In the Old Testament I read that if the law of God is in our hearts, our steps will not slide. Ps. 37: 31 " The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi desired to know the interpretation of his father's vision of the tree of life and is shown great things that would come to pass, including the birth, ministry and death of the Savior, and was told that the tree in his father's dream represented the love of God and the iron rod represented the word of God. He was shown and taught many wonderful things. 1 Ne. 11: 10-36 "And he said unto me: What desirest thou? And I said unto him: To know the interpretation thereof—for I spake unto him as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another. And it came to pass that he said unto me: Look! And I looked as if to look upon him, and I saw him not; for he had gone from before my presence. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white. And it came to pass that I saw the aheavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou? And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins. And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God? And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul. And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him. And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God. And the angel said unto me again: Look and behold the condescension of God! And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove. And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him; and I beheld that they cast him out from among them. And I also beheld atwelve others following him. And it came to pass that they were carried away in the Spirit from before my face, and I saw them not. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men; and they did minister unto them. And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. And after he was slain I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb; for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord. And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious abuilding , like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell , and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to not allow evil to conquer us, but to overcome evil with good. Rom. 12: 21 "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
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
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that we need to keep our tongue from speaking guile and evil and we need to depart from evil. We need to do good and pursue peace. Ps. 34: 13-14 "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
In the Book of Mormon I read that if we diligently seek, we will find, and the mysteries of God will be opened up to us by the power of the Holy Ghost. God is always the same, and just as He revealed Himself in days of old, He will reveal Himself to us today. 1 Ne. 10: 19 "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we will not receive what we ask for if we ask amiss. If we atune ourselves to God we won't ask for things that aren't expedient for us, and God will grant our requests that we make in prayer. Instead of wanting what WE want, we need to want what God wants for us. James 4: 1 "rom whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?"
In the Book of Mormon I read that if we diligently seek, we will find, and the mysteries of God will be opened up to us by the power of the Holy Ghost. God is always the same, and just as He revealed Himself in days of old, He will reveal Himself to us today. 1 Ne. 10: 19 "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we will not receive what we ask for if we ask amiss. If we atune ourselves to God we won't ask for things that aren't expedient for us, and God will grant our requests that we make in prayer. Instead of wanting what WE want, we need to want what God wants for us. James 4: 1 "rom whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?"
Friday, January 29, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that if we seek the Lord, He will hear us and deliver us fromall our fears. The Lord is good and will bless those who trust in Him. Ps. 34: 4, 8 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
In the Book of Mormon I read Lehi's prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, the Savior of the world who would redeem mankind. 1 Ne. 10: 4-6 "Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world. And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things, concerning this Messiah, of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world. Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the loaves and fishes. There was not anywhere near sufficient food to feed the multitude, but they gave what they had--had loaves and two fish--and the Lord multipled it so that it was more than enough. If we give all we have, even though it's not nearly enough, the Lord will multiply our efforts to make them sufficient and then some. We need to trust in the Lord. Matt. 14: 13-21 "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."
In the Book of Mormon I read Lehi's prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, the Savior of the world who would redeem mankind. 1 Ne. 10: 4-6 "Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world. And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things, concerning this Messiah, of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world. Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the loaves and fishes. There was not anywhere near sufficient food to feed the multitude, but they gave what they had--had loaves and two fish--and the Lord multipled it so that it was more than enough. If we give all we have, even though it's not nearly enough, the Lord will multiply our efforts to make them sufficient and then some. We need to trust in the Lord. Matt. 14: 13-21 "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord will forgive our transgressions and cover our sins if we acknowledge our sins to Him and don't try to hide them. Ps. 32: 1-2, 5 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah."
In the Book of Mormon I read about Lehi's vision of the tree of life and how the way to obtain the fruit was to hold fast to the iron rod and press forward, being able to get through the mists of darkness without losing your way. The iron rod is the Word of God and if we cling tightly to it, we will be able to avoid getting lost on the path to eternal life. 1 Ne. 8: 19-30 "And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood. And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world. And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood. And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree. And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost. And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree. And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed. And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth. And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father. But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree."
Some verses with a thought booklet teach us that God is love and we cannot claim to know God unless we love other people, as He has loved us. 1 Jn. 4: 7-8, 11 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."
In the Book of Mormon I read about Lehi's vision of the tree of life and how the way to obtain the fruit was to hold fast to the iron rod and press forward, being able to get through the mists of darkness without losing your way. The iron rod is the Word of God and if we cling tightly to it, we will be able to avoid getting lost on the path to eternal life. 1 Ne. 8: 19-30 "And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood. And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world. And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood. And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree. And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost. And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree. And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed. And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth. And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father. But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree."
Some verses with a thought booklet teach us that God is love and we cannot claim to know God unless we love other people, as He has loved us. 1 Jn. 4: 7-8, 11 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we're told that the Lord hears our prayers and will strengthen those who trust in Him. We can receive the help we need and our hearts can rejoice as we praise the Lord. Ps. 28: 6-8 "Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed."
