In the Old Testament we're told that we should not be envious of evil people, fret ourselves over them, nor desire to associate with them. Their candle will be put out. Prov. 24: 1-2, 19-20 "Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out."
In the Book of Mormon I read some wonderful verses that ask some penetrating quesetions that, if we answer honestly, will help us determine whether or not we're ready to meet the Lord when it comes our time to die. Have we lived our lives in such a way that we're prepared for judgment day, or are there things in our lives that we need to repent of? We may be able to fool other people, but we'll never be able to lie to the Lord. He'll be able to see right through us if we have unrented of sin. However, He ever beckons us to come unto Him and be cleansed from all the stains of our iniquities. We can be made pure and clean through His atonement. Alma 5: 14-34 "And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body? I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth? Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you? Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God? I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances? I say unto you, can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the devil? I say unto you, ye will know at that day that ye cannot be saved; for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins. And now I ask of you, my brethren, how will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness? Behold, what will these things testify against you? Behold will they not testify that ye are murderers, yea, and also that ye are guilty of all manner of wickedness? Behold, my brethren, do ye suppose that such an one can have a place to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless, pure and white? I say unto you, Nay; except ye make our Creator a liar from the beginning, or suppose that he is a liar from the beginning, ye cannot suppose that such can have place in the kingdom of heaven; but they shall be cast out for they are the children of the kingdom of the devil. And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now? Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins? Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life. Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? I say unto you that such an one is not prepared; and I would that he should prepare quickly, for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth not when the time shall come; for such an one is not found guiltless. And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions? Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved! Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it! Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that whatever we pray for in faith, we'll receive. Mark 11: 24 "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
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
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Daily Thoughts (Again)
Even though I sent off my Daily Thoughts email this morning I had someone tell me they didn't get it so I'm sending this again. If this is a duplicate, just disregard it.
In the Old Testament committing adultery or going to a prostitute is referred to as falling in a deep ditch or narrow pit. We don't want to fall prey to this kind of destruction in our lives! Prov. 23: 27-28 "For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how pride crept into the church because of some people having a lot of riches and thinking they were better than other people. They became scornful one towards another and persecute each other, causing envyings and strife. This became a stumbling block in the progress of the church and was a cause for lamentations. Alma 4: 6-13 "And it came to pass in the *eighth year of the reign of the judges, that the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding riches, and their fine silks, and their fine-twined linen, and because of their many flocks and herds, and their gold and their silver, and all manner of precious things, which they had obtained by their industry; and in all these things were they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costly apparel. Now this was the cause of much affliction to Alma, yea, and to many of the people whom Alma had consecrated to be teachers, and priests, and elders over the church; yea, many of them were sorely grieved for the wickedness which they saw had begun to be among their people. For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure. And thus, in this eighth year of the reign of the judges, there began to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God. And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress. And it came to pass in the commencement of the ninth year, Alma saw the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people. Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted. Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ's sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the counsel of the Lord stands firm forever and the thoughts of His heart through all the generations. Even though centuries have passed since this was written, the Lord remains firm and His commandments don't change. Even though the world might things are acceptable that would have been considered a disgrace a couple of generations ago, the Lord's commandments have not changed. What was wrong back then is still wrong today, no matter what the standards of the world are. Ps. 33: 11 "The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
In the Old Testament committing adultery or going to a prostitute is referred to as falling in a deep ditch or narrow pit. We don't want to fall prey to this kind of destruction in our lives! Prov. 23: 27-28 "For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how pride crept into the church because of some people having a lot of riches and thinking they were better than other people. They became scornful one towards another and persecute each other, causing envyings and strife. This became a stumbling block in the progress of the church and was a cause for lamentations. Alma 4: 6-13 "And it came to pass in the *eighth year of the reign of the judges, that the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding riches, and their fine silks, and their fine-twined linen, and because of their many flocks and herds, and their gold and their silver, and all manner of precious things, which they had obtained by their industry; and in all these things were they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costly apparel. Now this was the cause of much affliction to Alma, yea, and to many of the people whom Alma had consecrated to be teachers, and priests, and elders over the church; yea, many of them were sorely grieved for the wickedness which they saw had begun to be among their people. For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure. And thus, in this eighth year of the reign of the judges, there began to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God. And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress. And it came to pass in the commencement of the ninth year, Alma saw the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people. Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted. Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ's sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the counsel of the Lord stands firm forever and the thoughts of His heart through all the generations. Even though centuries have passed since this was written, the Lord remains firm and His commandments don't change. Even though the world might things are acceptable that would have been considered a disgrace a couple of generations ago, the Lord's commandments have not changed. What was wrong back then is still wrong today, no matter what the standards of the world are. Ps. 33: 11 "The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Daily Thoughts
n the Old Testament it warns us not to have angry and furious friends because we can learn their ways. Often we become like the people we choose to spend our time with, so we need to select our friends and companions carefully. Prov. 22: 24-25 "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul."
In the Book of Mormon it talks about how tens of thousands of people were killed in battles and that they received their rewards according to their works. If they had been righteous, they reaped eternal happiness, but if they were wicked they suffered eternal misery--all according to who they had obeyed while in this life, a good spirit or a bad one. Alma 3: 26"And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one."
Going right along with that Book of Mormon verse, some scriptures from a thought booklet also emphasize the importance of good works. It's not enough to just hear the Word of God, we need to also be doers of the Word. Otherwise, we're just deceiving ourselves and our religion is vain. We need to bridle our tongues, serve those in need, and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. James 1: 22, 25-27 "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
In the Book of Mormon it talks about how tens of thousands of people were killed in battles and that they received their rewards according to their works. If they had been righteous, they reaped eternal happiness, but if they were wicked they suffered eternal misery--all according to who they had obeyed while in this life, a good spirit or a bad one. Alma 3: 26"And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one."
