Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament a gross wickedness of the people is described. Jeremiah was called by God to cry repentance to the people. If they would listen they would be allowed to dwell in the land that the Lord gave to their fathers. But they insisted of lying, stealing, committing adulery, and worshipping idols. The temple became a den of robbers. Because of all this wickedness, the Lord would not hear them and He would cast them out. Jer. 7: 1-16 "The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these.5 For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever. Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord. But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim. Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Jesus perceived that the people did not understand His words. So He told them to go home and ponder on the things He'd said and pray for help to understand. This is good advice to all of us when we don't understand spiritual things--ponder and pray about them. 3 Ne. 17: 1-3 "Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold, my time is at hand. I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time. Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that whether we turn to the right or to the left, our ears will hear a voice behind us saying, "This is the way; walk in it." We need to be sensitive to the Spirit so we can receive guidance in knowing which path to take in our lives. The thought that went with this, written by Jewell Johnson from Fountain Hills, Arizona says: I became angry when my son, Dan called and told me, "People at work have made some serious accusations about me. None are true." After that conversation I made a trip to the grocery store. I was still angry as I thought about his situation, and my anger increased when I got a wobbly cart. In the produce section, I glanced at the price of apples, and my blood boiled. In aisle 10, two carts blocked my way, and neither person noticed me. Can't these people see I'm in a hurry? A woman smiled and moved her cart. I didn't smile back. As I reached the freezer case, I sensed God's voice say to me, "Let all your anger go. That's not my way." Shoppers maneuvered carts around me as I confessed, "God, I am so sorry. I give my angry, hurting heart to you." By the time I reached the checkout line, I was a changed person. When it was my turn, the cashier greeted me, and I asked, "How's your day going?" My anger turned over to God, I truly cared how a total stranger was feeling about her day. Lord, I truly need to hear your voice today. Help me to turn over to you any anger that I am holding on to. Please guide me this day. Isa. 30: 21 "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
--------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the people were not ashamed of the sins they were committing and refused to listen to the watchmen who warned them to repent or the Lord would bring evil upon them. They rejected the words of the Lord and His law. Jer. 6: 15-19 "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it."

In the Book of Mormon I read that those who reject the fulness of the gospel, commit all kinds of sin, and are lifted up in pride, will have the gospel taken from them. 3 Ne. 16: 10 "And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell about how great the works of God are, and His wonderous creations. All creatures look to the Lord to give them food at the proper time. We need to praise Him for His creations and His constant care of the universe. Ps. 104: 24-25, 27, 31 "O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Jersalem would be destroyed because of her iniquity and the people were being told to flee. Jer. 6: 1 "O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Beth-haccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction."

In the Book of Mormon we're told that we can know a man by his fruits. A wise man will hear the word of God and obey it, and his house will be built upon a firm foundation that will not be swept away in a storm. But a foolish man who hearkens not to the word of God is like a man who builds his house on a sandy foundation where the wind and the waves will make it fall. 3 Ne. 14: 16-27 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.1 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock— And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand— And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that when the Lord comes, He will reward every man according to his works. We might be able to fool other people about what we're really like, but the Lord knows our hearts and He knows our every secret thought and act. When He judges us, it will be a perfect judgment. If there is anything in our life that is not in harmony with the gospel, we need to repent now so that we can receive a wonderful eternal reward. Matt. 16: 27 "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."

--------------------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the judgments of God would be poured out upon the people for their wickedness. Jer. 5: 7-9, 28-29 "How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses. They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?"

In the Book of Mormon we're told that we need to forgive others if we expect the Lord to forgive us. 3 Ne. 13: 14-15 "For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

A verse in a thought booklet tells us not to be weary in well doing. If we continue on, in due time we'll receive our reward. Gal. 6: 9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
-----------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read more calls for repentance, and the Lord telling Israel that if they will put away their abominations, they would not be removed, and they would be blessed and glory in the Lord. They should wash their hearts of wickedness and they would be saved. Jer. 4: 1-2, 14 "If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the Lord, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove. And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?"

