Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read a verse that says it's just as ridiculous to strive with our Maker as it is for a pot to question the pot maker who made it. Isa. 45: 9 "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?"

In the Book of Mormon I read that even though the people became prosperous, they were not lifted up in pride and they remembered that the Lord had delivered them from their enemies and from their afflictions. They continually prayed to the Lord and thanked Him for all His blessings. Alma 62: 49-51 "But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; ne Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies. And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land."


Some scriptures with a thought booklet admonish us to hold fast to our unwavering faith and assemble ourselves together, exhorting one another and provoking one another unto love and good works. It's important to meet together with other believers and support and encourage one another--one more reason to attend church on a weekly basis. Heb. 10: 22-25 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
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Daily Thoughts

A verse from the Old Testament tell us that will blot out our transgressions and remember our sins no more. Isa. 43: 25 "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that says that because of the length of the war, many hardened their hearts. But due to the same reasons, many others were softened. Their afflictions had humbled them and caused them to turn to the Lord for help. I've seen this among people I know as well. Sometimes trials and tribulations will cause people to become bitter and angry and turn from God. But I've seen the same trials and afflictions cause other people to humble themselves and turn to God for support. It isn't so much what happens to us that makes us the people that we are, but it's our response to it that makes or breaks us. Alma 62: 41 "But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility."

I read some verses with a thought booklet that remind us to press forward toward our goals, not worrying about the past but continuing on to those things we want to attain. The thought that went with this, written by Shirley M. Corder from Eastern Cape, South Africa says: Recovering from an aggressive tussle with cancer treatment, I sat on a beach overlooking the sea. At my feet, multitudes of black ants scurried around in seeming chaos. One tiny ant, burdened by a dead insect at least ten times its size raced from the pack. It weaved across the grass, around weeds and over tufts. No matter what stood in its way, it kept moving forward. When a gust of wind blew it backwards, the ant adjusted its load and resumed its journey. After several minutes and many setbacks, it reached a tiny hole and disappeared from view. I marveled at how it had persevered until it reached its nest. I compared myself to that little ant. The goal of total health seemed so far away. Just as I made some progress, I felt blown backwards. Many times I felt tempted to give up. It seemed easier to say, "This is too hard. Maybe I'm not meant to do it." I laughed aloud at the realization that a tiny little creature I would never see again had taught me a valuable lesson: "Pick yourself up, redistribute your burden, and take the next step forward." Lord God, thank you that you will never give me a burden to carry that is beyond my ability. Please help me to perservere and not give up. Philip. 3: 13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament are some verses that tell us we have no need to fear for the Lord will be with us through whatever difficulties we have to pass through. Isa. 43: 1-2 "But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

In the Book of Mormon I read that there was much war, bloodshed, contention, famine and affliction for many years. There was all manner of iniquity among the people. However, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared. Alma 62: 39-40 "And thus ended the thirty and first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi; and thus they had had wars, and bloodsheds, and famine, and affliction, for the space of many years. And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless for the righteous' sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to put God first in our lives, and everything else seems to fall into place. Matt. 6: 33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that idols are nothing, and they bring confusion and vanity. Isa. 41: 29 "Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion."

In the Book of Mormon we read Pahoran's response to an epistle he received from Moroni in which Moroni had unjustly accused Pahoran of doing things he had not done. How do we react when we're falsely accused of doing things we're not guilty of? Do we become angry? Or are we as quick to forgive as Pahoran was? Can we still see the good in the person who misjudged us? Paharon serves as a wonderful example to us in this matter. Alma 61: 9 "And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free."

A verse with a thought booklet instructs us to lay aside the weight of every sin that easily besets us and with patience run the race that is before us. Think of our lives as running a race and going down a pathway toward eternal life. And think of our sins as burdens or weights that we must carry as we're trying to run this race. The more sins we're carrying on our backs, the harder the race will be. Why not cast off those extra weights, through repentance, so we can be free to run the race of life unencumbered? Heb. 12: 1 "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,"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that we need not fear for the Lord will be with us, helping us and strenghening us. He'll uphold us with His hand. Isa. 41: 10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."


In the Book of Mormon it tells us that the Lord won't suffer that we can live and wax strong in our iniquities while seeking to destroy His rightoues people. Alma 60: 31 "For behold, the Lord will not suffer that ye shall live and wax strong in your iniquities to destroy his righteous people."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us of the fleeting nature of life. We are here today, but there are no guarantees we will be here tomorrow. This is why we need to make the most of our time here on earth. Each moment is a gift and we should realize how valuable it is and take full advantage of it. James 4: 14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that those who wait upon the Lord will have their strength renewed--they'll run and not be weary and walk and not faint. Isa. 40: 31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

In the Book of Mormon I read how the Nephites had faith and they trusted God, that He would deliver them from their enemies, notwithstanding the weakness of their armies. Indeed, all the armies and weapons in the world will not protect us as much as faith and trust in God will. Alma 58: 37 "But, behold, it mattereth not—we trust God will deliver us, notwithstanding the weakness of our armies, yea, and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies."