A verse in the Book of Mormon tells us that once Zoram had made an oath to Nephi, their fears ceased concerning him. Are we people of integrity to the point that once we promise something, other people's fears can cease concerning us? Once we give our word, we should be able to be counted on to keep it. 1 Ne. 4: 37 "And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that us that no matter what we go through in life, God will be there with us and help us get through it. The thought that went with this, written by Lynn Karidis from Farmington Hills, Michigan says: The sound of the collision broke the morning air. Though it happened in an instant, it felt like I was in slow motion as my car spun around and almost rolled over. After it stopped, I sat stunned. I wondered why I couldn't move and why no one came to help me. The next ten minutes seemed like hours as I sat alone, waiting for the paramedics, while the rush hour traffic swirled around me. It was then that I began to sense the presence of God. Through the car door was open to the cold outside, I felt warmth all arund me. In my time of need, God was there. I learned a valuable lesson that day: While God doesn't always spare us the hurt that comes through the actions of others, God is there with us in the midst of the trial. When there is no human comfort available, God is there to comfort us. Despite the totaled car and fractured ribs, God's presence was palpable. I know now that I need not fear what life brings because God is there to face it with me. Isa. 43: 2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
A verse in the Book of Mormon tells us that once Zoram had made an oath to Nephi, their fears ceased concerning him. Are we people of integrity to the point that once we promise something, other people's fears can cease concerning us? Once we give our word, we should be able to be counted on to keep it. 1 Ne. 4: 37 "And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that us that no matter what we go through in life, God will be there with us and help us get through it. The thought that went with this, written by Lynn Karidis from Farmington Hills, Michigan says: The sound of the collision broke the morning air. Though it happened in an instant, it felt like I was in slow motion as my car spun around and almost rolled over. After it stopped, I sat stunned. I wondered why I couldn't move and why no one came to help me. The next ten minutes seemed like hours as I sat alone, waiting for the paramedics, while the rush hour traffic swirled around me. It was then that I began to sense the presence of God. Through the car door was open to the cold outside, I felt warmth all arund me. In my time of need, God was there. I learned a valuable lesson that day: While God doesn't always spare us the hurt that comes through the actions of others, God is there with us in the midst of the trial. When there is no human comfort available, God is there to comfort us. Despite the totaled car and fractured ribs, God's presence was palpable. I know now that I need not fear what life brings because God is there to face it with me. Isa. 43: 2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we're told to wait on the Lord and be of good courage, for He will strengthen us. When we're going through trials we need to have patience in waiting for the Lord to help us through whatever we're going through--He'll give us the strength that we need. Ps. 27: 14 "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's words of encouragement to his brothers when they were not having success at obtaining the plates from Laban. He reminded them of how Moses was able to part the Red Sea and be delivered from the Egyptians, so why would they doubt that the Lord could help them? When we're faced with problems in our lives, we likewise can rely on the Lord to help us. 1 Ne. 4: 1-3 "And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands? Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea. Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us not to judge others. Sometimes we clearly see the small faults of others while ignoring much learger faults in ourselves. We use a magnifying glass to find each thing wrong with our neighbor, but put blinders on when it comes to things that are wrong about ourselves. This should not be! We'll be judged by God by the same measure of judgment that we mete out to others. Luke 6: 41 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's words of encouragement to his brothers when they were not having success at obtaining the plates from Laban. He reminded them of how Moses was able to part the Red Sea and be delivered from the Egyptians, so why would they doubt that the Lord could help them? When we're faced with problems in our lives, we likewise can rely on the Lord to help us. 1 Ne. 4: 1-3 "And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands? Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea. Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us not to judge others. Sometimes we clearly see the small faults of others while ignoring much learger faults in ourselves. We use a magnifying glass to find each thing wrong with our neighbor, but put blinders on when it comes to things that are wrong about ourselves. This should not be! We'll be judged by God by the same measure of judgment that we mete out to others. Luke 6: 41 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we're told to wait on the Lord and be of good courage, for He will strengthen us. When we're going through trials we need to have patience in waiting for the Lord to help us through whatever we're going through--He'll give us the strength that we need. Ps. 27: 14 "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's words of encouragement to his brothers when they were not having success at obtaining the plates from Laban. He reminded them of how Moses was able to part the Red Sea and be delivered from the Egyptians, so why would they doubt that the Lord could help them? When we're faced with problems in our lives, we likewise can rely on the Lord to help us. 1 Ne. 4: 1-3 "And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands? Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea. Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us not to judge others. Sometimes we clearly see the small faults of others while ignoring much learger faults in ourselves. We use a magnifying glass to find each thing wrong with our neighbor, but put blinders on when it comes to things that are wrong about ourselves. This should not be! We'll be judged by God by the same measure of judgment that we mete out to others. Luke 6: 41 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's words of encouragement to his brothers when they were not having success at obtaining the plates from Laban. He reminded them of how Moses was able to part the Red Sea and be delivered from the Egyptians, so why would they doubt that the Lord could help them? When we're faced with problems in our lives, we likewise can rely on the Lord to help us. 1 Ne. 4: 1-3 "And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands? Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea. Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us not to judge others. Sometimes we clearly see the small faults of others while ignoring much learger faults in ourselves. We use a magnifying glass to find each thing wrong with our neighbor, but put blinders on when it comes to things that are wrong about ourselves. This should not be! We'll be judged by God by the same measure of judgment that we mete out to others. Luke 6: 41 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
Monday, January 25, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read David's words that the Lord is his light and his strength and he has no need to fear. Though wicked enemies seek to destroy him, he has confidence in the Lord is does not need to be afraid. Ps. 27: 1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident."
In the Book of Mormon I read a familiar verse that tells that that the Lord doesn't give us any commandments save He prepares the way for us to keep those commandments. 1 Ne. 3: 7 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God doesn't listen to sinners, but He'll hear the prayers of those who do His will. If we want our prayers answered, we need to keep the commandments and obey the Lord. John 9: 31 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Book of Mormon I read a familiar verse that tells that that the Lord doesn't give us any commandments save He prepares the way for us to keep those commandments. 1 Ne. 3: 7 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God doesn't listen to sinners, but He'll hear the prayers of those who do His will. If we want our prayers answered, we need to keep the commandments and obey the Lord. John 9: 31 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament David says the troubles of his heart are many and asks the Lord to bring him out of his distresses and look upon his pain and affliction, having mercy on him and forgiving him for all his sins. Ps. 25: 16-18 "Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Lehi's oldest sons, Laman and Lemuel were stiffnecked and murmured against the Lord, refusing to believe the prophesies of their father that Jeruselem would be destroyed and complaining that they'd had to leave it and leave all their riches behind. They did not understand the workings of the Lord. Lehi had to speak powerfully to them, filled with the Spirit, to confound them so they would stop uttering against him and do as he asked. 1 Ne. 2: 11-14 "Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart. And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them. Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father. And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them."
Along these same lines on the subject of murmuring, some verses with a thought booklet say that the Lord punished the wicked Israelites who murmured against Him by making them wander in the wilderness for 40 years until all the evil people had died off, before allowing them to possess the promised land. Murmuring against the Lord has serious consequences and needs to be avoided. We might think the Israelites were foolish for not trusting in the Lord after all He had done for them, but aren't we the same way at times? The Lord has done much for us. But do we sometimes doubt His promises or question why things in our lives are happening the way they are? Num. 14: 26-35 "And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness ; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Lehi's oldest sons, Laman and Lemuel were stiffnecked and murmured against the Lord, refusing to believe the prophesies of their father that Jeruselem would be destroyed and complaining that they'd had to leave it and leave all their riches behind. They did not understand the workings of the Lord. Lehi had to speak powerfully to them, filled with the Spirit, to confound them so they would stop uttering against him and do as he asked. 1 Ne. 2: 11-14 "Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart. And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them. Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father. And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them."
Along these same lines on the subject of murmuring, some verses with a thought booklet say that the Lord punished the wicked Israelites who murmured against Him by making them wander in the wilderness for 40 years until all the evil people had died off, before allowing them to possess the promised land. Murmuring against the Lord has serious consequences and needs to be avoided. We might think the Israelites were foolish for not trusting in the Lord after all He had done for them, but aren't we the same way at times? The Lord has done much for us. But do we sometimes doubt His promises or question why things in our lives are happening the way they are? Num. 14: 26-35 "And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness ; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die."