In the Book of Mormon I read that the spirit of contention is of the devil, who stirs people up to contend with one another. The doctrine of the Lord is that such things should be done away with. 3 Ne. 11:29-30 "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we want to have friends we must be friendly ourselves. We need to smile more, take time to listen to others, and just be there for them. If you want to have a friend, you need to be one. Prov. 18: 24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."


----------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read how Jeremiah was told to go and cry repentance unto the people, admonishing them to return from their backsliding and acknowledge their iniquities. Jer. 3: 12-13 "Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord."

In the Book of Mormon I read about Christ appearing to the Nephites and testifying about who He was, allowing them to feel the prints of the nails in His hands and feet. 3 Ne. 11: 3-17 "And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not. And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them: Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him."


Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we bear testimony for the Lord, the Spirit will inspire us as to what to say in the very hour we need it. If we try to discuss the gospel with others on our own, we'll fail. We need the Lord's help and His Spirit to guide us. It's not so much thinking of the right words to say, but of allowing God's words to flow through us. Matt. 10: 18-20 "And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you."



---------------------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how Jeremiah tried to call the people to repentance so that the anger of the Lord would not fall upon backsliding Israel. He would be merciful if they would repent. Jer. 3: 12 "Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the many destructions that came upon the land at the time of the death of Jesus Christ were prophesied of by many prophets. The people who were spared were more righteous than those who were killed. They had not stoned the prophets nor stoned the saints. 3 Ne. 10: 11-15 "And thus far were the scriptures fulfilled which had been spoken by the prophets. And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared— And they were spared and were not sunk and buried up in the earth; and they were not drowned in the depths of the sea; and they were not burned by fire, neither were they fallen upon and crushed to death; and they were not carried away in the whirlwind; neither were they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness. And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by tempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the opening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets. Behold, I say unto you, Yea, many have testified of these things at the coming of Christ, and were slain because they testified of these things."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we don't feel God near to us or feel like He's listening to us, it's because our sins have separated us from Him. Isa. 59: 1-2 "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about about how the people corrupted themselves and turned to idols which were not gods. Jer. 2: 11-13 "Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."


In the Book of Mormon I read about how Christ spoke to the Nephites who remained after the great destructions that he come upon the land. He told them that many cities had been destroyed because of the wickedness of the people and because they had cast out and killed the prophets that had been sent among them to call them to repentance. Those who were spared were the more righteous. They no longer needed to offer animal sacrifices, as had been the case with the Law of Moses, but now they needed to offer the sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit. They needed to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. And if they would repent and come unto Christ they would receive salvation through Him. He had come to redeem those who would come into Him with contrite spirits and a willingness to repent. 3 Ne. 9: 1-3, 10-22 "And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land, crying: Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen! Behold, that great city Zarahemla have I burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof. And behold, the city of Laman, and the city of Josh, and the city of Gad, and the city of Kishkumen, have I caused to be burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof, because of their wickedness in casting out the prophets, and stoning those whom I did send to declare unto them concerning their wickedness and their abominations. And because they did cast them all out, that there were none righteous among them, I did send down fire and destroy them, that their wickedness and abominations might be hid from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints whom I sent among them might not cry unto me from the ground against them. And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations. O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name. I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled. And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled. I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings. And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not. Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin. Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."

Some verses with a thought booklet proclaim a wonderful testimony of Job--that his Redeemer lives and will stand at the latter day upon the earth. Job also knows that even after he dies and worms destroy his body, he'll be resurrected and in his flesh he will see God. What a wonderful witness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, centuries before He was born on the earth. And something most remarkable is that this powerful testimony came from someone who had just gone through the most trying afflictions a person could have happen to them. Not only had he lost his possessions and his children, but he had suffered with terrible illness that had caused him much pain and misery. But all these trials had not caused him to lose his faith in God. He continued to believe with all his heart. We would do well to follow the example of Job--being steadfast and immovable in our faith, no matter what our circumstances. Job 19: 25-27 "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."
---------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the Jews forsook the Lord and turned to Baal, in spite of all the Lord had done for them in brighting them up out of Egypt and bringing them to the promised land. Jer. 2: 4-8 "Hear ye the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord , What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? Neither said they, Where is the Lord that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt? And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. The priests said not, Where is the Lord ? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit."