Some verses from a thought booklet tell us we can learn much from watching animals and the earth. We can know that the every living thing is in the hands of the Lord, including the breath of all mankind. Job 12: 7-10 "But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that grass may wither away and flowers fade, but the word of God will stand forever. The institute manual elaborates on this. It says: The metaphors the prophets drew from the land of Canaan had poignant spiritual messages. The spring rains, called the "latter rains" fall through April and May. During these rains the grass springs up in Israel as a spontaneous, green carpet" over the land in such abundance and splendor that it seems it could never fail. Within a very short time the rains end, however, and the fierce summer heat turns the grass brown almost overnight. It simply seems to disappear across the barren hills. The withered, lifeless grass was the metaphor Isaiah chose to describe the wicked whose ways seem to be so attractive to the world but cannot endure long. Only those sanctified of the Lord will withstand the glory of His coming, for the wicked will be as the dried grass before a blazing fire. Isa. 40: 7-8 "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."


In the Book of Mormon I read that the people were once again delivered out of the hands of their enemies be cause of the goodness of God who preserved them. They were very grateful that He had done this great thing for them. Alma 57: 35-36 "And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us; yea, that has done this great thing for us. Now it came to pass that when I, Helaman, had heard these words of Gid, I was filled with exceeding joy because of the goodness of God in preserving us, that we might not all perish; yea, and I trust that the souls of them who have been slain have entered into the rest of their God."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell about how Jesus' disciples rebuked the little children who wanted to come unto Jesus, but this displeased Jesus. He welcomed the little children to come unto Him and He blessed them. He said we should all become as little children, humble and teachable, if we expect to enter into the Kingdom of God. Mark 10: 13-16 "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read a verse that prophesied about John the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord. Isa. 40: 3 " The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."

In the Book of Mormon I read more about the faith of the stripling warriors. Because they did not doubt, their lives were all preserved. Even though a thousand others were slain, through the miraculous power of God, none of these faithful young men died. They had been taught to believe and had been preserved by God's marvelous power. Their minds were firm and they trusted in God. Alma 57: 25-27 "And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds. And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power. Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us not to be wise in our own conceits and not to think we're better than other people. Do we look down on people with less money than we have? Or do we think a disabled person is less of a person than we are, or deserves to be ignored or treated with less respect? What about a person of a different race, religion, or culture? Or someone with a weight problem? Or just someone who doesn't think or act the way we do? We are all children of God and He loves us all. But I'm sure He's disappointed when some of His children look down on others and pridefully think that they're superior. Let's treat everyone with love and respect. Rom. 12: 16 "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Hezekiah showed all his wealth to the Babylonians. Isaiah prophesied that all that was in his house would be carried away into Babylon. Isa. 39: 1-6 "At that time Merodach -baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered. And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them. Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord."

In the Book of Mormon I read about the courage and faith of the stripling warriors. Their mothers had taught them well and they did not doubt. As a result of these valient young men, the Lamanites gave themselves up. And not one of the stripling warriors had been slain. Alma 56: 45-48, 55-56 "And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites. For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus. Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it. And now it came to pass that when they had surrendered themselves up unto us, behold, I numbered those young men who had fought with me, fearing lest there were many of them slain. But behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus Christ, who had no sin Himself, suffered and died for our sins. We were like sheep going astray, but Jesus is our Shepherd and gave us the perfect example for us to follow. By His stripes, we are healed. 1 Pet. 2: 21-25 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."




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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Hezekiah was sick unto death but pleaded with the Lord that his days could be lengthened. The Lord granted him 15 more years and as a sign that this would happen, the sun returned ten degrees. Isa. 38: 1-9 "In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city. And this shall be a sign unto thee from the Lord, that the Lord will do this thing that he hath spoken;Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down. The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:"

In the Book of Mormon Helamen talks about the 2,000 stripling warriors, which he was a leader over, and how they were a great strength to the army. He said they were like sons to him. Alma 56: 9-10 "But behold, here is one thing in which we may have great joy. For behold, in the *twenty and sixth year, I, Helaman, did march at the head of these two thousand young men to the city of Judea, to assist Antipus, whom ye had appointed a leader over the people of that part of the land. And I did join my two thousand sons, (for they are worthy to be called sons) to the army of Antipus, in which strength Antipus did rejoice exceedingly; for behold, his army had been reduced by the Lamanites because their forces had slain a vast number of our men, for which cause we have to mourn."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a cheerful heart is like a good medicine. And it can not only be a good medicine for us, but for all around us as well. Sometimes just one cheerful smile and lift another person, and they in turn may smile and lift others who pass their way. It can be contageous! Prov. 17: 22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that an angel of the Lord smote the camp of the Assyrians and 185,000 of them died. Isa. 37: 36 "Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."


