Daily Thoughts

A verse from the Old Testament tells us that this is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Not every day is free from challenges (in fact, the vast majority of my days are not!) but that doesn't mean we can't be happy and rejoice. Even though we might have trials and tribulations, we can still find much to be happy about. I once did volunteer work for an elderly black lady who quoted this verse on her answering machine, so I'd hear her repeating this scripture whenever I'd call her when she couldn't come to the phone. Even now as I read this verse, I can hear in my mind her reading these words with her beautiful Southern drawl. Even though she had severe health problems and was in a wheelchair, every time I'd go over to her house she'd be smiling and always have a cheerful word for me. She was a living example of how to follow the counsel in this verse. Ps. 118: 24 "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

A verse from the Book of Mormon reminds us that we have agency, or the freedom to make choices for ourselves. We can choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life. It's all up to us. 2 Ne. 10: 23 "Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the parable of the pounds. It tells about how a nobleman who was traveling to a far country gave ten servents ten pounds to take care of while he was gone. When he came home, he had them give an accounting of what they had done with their pounds. Some had put the pounds to good use and increased them tenfold. But one servent had slimply laid the pound in a napkin and returned it to the nobleman as it was. The nobleman was not pleased with him for not putting it to good use. Likewise, the Lord expects us to make good use of the resources he has given us, and expects us to make the best use of them. Luke 19: 11-27 "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that it is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in man. Ps. 118: 8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."

In the Book of Mormon I read prophesies about Jesus Christ. An angel had testified to Jacob that He would come among the Jews and they would crucify Him. If Jesus had performed all His mighty miracles among other nations, they would have repented and known that He was their God. But because of the wickedness and stiff neckedness of the people, they crucified Him. 2 Ne. 10: 3-5 "Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name—should bcome among the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God. For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God. But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that it helps to have a friend who lifts us up when we fall. It's not a good thing to be alone with no one to help us. It's important to cultivate good friendships so that we can be a support and help to one another. Eccl. 4: 9-10 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how we should love and call upon the Lord; He will hear us. Ps. 116: 1-2 "I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."

In the Book of Mormon I read that it is good to be learned if we're willing to listen to counsel from God; but it is foolish to suppose that we know all the answers ourselves and set aside counsel from the Lord. When we do this, we're falling into the cunning trap of the evil one. 2 Ne. 9: 28-29 "O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the parable of the barren fig tree and how the vinedresser decided to nourish it for another season to see if it would bear fruit rather than cut it down right away. Shouldn't we treat the people in our lives with as much mercy as this vinedresser treated his fig tree? We all have people in our lives we'd just as soon do without. And our tendency is to simply want them gone. But we need to treat them with as much love and patience and extra care as this gardener gave to his fig tree. Luke 13: 6-9 "He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how idols are false gods and cannot do anything, but we can trust in the Lord who created the heavens and the earth and who will bless us. Ps. 115: 4-8 "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them."

In the Book of Mormon we're told that Jesus Christ provides deliverance from death--both physical death in the resurrection of our bodies and spiritual death in that if we repent of our sins, we can receive eternal life. If we're righteous when we die, we'll have a perfect knowledge of our righteousness and enjoyment and will receive our reward. But if we're wicked, we'll still be filthy after we die and will be judged accordingly. The mere act of dying won't change us from being wicked to being righteous. So it's important to repent now before it's too late. 2 Ne. 9: 10-16 "O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit. And because of the way of deliverance of our God, the Holy One of Israel, this death, of which I have spoken, which is the temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave. And this death of which I have spoken, which is the spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual death is bell; wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel. O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect. Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness. And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-seat of the Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the judgment, and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God. And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to seek after the Kingdom of God and other things will be added unto us. The Lord wants to give us the Kingdom. If we give what we have, we'll be storing up treasures in heaven for ourselves--treasures which can't be taken away by thieves or rust. Where our treasures are, there will our heart be also. Luke 12: 31-34 "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and call these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that when we cry unto the Lord in times of trouble and distress, He'll make our storms calm and bring us to the haven we desire. Ps. 107: 28-30 "Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord will comfort us and bring us everylasting joy. Mourning will flee away. How silly we are when we fear man, who will die, and forget about God who created the heavens and the earth. 2 Ne. 8: 11-13 "Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads; and they shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto grass? And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth, and hast feared continually every day, because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor?"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we need to think of the Lord and acknolwedge Him in all our ways and He will guide us on the right path. Prov. 3: 6 "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how even though the Lord did marvelous things for the children of Israel, such as parting the Red Sea and saving them from the hands of their enemies, they did wickedly and forgot the Lord and His works. Ps. 106: 6-14 "We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. He arebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert."