In the Book of Mormon I read about the great destructions that came to the land at the time of the crucifixion of Christ on the other side of the world. There were three hours of storms, and earthquakes and fires followed by three days of complete darkness during which time the people cried and howled and lamented the fact that they had stoned the prophets and had not repented before these terrible things came upon them. 3 Ne. 8: 5-25 "And it came to pass in the *thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land. And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder. And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. And the city of Zarahemla did take fire. And the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned. And the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah, that in the place of the city there became a great mountain. And there was a great and terrible destruction in the land southward. But behold, there was a more great and terrible destruction in the land northward; for behold, the whole face of the land was changed, because of the tempest and the whirlwinds, and the thunderings and the lightnings, and the exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth; And the highways were broken up, and the level roads were spoiled, and many smooth places became rough. And many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left desolate. And there were some cities which remained; but the damage thereof was exceedingly great, and there were many in them who were slain. And there were some who were carried away in the whirlwind; and whither they went no man knoweth, save they know that they were carried away. And thus the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the quaking of the earth. And behold, the rocks were rent in twain; they were broken up upon the face of the whole earth, insomuch that they were found in broken fragments, and in seams and in cracks, upon all the face of the land. And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease—for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; nevertheless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours—and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land. And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness; And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all; And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land. And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them. And in one place they were heard to cry, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that great city Zarahemla. And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our mothers and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah. And thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we are no longer be strangers and aliens but fellow citizens in the household of God. People from all over the world--different nations, races, and cultures--are accepting the gospel. Can we love and accept these people as sons and daughters of God, and fellow citizens with us? Can we all work together in harmony and oneness? There's no place for prejudice in God's Kingdom, or of some people thinking they're better than someone else. Eph. 2: 19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord would put into the mouth of Jeremiah what he should say. He had no reason to fear the people, for the Lord would guide him as to what to speak. If we will atune ourselves to the Spirit, the Lord will likewise help us to know what words to speak and what would be the best thing to say to people. Jer. 1:7-9 "But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth."

In the Book of Mormon we read again about how it doesn't take many years for a righteous people to turn to wickedness, and how it's like a sow wallowing in the mire. Nephi did his best to preach to the people and call them to repentance, but few of them would listen to him. Even though he had great power from God and performed mighty miracles and was ministered to by angels, it made most of the people angry. However, a few of the people were truly converted and went forth likewise performing miracles among the people. 3 Ne. 7: 8, 15-22 "And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire. And it came to pass that Nephi—having been visited by angels and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he might know concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being eye-witness to their quick return from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations; Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds—went forth among them in that same year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority. And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily. And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people. And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus. And it came to pass that the thirty and first year did pass away, and there were but few who were converted unto the Lord; but as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed. And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed; and they did show forth signs also and did do some miracles among the people."

A verse with a thought booklet warns us to be careful and watch out for the attacks of Satan, who is our great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion looking for victims to tear apart. The story is told of a woman who always looked for the positive in everyone and had nothing but good to say about all. One day someone thought they'd come up with the perfect name that she wouldn't be able to find anything good to say about--Satan! But her immediate response was, "He's a hard worker." Indeed, he is! He works hard to destroy us. And we need to work hard to not fall prey to him. Indeed, we need to work like the devil to outwork the devil! 1 Pet. 5: 8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how Jeremiah was foreordained to be a prophet even before he was born. Likewise, God knows each one of us, and has since before we were born, and we likewise have foreordained callings and missions to perform in this life. Jer. 1: 5 "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the only thing that would keep the people from prospering would be that they fell into iniqutity. And that's exactly what happened to them. They became puffed up with pride and seeking the vain things of the world. They allowed Satan to get great hold upon their hearts and lead them away into iniquity until they were in an awful state of wickedness. And they did not sin ignorantly. They knew the will of God but wilfully rebelled against Him. 3 Ne. 6: 5, 15-18 "And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression. Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world. And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years. And thus, in the commencement of the thirtieth year—the people having been delivered up for the space of a long time to be carried about by the temptations of the devil whithersoever he desired to carry them, and to do whatsoever iniquity he desired they should—and thus in the commencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state of awful wickedness. Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God."