In the Book of Mormon I read about how Moroni could have easily slain the Lamanites when they were drunk, but he did not delight in murdur of bloodshed, but only wanted to save his people from destruction. Alma 55: 18-19 "But had they awakened the Lamanites, behold they were drunken and the Nephites could have slain them. But behold, this was not the desire of Moroni; he did not delight in murder or bloodshed, but he delighted in the saving of his people from destruction; and for this cause he might not bring upon him injustice, he would not fall upon the Lamanites and destroy them in their drunkenness."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the mercy of the Lord is upon those who fear Him, keep His covenants, and remember to do His commandments. Ps. 103: 17-18 "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the kings of Assyria had laid waste all the nations they'd battled against and burned the idols and gods of those nations--they gods the people had made with their own hands. But Isaiah prayed to the Lord that they would be saved from the Assyrians and that everyone would know the true God. Isa. 37: 18-20 "Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord, even thou only."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Moroni wrote an espistle to Ammoron, warning him against continuing to wage war against the Nephites and telling him that he needed to repent or the justice of God would hang over his head.Alma 54: 5-7 "Behold, Ammoron, I have written unto you somewhat concerning this war which ye have waged against my people, or rather which thy brother hath waged against them, and which ye are still determined to carry on after his death. Behold, I would tell you somewhat concerning the justice of God, and the sword of his almighty wrath, which doth hang over you except ye repent and withdraw your armies into your own lands, or the land of your possessions, which is the land of Nephi. Yea, I would tell you these things if ye were capable of hearkening unto them; yea, I would tell you concerning that awful hell that awaits to receive such murderers as thou and thy brother have been, except ye repent and withdraw your murderous purposes, and return with your armies to your own lands."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be content with what we have and reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strenghtens us. The thought that went with this, written by V. Louise Cunningham from Renton, Washington, says: The pastor spoke about people who have a "full mug"--but still wish their mug were bigger! When millionaire Howard Hughes was asked how much money was enough, he replied, "A little bit more." How different is Paul's response that whether he had plenty or not, he learned the secret of being content. We, too, can learn this valuable lesson. We don't need what others have in order to be satisfied. With the power of God at our disposal, we can draw on his deep resources to help us find contentment. As Christians, we have all the power we need. We can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength when we need it. Just as trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals, our alone time with the Lord will give us the nourishment we need to see us through the trials that come into our lives. It isn't the size of the mug, but the size of our God, that matters! Philip. 4: 11-13 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about what the world will be like after Christ comes again. The desert will blossom as a rose, the sick will be healed, sorrow and sighing will flee away and there will be gladness and rejoicing. Wow!  What a wonderful time this will be. Isa. 35: 1-10 "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

In the Book of Mormon I read about the 2,000 strpling soldiers. Their fathers had entered into a covenant with God that they would never fight in a battle again or shed men's blood so they could not help the Nephites in their fight against the Lamanites. However, these 2,000 young men had not entered into that covenant and so they were able to help fight for freedom and liberty and defend their country. They were valiant, courageous and righteos young men who kept the commandments of God. Alma 53: 10-21 "And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Ammon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord; and they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites. And because of their oath they had been kept from taking up arms against their brethren; for they had taken an oath that they never would shed blood more; and according to their oath they would have perished; yea, they would have suffered themselves to have fallen into the hands of their brethren, had it not been for the pity and the exceeding love which Ammon and his brethren had had for them. And for this cause they were brought down into the land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites. But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country. But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made. And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances at this time. But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who had not entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they did assemble themselves together at this time, as many as were able to take up arms, and they called themselves Nephites. And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites, yea, to protect the land unto the laying down of their lives; yea, even they covenanted that they never would give up their liberty, but they would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves from bondage. Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men, who entered into this covenant and took their weapons of war to defend their country. And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be their leader. And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us not to be unduly concerned or anxious about anything, but to give thanks to God in prayer, and also presenting our requests to Him. If we do this, we'll be filled with the peace of God, which passes all understanding. I've noticed in my own life if I'm very troubled or stressed, if I pray and thank the Lord for all the things I have to be thankful for, I feel better. No matter what we're going through, we still have many blessings to be grateful for. And thinking of them puts us in a more positive frame of mind. We can indeed cast our burdens upon the Lord and allow Him to carry them. The thought that went with this, written by Brenda Smith from Kingwood, West Virginia said: My friend and coworker Cindy had cancer again. She had had major surgery in January, and in the fall the doctors found more cancer and scheduled more surgery. Although she was nervous, Cindy always thinks of others before herself. She is a mother of five children and a first grade teacher. Her concern was always for the children, her husband, and her friends. I typed Philippians 4:6 for her and told her it was my don't worry be happy scripture. It became one of her favorite verses. On the day of her ten hour surgery we, her coworkers, waited anxiously for word. That afternoon, a goodie basket arrived from the local florist. On the card it said, "I am not anxious about anything. I am thankful. I have presented my requests to God. Love, Cindy." Once again, Cindy was thinking of others. She knew we would be worried and wanted to alleviate our fears. It was a powerful thing to have HER reminding US that she had put her faith in God--and that we should, too. Philip. 4: 6-7 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read how the Lord reproved Israel for turning to Egypt for help instead of to Him. Those who trust in the arm of flesh will fall, but the Lord can defend and deliver his people. Isa. 31: 1-5 "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord! Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together. For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof. As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it."

