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."