A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds. If we are feeling broken hearted or wounded, we can turn to the Lord to help us. And likewise, we should look to those around us and see if there are any broken hearts to cheer up or wounds to bind up, and see if we can make a difference to someone's life, following the example of the Lord. Ps. 147: 3"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."

-------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the righteous would be comforted and rejoice, but the wicked would be destroyed. Isa. 66: 13-18 "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the Lord shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies. For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many. They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord. For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people greatly rejoiced and praised the Lord for His goodness in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies. They recognizied that this great blessing had come because they had repented of their sins and humbled themselves before God. 3 Ne. 4: 30-33 "And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection. And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies. Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry: Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God.3 And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction."

Some verses with a thought booklet show how people play the blame game. When Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit and God confronted them about it, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. When we do something wrong, do we take responsibility for it or do we blame someone else or make the excuse "the devil made me do it"? Gen. 3: 12-13 "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how wonderful things will be during the Millennium and what a time to rejoice that will be. Isa. 65: 17-22 "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Lachoneus admonished the people to repent and call upon God if they expected to be delivered from the hands of the Gadianton robbers. Indeed, if we expect protection and help from the Lord, we need to keep the commandments and pray unto Him. 3 Ne. 3: 15 "Yea, he said unto them: As the Lord liveth, except ye repent of all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, ye will in nowise be delivered out of the hands of those Gadianton robbers."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to repent now because we don't know when the Lord will come and we need to be prepared. If we have not repented, the Lord's coming will take us unawares like a thief in the night. Rev. 3: 3 "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the wicked would be punished for their sins, but the servants of the Lord would be rewarded and sing for joy of heart. Isa. 65: 11-14 "But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. Therefore thus saith the Lord God , Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit."

In the Book of Mormon I read that in spite of preaching and prophesying which was done among them, they remained in their wickedness just a few years after the sign of Christ's birth was given. It certainly doesn't take them long to go back to their evil ways! Much destruction and affliction hung over their heads because of their wickedness. 3 Ne. 2: 10, 19 "And it came to pass that the people did still remain in wickedness, notwithstanding the much preaching and prophesying which was sent among them; and thus passed away the tenth year also; and the eleventh year also passed away in iniquity. And thus ended the fifteenth year, and thus were the people in a state of many afflictions; and the sword of destruction did hang over them, insomuch that they were about to be smitten down by it, and this because of their iniquity."

A verse from a thought booklet gives us wonderful advice that will bring joy to our lives if we live it, but it is not an easy thing to do--love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I think this is something that would be difficult, if not impossible, to do on our own. But as we turn to the Lord for help, He can change our hearts. Peace can replace hurt feelings and frustrations. Joy can replace anger and resentment. It's really for our own benefit, more than for the person who hurt us, that we allow forgiveness to warm our hearts and bring us peace. Matt. 5: 44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how Israel was a rebellous people who rejected the Lord and walked after their own ways, which were not good. They provoked the Lord to anger. They sacrificed to idols and ate forbidden things. Isa. 65: 2-5 "I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the prophesied sign of a day, a night, and a day with no darkness came to pass, showing that Christ was born into the world. 3 Ne. 1: 12-20 "And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying: Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given. And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came. And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand. And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth. For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief. And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that no person should be called common or unclean, regardless of their race or nationality. I recall the story of a man trying to pay a "compliment" to a black person by saying they were like an Oreo cookie--black on the outside but white on the inside. The black person spent decades being angry about the remark. We need to love and accept all people for who they are, children of God. Acts 10: 28 "And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean."



-----------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read how Israel prayed for the Second Coming of Christ when mountains would flow down at His presense and the righteous would be remembered and be saved. Isa. 64: 1-5 "Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence! When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved."