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how David asked the Lord to lead him in trugh and teach him, and remember His tender mercies and lovering kindness toward him. He asked Him not to remember the sins of his yuth, but to have mercy. Ps. 25: 5-7 "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Lehi was shown many marvelous things by the Lord, including that Jerselem would be destroyed because of the wickedness of the people. He tried to preach to the people and tell them the things he had been shown, but they mocked him and wanted to kill him, just as wicked people all down through the ages have rejected the proophets. People don't like to hear that they are wicked and need to repent. However, the Lord was merciful to Lehi and his family, commanding them to flea into the wilderness so they would be safe. Lehi did as the Lord commanded him, leaving his home and riches behind. 1 Nephi 1:18-20; 2:1-4 ".Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard. And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world. And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him. And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to honor our parents and not despise them when they get to be old. The thought that went with this, written by Lorene Clark from Bremen, Indiana, brings home this point. She says: The old man looked ever so nice in his freshly pressed suit, "spankin' clean" white shirt, and Christmas tie he had saved for a special occasion. He as sitting right beside the door when we arrived for our Sunday visit with Don's mother. We greeted the man as we entered the nursing home, and he beamed at us. It was his birthday, he explained, and his son was coming to share it with him. It had been a long time since he had seen his son, who had a very important job back east and could seldom leave his place of business. This year he had promised to come. He should be here any minute now. We left him joyfully awaiting the arrival of his beloved son. The afternoon stretched on as we visited. Down the hall we could hear the old man's repeating his good news to all who came. Everyone was happy for him; his joy was contagious. But dusk began to descend, and still there was no sign of the busy son who had such an important job. The old man was no longer joyfully sharing his good news, and a sadness had fallen upon all of us as we witnessed the old man's disappointment. Finally we could hear the nurse gently saying, "John, let me take you back to your room now. You have been sitting here all day." Barely able to hold back his tears, the old man let himself be taken back to his room. The next time we went back to visit Don's mother, the old man was no longer there. The nurse said he had died a few days after his birthday. Dear Lord, forgive us for being thoughtless, uncaring, and hurting toward others because of our selfish ways. Help us to reach out to others before it is too late. Teach us to be kind in word and deed, and help us to comfort those in need. Prov. 23: 22 "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Lehi was shown many marvelous things by the Lord, including that Jerselem would be destroyed because of the wickedness of the people. He tried to preach to the people and tell them the things he had been shown, but they mocked him and wanted to kill him, just as wicked people all down through the ages have rejected the proophets. People don't like to hear that they are wicked and need to repent. However, the Lord was merciful to Lehi and his family, commanding them to flea into the wilderness so they would be safe. Lehi did as the Lord commanded him, leaving his home and riches behind. 1 Nephi 1:18-20; 2:1-4 ".Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard. And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world. And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him. And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to honor our parents and not despise them when they get to be old. The thought that went with this, written by Lorene Clark from Bremen, Indiana, brings home this point. She says: The old man looked ever so nice in his freshly pressed suit, "spankin' clean" white shirt, and Christmas tie he had saved for a special occasion. He as sitting right beside the door when we arrived for our Sunday visit with Don's mother. We greeted the man as we entered the nursing home, and he beamed at us. It was his birthday, he explained, and his son was coming to share it with him. It had been a long time since he had seen his son, who had a very important job back east and could seldom leave his place of business. This year he had promised to come. He should be here any minute now. We left him joyfully awaiting the arrival of his beloved son. The afternoon stretched on as we visited. Down the hall we could hear the old man's repeating his good news to all who came. Everyone was happy for him; his joy was contagious. But dusk began to descend, and still there was no sign of the busy son who had such an important job. The old man was no longer joyfully sharing his good news, and a sadness had fallen upon all of us as we witnessed the old man's disappointment. Finally we could hear the nurse gently saying, "John, let me take you back to your room now. You have been sitting here all day." Barely able to hold back his tears, the old man let himself be taken back to his room. The next time we went back to visit Don's mother, the old man was no longer there. The nurse said he had died a few days after his birthday. Dear Lord, forgive us for being thoughtless, uncaring, and hurting toward others because of our selfish ways. Help us to reach out to others before it is too late. Teach us to be kind in word and deed, and help us to comfort those in need. Prov. 23: 22 "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old."
Friday, January 22, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read the 23rd Psalm which talks about the Lord being our Shepherd, leading us beside the still waters, and comforting and walking with us, even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. Ps. 23: 1-6 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read the Articles of Faith which are concise statments of what Latter-day Saints believe. I'll quote them all here. "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, gentleness, etc. So if we have the Spirit in our lives, these the the attributes we should be showing forth. Gal. 5: 22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read the Articles of Faith which are concise statments of what Latter-day Saints believe. I'll quote them all here. "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, gentleness, etc. So if we have the Spirit in our lives, these the the attributes we should be showing forth. Gal. 5: 22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read David's plea to the Lord to keep him from presumptuous sins so they would not have dominion over him and that he could be upright and innocent from great transgressions. He asked the Lord to help keep his words and the things he meditated upon in his heart acceptable in the sight of the Lord, who was his strength and his redeemer. Do we pray to the Lord to give us strength in the face of temptation? Do we ask for help in resisting evil and keeping our minds and our words what they should be? Ps. 19: 13-14 "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read more of what Josesph Smith related and about the continued persecution that he suffered and all the false stories that circulated regarding him and his family. However, he found a friend in Martin Harris who helped him by giving him $50 when he needed it. Oftentimes the Lord will send people to help us when we're in need, and it's often through other people that our needs are met. JS-H 1: 61 "The excitement, however, still continued, and rumor with her thousand tongues was all the time employed in circulating falsehoods about my father's family, and about myself. If I were to relate a thousandth part of them, it would fill up volumes. The persecution, however, became so intolerable that I was under the necessity of leaving Manchester, and going with my wife to Susquehanna county, in the State of Pennsylvania. While preparing to start—being very poor, and the persecution so heavy upon us that there was no probability that we would ever be otherwise—in the midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a gentleman by the name of Martin Harris, who came to us and gave me fifty dollars to assist us on our journey. Mr. Harris was a resident of Palmyra township, Wayne county, in the State of New York, and a farmer of respectability."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the prayer of the righteous is a delight to the Lord. Prov. 15: 8 "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read more of what Josesph Smith related and about the continued persecution that he suffered and all the false stories that circulated regarding him and his family. However, he found a friend in Martin Harris who helped him by giving him $50 when he needed it. Oftentimes the Lord will send people to help us when we're in need, and it's often through other people that our needs are met. JS-H 1: 61 "The excitement, however, still continued, and rumor with her thousand tongues was all the time employed in circulating falsehoods about my father's family, and about myself. If I were to relate a thousandth part of them, it would fill up volumes. The persecution, however, became so intolerable that I was under the necessity of leaving Manchester, and going with my wife to Susquehanna county, in the State of Pennsylvania. While preparing to start—being very poor, and the persecution so heavy upon us that there was no probability that we would ever be otherwise—in the midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a gentleman by the name of Martin Harris, who came to us and gave me fifty dollars to assist us on our journey. Mr. Harris was a resident of Palmyra township, Wayne county, in the State of New York, and a farmer of respectability."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the prayer of the righteous is a delight to the Lord. Prov. 15: 8 "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read a verse that tells us that the Lord can enlarge our steps under us so that our feet will not slip. Picture that! Imagine God's protecting care helping us to walk along life's path and keeping us from falling--if only we'll rely on Him and trust in Him. Ps. 18: 36 "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."