In the Book of Mormon I read that we need to give ear to the Lord and hearken to the law that proceeds from His mouth. His judgment will serve as a light for the people. 2 Ne. 8: 4 "Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we put our trust in the Lord, He will preserve us. He will show us the path we should follow and in His presence we'll find fulness of joy. Ps. 16: 1, 11 "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read a recounting of the things the Lord did when delivering the children of Israel out of Egypt--and the signs and wonders, and how He helped them once they left Egypt and were eventually able to inherit the promised land. Ps. 105: 29-45 "He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish. Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings. He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts. He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts. He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number, And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground. He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength. He brought athem forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes. Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them. He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord."

In the Book of Mormon we read a prophesy, hundreds of years before it happened, of Jesus coming to eearth in the flesh and being crucified by wicked people who had hardened their hearts against God. The day would come that they would be smitten and afflicted. 2 Ne. 6: 9-10 "Nevertheless, the Lord has shown unto me that they should return again. And he also has shown unto me that the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, should manifest himself unto them in the flesh; and after he should manifest himself they should scourge him and crucify him, according to the words of the angel who spake it unto me. And after they have hardened their hearts and stiffened their necks against the Holy One of Israel, behold, the judgments of the Holy One of Israel shall come upon them. And the day cometh that they shall be smitten and afflicted."

Some verses with a thought booklet recount the familiar story of Mary and Martha. Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to His word while Martha was cumbered about with much serving, complaining to Jesus that her sister wasn't helping her. But Jesus pointed out that only one thing was needful and Mary had chosen that. In other words, trying to know Jesus for ourselves is the most important thing, and we should not allow ourselves to become so distracted by outer life that we miss seeing Jesus. The story is told of an old cleaning woman who came to a certain church and asked to join. But she smelled bad so the pastor told her to pray about it and come back in a week. She never came back. When she later ran into the pastor in the marketplace she told him she had prayed and Jesus had told her not to bother trying to join that pastor's church. She then told the pastor, "Jesus has been trying to get into your church for years!" Let's not become distracted by outer things that keep us from seeing the Lord and keep us from seeing others as children of God. 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."

Daily Thoughts

A verse from the Old Testament tells us that the Lord is full of mercy and grace and is slow to anger. Ps. 103: 8 "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Jacob, Nephi's brother, was greatly concerned for the welfare of the souls of his brothers. He taught them from the scriptures, specifically the words of Isaiah, and said that they should liken these scriptures unto themselves. I confess that sometimes I have a hard time understanding Isaiah, but it sounds like there are great things contained therein which are for our benfit if we'll seek the Lord's help in understanding them. 2 Ne. 6: 3-5 "Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye yourselves know that it ever has been. For I have exhorted you with all diligence; and I have taught you the words of my father; and I have spoken unto you concerning all things which are written, from the creation of the world. And now, behold, I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah . And they are the words which my brother has desired that I should speak unto you. And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God. And now, the words which I shall read are they which Isaiah spake concerning all the house of Israel; wherefore, they may be likened unto you, for ye are of the house of Israel. And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the story of the loaves and fishes. When the disciples saw a huge crowd of people and only five loaves of bread and two small fish they thought this equalled starvation. But add Jesus to the mix and you get: five + two + Jesus = miracle. He gave thanks to the Father and fed the people. When we give our meager resources to Jesus, He can work miracles in our lives. We can trust in Him. Luke 9: 12-17 "And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that if we love the Lord, we'll hate evil. So if we have secret desires to commit sin instead of being abhored by sin, do we really love the Lord? Ps. 97: 10 "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked."