In the Book of Mormon I read that many signs and miracles took place among the people and the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled, but in spite of this most of the people began to harden their hearts and depend on their own strength and their own wisdom. They said that Christ's coming was not reasonable--that the prophets may have guessed a few things right among their many prophecies, but all the things they said would happen could not occur. Satan was able to stir their hearts up to do iniquity continually and was able to spread rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, getting great hold upon the hearts of the people. Hel. 16: 13-18, 22-23 "But it came to pass in the ninetieth year of the reign of the judges, there were great signs given unto the people, and wonders; and the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled. And angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy; thus in this year the scriptures began to be fulfilled. Nevertheless, the people began to harden their hearts, all save it were the most believing part of them, both of the Nephites and also of the Lamanites, and began to depend upon their own strength and upon their own wisdom, saying: Some things they may have guessed right, among so many; but behold, we know that all these great and marvelous works cannot come to pass, of which has been spoken. And they began to reason and to contend among themselves, saying: That it is not reasonable that such a being as a Christ shall come; if so, and he be the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, as it has been spoken, why will he not show himself unto us as well as unto them who shall be at Jerusalem? And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts, which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and against that which should come. And notwithstanding the signs and the wonders which were wrought among the people of the Lord, and the many miracles which they did, Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people upon all the face of the land."

A verse with a thought booklet talks about how Jesus healed the servant of the centurion because he believed. Miracles are done according to our faith. When we pray in faith, we release any anxious feelings and pray with a sense of peace, knowing that the Lord will answer our prayers in the best way for us. Matt. 8: 13 "And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord is loving and kind and merciful to us. He is our Savior. In his love
and pity, He redeems us and saves us from our afflictions. In yet through all that, we still rebel and become an enemy to God, vexing His Holy Spirit. Isa. 63: 7-10 "I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them."

In the Book of Mormon I read that when people are brought to a knowledge of the truth and are become aware of their wicked ways, and believe in the scriptures and the words of the proophets, their faith will bring forth a change of heart in them which will cause them to repent. Their steadfast faith will make them free. Hel. 15: 7-8 "And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them— Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that fearing man can be a trap to us, but if we put our trust in the Lord, we will be safe. What do we worry most about--what other people think of us, or pleasing the Lord? If it's the latter, it will be well with us. Prov. 29: 25 "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that we can greatly rejoice in the Lord who clothes us with salvation. Just as the earth brings forth buds and things planted in gardens spring forth, so God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations. Isa. 61: 10-11 "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations."

In the Book of Mormon it talks about how through the atonement of Christ, we're given the opportunity to repent and receive redemption. If we repent, we'll be saved but if we refuse to repent, we'll be hewn down and cast out, receiving spiritual death and cut off as to things pertaining to righteouness. So we need to repent now to avoid these things. Hel. 14: 17-19 "But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord. Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness. Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the end of the upright man is peace. We're greatly blessed for our righteousness and in the end we'll be rewarded with peace. Our inner peace comes as we turn our lives over to God. Ps. 37: 37 "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read violence will be no more and light from the sun and moon will no longer be needed because the Lord will be our everlasting Light. Days of mourning shall be ended. What a wonderful day this will be! Isa. 60: 18-20 " Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."

In the Book of Mormon I read that after the days of our probation have passed, it will be everlastingly too late to repent. If we seek for happiness in doing iniquity, we will be sorely disappointed. Wickedness is contrary to the nature of happiness. Hel. 13: 38 "But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to devote ourselves to prayer, keeping watchful that we offer our thanksgivings. Remaining prayerful and full of thanks can help us live much better lives and have a more joyful attitude. Col. 4: 2 "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"
----------------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that nations and kingdoms that will not serve Zion will perish and become utterly wasted. Isa. 60: 12 "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how unstable and foolish men are, and how quick they are to do evil. This goes right along with what we read yesterday about how in the short space of just a few years the people turned from their righteousness to iniquity. It seems like when things are going well, people tend to forget the Lord. But when He chastens them with afflictions, they turn to Him. Hel. 12: 1-6 "And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him. Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity. And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him. O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world! Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom's paths! Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide."