Going right along with that Book of Mormon verse, some scriptures from a thought booklet also emphasize the importance of good works. It's not enough to just hear the Word of God, we need to also be doers of the Word. Otherwise, we're just deceiving ourselves and our religion is vain. We need to bridle our tongues, serve those in need, and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. James 1: 22, 25-27 "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament is a verse that gives encouragement to parents of wayward children. Note that this says "when he is old" not necessarily when he's a teenager or young adult. Prov. 22: 6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Nephites were attacked by Lamanites and Amlicites who were as numerous as the sands of the sea, but they were strenghtened by the Lord because they had prayed mightily unto Him to deliver them from the hands of their enemies and He heard their prayers. The Lamanites and Amlicites fell before them. When we're faced with huge problems and challenges that seem unsurmountable, we likewise need to turn to the Lord for help. Even if our troubles loom as large as being attacked by warriors as numerous as the sands of the sea, the Lord can strenghten us so that we can meet our challenges. We just need to pray mightily unto Him and ask. Alma 2: 27-28 "And behold, as they were crossing the river Sidon, the Lamanites and the Amlicites, being as numerous almost, as it were, as the sands of the sea, came upon them to destroy them. Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them."
A scripture verse with a thought booklet recounts the advice David gave to his son Solomon, admonishing him to seek the Lord with all his heart and serve Him with a willing mind. This is good advice for all of us. If we seek the Lord, we'll find Him. But if we forsake Him, He'll cast us off forever. 1 Chr. 28: 9 "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Nephites were attacked by Lamanites and Amlicites who were as numerous as the sands of the sea, but they were strenghtened by the Lord because they had prayed mightily unto Him to deliver them from the hands of their enemies and He heard their prayers. The Lamanites and Amlicites fell before them. When we're faced with huge problems and challenges that seem unsurmountable, we likewise need to turn to the Lord for help. Even if our troubles loom as large as being attacked by warriors as numerous as the sands of the sea, the Lord can strenghten us so that we can meet our challenges. We just need to pray mightily unto Him and ask. Alma 2: 27-28 "And behold, as they were crossing the river Sidon, the Lamanites and the Amlicites, being as numerous almost, as it were, as the sands of the sea, came upon them to destroy them. Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them."
A scripture verse with a thought booklet recounts the advice David gave to his son Solomon, admonishing him to seek the Lord with all his heart and serve Him with a willing mind. This is good advice for all of us. If we seek the Lord, we'll find Him. But if we forsake Him, He'll cast us off forever. 1 Chr. 28: 9 "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever."
Monday, April 26, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it says it's better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman. Actually, the same could probably be said of a contentious and angry man. Prov. 21: 19 "It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people gave of what they had to the poor and needy and did not spend their money on costly apparel. They were able to have peace, in spite of their persecutions. Alma 1: 27-28 "And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely. And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we need to lay aside the weight of the sins that so easily beset us and turn to Jesus who endured the cross for us and who is the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. 12: 1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people gave of what they had to the poor and needy and did not spend their money on costly apparel. They were able to have peace, in spite of their persecutions. Alma 1: 27-28 "And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely. And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we need to lay aside the weight of the sins that so easily beset us and turn to Jesus who endured the cross for us and who is the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. 12: 1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament tells us that if we turn a deaf ear to the cries of the poor, we likewise will not be heard in our times of trouble. Prov. 21: 13 "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard."
In the Book of Mormon I read about some of the false doctrines that Nehor preached among the people--that all mankind would be saved regardless of what they did so we could lift up our heads and rejoice. People love to hear things like this because then they can continue in their sins without worrying about repenting. In fact, preaching doctrines like this made Nehor popular and he was able to get people to support him and give him lots of money. He was able to buy costly apparel and was lifted up in pride, and was able to establish a church after the manner of his preaching. Even today there are churches like this. They preach "feel good" sermons and never call people to repentance or ask them to do anything. These kinds of churches can become quite popular because they preach what people want to hear. But they don't preach what people NEED to hear. Isn't it amazing that something written so many hundreds of years ago could be so in tune with things that are still going on today? Alma 1: 4-6 "And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life. And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money. And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that when we're afraid, we can place our trust in God. We have no need to fear what man can do to us. We have someone we can turn to, someone we can rely on to help us overcome our fears. Ps. 56: 3, 11 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."
In the Book of Mormon I read about some of the false doctrines that Nehor preached among the people--that all mankind would be saved regardless of what they did so we could lift up our heads and rejoice. People love to hear things like this because then they can continue in their sins without worrying about repenting. In fact, preaching doctrines like this made Nehor popular and he was able to get people to support him and give him lots of money. He was able to buy costly apparel and was lifted up in pride, and was able to establish a church after the manner of his preaching. Even today there are churches like this. They preach "feel good" sermons and never call people to repentance or ask them to do anything. These kinds of churches can become quite popular because they preach what people want to hear. But they don't preach what people NEED to hear. Isn't it amazing that something written so many hundreds of years ago could be so in tune with things that are still going on today? Alma 1: 4-6 "And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life. And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money. And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that when we're afraid, we can place our trust in God. We have no need to fear what man can do to us. We have someone we can turn to, someone we can rely on to help us overcome our fears. Ps. 56: 3, 11 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament says it's better to dwell in a corner of a housetop than have a big, beautiful house that you live in with a brawling woman. What good are riches and the things it can buy if you have contention and unhappiness in your life? Prov. 21: 9 "It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house."
In the Book of Mormon we read that the judgments of God are always just, but the jugdments of man are not always just. So it's better to be judged by God than by man. This is also important to remember when we're tempted to judge other people--we really don't know their hearts and all their circumstances so we really can't judge them fairly. It's best to leave the jugding to the Lord. Mosiah 29: 12 "Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how if we're envious of the prosperity of the wicked, it's like our feet almost being gone from under us and our steps are slipping. Looking at this world only, sometimes things can seem pretty unfair. Good people sometimes are wrought with problems and evil people sometimes seem to have everything anyone could want. But looking at things from an eternal perspective turns everything around. Those good people will have the riches of eternity and the evil people who had everything in this life will eventually reep the punishments they deserve. If we allow ourselves to become envious of them, we ourselves will slip and fall. Ps. 73: 2-3 "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."
In the Book of Mormon we read that the judgments of God are always just, but the jugdments of man are not always just. So it's better to be judged by God than by man. This is also important to remember when we're tempted to judge other people--we really don't know their hearts and all their circumstances so we really can't judge them fairly. It's best to leave the jugding to the Lord. Mosiah 29: 12 "Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how if we're envious of the prosperity of the wicked, it's like our feet almost being gone from under us and our steps are slipping. Looking at this world only, sometimes things can seem pretty unfair. Good people sometimes are wrought with problems and evil people sometimes seem to have everything anyone could want. But looking at things from an eternal perspective turns everything around. Those good people will have the riches of eternity and the evil people who had everything in this life will eventually reep the punishments they deserve. If we allow ourselves to become envious of them, we ourselves will slip and fall. Ps. 73: 2-3 "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."