In the Book of Mormon I read about some of the battles between the Nephites and Lamanites and how Teancum had made preparations to make an attack upon the city of Mulek but abandoned his plans when he saw their fortifications. In reading about these various wars I wondered why they were important enough to be included in the Book of Mormon and what we could learn from them. One thing that came to me is that we are in a war with Satan who desires to defeat us. But if we fortify ourselves by keeping the Spirit in our lives and being firmly planted
on the solid ground of the gospel, he won't be able to conquer us. But if we come out from the protection of the gospel and spend our time on his territory, we'll be easy prey for him. Alma 52: 17 "And it came to pass that Teancum made preparations to make an attack upon the city of Mulek, and march forth with his army against the Lamanites; but he saw that it was impossible that he could overpower them while they were in their fortifications; therefore he abandoned his designs and returned again to the city Bountiful, to wait for the coming of Moroni, that he might receive strength to his army."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can become new creatures in Christ. Indeed, our old sins and our old lives will pass away as we accept Christ into our lives and allow Him to change us. 2 Cor. 5: 17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the people were rebellious and rejected the prophets, teling them not to prophesy and refusing to hear the law of the Lord. They will be punished because they despised the word of the Lord. Isa. 30: 9-14 "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit."

In the Book of Mormon we read that at a critical time when the Lamanites were seeking to battle against the Nephites, they were having contentions among themselves. Some people of high birth were wanting the laws changed so that they could be kings. But this was put to the vote of the people and they voted against this change in the law. But the king-men, as they were called were still trying to put forth their cause and refusing to fight to defend the liberty of the Nephites, so Moroni had to command his army to go forth against them and 4,000 of them were slain. Alma 51: 2-9, 17-20 "Nevertheless, they did not long maintain an entire peace in the land, for there began to be a contention among the people concerning the chief judge Pahoran; for behold, there were a part of the people who desired that a few particular points of the law should be altered. But behold, Pahoran would not alter nor suffer the law to be altered; therefore, he did not hearken to those who had sent in their voices with their petitions concerning the altering of the law. Therefore, those who were desirous that the law should be altered were angry with him, and desired that he should no longer be chief judge over the land; therefore there arose a warm dispute concerning the matter, but not unto bloodshed. And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran should be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called king-men, for they were desirous that the law should be altered in a manner to overthrow the free government and to establish a king over the land. And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government. And it came to pass that this matter of their contention was settled by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that the voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained the judgment-seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran and also many of the people of liberty, who also put the king-men to silence, that they durst not oppose but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom Now those who were in favor of kings were those of high birth, and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and authority over the people. But behold, this was a critical time for such contentions to be among the people of Nephi; for behold, Amalickiah had again stirred up the hearts of the people of the Lamanites against the people of the Nephites, and he was gathering together soldiers from all parts of his land, and arming them, and preparing for war with all diligence; for he had sworn to drink the blood of Moroni. And it came to pass that Moroni commanded that his army should go against those king-men, to pull down their pride and their nobility and level them with the earth, or they should take up arms and support the cause of liberty. And it came to pass that the armies did march forth against them; and they did pull down their pride and their nobility, insomuch that as they did lift their weapons of war to fight against the men of Moroni they were hewn down and leveled to the earth. And it came to pass that there were four thousand of those dissenters who were hewn down by the sword; and those of their leaders who were not slain in battle were taken and cast into prison, for there was no time for their trials at this period. And the remainder of those dissenters, rather than be smitten down to the earth by the sword, yielded to the standard of liberty, and were compelled to hoist the title of liberty upon their towers, and in their cities, and to take up arms in defence of their country."

Some verses with a thought booklet advise us to have clean hands and a pure heart. When we were children, our mothers probably insisted that we wash our hands before dinner. Maybe they even inspected our hands to make sure they were clean. Now we hear doctors advising us to wash our hands often to avoid disease. Clean hands are important. But even more important is a clean heart. Are our hearts pure before God? Are our thoughts such that we are worthy to have the Spirit in our lives? If we harbor unkind feelings toward others, impure thoughts, or feelings of anger or bitterness, our hearts are not pure. And unlike a hand washing that we can perform ourselves with soap and water, cleansing our hearts requires help from the Lord. Let's ask Him to make us pure in His sight. Ps. 24: 3-4 "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."
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Daily Thoughts

