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."