In the Book of Mormon Nephi laments that he sometimes yields to sin and gives way to temptation, which destroy his peace and afflicts his soul. He prays that God will redeem his soul and make him shake at the appearance of sin. He no longer wants to be angry at his enemies or allow his afflictions to slacken his strenth. He rejoices in God, the rock of his salvation, and says that he will praise Him forever. 2 Ne. 4: 27-31 "And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy? Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that eternal life is to know God and his son, Jesus Christ. John 17: 3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that we can't do wickedly without the Lord seeing it and knowing what we're doing. If we think otherwise, we're fools! How can the Lord, who created our ears, not hear? How can He who created our eyes, not see? The Lord knows our very thoughts. We can't hide from Him. Ps. 94: 6-11 "They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi delighted in the scriptures, which are given for the learning and profit of men, and his heart pondered them continually. How much do we love the scriptures? Do we ponder on them continually in our hearts? And just like you wouldn't merely read a cookbook (you'd use it's instructions to prepare a meal) you should likewise do more than just read the Word of God, you need to assimilate it into your life. 2 Ne. 4: 15-16 "And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God. This is what God requires of us. Micah 6: 8 "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that God is good and full of mercy. He's ready to forgive us. If we call upon Him in the days of our troubles, He will answer us. Ps. 86: 5-7 "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me."

A verse from the Book of Mormon tell us that men are that they might have joy. It isn't intended that we go through life miserable--we're supposed to be happy! We'll have trials and problems in life, but that doesn't mean we can't find joy, if we turn to the Lord and keep the commandments. Afterall, wickedness never was happiness. 2 Ne. 2: 25 "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God will give us a new heart and a new spirit, taking away our stony heart. This new heart will lead us to keep the commandments. So if we're having trouble obeying the will of the Lord, we need to allow Him to change our hearts and make new people out of us. Ezek. 36: 26-27 "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that no good thing will be withheld from the righteous and he that trusts in the Lord will be blessed. Ps. 84: 11-12 "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee."

In the Book of Mormon I read that men are taught the law so they can know good from evil and can choose which they want to do. If they chose evil, they'll be cut off from God and be miserable. However, Jesus Christ the Messiah, full of grace and truth, provides redemption to those who will repent and believe on Him. He interceeds for us, and layed down his life for us. He was resurrected and provided a way for us all to be resurrected also. 2 Ne. 2: 5-9 "And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever. Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet say that in order to be disciples of Christ, we need to be unselfish and lose ourselves. If we are willing to sacrifice our lives for the Lord, we will gain eternal life. The question is asked, what will we give in exchange for our souls? If we're putting other things as a higher priority than loving and serving the Lord, then we are in essence choosing these things in exchange for our souls. Matt. 16: 24-26"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about all the marvelous things the Lord did for the children of Israel--parting the Red Sea, giving them water out of a rock, and sending down manna from heaven for them to eat. But in spite of all this, they did not keep their covanents and refused to walk in the law, causing the wrath of God to come upon them. Ps. 78: 10-32 "They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them. Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap. In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people? Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation: Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind. He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations. So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;0 They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works."

In the Book of Mormon I read Lehi's admonition to Laman and Lemuel that they should stop rebelling against Nephi and wanting to kill him. He told them that Nephi was righteous and that they should listen to him and stop murmuring against him. 2 Ne. 1: 23-28 "Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust. Rebel no more against your brother, whose views have been glorious , and who hath kept the commandments from the time that we left Jerusalem; and who hath been an instrument in the hands of God, in bringing us forth into the land of promise; for were it not for him, we must have perished with hunger in the wilderness; nevertheless, ye sought to take away his life; yea, and he hath suffered much sorrow because of you. And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you, lest he shall suffer again; for behold, ye have accused him that he sought power and authority over you; but I know that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you, but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own eternal welfare. And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you; but behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger was the truth, according to that which is in God, which he could not restrain, manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities. And it must needs be that the power of God must be with him, even unto his commanding you that ye must obey. But behold, it was not he, but it was the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, which opened his mouth to utterance that he could not shut it. And now my son, Laman, and also Lemuel and Sam, and also my sons who are the sons of Ishmael, behold, if ye will hearken unto the voice of Nephi ye shall not perish. And if ye will hearken unto him I leave unto you a blessing, yea, even my first blessing."