A verse in the Old Testament says that those who murmured and erred shall come to understanding and learn doctrine. What a wonderful thing that the truth of the gospel and true doctrine can come to those who do not now understand it. Isa. 29: 24 "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord is merciful and just in all His dealings and He fulfills all His words unto His children. He had told the Nephites that if they would keep His commandments, they would be blessed and prospered, but if they would not keep the commandments, they would be cut off from the presense of the Lord. Alma 50: 19-20 "And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying: Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord will make us lie down in green pastures, lead us in paths of righteousness, and restore our souls. Sometimes we really need our souls to be restored. Sometimes trials and stresses can come our way that leave us feeling drained and like we're running on empty. When we hit rough patches like that, we need to turn to the Lord who can restore our souls and make us feel refreshed and renewed so we can continue along the right path. Ps. 23: 2-3 "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."



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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the deaf shall hear the words of a book and the blind shall see out of darkness. I think this refers to people who are spiritually deaf and blind--those whose spirit ears are not atune to the Spirit of the Lord, and those unable to see the hand of God in their lives. The meek and humble, however, shall find joy and rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Isa. 29: 18-19 "And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel."

In the Book of Mormon I read how the king of the Lamanites reacted to their defeat in battles--he was very angry and cursed God, and swore in an oath that he would drink Moroni's blood because Moroni had kept the commandments of God and prepared his people so that they would be safe. On the other hand, the Nephites thanked the Lord for delivering them from the hands of their enemies and praised Him for His matchless power. Alma 49: 26-28 "And it came to pass that he was exceedingly angry with his people, because he had not obtained his desire over the Nephites; he had not subjected them to the yoke of bondage. Yea, he was exceedingly wroth, and he did curse God, and also Moroni, swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood; and this because Moroni had kept the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people. And it came to pass, that on the other hand, the people of Nephi did thank the Lord their God, because of his matchless power in delivering them from the hands of their enemies."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we'll all be raised from death and be resurrected. And then the question is asked, where is the sting of death and where is the victory of the grave? This can be a great comfort to us when we lose loved ones--knowing that death and the grave won't have the final victory because our loved ones will rise again. We'll still miss them, but some of the sting is taken away in knowing that it's just temporary. 1 Cor. 15: 52-55 "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read a verse that says woe unto those who seek to hide their counsel from the Lord and keep their works in the dark. They might think that no one sees their evil deeds, but they cannot hide from the Lord, not keep Him from know what they're up to. Isa. 29: 15 "Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?"

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the invading Lamanites are unable to take the fortified cities because Moroni had made such careful preparations. They had thought they could easily overpower them, but were astonished when they discovered how well prepared the Nephites were for them. Alma 49: 2-9 "And behold, the city had been rebuilt, and Moroni had stationed an army by the borders of the city, and they had cast up dirt round about to shield them from the arrows and the stones of the Lamanites; for behold, they fought with stones and with arrows. Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been rebuilt. I say unto you, yea, that it was in part rebuilt; and because the Lamanites had destroyed it once because of the iniquity of the people, they supposed that it would again become an easy prey for them. But behold, how great was their disappointment; for behold, the Nephites had dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and their arrows at them that they might take effect, neither could they come upon them save it was by their place of entrance. Now at this time the chief captains of the Lamanites were astonished exceedingly, because of the wisdom of the Nephites in preparing their places of security. Now the leaders of the Lamanites had supposed, because of the greatness of their numbers, yea, they supposed that they should be privileged to come upon them as they had hitherto done; yea, and they had also prepared themselves with shields, and with breastplates; and they had also prepared themselves with garments of skins, yea, very thick garments to cover their nakedness. And being thus prepared they supposed that they should easily overpower and subject their brethren to the yoke of bondage, or slay and massacre them according to their pleasure. But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were prepared for them, in a manner which never had been known among the children of Lehi. Now they were prepared for the Lamanites, to battle after the manner of the instructions of Moroni. And it came to pass that the Lamanites, or the Amalickiahites, were exceedingly astonished at their manner of preparation for war."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to bear with each other and forgive each other for whatever grievances we may have. We need to forgive one another as the Lord forgives us. The thought that went with this, written by Roberta Messner, says: Some years ago a friend gave me the most gorgeous umbrella I had ever seen. It was made from a plastic-laminated floral chintz fabric, and it gave me such a feeling of being loved and protected that I felt the Lord nudging me to give away umbrellas myself. Anytime I found umbrellas on sale, I snapped them up. Before long I had quite a supply in the trunk of my car and my hall closet. I designed calling cards with the words "Jesus is your shelter in the time of storm" and attached them to the umbrellas. Whenever I spotted someone running for cover or struggling with an umbrella, I gave them one of mine. One April day our neighbor Jerry came over to see my husband on business. Jerry had treated a close relative of mine poorly, and I still harbored a grudge. Suddenly there was a terrible downpour. Jerry stood in the shelter of the porch, waiting for it to pass. Just then, God spoke to my heart: "Give him one of your umbrellas, Roberta." I argued with the inner voice: "Then he'll think what he did was okay." "Simply offer him the umbrella, Roberta", God seemed to say. "Trust me to take care of the rest." With considerable hesitation, I gave Jerry one of my umbrellas and learned a powerful lesson about giving: If you can't feel forgiveness in your heart for someone, find some way to give to them anyway, and as sure as April showers bring May flowers, the feeling will follow the act. Teach my hesitant heart to forgive. Col. 3: 13 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament it talks about the people drawing near to the Lord with their mouths but their hearts being far from him, and then the Lord proceeding to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the people. What is this marvelous work and a wonder that Isaiah prophesied? While the Book of Mormon may be accurately described this way, this prohesy includes more. Here's what LeGrand Richards had to say: What would really constitute a marvelous work and a wonder? Why should not honest lovers of truth welcome the pronoucement of such a work? Should any generation reject revealed truth when sent from heaven, even as they rejected the Christ when He came among men? Why does it seem so much easier to accept and believe in the dead prophets than in living proophets? In the accomplishment of this promised marvelous work and a wonder, the Lord had in mind a restitution of all things and moved upon Peter to so prophesy to those who had crucified his Lord (Acts 3:9-21). Thus the entire restoration of the priesthood--the Church, the ordinances, the gospel truths--constitute the marvelous work and a wonder that Isaiah foretold. Isa. 29: 13-14 "5Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid."