Some verses with a thought booklet also talks about how the Lord chastises us. When He does so, we can know that He loves us. If we endure the chastening, God will deal with us as His sons. Even though chastening is hard to bear when we're receiving it, it will yield forth fruits of righteousness and peace. Heb. 12: 6-7, 11 "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."



------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the people' sins will testify against them and salvation will be far from them when they depart away from God and utter words of falsehood. Isa. 59: 12-13 "For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood."

In the Book of Mormon we read how it doesn't take many years for the people to turn from righteousness to wickedness, forgetting the Lord. First we read that in the 76th year, the people were rejoicing and glorifying God, and esteemed Nephi as a great prophet. Then a few verses later we read that in the 82nd year (a mere 6 years later) they began to forget God and by the 85th year (only 9 years since they were rejoicing and being blessed for their righteousness) they were waxing stronger and stronger in their pride and wickedness and were again ripening for destruction. How quick people can be to return to their evil ways and forget the Lord. Let's just make sure this doesn't happen to us! Hel. 11: 17-18, 36-38 "And it came to pass that in the *seventy and sixth year the Lord did turn away his anger from the people, and caused that rain should fall upon the earth, insomuch that it did bring forth her fruit in the season of her fruit. And it came to pass that it did bring forth her grain in the season of her grain. And behold, the people did rejoice and glorify God, and the whole face of the land was filled with rejoicing; and they did no more seek to destroy Nephi, but they did esteem him as a great prophet, and a man of God, having great power and authority given unto him from God. And in the eighty and second year they began again to forget the Lord their God. And in the eighty and third year they began to wax strong in iniquity. And in the eighty and fourth year they did not mend their ways. And it came to pass in the *eighty and fifth year they did wax stronger and stronger in their pride, and in their wickedness; and thus they were ripening again for destruction. And thus ended the eighty and fifth year."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord knows all our thoughts and doings. He truly understands us. If we ever feel like nobody truly understands us, we are wrong. The Lord does! Ps. 139: 1-6 "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."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that the Lord's hand isn't shortened that it cannot save, and His ear isn't heavy that it cannot hear, but it is we who have separated ourselves from the Lord, and we've done this with our sins and iniquities. Isa. 59: 1-2 "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord told Nephi He would bless him greatly and make him mighty in word and deed. He told him that anything he asked for would be granted unto him because the Lord knew that Nephi would not ask for anything contrary to His will. So if he wanted the temple to be rent in twain, or a mountain to be made smooth, or people to be smitten, it would happen. Likewise, if we align our will with that of the Lord and are in tune enough to only pray for things that are according to His will, they will be granted unto us also. Hel. 10: 5, 8-10 "And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will. And thus, if ye shall say unto this temple it shall be rent in twain, it shall be done. And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and become smooth, it shall be done. And behold, if ye shall say that God shall smite this people, it shall come to pass."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we seek the Lord, we'll find Him, but if we forsake Him, He'll forsake us. If we turn to Him in times of trouble, He'll be there for us. 2 Chr. 15: 1-4 "And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them."

--------------------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that on the Sabbath Day we should not do our own pleasure or speak our own words, but rather honor God and call the Sabbath a delight. Isa. 58: 13 "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:"

In the Book of Mormon Nephi chastised the people, calling them fools because of how blind and stiffnecked they were, and saying they ought to howl and mourn because of the great destruction that would await them if they didn't repent, because God would not continue to suffer them to go on in their ways of sin. Hel. 9: 21-22 "But Nephi said unto them: O ye fools, ye uncircumcised of heart, ye blind, and ye stiffnecked people, do ye know how long the Lord your God will suffer you that ye shall go on in this your way of sin? O ye ought to begin to howl and mourn, because of the great destruction which at this time doth await you, except ye shall repent."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that God is light and if we walk in light, the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse us from all sin. If we say we have fellowship with God but walk in darkness, we are liars. If we say we don't commit sins, are are liars. Everyone sins, but if we repent of our sins, God will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn. 1: 5-10 "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."