Some verses with a thught booklet say that the Word of the Lord and His commandments should be of more value to us than gold or silver. Is this true in our lives? If we were given a choice between the Word of God and a huge stack of gold, silver, rubies, diamonds, stocks, bonds and money, which would be choose? Where are our hearts? Ps. 119: 72, 127 "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that we should set our hope in God and keep the commandments. Ps. 78: 7 "That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:"

In the Book of Mormon is says that the righteous need not fear, but the Kingdom of the devil will be confounded. 1 Ne. 22: 22 "And the righteous need not fear, for they are those who shall not be confounded. But it is the kingdom of the devil, which shall be built up among the children of men, which kingdom is established among them which are in the flesh—"

Going along with this, some verses with a thought booklet tell of the Savior stilling a storm and then chastising his fearful disciples, asking them why they were afraid and calling them "ye of little faith." Indeed, if we truly have faith in the Lord, we have no need to fear. We can safely trust in Him and need to focus on Him, not on the storms of life. Matt. 8: 24-27 "And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that we can cry until the Lord when we're feeling troubled and overwhelmed and He will hear us. When our souls refuse to be comforted, we need to remember the Lord and seek Him. Ps. 77: 1-3 "I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I acomplained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the day will soon come when the wicked will be destroyed and Satan will no longer have power over the hearts of the children of men. The Lord won't suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous. 1 Ne. 22: 15-16 "For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned. For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus did not teach as one of the scribes, but taught as one having authority and astonished people with His doctrines. Matt. 7: 28-29 "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the wicked and ungodly can prosper in this world and sometimes it is easy to fall into the trap of envying them and almost slipping ourselves. But in the end, they that are far from the Lord will be destroyed. We need to draw near to the Lord and put our trust in Him. Ps. 73: 2-3, 6-8, 12, 27-28 "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works."

A verse in the Book of Mormon points out a profound truth--that there is no peace unto the wicked. A person living with unrented sin in their lives truly will have no peace. 1 Ne. 20: 22 "And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked."

Some verses with a thought booklet illustrate the point that great things can take place by means of something small. A small bit in a horse's mouth can move his entire body, and a small helm can turn an entire ship. Likewise, our small acts of service can have a big impact in the lives of others. Maybe just a smile or a kind word can make a huge difference in someone's day. James 3: 3-4 "Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that we need to praise the Word of the Lord and put our trust in Him. If we do this, we have no reason to fear what mortal man can do to us. Ps. 56: 4, 10 "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi taught his brothers from the scriptures, trying to persuade them to believe in the Lord, and likening the scriptures unto themselves. We all need the scriptures in our lives to keep our testimonies strong and guide us in our lives. And we likewise need to liken what we read to ourselves. 1 Ne. 19: 22-23 "Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old. And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we're guided by the counsel of the Lord, we'll afterward be received to glory. Ps. 73: 24 "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that we should pray morning, noon and night, and the Lord will hear our cries and sustain us. We can cast our burdens upon the Lord. He won't suffer the rightous to be moved. Ps. 55: 16-17, 22 "As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi's brothers were angry with him for trying to call them to repentance so they bound him up with cords and treated him with much harshness. Be cause of this, the compass stopped working and a great storm arose that tossed them about on the waves. Of note, during this time Nephi did not murmur against the Lord but continued to praise Him. Various family members pleaded with Laman and Lemuel to release Nephi, but only fear of destruction persuaded them to do so. Once Nephi was untied, the compass began to work again and the storm ceased and they were able to continue on their journey to reach the promised land. 1 Ne. 18: 11-23 "And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked. And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work. Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me. And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore. And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions. Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds. Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their grey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave. And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me. And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts ; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me. And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land. And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land."