In the Pearl of Great Price, in continuing to read Joseph Smith's account, I read that he continued to be persecuted for asserting that he had seen a vision. In fact, his wife's father did not approve of their marriage because of it and he had to take her away to live with his parents, where he farmed with his father for a season. JS-H 1: 58 "Owing to my continuing to assert that I had seen a vision, persecution still followed me, and my wife's father's family were very much opposed to our being married. I was, therefore, under the necessity of taking her elsewhere; so we went and were married at the house of Squire Tarbill, in South Bainbridge, Chenango county, New York. Immediately after my marriage, I left Mr. Stoal's, and went to my father's, and farmed with him that season."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God, other things will be added unto us. We need to keep our priorities straight and put God first in our lives. If we do this, other things will fall into place. God blesses us when we put Him at the top of our priority list. Matt. 6: 33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
In the Pearl of Great Price, in continuing to read Joseph Smith's account, I read that he continued to be persecuted for asserting that he had seen a vision. In fact, his wife's father did not approve of their marriage because of it and he had to take her away to live with his parents, where he farmed with his father for a season. JS-H 1: 58 "Owing to my continuing to assert that I had seen a vision, persecution still followed me, and my wife's father's family were very much opposed to our being married. I was, therefore, under the necessity of taking her elsewhere; so we went and were married at the house of Squire Tarbill, in South Bainbridge, Chenango county, New York. Immediately after my marriage, I left Mr. Stoal's, and went to my father's, and farmed with him that season."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God, other things will be added unto us. We need to keep our priorities straight and put God first in our lives. If we do this, other things will fall into place. God blesses us when we put Him at the top of our priority list. Matt. 6: 33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord will be a light to us, like a candle, and will enlighten our darkness. Ps. 18: 28 "For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read an account of the angel Moroni coming to Joseph Smith and speaking to him. He told him that God had a work for him to do and that his name would be had for good and evil among all the people of the world. What an incredible prophecy to make to an obscure young farm boy. But we can indeed see how this has come to pass. JS-H 1: 33 "He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people."
Some verses with a thought booklet recount the story of Jesus walking upon the water and Peter wanting to walk out to meet Him. At first Peter was able to head toward the Savior, as he kept his eyes focused on Him. However, then he started looking at the boistrerous waves all around him and became afraid. He started to sink. He needed to grasp the Savior's hand to save himself. When we have storms around us in our lives, if we focus on the Savior, He can help us get through them. But if we take our eyes off the Savior and look at the storms of life, we'll lose faith and sink. When we cry out to Him for help, He's ready with an outstretched hand to save us. We can trust in Him. Matt. 14: 26-33 "And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read an account of the angel Moroni coming to Joseph Smith and speaking to him. He told him that God had a work for him to do and that his name would be had for good and evil among all the people of the world. What an incredible prophecy to make to an obscure young farm boy. But we can indeed see how this has come to pass. JS-H 1: 33 "He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people."
Some verses with a thought booklet recount the story of Jesus walking upon the water and Peter wanting to walk out to meet Him. At first Peter was able to head toward the Savior, as he kept his eyes focused on Him. However, then he started looking at the boistrerous waves all around him and became afraid. He started to sink. He needed to grasp the Savior's hand to save himself. When we have storms around us in our lives, if we focus on the Savior, He can help us get through them. But if we take our eyes off the Savior and look at the storms of life, we'll lose faith and sink. When we cry out to Him for help, He's ready with an outstretched hand to save us. We can trust in Him. Matt. 14: 26-33 "And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."
Monday, January 18, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read David praising the Lord and saying expressing love for Him. He said that the Lord was his strength, his rock, his fortress and that he would trust in Him and call upon Him. Shouldn't we do the same? Ps. 18: 1-3 "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read more of Joseph Smith recounting his history. Some preachers and other professors of religion reject the account of the First Vision and persecution was heaped upon Joseph Smith. He testifies of the reality of the vision. JSH 1: 21 -26 "Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who was very active in the before mentioned religious excitement; and, conversing with him on the subject of religion, I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them. I soon found, however, that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion, and was the cause of great persecution, which continued to increase; and though I was an obscure boy, only between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world, yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me, and create a bitter persecution; and this was common among all the sects—all united to persecute me. It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure aboy , of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor , should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself. However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision . I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad ; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise. So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation. I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned—that it was not my duty to join with any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed. I had found the testimony of James to be true—that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to trust in God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. We need to acknowledge God in all our ways and He'll make our paths straight. We can surrender all our worries and fears to Him and He'll guide us through life. He has a plan for each of us and we can have peace trusting Him to guide our paths. Prov. 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read more of Joseph Smith recounting his history. Some preachers and other professors of religion reject the account of the First Vision and persecution was heaped upon Joseph Smith. He testifies of the reality of the vision. JSH 1: 21 -26 "Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who was very active in the before mentioned religious excitement; and, conversing with him on the subject of religion, I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them. I soon found, however, that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion, and was the cause of great persecution, which continued to increase; and though I was an obscure boy, only between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world, yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me, and create a bitter persecution; and this was common among all the sects—all united to persecute me. It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure aboy , of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor , should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself. However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision . I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad ; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise. So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation. I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned—that it was not my duty to join with any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed. I had found the testimony of James to be true—that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to trust in God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. We need to acknowledge God in all our ways and He'll make our paths straight. We can surrender all our worries and fears to Him and He'll guide us through life. He has a plan for each of us and we can have peace trusting Him to guide our paths. Prov. 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read a description of the diverse acts of the wicked. They persecute the poor, are full of pride, and their thoughts are far from God. Their mouths are full of cursing and deceit and they lie in wait to catch the poor. Ps. 10: 2-9 "The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read more of the continuation of Joseph Smith recounting his history. He tells about how he went into the woods to pray and how God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him. JSH 1: 14-20 "So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful , clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally. After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, "Never mind, all is well—I am well enough off." I then said to my mother, "I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true." It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?"
A verse with a thought booklet says that God will supply all of our needs, according to the richness of His glory. Notice that it says God will supply all our NEEDS, not all our wants. Sometimes we want things we don't need and sometimes we need things we don't want. Philip. 4: 19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
--------------------------------------------------------
In the Pearl of Great Price I read more of the continuation of Joseph Smith recounting his history. He tells about how he went into the woods to pray and how God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him. JSH 1: 14-20 "So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful , clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally. After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, "Never mind, all is well—I am well enough off." I then said to my mother, "I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true." It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?"