In the Book of Mormon I read that dissenters who have been instructed in truth and knowledge seem to become more hardened and wicked than those who never had a knowledge of the gospel to begin with and they entirely forget the Lord their God. I have seen this in people I have known as well. People who once have the gospel and then fall away seem to be more hardened against it than those who have never known the truth. Some of them seem to spend their lives fighting against it. It's like they can leave the church but they cannot leave the church alone. What a sad situation! Alma 47: 36 "Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the same information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in the same knowledge of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate, not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. If we draw near to God, He'll draw near to us. We need to purify and humble ourselves, and the Lord will lift us up. James 4: 7-10 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read some verses that talk about the "tried and precious cornerstone" which is Jesus Christ, and discuss "the righteousness to the plummet" and a "bed shorter than a man can stretch himself" upon. The institute manual makes clear what is meant by these. It says: With Christ as the chief cornerstone in our spiritual house, we are prepared to face the justice of the Lord with equity and faith. Jesus Christ becomes our advocate and pleads our case with the Father. The "righteousness to the plummet" alludes to the building trades and continues the imagery. Christ is the cornerstone from which all other stones are laid. When something plummets, it drops straight down. A building uses a plumb bob to find a straight vertical line. The plumb bob is a weight attached to a cord that, when extended, hangs perpendicular to its beginning pont. Thus the builder knows he has a straight line. With righteousness and justice as His measuring tools, the Savior starts with a chief cornerstone (Himself) and lays out a perfect and firmly built house, one which can resist any storm that would sweep away a house reared through other means, especially the covenant with death. The imegery of the bed and the inadequate covers is more easily understood than the imagery of the plummet. Obviously, if we are not covered by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, we will find ourself like a man in a bed too short for him with a blanket that is too small to cover him. No matter how appealing sin may look at first, it can never satisfy our inner needs. The sinful person will be ever like the man in a short bed with inadequate covers. He will twist and turn and constantly seek comfort, but he cannot find it. The Atonement of Christ for sin covers, or is efficacious for, only those who trust in God with all their hearts and keep His holy commandments. Isa. 28: 16-22 "Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it. For the Lord shall rise up as in amount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth."

In the Book of Mormon I read that many people died of old age, and those who died with faith in Christ were happy in Him. Indeed, if we die with faith in Christ, we will be received by Him and find great joy in the next life. Alma 46: 41 "But there were many who died with old age; and those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must needs suppose."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how John testified that a man cannot receive anything except it's given to him from heaven. He said that he was not the Christ but had instead been sent by Him, and that as Christ increased, he must decrease. We need to put the work we do for the Kingdom in perspective, just like John did, and give credit where credit is due. Imagine watching a father and his 3 year old son washing a car. The little boy has a sponge that he's brushing the bottom of the car with, while the father is doing the vast majority of the work above and around him. In yet when the toddler goes into the house he'll probably proudly tell his mother that he washed the car with a little bit of help from his daddy. We are just like this when we claim to have done something "with a little bit of help from Heavenly Father" when in fact, He did most of the work. We need to give Him the glory! John 3: 27-30 "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease."