A verse with a thought booklet warns us that even though the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak and we need to watch ourselves and pray that we won't enter into temptation. In other words, we need the Lord's help to refrain from giving in to temptation. If we think we're strong and can handle it on our own, we'll fail. Mark 14: 38 "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read the pleadings of David as he was trying to repent of his sins. He begged for forgiveness and wanted so much for the Lord to cleanse him from his iniquities. He asked the Lord to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. When we commit sins, we likewise need to turn to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness and allow Him to clease us and make us new people. Ps. 51: 1-3, 7-10 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's words to his rebelious brothers, recounting to them the marvelous things the Lord had done and how they had seen angels. However, they were swift to do iniquity and slow to remember the Lord. And when the Lord had tried to speak to them in a still, small voice, they were past feeling that they could not feel His words. So He had to speak to them with a voice of thunder that caused the earth to shake. When Nephi tried to explain the truth to his brothers, they became angry with him and wanted to throw him into the ocean, but the Lord protected him. Nephi was greatly grieved by the hardness of the hearts of his brothers. He pointed out to them that God was all powerful and if He commanded that water should become earth, it would happen. So how did they think that if God commanded him to build a ship, he wouldn't be able to do it? 1 Ne. 17: 45-51 "Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel , and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder. And ye also know that by the power of his almighty word he can cause the earth that it shall pass away; yea, and ye know that by his word he can cause the rough places to be made smooth, and smooth places shall be broken up. O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your hearts? Behold, my soul is rent with anguish because of you, and my heart is pained; I fear lest ye shall be cast off forever. Behold, I am full of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my frame has no strength. And now it came to pass that when I had spoken these words they were angry with me, and were desirous to throw me into the depths of the sea; and as they came forth to lay their hands upon me I spake unto them, saying: In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed; and he shall be as naught before the power of God, for God shall smite him. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them that they should murmur no more against their father; neither should they withhold their labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should build a ship. And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?"

Some scriptures with a thought booklet relate the story of the rich young man. He was a good man who had kept the commandments from his youth. But when the Savior told him that the one thing he lacked was to sell his riches and give to the poor, he went away sorrowing. He was not willing to give his all. He trusted more in his riches than he did in the Lord. What about us? If called upon, could we give up all our worldly possessions and trust in the Lord? Do we really put Him first in our lives? Mark 10: 17-25 "And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none agood but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that riches cannot save us, and a wealthy man who boasts of his riches cannot redeem anyone. Everyone eventually dies, and when the rich die, their wealth is left to others. They cannot take their riches with them. Ps. 49: 6-7, 10, 17 "They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him."

In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's words to his rebellious brothers, reminding them of everything the Lord did for the children of Israel--dividing the Red Sea, giving them manna to eat in the wilderness, bringing forth water out of the rock to quench their thirst, leading and guiding them and doing everything that was expedient for them. And yet in spite of all this they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds against the Lord. 1 Ne. 17: 23-31 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake unto them, saying: Do ye believe that our fathers, who were the children of Israel, would have been led away out of the hands of the Egyptians if they had not hearkened unto the words of the Lord? Yea, do ye suppose that they would have been led out of bondage, if the Lord had not commanded Moses that he should lead them out of bondage? Now ye know that the children of Israel were in bondage; and ye know that they were laden with tasks, which were grievous to be borne; wherefore, ye know that it must needs be a good thing for them, that they should be brought out of bondage. Now ye know that Moses was commanded of the Lord to do that great work; and ye know that by his word the waters of the Red Sea were divided hither and thither, and they passed through on dry ground. But ye know that the Egyptians were drowned in the Red Sea, who were the armies of Pharaoh. And ye also know that they were fed with manna in the wilderness. Yea, and ye also know that Moses, by his word according to the power of God which was in him, smote the rock, and there came forth water, that the children of Israel might quench their thirst. And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God, their Redeemer, going before them, leading them by day and giving light unto them by night, and doing all things for them which were expedient for man to receive, they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds, and reviled against Moses and against the true and living God. And it came to pass that according to his word he did destroy them; and according to his word he did lead them; and according to his word he did do all things for them; and there was not any thing done save it were by his word."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we need to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might. Do we truly love the Lord? With everything we have? Do we put Him above everyone and everything else? Do we show this not just with our words, but with our actions? Deut. 6: 5 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