A verse with a thought booklet says that God will supply all of our needs, according to the richness of His glory. Notice that it says God will supply all our NEEDS, not all our wants. Sometimes we want things we don't need and sometimes we need things we don't want. Philip. 4: 19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
--------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord shall judge the world in righteousness and shall be a refuge in times of trouble. The Lord will not forsake those who seek Him and put their trust in Him. Ps. 9: 7-10 "But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read a continuation of Joseph Smith recounting his history. He tells about the great religious contentions that existed and about how confusing it was to make sense of it all. While studying the Bible he found a verse that told him that if any man lacked wisdom, he should ask of God. So he decided to do this. JSH 1: 8-13 "During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong. My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others. In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible. At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to "ask of God," concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we cannot understand the things of God except through the Spirit. And some verses from a different thought booklet today went right along with this idea, saying that if we cry out to God for insight and raise our voice for understanding, we'll find the knowledge of God. In other words, to understand God we need to pray for understanding and we'll receive the knowledge we seek through the Spirit that He sends to us. 1 Cor. 2: 11 "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." Prov. 2: 3, 5 "Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read a continuation of Joseph Smith recounting his history. He tells about the great religious contentions that existed and about how confusing it was to make sense of it all. While studying the Bible he found a verse that told him that if any man lacked wisdom, he should ask of God. So he decided to do this. JSH 1: 8-13 "During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong. My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others. In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible. At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to "ask of God," concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we cannot understand the things of God except through the Spirit. And some verses from a different thought booklet today went right along with this idea, saying that if we cry out to God for insight and raise our voice for understanding, we'll find the knowledge of God. In other words, to understand God we need to pray for understanding and we'll receive the knowledge we seek through the Spirit that He sends to us. 1 Cor. 2: 11 "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." Prov. 2: 3, 5 "Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."
Friday, January 15, 2010
Daily thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the wonderful work and creations of the Lord and how David asked how the Lord could be mindful of man and visit him. He made man a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor, giving him dominion over the animals, birds, and fish. Ps. 8: 3-9 "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.6 Thou madest him to have adominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
In the Pearl of Great Price I read the beginning of Joseph Smith's account of the beginnings of the history of the church. He said he was writing this to set straight the false reports that were circulating about the church. He told about his birth, his family, and how there was much disagreement among the various churches, which was confusing to him. JS-H 1: 1-7 "Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints, all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a Church and its progress in the world—I have been induced to write this history, to disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession. In this history I shall present the various events in relation to this Church, in truth and righteousness, as they have transpired, or as they at present exist, being now [1838] the eighth byear since the organization of the said Church. I was born in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five, on the twenty-third day of December, in the town of Sharon, Windsor county, State of Vermont . . . My father, Joseph Smith, Sen., left the State of Vermont, and moved to Palmyra, Ontario (now Wayne) county, in the State of New York, when I was in my tenth year, or thereabouts. In about four years after my father's arrival in Palmyra, he moved with his family into Manchester in the same county of Ontario— His family consisting of eleven souls, namely, my father, Joseph Smith; my mother, Lucy Smith (whose name, previous to her marriage, was Mack, daughter of Solomon Mack); my brothers, Alvin (who died November 19th, 1823, in the 26th year of his age), Hyrum, myself, Samuel Harrison, William, Don Carlos; and my sisters, Sophronia, Catherine, and Lucy. Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, "Lo , here!" and others, "Lo, there!" Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist. For, notwithstanding the great alove which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued—priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions. I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father's family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia."
A verse with a thought booklet says that if we keep the commandments and do what the Lord says, we are Jesus' friend. John 15: 14 "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read the beginning of Joseph Smith's account of the beginnings of the history of the church. He said he was writing this to set straight the false reports that were circulating about the church. He told about his birth, his family, and how there was much disagreement among the various churches, which was confusing to him. JS-H 1: 1-7 "Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints, all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a Church and its progress in the world—I have been induced to write this history, to disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession. In this history I shall present the various events in relation to this Church, in truth and righteousness, as they have transpired, or as they at present exist, being now [1838] the eighth byear since the organization of the said Church. I was born in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five, on the twenty-third day of December, in the town of Sharon, Windsor county, State of Vermont . . . My father, Joseph Smith, Sen., left the State of Vermont, and moved to Palmyra, Ontario (now Wayne) county, in the State of New York, when I was in my tenth year, or thereabouts. In about four years after my father's arrival in Palmyra, he moved with his family into Manchester in the same county of Ontario— His family consisting of eleven souls, namely, my father, Joseph Smith; my mother, Lucy Smith (whose name, previous to her marriage, was Mack, daughter of Solomon Mack); my brothers, Alvin (who died November 19th, 1823, in the 26th year of his age), Hyrum, myself, Samuel Harrison, William, Don Carlos; and my sisters, Sophronia, Catherine, and Lucy. Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, "Lo , here!" and others, "Lo, there!" Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist. For, notwithstanding the great alove which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued—priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions. I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father's family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia."
A verse with a thought booklet says that if we keep the commandments and do what the Lord says, we are Jesus' friend. John 15: 14 "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord will bless the righteous and be their shield and all those who trust in Him can rejoice and shout for joy. Ps. 5: 11-12 "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that when Christ comes again it won't be to some secret place where only a few people see Him--it will be like the sun coming up and shining from the east to the west and covering the whole earth. JS-M 1: 25-26 "Wherefore, if they shall say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not; For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to conform to this world with all its wickedness, but rather to tranform our minds to that which is good, and which is the perfect will of God. Rom. 12: 2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that when Christ comes again it won't be to some secret place where only a few people see Him--it will be like the sun coming up and shining from the east to the west and covering the whole earth. JS-M 1: 25-26 "Wherefore, if they shall say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not; For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to conform to this world with all its wickedness, but rather to tranform our minds to that which is good, and which is the perfect will of God. Rom. 12: 2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that when David cried unto the Lord, the Lord heard him and sustained him. He did not need to fear 10,000 people who set themselves against him. Ps. 3: 4-6 "I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that iniquity would abound and the love of many would wax cold but if we remain steadfast and don't allow ourselves to be overcome, we'll be saved. Our world today is full of iniquity and love has waxed cold for many people, so we need to take heed that we remain steadfast and faithful and not allow ourselves to be overcome by the sins of the world. JS-M 1: 10-11 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold; But he that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God is our rock and we can trust in Him to give us strength and deliver us. The thought that went with this, written by Janice Davies from Plainfield, Illinois, says: I could have avoided much worry if I had taken all my cares to God instead of handling them myself. We