Friday, April 23, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it tells us that if we give to the poor we're really giving to the Lord, and He will reward us. Prov. 19: 17 "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how after the sons of Mosiah were converted, they desired to go and preach the gospel to the Lamanites. They wanted to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord and try to cure them of their hatred toward the Nephites. The sons of Mosiah had been the vilest of sinners but now wanted to share the light of the gospel with others, so they would be spared eternal suffering. Indeed, it pained them to think that anyone might have to suffer that way. So they plead with their father to allow them to become missionaries to the Lamanites, and after inquiring of the Lord, Mosiah granted their request. Mosiah 28: 1-8 "Now it came to pass that after the sons of Mosiah had done all these things, *they took a small number with them and returned to their father, the king, and desired of him that he would grant unto them that they might, with these whom they had selected, go up to the land of Nephi that they might preach the things which they had heard, and that they might impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites—That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they might become friendly to one another, and that there should be no more contentions in all the land which the Lord their God had given them. Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were the very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever. And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many days that they might go up to the land of Nephi. And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word. And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites. And it came to pass that Mosiah granted that they might go and do according to their request."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we need to acknowledge our sins and not try to hide them. We need to confess them to the Lord so they can be forgiven and we can be blessed. Ps. 32: 1, 5 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 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 how after the sons of Mosiah were converted, they desired to go and preach the gospel to the Lamanites. They wanted to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord and try to cure them of their hatred toward the Nephites. The sons of Mosiah had been the vilest of sinners but now wanted to share the light of the gospel with others, so they would be spared eternal suffering. Indeed, it pained them to think that anyone might have to suffer that way. So they plead with their father to allow them to become missionaries to the Lamanites, and after inquiring of the Lord, Mosiah granted their request. Mosiah 28: 1-8 "Now it came to pass that after the sons of Mosiah had done all these things, *they took a small number with them and returned to their father, the king, and desired of him that he would grant unto them that they might, with these whom they had selected, go up to the land of Nephi that they might preach the things which they had heard, and that they might impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites—That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they might become friendly to one another, and that there should be no more contentions in all the land which the Lord their God had given them. Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were the very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever. And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many days that they might go up to the land of Nephi. And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word. And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites. And it came to pass that Mosiah granted that they might go and do according to their request."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we need to acknowledge our sins and not try to hide them. We need to confess them to the Lord so they can be forgiven and we can be blessed. Ps. 32: 1, 5 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 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."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament tells us that if we want friends, we need to be friendly. We need to be the kind of friend who sticks by the other person like a brother. Prov. 8: 24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the conversion of Alma the younger and how he repented of his sins and was born again. This brought a marvelous change in his life--like the difference between night and day. We all need to be born of God, being redeemed by Him and changed from our carnal and fallen state to become His children. Mosiah 27: 24-30 "For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off. Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God. My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more. I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all."
Some verses with a thought booklet give pleas to the Lord for deliverance from troubles and from enemies that are as numerous as the hairs on a head. When we are weary and feel like we're sinking in deep mire, we likewise can turn to the Lord to help us in our times of trouble. Ps. 69: 2-4, 13-17 "I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away. But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the conversion of Alma the younger and how he repented of his sins and was born again. This brought a marvelous change in his life--like the difference between night and day. We all need to be born of God, being redeemed by Him and changed from our carnal and fallen state to become His children. Mosiah 27: 24-30 "For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off. Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God. My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more. I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all."
Some verses with a thought booklet give pleas to the Lord for deliverance from troubles and from enemies that are as numerous as the hairs on a head. When we are weary and feel like we're sinking in deep mire, we likewise can turn to the Lord to help us in our times of trouble. Ps. 69: 2-4, 13-17 "I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away. But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Daily Thoughts
Have you ever known somebody who was so eager to talk that they didn't seem to be listening to what you were trying to say? Before you could even finish getting your thoughts out, they were already answering you. This verse from the Old Testament tells us this kind of attitude is a folly and a shame. Let's be careful to really listen to what other people are saying, rather than be so eager to put in our own two cents worth that we don't even let them finish. Prov. 8: 3 "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."
In the Book of Mormon it tells us that as often as we repent, the Lord will forgive us. And likewise, we need to forgive one another. If we don't forgive others, we'll bring ourselves under condemnation. Mosiah 26: 30-31 "Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me. And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of Manasseh who was very evil and made Israel sin. When the Lord tried to speak to Manasseh and his people, they refused to listen to Him. So then the Lord caused Manasseh to be taken captive into Babylon where in his great affliction, he finally sought the Lord and humbled himself in prayer. Do we likewise refuse to listen to the Lord when things are going okay for us? Does it take trials and tribulations to bring us to our knees and seek the Lord? Sometimes these trying experiences that humble us and cause us to turn to the Lord are exactly what we need. But how much better if we could turn to the Lord without such harsh circumstances forcing us to do so? 2 Chr. 33: 1-13 "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: But did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. Also he built altars in the house of the Lord, whereof the Lord had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever: Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses. So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel. And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God."
