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."