can rely on God's faithfulness because God never changes. God demonstrates this in nature. Can you imagine how frightened we would be if the sun rose in the west one morning? What if it snowed when the temperature was eighty degrees? What is we planted tulips and got tomatoes? Since God controls all of creation, which is beyond our understanding, can't God also handle our personal situations? The psalmist refers to God as his rock. God is a solid foundation upon which we can stand when our life is uprooted. When we take our requests to God and rest in God's care, we avoid worry. Life is full of changes. God is all we need to face them. Ps. 18: 2 "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that iniquity would abound and the love of many would wax cold but if we remain steadfast and don't allow ourselves to be overcome, we'll be saved. Our world today is full of iniquity and love has waxed cold for many people, so we need to take heed that we remain steadfast and faithful and not allow ourselves to be overcome by the sins of the world. JS-M 1: 10-11 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold; But he that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God is our rock and we can trust in Him to give us strength and deliver us. The thought that went with this, written by Janice Davies from Plainfield, Illinois, says: I could have avoided much worry if I had taken all my cares to God instead of handling them myself. We can rely on God's faithfulness because God never changes. God demonstrates this in nature. Can you imagine how frightened we would be if the sun rose in the west one morning? What if it snowed when the temperature was eighty degrees? What is we planted tulips and got tomatoes? Since God controls all of creation, which is beyond our understanding, can't God also handle our personal situations? The psalmist refers to God as his rock. God is a solid foundation upon which we can stand when our life is uprooted. When we take our requests to God and rest in God's care, we avoid worry. Life is full of changes. God is all we need to face them. Ps. 18: 2 "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that thow who don't walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners will be blessed. We should delight in the law and meditate upon it day and night. The Lord knows the way of the righteous but the way of the ungodly will perish. Ps. 1: 1-2, 6 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that before we were born in this world, our spirits existed and dwelt with God. Among these spirits were many noble and great ones, including Abraham, whom God would make his rulers. They were chosen before they were born. He created this earth for us to dwell on and sent us here to be tested--to prove ourselves whether or not we'd keep the commandments and do what the Lord asked us to do. If we pass this test, we'll have glory added upon our heads forever and ever. Abr. 3: 22-26 "Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to withhold doing good for someone if it's within our power to do good. If we can help someone, we should do it. If we can serve someone or give to them, we need to do it. Let's go about doing all the good we can for everyone we can. And let's not sit back and wait for someone else to take care of something when it's within our power to take care of it ourselves. Prov. 3: 27 "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that before we were born in this world, our spirits existed and dwelt with God. Among these spirits were many noble and great ones, including Abraham, whom God would make his rulers. They were chosen before they were born. He created this earth for us to dwell on and sent us here to be tested--to prove ourselves whether or not we'd keep the commandments and do what the Lord asked us to do. If we pass this test, we'll have glory added upon our heads forever and ever. Abr. 3: 22-26 "Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to withhold doing good for someone if it's within our power to do good. If we can help someone, we should do it. If we can serve someone or give to them, we need to do it. Let's go about doing all the good we can for everyone we can. And let's not sit back and wait for someone else to take care of something when it's within our power to take care of it ourselves. Prov. 3: 27 "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it."
Monday, January 11, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before and greatly blessed him. Job died when he was old and full of days. Job 42: 10-17 "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch. And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how Abraham was able to talk to the Lord face to face and how the Lord showed Abraham all the works He had created. Can you imagine the wonder and majesty of having such an interaction with the Lord? Abr. 3: 11-12 "Thus I, Abraham, talked with the Lord, face to face, as one man talketh with another; and he told me of the works which his hands had made; And he said unto me: My son, my son (and his hand was stretched out), behold I will show you all these. And he put his hand upon mine eyes, and I saw those things which his hands had made, which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, and I could not see the end thereof."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that there is no way we can hide from the Lord! Instead of looking at this in a negative way, such as knowing that the Lord can see all our sins and shortcomings no matter how hard to try to hide them, we can look at this in a positive way--knowing that God is on call 24/7 and can hear and answer our prayers no matter where we are. We can rely on Him as a constant source of wisdom that is always there and always knows what we're going through and is willing to help us if we turn to Him. Ps. 139: 7-12 "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how Abraham was able to talk to the Lord face to face and how the Lord showed Abraham all the works He had created. Can you imagine the wonder and majesty of having such an interaction with the Lord? Abr. 3: 11-12 "Thus I, Abraham, talked with the Lord, face to face, as one man talketh with another; and he told me of the works which his hands had made; And he said unto me: My son, my son (and his hand was stretched out), behold I will show you all these. And he put his hand upon mine eyes, and I saw those things which his hands had made, which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, and I could not see the end thereof."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that there is no way we can hide from the Lord! Instead of looking at this in a negative way, such as knowing that the Lord can see all our sins and shortcomings no matter how hard to try to hide them, we can look at this in a positive way--knowing that God is on call 24/7 and can hear and answer our prayers no matter where we are. We can rely on Him as a constant source of wisdom that is always there and always knows what we're going through and is willing to help us if we turn to Him. Ps. 139: 7-12 "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord chastised Job's friends, said that they had not spoken right, and that His wrath was kindled against them. Job 42: 7 "And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that the seas and mountains obey the Lord--what He commands, they do. Shouldn't we be as obedient to the Lord as the elements of the earth are? Abr. 2: 7 "For I am the Lord thy God; I dwell in heaven; the earth is my footstool; I stretch my hand over the sea, and it obeys my voice; I cause the wind and the fire to be my chariot; I say to the mountains—Depart hence—and behold, they are taken away by a whirlwind, in an instant, suddenly."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we call upon the Lord, He will hear us, and if we trust in Him, He'll show us loving kindness and save us. Ps. 17: 6-7 "I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that the seas and mountains obey the Lord--what He commands, they do. Shouldn't we be as obedient to the Lord as the elements of the earth are? Abr. 2: 7 "For I am the Lord thy God; I dwell in heaven; the earth is my footstool; I stretch my hand over the sea, and it obeys my voice; I cause the wind and the fire to be my chariot; I say to the mountains—Depart hence—and behold, they are taken away by a whirlwind, in an instant, suddenly."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we call upon the Lord, He will hear us, and if we trust in Him, He'll show us loving kindness and save us. Ps. 17: 6-7 "I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Job acknowledged the greatness of God and repented in dust and ashes. Job 42: 1-6 "Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how the fathers of Abraham had turned from the commandments of the Lord and had turn to idols instead. Their hearts were set on wickedness. Abr. 1: 5-6 "My fathers , having turned from their righteousness, and from the holy commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, unto the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to hearken to my voice; For their hearts were set to do evil, and were wholly turned to the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt;"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to avoid the path of wickedness and allow the Lord to lead us on the right path, so we will not stumble. We need to hold fast to wise instruction. Prov. 4: 11-15 "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how the fathers of Abraham had turned from the commandments of the Lord and had turn to idols instead. Their hearts were set on wickedness. Abr. 1: 5-6 "My fathers , having turned from their righteousness, and from the holy commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, unto the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to hearken to my voice; For their hearts were set to do evil, and were wholly turned to the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt;"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to avoid the path of wickedness and allow the Lord to lead us on the right path, so we will not stumble. We need to hold fast to wise instruction. Prov. 4: 11-15 "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."