In the Book of Mormon it tells us that as often as we repent, the Lord will forgive us. And likewise, we need to forgive one another. If we don't forgive others, we'll bring ourselves under condemnation. Mosiah 26: 30-31 "Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me. And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of Manasseh who was very evil and made Israel sin. When the Lord tried to speak to Manasseh and his people, they refused to listen to Him. So then the Lord caused Manasseh to be taken captive into Babylon where in his great affliction, he finally sought the Lord and humbled himself in prayer. Do we likewise refuse to listen to the Lord when things are going okay for us? Does it take trials and tribulations to bring us to our knees and seek the Lord? Sometimes these trying experiences that humble us and cause us to turn to the Lord are exactly what we need. But how much better if we could turn to the Lord without such harsh circumstances forcing us to do so? 2 Chr. 33: 1-13 "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: But did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. Also he built altars in the house of the Lord, whereof the Lord had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever: Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses. So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel. And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read that a talebearer's words cause deep wounds. Before we start gossiping about somebody else, we need to think about the pain and harm our words can cause. Prov. 18: 8 "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
In the Book of Mormon I read that there were many churches but they were all one church in that they taught the same thing--faith in God and repentance. This is true today also--you can attend any LDS Church anywhere in the world and you'll feel right at home because they all teach the same thing. Mosiah 25: 22 "And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about seeking God early, and thirsting for Him the way you'd thirst for water if you were in a dry desert. How much do we long to have God in our lives? Do we want it as much as we'd want water in a dry and thirsty land? Ps. 63: 1 "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"
In the Book of Mormon I read that there were many churches but they were all one church in that they taught the same thing--faith in God and repentance. This is true today also--you can attend any LDS Church anywhere in the world and you'll feel right at home because they all teach the same thing. Mosiah 25: 22 "And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about seeking God early, and thirsting for Him the way you'd thirst for water if you were in a dry desert. How much do we long to have God in our lives? Do we want it as much as we'd want water in a dry and thirsty land? Ps. 63: 1 "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"
Monday, April 19, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament tells us that even a fool can e deemed wise if he'll just keep his mouth shut! Prov. 17: 28 "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
In the Book of Mormon I read that even though the Lord didn't deliver the people from bondage immediately, He strenghtened them and made their burdens light so they could bear them with ease. Then when they cheerfully and willingly submitted to the Lord's will with much patience, He told them he would deliver them from bondage. This is the way the Lord oftens answers prayers. We pray for deliverance from some trial or tribulation, but instead the Lord simply strenghtens us so that we can bear our burdens. Then, if we're patient in our afflictions and submit cheerfully to His will, He eventually lifts our burdens from us. Sometimes the removal of the trials doesn't even happen in this life, but it will come. We just need to trust in the Lord and allow Him to help us through our troubles, no matter how long they last. Mosiah 24: 14-16 "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that there is not one person who does good--all have turned aside and have done abominable works. It's a fool who says in his heart that there is no God. Since we're all sinners, maybe it could make us feel better about our sins to think there is no God, so what would it matter if we do wrong? But the fact is there is a God and we need to seek Him and repent of our sins. Obviously, we're all in need of repentance. Every one of us! Ps. 14: 1-3 "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
In the Book of Mormon I read that even though the Lord didn't deliver the people from bondage immediately, He strenghtened them and made their burdens light so they could bear them with ease. Then when they cheerfully and willingly submitted to the Lord's will with much patience, He told them he would deliver them from bondage. This is the way the Lord oftens answers prayers. We pray for deliverance from some trial or tribulation, but instead the Lord simply strenghtens us so that we can bear our burdens. Then, if we're patient in our afflictions and submit cheerfully to His will, He eventually lifts our burdens from us. Sometimes the removal of the trials doesn't even happen in this life, but it will come. We just need to trust in the Lord and allow Him to help us through our troubles, no matter how long they last. Mosiah 24: 14-16 "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that there is not one person who does good--all have turned aside and have done abominable works. It's a fool who says in his heart that there is no God. Since we're all sinners, maybe it could make us feel better about our sins to think there is no God, so what would it matter if we do wrong? But the fact is there is a God and we need to seek Him and repent of our sins. Obviously, we're all in need of repentance. Every one of us! Ps. 14: 1-3 "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse in the Old Testament tells us that a true frient will love at all times, even during adversity. Someone who is a fair weather friend, only sticking around when things are going well, is not a real friend. A friend who will stand by us throught thick and thin and be there to help us through our trials, is a valuable friend worth keeping. We need to be this kind of friend to others. Prov. 17: 17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord chastens His poeple, trying their patience and their faith. But if we'll trust in the Lord, we'll be lifted up at the last day. Mosiah 23: 21-22 "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to neglect the gifts that have been given to us. Whatever gift we've been given, we need to use it to bless the lives of others and serve in any way the Lord wants us to. 1 Tim. 4: 14 "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."
In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord chastens His poeple, trying their patience and their faith. But if we'll trust in the Lord, we'll be lifted up at the last day. Mosiah 23: 21-22 "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to neglect the gifts that have been given to us. Whatever gift we've been given, we need to use it to bless the lives of others and serve in any way the Lord wants us to. 1 Tim. 4: 14 "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament is says that if you're wise, a reproof will enter into your heart more than a thousand stripes will impact a fool. Prov. 17: 10 "A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool."
In the Book of Mormon I read a about how Alma taught his people to love others as they loved themselves and not have any contention among them. This is something we all need to do in our own lives--loving others and avoiding contention. Mosiah 23: 15 "Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when the Israelites were having times of trouble they turned to the Lord, and He was found by them. We likewise can turn to the Lord in our difficult times, and He will be there for us. 2 Chr. 15: 4 "But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them."
In the Book of Mormon I read a about how Alma taught his people to love others as they loved themselves and not have any contention among them. This is something we all need to do in our own lives--loving others and avoiding contention. Mosiah 23: 15 "Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when the Israelites were having times of trouble they turned to the Lord, and He was found by them. We likewise can turn to the Lord in our difficult times, and He will be there for us. 2 Chr. 15: 4 "But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them."
Friday, April 16, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it says a man who can rule his own spirit and is slow to anger is better than a mighty man who takes a city. Prov. 16: 32 "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the prophecies of Abinidi were fulfilled because the wicked people wouldn't hearken to his words. Mosiah 20: 21 "For are not the words of Abinadi fulfilled, which he prophesied against us—and all this because we would not hearken unto the words of the Lord, and turn from our iniquities?"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be content with what we have and not be covetous. For the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us, He will be our helper, and we have no need to fear what man can do to us. Even if we were to lose all our worldly possessions, we'd still have the love and grace of God on our side and we'd have nothing to fear as long as we trusted in Him. Heb. 13: 5-6 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the prophecies of Abinidi were fulfilled because the wicked people wouldn't hearken to his words. Mosiah 20: 21 "For are not the words of Abinadi fulfilled, which he prophesied against us—and all this because we would not hearken unto the words of the Lord, and turn from our iniquities?"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be content with what we have and not be covetous. For the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us, He will be our helper, and we have no need to fear what man can do to us. Even if we were to lose all our worldly possessions, we'd still have the love and grace of God on our side and we'd have nothing to fear as long as we trusted in Him. Heb. 13: 5-6 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read a verse that tells us that if we trust in the Lord, we'll be happy. Prov. 16: 20 "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."