Daily Thought

In the Old Testament I read the Lord's familiar admonition to "Be still and know that I am God." How often in our busy, hectic lives do we take time to simply be still? It is in those quiet times that we can feel the closest to God. Ps. 46: 10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord commanded Nephi to build a ship, but as he proceeded to do so, his brothers murmured against him, saying he was a fool thinking he could build a ship. They refused to help him and did nothing but complain against him, saying he lacked the knowledge that he would need to accomplish this task. 1 Ne. 17: 17-19 "And when my brethren saw that I was about to build a ship, they began to murmur against me, saying: Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters. And thus my brethren did complain against me, and were desirous that they might not labor, for they did not believe that I could build a ship; neither would they believe that I was instructed of the Lord. And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceedingly sorrowful because of the hardness of their hearts; and now when they saw that I began to be sorrowful they were glad in their hearts, insomuch that they did rejoice over me, saying: We knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish so great a work."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we wait for the Lord, we'll gain new strength--we'll be mounted up with wings like an eagle and will walk and run and not get tired or weary. Isa. 40: 31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that God can be our refuge and strength, even in times of great trouble. We have no reason to fear, even if the earth is removed and mountains are carried into the sea, and waters roar and the mountain shake. No matter what happens around us, we can trust in the Lord and don't need to fear. What a great comfort this is. Ps. 46: 1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."


In the Book of Mormon I read about how Lehi, Laman and Leumuel murmured and complained against the Lord because of their difficulties. But Nephi exhorted them to humble themselves and turn to the Lord. After Lehi did so, and was truly chastened because of his murmuring, the voice of the Lord did come to him, and spoke to him by way of the Liahona. 1 Ne. 16: 20, 22, 24-26 "And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren, because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto complaining against the Lord their God. And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father; and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him: Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written."

A verse with a thought booklet says that we need to exhort each other daily, encouraging each other to avoid becoming hardened or being deceived by sin. What can we do each day to strenghten one another, build up others in faith, and encourage each other? Heb. 3: 13 "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that God knows all the secrets of our hearts. There is nothing we can hide from Him. Ps. 44:21 "Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the wicked take the truth to be hard and it cuts them to the very center. If they were righteous and willing to hearken to the words of the Lord they would have no need to murmur against it. Nephi again exhorted his brothers to keep the commandments. 1 Ne. 16: 1-4 "And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear. And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord."

A scripture from a thought booklet brought a lot of comfort to me, telling me that the Lord would give me strength to equal my days. I have found that as difficult circumstances have come into my life, the Lord has given me strength to get through them, in the very hour I needed it. The thought that went with this, written by Carol Kuykendall, illustrates this point very well. Here is what she says: "I'm not handling this challenge so well," a friend told me as we sat together at my kitchen counter, drinking tea and talking about our shared experience of living with cancer. "I feel so afraid." She had called me the day before, asking if we could get together because she needed help. "How do you do it?" she asked. I wasn't sure I had any answers, but here we were, and so I told her something I learned almost twenty years ago from my friend Lois. "When Lois was diagnosed with lung cancer, she shared her fears about the challenges that might lie ahead. 'What will happen when I lose my hair?' she asked me on one of our many long walks. And when she did, she enjoyed the sassy looks she could create with outrageous wigs. "'What will happen when I'm on oxygen and can't go on our walks?' she asked. But when that happened, she willingly sat in a wheelchair with her portable oxygen tank and laughed when I did wheelies while pushing her around the neighborhood. "'What will happen when I'm so weak I have to stay in bed all day' she asked, and yet when that time came, she seemed peaceful and content. "Looking into the future, Lois had fears, but when she got right up to the edge of each one, it disappeared. God gave her the strength she needed when she needed it. "All I know is that I trust God to do the same for me," I told my friend that day. "If I face the things I fear the most, I trust that He will give me exactly what I need in that moment." Before she left, I prayed for both of us: "Lord, help us to believe Your promise that You will give us the strength to cope with our circumstances. And help us believe You." Deut. 33: 25 "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that rather than trust swords to save us from our enemies, we should trust God, and praise His name forever. Ps. 44: 5-6 "Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me."