Friday, January 8, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord asked Job where he was when the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together and all the Sons of God shouted for joy. Job 38: 4-7 "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about the great wickedness of men in the days of Noah and how the world was full of corruption and violence. Even though Noah preached repentance to the people and warned them that the floods would come upon them if they didn't repent, they refused to listen. So God destroyed them from off the earth. Moses 8: 22-24, 28-30 "And God saw that the wickedness of men had become great in the earth; and every man was lifted up in the imagination of the thoughts of his heart, being only evil continually. And it came to pass that Noah continued his preaching unto the people, saying: Hearken, and give heed unto my words; Believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest; and if ye do not this, the floods will come in upon you; nevertheless they hearkened not. The earth was corrupt before God, and it was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted its away upon the earth. And God said unto Noah: The end of all flesh is come before me, for the earth is filled with violence, and behold I will destroy all flesh from off the earth."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us to keep our priorities straight and focus on the things of most importance--letting go of giving our time and attention to things that are not really that important. Do we focus on having a spotlessly clean house at the expense of spending quality time with our children? Do we spend hours shopping for the best possible price for a gift for a family member who is at home being neglected by us? Does that unused bedroom really need to be vacuumed weekly or could we better spend that time serving someone in need? While we're fussing over things that really won't matter ten years from now, are we neglecting our scripture study or our prayer time, or our attendance at the temple? We need to set our priorities staight and place the most value on the things that really matter in the eternal scheme of things. Luke 10: 38-42 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about the great wickedness of men in the days of Noah and how the world was full of corruption and violence. Even though Noah preached repentance to the people and warned them that the floods would come upon them if they didn't repent, they refused to listen. So God destroyed them from off the earth. Moses 8: 22-24, 28-30 "And God saw that the wickedness of men had become great in the earth; and every man was lifted up in the imagination of the thoughts of his heart, being only evil continually. And it came to pass that Noah continued his preaching unto the people, saying: Hearken, and give heed unto my words; Believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest; and if ye do not this, the floods will come in upon you; nevertheless they hearkened not. The earth was corrupt before God, and it was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted its away upon the earth. And God said unto Noah: The end of all flesh is come before me, for the earth is filled with violence, and behold I will destroy all flesh from off the earth."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us to keep our priorities straight and focus on the things of most importance--letting go of giving our time and attention to things that are not really that important. Do we focus on having a spotlessly clean house at the expense of spending quality time with our children? Do we spend hours shopping for the best possible price for a gift for a family member who is at home being neglected by us? Does that unused bedroom really need to be vacuumed weekly or could we better spend that time serving someone in need? While we're fussing over things that really won't matter ten years from now, are we neglecting our scripture study or our prayer time, or our attendance at the temple? We need to set our priorities staight and place the most value on the things that really matter in the eternal scheme of things. Luke 10: 38-42 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament, Job asserts his integrity and righteousness and says his tongue will not speak wickedness nor utter deceit. Job 27: 3-5 "All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that Enoch was able to see the day of the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh and he rejoiced because of it. Moses 7: 47 "And behold, Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, even in the flesh; and his soul rejoiced, saying: The Righteous is lifted up, and the Lamb is slain from the foundation of the world; and through faith I am in the bosom of the Father, and behold, Zion is with me."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we can pray to the Lord and He will heal us. He can change our sadness to joy and our mourning to dancing. We can turn to Him with any problem and He can help us. We should give thanks unto Him for all He does for us. Ps. 30: 2, 11-12 "O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that Enoch was able to see the day of the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh and he rejoiced because of it. Moses 7: 47 "And behold, Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, even in the flesh; and his soul rejoiced, saying: The Righteous is lifted up, and the Lamb is slain from the foundation of the world; and through faith I am in the bosom of the Father, and behold, Zion is with me."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we can pray to the Lord and He will heal us. He can change our sadness to joy and our mourning to dancing. We can turn to Him with any problem and He can help us. We should give thanks unto Him for all He does for us. Ps. 30: 2, 11-12 "O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament, Job says that God has tried him, but he has come forth as gold and that he has kept the commandmends and esteemed the Word of God more than necessary food. Indeed,the Word of God is necessary to feed us spiritually, just as the food we eat feeds us physically. Both are necessary. When God tries us, do we come forth as gold? Job 23: 10-12 "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about a conversatino between Enoch and the Lord in which Enoch saw the Lord weeping over the wickedness of the people He had created. The Lord doesn't delight in destroying and punishing evil people--it breaks His heart and makes Him weep. Moses 7: 28-36 "And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains? And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity? And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations ; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever; And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace, justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst cweep? The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should alove one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood; And the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them; and in my hot displeasure will I send in the floods upon them, for my fierce anger is kindled against them. Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also. Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God blessed and sanctified the Sabbath Day and rested from all His work. Shouldn't we likewise rest from our work and make the Sabbath a special day? I think often times people in our day treat Sunday just like any other day of the week--a day to get more work done or a day for recreational pursuits that have nothing to do with drawing closer to the Lord. On the contrary, this should be a day dedicated to worship and devotion and to the recharging of our spiritual batteries. Gen. 2: 2-3 "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about a conversatino between Enoch and the Lord in which Enoch saw the Lord weeping over the wickedness of the people He had created. The Lord doesn't delight in destroying and punishing evil people--it breaks His heart and makes Him weep. Moses 7: 28-36 "And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains? And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity? And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations ; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever; And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace, justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst cweep? The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should alove one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood; And the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them; and in my hot displeasure will I send in the floods upon them, for my fierce anger is kindled against them. Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also. Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God blessed and sanctified the Sabbath Day and rested from all His work. Shouldn't we likewise rest from our work and make the Sabbath a special day? I think often times people in our day treat Sunday just like any other day of the week--a day to get more work done or a day for recreational pursuits that have nothing to do with drawing closer to the Lord. On the contrary, this should be a day dedicated to worship and devotion and to the recharging of our spiritual batteries. Gen. 2: 2-3 "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that even though all Job's friends and loved ones had turned against him, he still had faith that his Redeemer lives and would stand at the latter day upon the earth. Job knew that even though he would die and worms would destroy his body, he would be resurrected someday and would see God. Job would see Him for himself with his own eyes. We, too, can have faith that we'll be resurrected and see the Lord for ourselves someday. No matter what troubles we have in this world, we can have faith that our Redeemer lives and loves us. Even if it seems like all our friends and loved ones turn against us, we can always count on the Lord. Job 19: 19, 25-27 "All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I csee God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how Satan came among the children of men and tempted them to become carnal, sensual and devilish so that they are shut out from the presence of God. However, God has made it known that we must repent, have faith in Jesus Christ (the only name by which salvation can come), be baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. These things have been taught since the days of Adam. Moses 6: 49-52 "Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God. But God hath made known unto our fathers that all men must repent. And he called upon our father Adam by his own voice, saying: I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh. And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you."
Some verses with a thought booklet warn us that some people wrest the scriptures and twist them to mean things they were never intended to mean. They do this to their own destruction. We need to be careful that we are not lead astray by such wicked people and fall from our own steadfastness. We need to grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 3: 16-18 "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
----------------------------------------
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how Satan came among the children of men and tempted them to become carnal, sensual and devilish so that they are shut out from the presence of God. However, God has made it known that we must repent, have faith in Jesus Christ (the only name by which salvation can come), be baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. These things have been taught since the days of Adam. Moses 6: 49-52 "Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God. But God hath made known unto our fathers that all men must repent. And he called upon our father Adam by his own voice, saying: I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh. And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you."
