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads, and reap eternal joy for all our sufferings."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about not just beginning a good work, but continuing to perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. It's not enough to begin doing the right thing, we need to endure to the end. Philip. 1: 6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the great wickedness of Manasseh and how he turned from the righteousness of his father Hezekiah. He brought back the idols and false worship that his father had destroyed and brought carved images into the House of the Lord. He made the people err and do worse than the heathens whom the Lord had helped them defeat in battle. Manasseh and his people refused to listen to the Lord. 2 Chr. 33: 1-10 "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: But did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. Also he built altars in the house of the Lord, whereof the Lord had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever: Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses. So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel. And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken."
In the D&C we read the prayer given at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, including some verses that talk about the great suffering the people had endured at the hands of wicked people who persecuted them. However, in spite of the pain caused by wicked mobs, the prayer asks for mercy for them if repentance is to be found and notes that every soul is precious in the sight of God. However, if they will not repent, justice must be served. D&C 109: 43-44, 48-51 "O Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our fellow men; their souls are precious before thee; But thy word must be fulfilled. Help thy servants to say, with thy grace assisting them: Thy will be done, O Lord, and not ours. Thou knowest, O Lord, that they have been greatly oppressed and afflicted by wicked men; and our hearts flow out with sorrow because of their grievous burdens. O Lord, how long wilt thou suffer this people to bear this affliction, and the cries of their innocent ones to ascend up in thine ears, and their blood come up in testimony before thee, and not make a display of thy testimony in their behalf? Have amercy , O Lord, upon the wicked mob, who have driven thy people, that they may cease to spoil, that they may repent of their sins if repentance is to be found; But if they will not, make bare thine arm, O Lord, and redeem that which thou didst appoint a Zion unto thy people."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we know to do good and don't do it, it's a sin. So if we have knowledge of something we should be doing or something good that is within our power to do, we'd better do it! James 4: 17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
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In the D&C we read the prayer given at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, including some verses that talk about the great suffering the people had endured at the hands of wicked people who persecuted them. However, in spite of the pain caused by wicked mobs, the prayer asks for mercy for them if repentance is to be found and notes that every soul is precious in the sight of God. However, if they will not repent, justice must be served. D&C 109: 43-44, 48-51 "O Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our fellow men; their souls are precious before thee; But thy word must be fulfilled. Help thy servants to say, with thy grace assisting them: Thy will be done, O Lord, and not ours. Thou knowest, O Lord, that they have been greatly oppressed and afflicted by wicked men; and our hearts flow out with sorrow because of their grievous burdens. O Lord, how long wilt thou suffer this people to bear this affliction, and the cries of their innocent ones to ascend up in thine ears, and their blood come up in testimony before thee, and not make a display of thy testimony in their behalf? Have amercy , O Lord, upon the wicked mob, who have driven thy people, that they may cease to spoil, that they may repent of their sins if repentance is to be found; But if they will not, make bare thine arm, O Lord, and redeem that which thou didst appoint a Zion unto thy people."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we know to do good and don't do it, it's a sin. So if we have knowledge of something we should be doing or something good that is within our power to do, we'd better do it! James 4: 17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
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