In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's explanation of the iron rod to his brothers. He explained that it is the word of God and that if we hold fast to it, no matter what temptations come our way, the adversary cannot overpower us nor lead us away to destruction. He exhorted them with all the energy of his soul, to keep the commandments always in all things. 1 Ne. 15: 23-25 "And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God will hear our prayers and forgive us for our sins if we'll humbles ourselves before Him, pray to Him, and seek His face, being willing to turn from our wicked ways. 2 Chr. 7: 14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we read that the souls of the righteous thirst after God. Imagine how much you would want water if you were in a hot, dry desert. Think of how valuable water would be in those circumstances. That is how we should thirst after God! Ps. 42: 1-2 "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?"

In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi was greatly grieved because of the hardness of the hearts of his brothers. They did not understand the things of the Lord because they were not keeping the commandments and because they had not inquired of the Lord to understand them. Nephi tried to point these things out to them. If we find the things of the Lord hard to understand, we need to make sure we are living righteous lives so that we're worthy of the Spirit and then we need to pray to the Lord seeking understanding. 1 Ne. 15: 2-4, 7-11 "And it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they were disputing one with another concerning the things which my father had spoken unto them. For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood , save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought. And now I, Nephi, was grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, and also, because of the things which I had seen, and knew they must unavoidably come to pass because of the great wickedness of the children of men. And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive-tree, and also concerning the Gentiles. And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord? And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us. Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts? Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you."

A verse from a thought booklet says we should persue a peaceful relationship with all men, and holiness. Without these things no one can see the Lord. Heb. 12: 14 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that if we trust in the Lord and patiently wait upon Him, He'll bring us up out of our troubles and we'll be blessed. We should not trust the proud or be turned aside by their lies, but rather place our trust in the Lord. Ps. 40: 1-4 "I awaited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies."

In the Book of Mormon I read that if the Gentiles repent it wold be well with them, but if they harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, they would perish. A marvelous work would come forth among the chldren of men which would either convince them unto eternal life, or they would harden their hearts against it and be brought down to destruction. It would be their choice. 1 Ne. 14: 5-7 "And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, Nephi, saying: Thou hast beheld that if the Gentiles repent it shall be well with them; and thou also knowest concerning the covenants of the Lord unto the house of Israel; and thou also hast heard that whoso repenteth not must perish. Therefore, wo be unto the Gentiles if it so be that they harden their hearts against the Lamb of God. For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a great and a marvelous work among the children of men; a work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other—either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds unto their being brought down into captivity, and also into destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the devil, of which I have spoken."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus would be born in the flesh and dwell among men, but He would be the Son of God and be full of grace and truth. John 1: 14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament, David talks about how sorrowful his sins have made him. Indeed, wickedness never was happiness! So why sin? It will only bring us misery in the end. Ps. 38: 4-10, 17-18 "For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin."

In the Book of Mormon I read a prophesy about Columbus coming to the American Continent, being lead by the Lord, and others following after him to possess the land. 1 Ne. 13: 12-14 "And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land. And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters. And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into Egypt and told them not to be upset with themselves for doing it because God had used the situation for good. Because of it, he was able to provide food during the 7 years of famine, and he invited his brothers to bring their father and come and dwell there with him. When people do unkind things to us, do we become angry and seek revenge? Or do we follow the example of Joseph and forgive them, looking for anything good that might have come from it. Sometimes the Lord uses difficult situations to teach us and help us grow, as well as bringing good things to pass. If we'll forgive in our hearts, we'll be filled with peace and the Lord will bless us. Gen. 45: 3-11 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen , and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that if a man is perfect and upright, his end will be peace. If someone is commiting sin and doing what they know to be wrong, that's the one thing that seems to be lacking in their lives--peace. Ps. 37: 37 "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."


In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi saw in vision the great destructions that would come upon the land, just prior to the Savior coming down from the heavens and showing Himself to the people. 1 Ne. 12: 4-6 "And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise; and I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises; and I saw the earth and the rocks, that they rent; and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces; and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up; and I saw many cities that they were sunk; and I saw many that they were burned with fire; and I saw many that did tumble to the earth, because of the quaking thereof. And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth; and behold, I saw multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible judgments of the Lord. And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God descending out of heaven; and he came down and showed himself unto them."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the end result of our faith will be the salvation of our souls. Earthly riches might be lost, but our eternal inheritance is secure. 1 Pet. 1: 9 "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."