Some verses with a thought booklet warn us that some people wrest the scriptures and twist them to mean things they were never intended to mean. They do this to their own destruction. We need to be careful that we are not lead astray by such wicked people and fall from our own steadfastness. We need to grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 3: 16-18 "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
----------------------------------------
Monday, January 4, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read how Job called his friends "miserable comforters" and said that if the situation were reversed, he would stengthen them and try to asswage their grief with his words. When our friends are going through trials, do we try to lighten their loads or are we miserable comforters like Job's friends were to him? Job 16: 2, 5 "I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how the Lord called Enoch to preach to the people, telling him what to say and giving him great power. However, this did not stop the people from being offended by what he said and calling him a wild man. Prophets all down through the ages have had people upset by what they said and not want to listen to them. Moses 6: 32-34, 37-38 "And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good. Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you. Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me. And it came to pass that Enoch went forth in the land, among the people, standing upon the hills and the high places, and cried with a loud voice, testifying against their works; and all men were offended because of him. And they came forth to hear him, upon the high places, saying unto the tent -keepers: Tarry ye here and keep the tents, while we go yonder to behold the seer, for he prophesieth, and there is a strange thing in the land; a wild man hath come among us."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and that all those who believe in Him will continue to live, even though they might die. As long as we have faith in our Savior, we should have no fear of death, and we should not doubt that our loved ones who have passed on continue to live. This is a great comfort.
John 11: 25-26 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
---------------------
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how the Lord called Enoch to preach to the people, telling him what to say and giving him great power. However, this did not stop the people from being offended by what he said and calling him a wild man. Prophets all down through the ages have had people upset by what they said and not want to listen to them. Moses 6: 32-34, 37-38 "And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good. Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you. Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me. And it came to pass that Enoch went forth in the land, among the people, standing upon the hills and the high places, and cried with a loud voice, testifying against their works; and all men were offended because of him. And they came forth to hear him, upon the high places, saying unto the tent -keepers: Tarry ye here and keep the tents, while we go yonder to behold the seer, for he prophesieth, and there is a strange thing in the land; a wild man hath come among us."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and that all those who believe in Him will continue to live, even though they might die. As long as we have faith in our Savior, we should have no fear of death, and we should not doubt that our loved ones who have passed on continue to live. This is a great comfort.
John 11: 25-26 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
---------------------
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read Job's words, that even if the Lord would slay him, he would still trust in Him. How much are we willing to trust in the Lord, even when things go wrong in our lives? Job 13: 15 "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about the wickedness of men and how the Lord was angry with them and cursed the earth because they would not hearken to His voice nor believe in the Only Begotten Son who would come in the meridian of time. Moses 5: 55-57 "And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of men. And God cursed the earth with a sore curse, and was angry with the wicked, with all the sons of men whom he had made; For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten Son, even him whom he declared should bcome in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how Jesus healed the daughter of Jairus, raising her from the dead. The interesting thing about this story is that before He could perform this miracle, He cast out all the doubters and scoffers from their midst. Miracles take faith and are not performed in front of people who laugh and scorn. Luke 8: 49-55 "While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat."
----------------------------------------------------------
In the Pearl of Great Price I read about the wickedness of men and how the Lord was angry with them and cursed the earth because they would not hearken to His voice nor believe in the Only Begotten Son who would come in the meridian of time. Moses 5: 55-57 "And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of men. And God cursed the earth with a sore curse, and was angry with the wicked, with all the sons of men whom he had made; For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten Son, even him whom he declared should bcome in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how Jesus healed the daughter of Jairus, raising her from the dead. The interesting thing about this story is that before He could perform this miracle, He cast out all the doubters and scoffers from their midst. Miracles take faith and are not performed in front of people who laugh and scorn. Luke 8: 49-55 "While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat."
----------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how another "friend" of Job chastised him for supposedly bringing on his troubles himself by his evil doings. He told Job to seek God and that if he was pure and righteous God would hear him because God doesn't pervert justice. God would not cast away a perfect man but will not help evil doers. Again, this friend was wrongfully judging Job. Job 8: 3-6, 20 "Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice? If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression; If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:"
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that the Lord, through the Holy Ghost, calls upon all men everywhere to repent. Those who believe in Jesus Christ and are willing to repent will be saved. Those who don't, will be damned. Pretty staight forward. Moses 5: 14-15 "And the Lord God called upon men by the Holy Ghost everywhere and commanded them that they should repent; And as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore they must be fulfilled."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that our bodies are temples and belong to God. Do we think we can abuse our bodies with drugs, alcohol, fornication, tattoos, or whatever and it's okay because it's OUR body? Wrong! We need to think of our bodies as temples and keep them pure and sacred. 1 Cor. 6: 19 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
---------------------------------
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that the Lord, through the Holy Ghost, calls upon all men everywhere to repent. Those who believe in Jesus Christ and are willing to repent will be saved. Those who don't, will be damned. Pretty staight forward. Moses 5: 14-15 "And the Lord God called upon men by the Holy Ghost everywhere and commanded them that they should repent; And as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore they must be fulfilled."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that our bodies are temples and belong to God. Do we think we can abuse our bodies with drugs, alcohol, fornication, tattoos, or whatever and it's okay because it's OUR body? Wrong! We need to think of our bodies as temples and keep them pure and sacred. 1 Cor. 6: 19 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
---------------------------------
Friday, January 1, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Job's response to his friend's saying he was being punished for evil he'd done was to tell him that when someone is afflicted, they need to be shown pity and understanding from their friends. Job 6: 13-14 "Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me? To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty."
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that when the love speaks, His words will not return void, but must be fulfilled as they went forth out of His mouth. We truly can trust the Lord to do what He says He'll do! Moses 4: 30 "For as I, the Lord God, liveth, even so my words cannot return void, for as they go forth out of my mouth they must be fulfilled."
Some verses from a thought booklet remind us that even though it's important to work and serve, it's also important to rest and eat and take care of ourselves. We need leisure time! Sometimes I feel guilty if I'm not constantly busy doing something, but I need to remember that resting and renewing my energy is also something important that needs to be done. Sometimes we need to go to a quiet place, get away from crowds of people and noise, and just recharge our batteries. Mark 6: 30-31 "And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."
--------------------------------------------
In the Pearl of Great Price I read that when the love speaks, His words will not return void, but must be fulfilled as they went forth out of His mouth. We truly can trust the Lord to do what He says He'll do! Moses 4: 30 "For as I, the Lord God, liveth, even so my words cannot return void, for as they go forth out of my mouth they must be fulfilled."
Some verses from a thought booklet remind us that even though it's important to work and serve, it's also important to rest and eat and take care of ourselves. We need leisure time! Sometimes I feel guilty if I'm not constantly busy doing something, but I need to remember that resting and renewing my energy is also something important that needs to be done. Sometimes we need to go to a quiet place, get away from crowds of people and noise, and just recharge our batteries. Mark 6: 30-31 "And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."
--------------------------------------------
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)