In the Book of Mormon we read that Abinidi's prophecy came to pass--King Noah ended up suffering death by fire just as he caused to happen to Abinidi. Sooner or later, the wicked will have to pay for the evil that they do. Mosiah 19: 20 "And the king commanded them that they should not return; and they were angry with the king, and caused that he should suffer, even unto death by fire."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord hears those who seek Him and delivers them from their fears. He is good and can be trusted. When the righteous cry unto the Lord, He delivers them from their troubles and is near to those who are humble and have a contrite spirit. Ps. 34: 4, 8, 17-19 " 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. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
In the Book of Mormon we read that Abinidi's prophecy came to pass--King Noah ended up suffering death by fire just as he caused to happen to Abinidi. Sooner or later, the wicked will have to pay for the evil that they do. Mosiah 19: 20 "And the king commanded them that they should not return; and they were angry with the king, and caused that he should suffer, even unto death by fire."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord hears those who seek Him and delivers them from their fears. He is good and can be trusted. When the righteous cry unto the Lord, He delivers them from their troubles and is near to those who are humble and have a contrite spirit. Ps. 34: 4, 8, 17-19 " 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. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament is a verse that tells us that pride and a haughty spirit come before a fall and destruction. Prov. 16: 18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
In the Book of Mormon I read that we should be willing to bear one another's burdens that they may be light. We should mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places. We need to be baptized as a witness before God that we have entered into a covenant to serve the Lord and keep His commandments, so He can pour out His Spirit abundantly upon us. If we do these things, we will have eternal life. Mosiah 18: 8-10 "And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. In order to come to God, we must first believe that He is and that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. Heb. 11: 6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
In the Book of Mormon I read that we should be willing to bear one another's burdens that they may be light. We should mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places. We need to be baptized as a witness before God that we have entered into a covenant to serve the Lord and keep His commandments, so He can pour out His Spirit abundantly upon us. If we do these things, we will have eternal life. Mosiah 18: 8-10 "And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. In order to come to God, we must first believe that He is and that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. Heb. 11: 6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we're told that wisdom and understanding are more valuable than gold and silver. Prov. 16: 16 "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!"
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Abinidi refused to take back his words to King Noah and his people regarding their need for repentance. So they burned him to death. As he was being killed, he continued to testify against them and warned them of the punishments from God that would come upon them because of their wickedness. Mosiah 17: 9-10, 13-20 "Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands. Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day. And it came to pass that they took him and bound him, and scourged his skin with faggots, yea, even unto death. And now when the flames began to scorch him, he cried unto them, saying: Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe in the salvation of the Lord their God. And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted with all manner of diseases because of your iniquities. Yea, and ye shall be smitten on every hand, and shall be driven and scattered to and fro, even as a wild flock is driven by wild and ferocious beasts. And in that day ye shall be hunted, and ye shall be taken by the hand of your enemies, and then ye shall suffer, as I suffer, the pains of death by fire. Thus God executeth vengeance upon those that destroy his people. O God, receive my soul. And now, *when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death."
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish the people to repent and return to the Lord, not being stiffnecked like their fathers. They are to yield themselves to the Lord and serve Him. If they do this, the fierceness of God's wrath will be turned away from them and they will find compassion. 2 Chr. 30: 8-9 "Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Abinidi refused to take back his words to King Noah and his people regarding their need for repentance. So they burned him to death. As he was being killed, he continued to testify against them and warned them of the punishments from God that would come upon them because of their wickedness. Mosiah 17: 9-10, 13-20 "Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands. Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day. And it came to pass that they took him and bound him, and scourged his skin with faggots, yea, even unto death. And now when the flames began to scorch him, he cried unto them, saying: Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe in the salvation of the Lord their God. And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted with all manner of diseases because of your iniquities. Yea, and ye shall be smitten on every hand, and shall be driven and scattered to and fro, even as a wild flock is driven by wild and ferocious beasts. And in that day ye shall be hunted, and ye shall be taken by the hand of your enemies, and then ye shall suffer, as I suffer, the pains of death by fire. Thus God executeth vengeance upon those that destroy his people. O God, receive my soul. And now, *when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death."
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish the people to repent and return to the Lord, not being stiffnecked like their fathers. They are to yield themselves to the Lord and serve Him. If they do this, the fierceness of God's wrath will be turned away from them and they will find compassion. 2 Chr. 30: 8-9 "Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."
Monday, April 12, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that it is better to have little but be righteous than to have great riches but be evil. In the eternal scheme of things, money really doesn't matter (we can't take it with us!) but how well we keep the commandments is of eternal significance. Prov. 16: 8 "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right."
In the Book of Mormon I read that to those who are carnal in nature and continue in sin and rebellion against God, it was as though there were no redemption made. The devil has all power over them. Mosiah 16: 5 "But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus came to seek out and save those who are lost. So if we're seeking God, we can know that He's also seeking us out, even more than we're seeking Him. What a comforting thought that is! Luke 19: 10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
In the Book of Mormon I read that to those who are carnal in nature and continue in sin and rebellion against God, it was as though there were no redemption made. The devil has all power over them. Mosiah 16: 5 "But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus came to seek out and save those who are lost. So if we're seeking God, we can know that He's also seeking us out, even more than we're seeking Him. What a comforting thought that is! Luke 19: 10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament tells us the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous, but He is far from the wicked. Do we feel close to the Lord? If not, we need to look at our own lives and see what we may need to repent of. Prov. 15: 29 "The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous."
