Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read a verse that tells us that our countenances witness against us. The Institute manual has these comments about this verse: People radiate the quality of their spirit and attitude. They manifest the real person--good or evil. Isaiah warned that the disobedient cannot hide the effects of their transgressions from others. President David O. McKay provided the following insights into this principle: "Every man and every person who lives in this world wields an influence, whether for good or for evil. It is not what he says alone; it is not alone what he does. It is what he is. Every man, every person radiates what he or she really is... It is what we are and what we radiate that afects the people around us. As individuals, we must think nobler thoughts. We must not encourage vile thoughts or low aspirations. We shall radiate them if we do. If we think noble thoughts; if we encourage and cherish noble aspirations, there will be that radiation when we meet people, especially when we associate with them." Isa. 3: 9 "The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves."

In the Book of Mormon we read about an exceeding great joy that can only come to the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness. Alma 27: 18 "Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness."

Some scriptures with a thught booklet tell us to be cheerful and generous givers and that we'll reap what we sow. If we give to the poor, we'll always have sufficient and our righteousness will remain forever. 2 Cor. 9: 6-9 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever."
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