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Daily Thoughts

A verse from the Old Testament tells us that when we trust in the Lord and keep our minds stayed on Him, He'll keep us in perfect peace. Isa. 26: 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how quick people are to do iniquity and to forget God. And we also see how much iniquity can be caused by one wicked man who seeks to destroy the work of the Lord and uses flattery and cunning devices to do so. Alma 46: 8-10 "Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one. Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men. Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous' sake."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of love and power and self-discipline. 2 Tim. 1: 7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord will swallow up death in victory, He will save those who wait upon Him, and wipe the tears from their eyes. What a wonderful, comforting message this is! Isa. 25: 8-9 "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people of Nephi were so grateful to the Lord for delivering them from their enemies that they fasted and prayed and worshipped the Lord with great joy. Do we sufficiently express our gratitutde to the Lord for His many blessings toward us? Are we ever so thankful to Him that we fast to show our appreciation? To be honest with you, I'd never thought of fasting in gratitude before. Alma 45: 1 "Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy."

Some verses with a thought booklet tells us that one of the last things Jesus did, while hanging on the cross, was show concern for His mother and ask John to take care of her. I heard a story about a dying man whose hospital room was filled with loving family members saying their goodbyes. No one seemed to notice a doctor enter the room and squint to read the man's chart. But the dying man noticed and asked his son to turn up the light so the doctor could see better. One of the last things he did was to show concern for someone else. We all need to follow the Savior's example and be sensitive to the needs of others, not just at the end of our lives, but every day. John 19: 25-27 "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how men transgressed the law and broke the everlasting covenants so the Lord made the earth earth empty and scattered the inhabitants. The earth was cursed because of the wickedness of the people and was burned, leaving few men left. These are prophecies of what will happen in the last days. Isa. 24: 1, 3-6 "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Alma and his sons went forth to preach the Word unto the people, according to the Spirit of prophecy and revelation. Alma 43: 1-2 "And now it came to pass that the sons of Alma did go forth among the people, to declare the word unto them. And Alma, also, himself, could not rest, and he also went forth. Now we shall say no more concerning their preaching, except that they preached the word, and the truth, according to the spirit of prophecy and revelation; and they preached after the holy order of God by which they were called."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the voice of the Lord was not in the great strong wind, nor the earthquake, nor the fire; but came as a still, small voice. And in another verse we're told to be still and know that He is God. If we have loud, distracting noise around us, we may miss what God is trying to tell us. We need to be still and listen, for He often speaks to us in a still, small voice. 1 Kgs. 19: 11-12 "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice." Ps. 46: 10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Isaiah saw in vision Babylon and all its graven images being destroyed. This could also represent the Babylon of the world (the wicked) being destroyed before the Second Coming of Christ in the last days. Isa. 21: 9 "And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground."

In the Book of Mormon we read that if it were not for the atonement of Christ, there would be no means to reclaim men from their fallen state which they had brought upon themselves by their disobedience. The plan of redemption can only be brought to pass on conditions of repentance and through the mercy of God who atoned for our sins. Alma 42: 11-15 "And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord. And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience; Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God. And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence. And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that we need to love one another as Jesus loved us. John 13: 34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament it talks about Babylon's curse to extinction. The institute manual says that Isaih's description of Babylon in these verses was literally fulfilled. Under Nebuchadnezzar, Babylonia overthrew Assyria and took over the reins of world power. Nebuchadnezzar undertook a building program which made Babylon one of the most remarkable cities of the ancient world. To predict the total devastation and desolation of such a city was remarkable, for some ancient cities such as Jerusalem, Damascus, and Jericho have continued through the centuries and still exist today. But after its conquest by Cyrus, Babylon steadily declined. Several hundred years passede before Babylon was abandoned, but by the first century after Christ, it lay deserted and in ruins, and so it remained. The silent ruins stand as an eloquent witness that Isaiah spoke with divine accuracy. Spiritual Babylon shall likewise become a waste and desolation when God comes upon the world in judgment and ushers in the millennial reign of Christ. Isa. 13: 19-22 "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited , neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there. But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged."

In the Book of Mormon I read about what happens to people between the time of their death and the time of their resurrection. The righteous are received into a state of peace and happiness where they rest from all their troubles. But the wicked who have followed Satan are cast into outer darkness where there is weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Boy, what a contrast! Sounds iike we'd better repent before it's too late. Alma 40: 11-14 "Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil—for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house—and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil. Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord will comfort His people and have mercy on the afflicted. He will never forget us. The thought that went with this, written by C.M. Englund from Estacada, Oregon says: With an emergency surgeon waiting to remove my ruptured appendix, I was rolled into the hospital's elevator on a gurney. Standing beside me, my husband told me that he needed to go home and eat. That's the last memory I have of his physical presence until he came to take me home two nights later! I could hardly believe it when he assured me that he had returned several times, even holding me and talking to me. The drugs pumped into my body had wiped out a significant part of my conscious awareness. Similarly, life's troubling circumstances can cloud our spiritual perception of the Lord's presense. We may become so focused on our situation that we fail to recognize that God is still there, His strong arms around us. At those times, we need to cling tightly to the promise that God will not forget us. No one is more faithful than Jesus. He will never forsake one of His own! Dear Savior, help us to remember that you are nearest in our darkest times. How we thank you for your strength and comfort! Isa. 49: 13-15 "Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee."