In the Book of Mormon I read that Moses and all the prophets since the beginnig prophesied of Christ, that He would come down and take the form of a man, going forth with mighty power on the earth and bring about the resurrection of the dead. Mosiah 13: 33-35 "For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth? Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted?"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we ask, it shall be given to us. Just as we want to give good gifts to our children, Heavenly Father wants to give good things to us. We just need to ask! Matt. 7: 7-11 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
In the Book of Mormon I read that Moses and all the prophets since the beginnig prophesied of Christ, that He would come down and take the form of a man, going forth with mighty power on the earth and bring about the resurrection of the dead. Mosiah 13: 33-35 "For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth? Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted?"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we ask, it shall be given to us. Just as we want to give good gifts to our children, Heavenly Father wants to give good things to us. We just need to ask! Matt. 7: 7-11 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that it's better to eat simple vegetables in a home full of love than a fancy feast where hate is. Money is not the important thing in a home--it's how we feel about the people there. Prov. 15: 17 "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Abinidi warned the people of the great calamities that would befall them if they refused to repent. Mosiah 12: 1-8 "And it came to pass that after the space of two years that Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not, and began to prophesy among them, saying: Thus has the Lord commanded me, saying—Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations. Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh. And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah shall be valued even as a garment in a hot furnace; for he shall know that I am the Lord. And it shall come to pass that I will smite this my people with sore afflictions, yea, with famine and with pestilence; and I will cause that they shall howl all the day long. Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens lashed upon their backs; and they shall be driven before like a dumb ass. And it shall come to pass that I will send forth hail among them, and it shall smite them; and they shall also be smitten with the east wind; and insects shall pester their land also, and devour their grain. And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence—and all this will I do because of their iniquities and abominations. And it shall come to pass that except they repent I will utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth; yet they shall leave a record behind them, and I will preserve them for other nations which shall possess the land; yea, even this will I do that I may discover the abominations of this people to other nations. And many things did Abinadi prophesy against this people."
A verse with a thought booklet says that the voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty. Since this is true, it's vital that we harken to the voice of the Lord! Sometimes in this noisy chaotic world, the voice of the Lord can be drowned out unless we keep ourselves atune to it and listen carefully. Ps. 29: 4 "The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Abinidi warned the people of the great calamities that would befall them if they refused to repent. Mosiah 12: 1-8 "And it came to pass that after the space of two years that Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not, and began to prophesy among them, saying: Thus has the Lord commanded me, saying—Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations. Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh. And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah shall be valued even as a garment in a hot furnace; for he shall know that I am the Lord. And it shall come to pass that I will smite this my people with sore afflictions, yea, with famine and with pestilence; and I will cause that they shall howl all the day long. Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens lashed upon their backs; and they shall be driven before like a dumb ass. And it shall come to pass that I will send forth hail among them, and it shall smite them; and they shall also be smitten with the east wind; and insects shall pester their land also, and devour their grain. And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence—and all this will I do because of their iniquities and abominations. And it shall come to pass that except they repent I will utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth; yet they shall leave a record behind them, and I will preserve them for other nations which shall possess the land; yea, even this will I do that I may discover the abominations of this people to other nations. And many things did Abinadi prophesy against this people."
A verse with a thought booklet says that the voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty. Since this is true, it's vital that we harken to the voice of the Lord! Sometimes in this noisy chaotic world, the voice of the Lord can be drowned out unless we keep ourselves atune to it and listen carefully. Ps. 29: 4 "The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty."
Friday, April 9, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament tells us that a soft answer will turn away wrath, but anger is stirred up by grievous words. When someone is upset with us, how do we respond--with a soft answer or do we return their angry words? Instead of fueling the fires of contention, let's see what we can do to end it peacefully. Prov. 15: 1 "Soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord said Abinidi to cry repentance unto the wicked King Noah and his people, but they would not harken to his words and were so angry with him that they wanted to kill him. Mosiah 11: 20-23, 27-29 "And it came to pass that there was a man among them whose name was Abinadi; and he went forth among them, and began to prophesy, saying: Behold, thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me, saying, Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord—Wo be unto this people, for I have seen their abominations, and their wickedness, and their whoredoms; and except they repent I will visit them in mine anger. And except they repent and turn to the Lord their God, behold, I will deliver them into the hands of their enemies; yea, and they shall be brought into bondage; and they shall be afflicted by the hand of their enemies. And it shall come to pass that they shall know that I am the Lord their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of my people. And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn unto the Lord their God, they shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver them, except it be the Lord the Almighty God. Now when king Noah had heard of the words which Abinadi had spoken unto the people, he was also wroth; and he said: Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord, that shall bring upon my people such great affliction? I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may slay him, for he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I will slay him. Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord knows and understands us completely. He knows our every thought, word, and action. No matter where we go, we cannot hide from Him. Darkness does not cover us--He can see us as clearly as if it were daytime. Hopefully, knowing this should help motivate us to think and do things we wouldn't mind the Lord knowing about! We may be able to fool other people, but we can't fool the Lord. Other people might blackmail us, mock us, or use what they know about us against us. The Lord is on our side and sent us a Savior so we could be forgiven for the wrongs we do. He knows us thoroughly, but still loves us and wants to help us. Ps. 139: 1-12 "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 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."
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In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord said Abinidi to cry repentance unto the wicked King Noah and his people, but they would not harken to his words and were so angry with him that they wanted to kill him. Mosiah 11: 20-23, 27-29 "And it came to pass that there was a man among them whose name was Abinadi; and he went forth among them, and began to prophesy, saying: Behold, thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me, saying, Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord—Wo be unto this people, for I have seen their abominations, and their wickedness, and their whoredoms; and except they repent I will visit them in mine anger. And except they repent and turn to the Lord their God, behold, I will deliver them into the hands of their enemies; yea, and they shall be brought into bondage; and they shall be afflicted by the hand of their enemies. And it shall come to pass that they shall know that I am the Lord their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of my people. And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn unto the Lord their God, they shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver them, except it be the Lord the Almighty God. Now when king Noah had heard of the words which Abinadi had spoken unto the people, he was also wroth; and he said: Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord, that shall bring upon my people such great affliction? I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may slay him, for he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I will slay him. Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord knows and understands us completely. He knows our every thought, word, and action. No matter where we go, we cannot hide from Him. Darkness does not cover us--He can see us as clearly as if it were daytime. Hopefully, knowing this should help motivate us to think and do things we wouldn't mind the Lord knowing about! We may be able to fool other people, but we can't fool the Lord. Other people might blackmail us, mock us, or use what they know about us against us. The Lord is on our side and sent us a Savior so we could be forgiven for the wrongs we do. He knows us thoroughly, but still loves us and wants to help us. Ps. 139: 1-12 "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 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."