Daily Thoughts

A verse in the Old Testament talks about the heavens being shaken and the earth being removed. To be this suggests a prophecy about what will occur in the latter days at the time of Christ's second coming. But the institute manual also points out that to have the heavens shaken and the earth removed was a Jewish figure of speech suggesting a time of great calamity and disaster. Such would be the fall of Babylon. The whole political climate and circumstances of the world would be shaken. Isa. 13: 13 "Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger."

In the Book of Mormon I read that we cannot hide our sins from God and unless we repent, our sins will stand as a testimony against us at the last day. This sounds like a good reason to repent now, before it's too late! Alma 39: 8 "But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds me that some things are the same today as they were hundreds of years ago. Back then the Lord became weary with people saying that whatever evil thing they did was good, and questioning if there would be judgment from God. Boy, just look around at the world today and see how true this is! And I'm sure God is wearied seeing it, just as He was in ancient times. Mal. 2: 17 "Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?"

Daily Thoughts

A verse in the Old Testament talks about the heavens being shaken and the earth being removed. To be this suggests a prophecy about what will occur in the latter days at the time of Christ's second coming. But the institute manual also points out that to have the heavens shaken and the earth removed was a Jewish figure of speech suggesting a time of great calamity and disaster. Such would be the fall of Babylon. The whole political climate and circumstances of the world would be shaken. Isa. 13: 13 "Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger."

In the Book of Mormon I read that we cannot hide our sins from God and unless we repent, our sins will stand as a testimony against us at the last day. This sounds like a good reason to repent now, before it's too late! Alma 39: 8 "But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds me that some things are the same today as they were hundreds of years ago. Back then the Lord became weary with people saying that whatever evil thing they did was good, and questioning if there would be judgment from God. Boy, just look around at the world today and see how true this is! And I'm sure God is wearied seeing it, just as He was in ancient times. Mal. 2: 17 "Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read some verses that talk about man being more precious than gold. The institute manual helped explain this by saying that righteous men will become as difficult ti find as precious gold and will be treasured as highly. The wicked will be cleansed from the earth, and the worthy righteous will remain to become the precious jewels in the royal diadem of the Lord. Indeed, the treasure of "the golden wedge of Ophir", the rich, gold-producing province of India, is insignificant compared to the worth of one righteous man. Isa. 13: 11-12 "And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a man more aprecious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir."


In the Book of Mormon I read that we need to be humble, acknowledging our faults and weaknesses rather than looking down on others and thinking we're better than they are. We should avoid being lifted up in pride and boasting of our own strength. And we should bridle all our passions, that we'll be filled with love. Isn't it interesting that the world today teaches the oppositie of this--they we should allow our passions free reign in our lives and make no effort to control them. But this type of attitude does not allow us to feel true love. Bridling our passions fills us with love. Alma 38: 11-14 "See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength. Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness. Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom. Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy—yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we serve the Lord and follow Him, the Father will honor us. John 12: 26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."







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Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that we should praise the Lord. We do not need to be afraid because we can trust the Lord who we can call upon and who is our strength and salvation. Isa. 12: 1-4 "And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted."

In the Book of Mormon I read that we need to counsel with the Lord in all our doings and pray unto Him in all things, having our hearts full of thanks. If we do these things, we'll be lifted up in the last day. Alma 37: 37 "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

Some verses with a thought booklet demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy, in predicting Christ would ride on a lowly donkey, hundreds of years before it occurred, and also the fulfillment of this prophecy when he rode into Jerusalem in triumph seated on an ass. In Biblical times military commaanders entered a city riding on a horse to diplay their strength. But Jesus didn't enter Jerusalem on a horse as a mighty warrior, but on a donkey as a peaceful, gentle king. And in doing so, He fulfilled prophecy. Zech. 9: 9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." Matt. 21: 1-11 "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about the wonderful day when animals will be tame and not harm other animals or people, and there will be peace between all. I'm especially looking forward to interacting with the tame lions and leopards. Being the great cat lover that I am, I love seeing the big kitties in zoos and have often wondered what it would be like to pet them. Isa. 11: 6-9 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Alma was teaching Helaman some of the lessons of life that he had learned. One thing he wanted to emphasize was that if we place our trust in God, He will support us in our trials and troubles and afflictions and we'll be lifted up at the last day. Alma 36: 3 "And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to cast our bread upon the waters and we shall find it after many days. Does this mean we're to take bread, tear off pieces of it, and throw it in a raging river? Writers in the Bible often used word pictures to help us understand true principles. In this case, Solomon is telling us to be generous. We should find people to give to and serve--even people who are unlikely to be able to repay us or do anything for us in return. We should share what we have and help someone in need. And later on if we are in need ourselves, that kindness will return to us. Eccl. 11: 1 "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."


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