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Thursday, April 8, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament warns us to fear evil and depart from it. Only a fool is confident in the face of evil, or brags that he can withstand temptation. Instead of confidently standing our ground and thinking we can resist the wickedness surrounding us, we need to flee and get out of there! Prov. 14: 16 "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Nephites went to battle with the Lamanites with the strength of the Lord. However, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning theh Lord or His strengh, but depended on their own strength. They were a ferocious and blood-thirsty people who believed that the Nephites had wronged them because this was the tradition that had been passed on to them from their fathers. Mosiah 10: 10-12 "And it came to pass that we did go up to battle against the Lamanites; and I, even I, in my old age, did go up to battle against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle. Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men. They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea;"
Some scriptures with a thought booklet warn us to prepare for the Lord's coming, for we don't know when it will be. If a homeowner knew what hour a thief would come, he'd watch and be prepared. We don't know what hour the Lord will come, but we need to watch and be prepared for whenever that is. Matt. 24: 42-44 "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Nephites went to battle with the Lamanites with the strength of the Lord. However, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning theh Lord or His strengh, but depended on their own strength. They were a ferocious and blood-thirsty people who believed that the Nephites had wronged them because this was the tradition that had been passed on to them from their fathers. Mosiah 10: 10-12 "And it came to pass that we did go up to battle against the Lamanites; and I, even I, in my old age, did go up to battle against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle. Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men. They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea;"
Some scriptures with a thought booklet warn us to prepare for the Lord's coming, for we don't know when it will be. If a homeowner knew what hour a thief would come, he'd watch and be prepared. We don't know what hour the Lord will come, but we need to watch and be prepared for whenever that is. Matt. 24: 42-44 "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament reminds us to choose our companions well. If we associate with wise people, some of their wisdom will rub off on us, but if we choose fools for friends, we'll be destroyed. Prov. 20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how marvelous the works of the Lord are in being patient and long suffering toward His people, even when they lack understanding and are unwilling to seek wisdom from the Lord. They are like a wild flock who run away from their shepherd who could protect them and are thus eaten by beasts of the forest. Do we run away from the Lord who could protect us, and are thus destroyed as a result? Mosiah 8: 20-21 "O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them! Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the forest."
Some verses with a thought booklet point out that the Lord does not grow weary or faint. Indeed, He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of those who wait upon Him. We can indeed trust in Him and rely on Him to help us. Isa. 40: 28-31 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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."
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In the Book of Mormon I read about how marvelous the works of the Lord are in being patient and long suffering toward His people, even when they lack understanding and are unwilling to seek wisdom from the Lord. They are like a wild flock who run away from their shepherd who could protect them and are thus eaten by beasts of the forest. Do we run away from the Lord who could protect us, and are thus destroyed as a result? Mosiah 8: 20-21 "O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them! Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the forest."
Some verses with a thought booklet point out that the Lord does not grow weary or faint. Indeed, He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of those who wait upon Him. We can indeed trust in Him and rely on Him to help us. Isa. 40: 28-31 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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."
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Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read that the law is a fountain of life, but if we depart from it, we can be caught in the snares of death. The way of the transgressor is hard. Instead of thinking of the commandments as restraints that keep us from doing what we want to do, we should realize that the commandments are actually guideposts that keep us on the path to happiness and protect us from the traps and misery that sin brings. Prov. 13: 14-15 "The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how we'll reap what we sow. If we're filthy, we'll reap filthiness and the Lord will not prosper our way, but eventually we'll reap destruction. However, if we'll turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart and trust in Him and serve Him with all diligence, He will bless us. Mosiah 7: 28-33 "And now, because he said this, they did put him to death; and many more things did they do which brought down the wrath of God upon them. Therefore, who wondereth that they are in bondage, and that they are smitten with sore afflictions? For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them. And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison. And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction. And now, behold, the promise of the Lord is fulfilled, and ye are smitten and afflicted. But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about Jesus calming the raging storm. When we have storms come into our lives, can't we likewise turn to Him and have Him bring calm into our lives? Luke 8: 24 "And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how we'll reap what we sow. If we're filthy, we'll reap filthiness and the Lord will not prosper our way, but eventually we'll reap destruction. However, if we'll turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart and trust in Him and serve Him with all diligence, He will bless us. Mosiah 7: 28-33 "And now, because he said this, they did put him to death; and many more things did they do which brought down the wrath of God upon them. Therefore, who wondereth that they are in bondage, and that they are smitten with sore afflictions? For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them. And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison. And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction. And now, behold, the promise of the Lord is fulfilled, and ye are smitten and afflicted. But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about Jesus calming the raging storm. When we have storms come into our lives, can't we likewise turn to Him and have Him bring calm into our lives? Luke 8: 24 "And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm."
Monday, April 5, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament tells us that the love delights in honest people but those who tell lies are an abomination to Him. Prov. 12: 22 "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight."
I read a verse in the Book of Mormon that tells us we can rejoice and trust in God; for He is the same God that brought the Israelites out of Egypt and parted the Red Sea for them and gave them manna in the wilderness so they would not starve. We likewise can trust in this same God. Mosiah 7: 19 "Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them."
Going right along with this, some verses with a thought booklet tell us that our hearts can rejoice because we trust in the Lord. He is our help and our shield and we can hope in His mercy. Ps. 33: 18-22 "Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee."
I read a verse in the Book of Mormon that tells us we can rejoice and trust in God; for He is the same God that brought the Israelites out of Egypt and parted the Red Sea for them and gave them manna in the wilderness so they would not starve. We likewise can trust in this same God. Mosiah 7: 19 "Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them."
Going right along with this, some verses with a thought booklet tell us that our hearts can rejoice because we trust in the Lord. He is our help and our shield and we can hope in His mercy. Ps. 33: 18-22 "Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee."
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read that a wise man will listen to counsel but a fool thinks he's always right. Are we willing to listen to other people when they try to give us counsel and advise--or are we so sure that we're right that we discard what anybody else has to say? Prov. 12: 15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
In the Book of Mormon we're told that we must be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works. If we do this, Christ will seal us His and we'll obtain everlasting salvation and eternal life. Mosiah 5: 15 "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord will pardon iniquity because He delights in mercy and is full of compassion. He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. The thought that went with this, written by Gerald Oosterveen from Tinley Park, Illinois says: The sea--majestic, mysterious. Covering three-fourths of the globe, its depths hide living creatures that no one has ever seen. The prophet Micah invokes the image of an endless sea to assure guilt-ridden people that our sins, when confessed and forgiven, are cast away, never to be remembered again. In those great depths, God will hide your sins and mine. Although some people may spitefully drag up long-forgotten offenses, God never will. The sea is so immense, so deep, so dark that not even the God who created it will seek out our sins and hold them against us. Sins, once forgiven by God, are forever gone. Walking on the beach, I come across a piece of driftwood. Who knows where it started its journey? I am reassured that never in all eternity will our forgiven sins get washed up on the beach. They are gone, never to come back! We thank you, Great Creator, that our sins are forever lost in the deep blue sea of your forgiving love. Micah 7: 18-19 "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
In the Book of Mormon we're told that we must be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works. If we do this, Christ will seal us His and we'll obtain everlasting salvation and eternal life. Mosiah 5: 15 "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord will pardon iniquity because He delights in mercy and is full of compassion. He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. The thought that went with this, written by Gerald Oosterveen from Tinley Park, Illinois says: The sea--majestic, mysterious. Covering three-fourths of the globe, its depths hide living creatures that no one has ever seen. The prophet Micah invokes the image of an endless sea to assure guilt-ridden people that our sins, when confessed and forgiven, are cast away, never to be remembered again. In those great depths, God will hide your sins and mine. Although some people may spitefully drag up long-forgotten offenses, God never will. The sea is so immense, so deep, so dark that not even the God who created it will seek out our sins and hold them against us. Sins, once forgiven by God, are forever gone. Walking on the beach, I come across a piece of driftwood. Who knows where it started its journey? I am reassured that never in all eternity will our forgiven sins get washed up on the beach. They are gone, never to come back! We thank you, Great Creator, that our sins are forever lost in the deep blue sea of your forgiving love. Micah 7: 18-19 "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament tells us that if we seek good, we'll find it; and if we seek mischief it will come to us. Whether we look for the good or for the bad, we're likely to find what we're looking for. Prov. 11: 27 "He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him."
In the Book of Mormon it tells us the importance of teaching our children not to fight and quarrel with one another because if they do, they are serving the devil. Instead, we need to teach them to love and serve one another and to walk in the ways of truth. Mosiah 4: 14-15 "And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness. But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another."
A verse I read with a thought booklet tells us that that which is good comes from God and we need to follow it, but we need to avoid that which is evil. 3 Jn. 1: 11 "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
In the Book of Mormon it tells us the importance of teaching our children not to fight and quarrel with one another because if they do, they are serving the devil. Instead, we need to teach them to love and serve one another and to walk in the ways of truth. Mosiah 4: 14-15 "And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness. But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another."
A verse I read with a thought booklet tells us that that which is good comes from God and we need to follow it, but we need to avoid that which is evil. 3 Jn. 1: 11 "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
Friday, April 2, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read a verse that says that when we're merciful it does good to our own souls, but when we're cruel, it troubles our own flesh. In other words, how we treat other people not only effect them, but it actually has a bigger impact upon ourselves--it makes us the people that we are. By being kind to others, we're actually being kind to ourselves. Prov. 11: 17 "The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh."
In the Book of Mormon I read King Benjamin's prophecies about Jesus Christ--how He would be born into the world, perform mighty miracles, be crucified for our sins and rise again the third day. Mosiah 3: 5-10 "For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men. And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary. And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him. And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold, he standeth to judge the world; and behold, all these things are done that a righteous judgment might come upon the children of men."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us the story of how Naaman came to the prophet Elisha seeking to be healed from his leprosy. However instead of Elisha healing him in the way Naaman expected (standing over him, calling upon God, and striking his hand over the place), Elisha sent a message to Naaman to go dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. At first Naaman was so angry he was just going to go away in a rage, but a servant persuaded him to do as Elisha had directed, and he was healed. The Lord doesn't always do thing the way we expect, nor answer our prayers the way we think we want them answered. But if we trust in Him and do what He and His servants direct us to do, we'll be blessed and have our prayers answered in the way that's best for us. 2 Kgs. 5: 9-14 "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
In the Book of Mormon I read King Benjamin's prophecies about Jesus Christ--how He would be born into the world, perform mighty miracles, be crucified for our sins and rise again the third day. Mosiah 3: 5-10 "For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men. And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary. And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him. And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold, he standeth to judge the world; and behold, all these things are done that a righteous judgment might come upon the children of men."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us the story of how Naaman came to the prophet Elisha seeking to be healed from his leprosy. However instead of Elisha healing him in the way Naaman expected (standing over him, calling upon God, and striking his hand over the place), Elisha sent a message to Naaman to go dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. At first Naaman was so angry he was just going to go away in a rage, but a servant persuaded him to do as Elisha had directed, and he was healed. The Lord doesn't always do thing the way we expect, nor answer our prayers the way we think we want them answered. But if we trust in Him and do what He and His servants direct us to do, we'll be blessed and have our prayers answered in the way that's best for us. 2 Kgs. 5: 9-14 "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse from the Old Testament warns us not to be a talebearer, but instead to be faithful and conceal the matter. How good are we at keeping confidences and not spreading gossip? Prov. 11: 13 "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the awful consequences of knowing the right things to do, but going against what we've been taught. Indeed, we withdraw ourselves from the Spirit when we do this. Isn't it interesting that WE are the ones to withdraw, not the other way around. And when we do this, we're in open rebellion against God and are listing to obey the evil spirit and we become an enemy to righteousness. If we allow this to open to us, our eternal fate will be terrible. Mosiah 2: 36-38 "And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom's paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved— I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples. Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever."
Some verses with a thought booklet kind of go along with this same idea--saying that if we hear the voice of the Lord, we will be His people and His sheep, but if we harden our hearts when temptations come, we will evoke the wrath of God and not enter into His rest. Ps. 95: 7-11 "For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the awful consequences of knowing the right things to do, but going against what we've been taught. Indeed, we withdraw ourselves from the Spirit when we do this. Isn't it interesting that WE are the ones to withdraw, not the other way around. And when we do this, we're in open rebellion against God and are listing to obey the evil spirit and we become an enemy to righteousness. If we allow this to open to us, our eternal fate will be terrible. Mosiah 2: 36-38 "And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom's paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved— I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples. Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever."
Some verses with a thought booklet kind of go along with this same idea--saying that if we hear the voice of the Lord, we will be His people and His sheep, but if we harden our hearts when temptations come, we will evoke the wrath of God and not enter into His rest. Ps. 95: 7-11 "For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest."
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