----------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament it says that if we help the hungry and afflicted, we will have light in our lives and the Lord will guide us continually and satisfy us with our needs and we'll be like a watered garden whose water does not fail. Isa. 58: 10-11 "And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the Lord shall aguide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

In the Book of Mormon I read that prophets all down through the ages, both before and after Abraham, testified of Jesus Christ. Hel. 8: 16-20 "And now behold, Moses did not only testify of these things, but also all the holy prophets, from his days even to the days of Abraham. Yea, and behold, Abraham saw of his coming, and was filled with gladness and did rejoice. Yea, and behold I say unto you, that Abraham not only knew of these things, but there were many before the days of Abraham who were called by the order of God; yea, even after the order of his Son; and this that it should be shown unto the people, a great many thousand years before his coming, that even redemption should come unto them. And now I would that ye should know, that even since the days of Abraham there have been many prophets that have testified these things; yea, behold, the prophet Zenos did testify boldly; for the which he was slain. And behold, also Zenock, and also Ezias, and also Isaiah, and Jeremiah, (Jeremiah being that same prophet who testified of the destruction of Jerusalem) and now we know that Jerusalem was destroyed according to the words of Jeremiah. O then why not the Son of God come, according to his prophecy?"

Some verses with a thought booklet say that we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions, being filled with envy and hatred. But then the kindness and love of God appeared. Allowing the Lord and His atoning sacrifice into our lives makes all the difference, and completely changes the type of person that we are. Titus 3: 3-4 "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament it says that the wicked are like a troubled sea whose waters cast up dirt and mire and has no rest. There is no peace to the wicked. Isa. 57: 20-21 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord will not strengthen the wicked unless they repent. And He chastised the Nephites for their sins, saying that the Lamanites were more righteous than they were because the Nephites were sinning against a greater light and knowledge, and unless they repented, they would be destroyed from off the face of the earth. Hel. 7: 23-28 "For behold, thus saith the Lord: I will not show unto the wicked of my strength, to one more than the other, save it be unto those who repent of their sins, and hearken unto my words. Now therefore, I would that ye should behold, my brethren, that it shall be better for the Lamanites than for you except ye shall repent. For behold, they are more righteous than you, for they have not sinned against that great knowledge which ye have received; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them; yea, he will lengthen out their days and increase their seed, even when thou shalt be utterly destroyed except thou shalt repent. Yea, wo be unto you because of that great abomination which has come among you; and ye have united yourselves unto it, yea, to that secret band which was established by Gadianton! Yea, wo shall come unto you because of that pride which ye have suffered to enter your hearts, which has lifted you up beyond that which is good because of your exceedingly great riches! Yea, wo be unto you because of your wickedness and abominations! And except ye repent ye shall perish; yea, even your lands shall be taken from you, and ye shall be destroyed from off the face of the earth."

Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to love our enemies and to do good for and pray for those who hate and persecute us. Is that easy to do? Absolutely not! But if we are truly to be Christ's disciples, we must follow His example and love even those who are difficult to love. And if we do that, we'll find joy in our own lives. Matt. 5: 43-44 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that our thoughts are not the Lord's thoughts and our ways not the Lord's ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are the Lord's thoughts higher than ours. Soemtimes we might pray for things and wonder why the Lord seemingly doesn't answer our prayers. But we need to trust in the Lord and realize that perhaps what we wanted really isn't for our best good. The Lord knows far better than we do what we need and we need to align our thoughts with His. Isa. 55: 8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people turned to exceeding wickedness once again because they set their hearts on their riches and they desired to be lifted up above each other--committing sins so they could get gain. Sometimes going through trials and difficulties humbles us enough to turn to the Lord, so when things are going too well and are too peaceful, we stop turning to Him. This is sadly true in many instances. Hel. 6: 16-17 "And in the commencement of the sixty and seventh year the people began to grow exceedingly wicked again. For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world that they had not been stirred up to anger, to wars, nor to bloodshed; therefore they began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder, that they might get gain."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read that we should commit our spirits to Him who has redeemed us, the Lord God of Truth. We should love the Lord and be of good courage, because He will preserve the faithful, reward those who do good, and strenthen the hearts of all who hope in Him. Ps. 31: 5, 23-24 "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the wicked need to forsake their evil ways and their unrighteous thoughts and return unto the Lord. If they do this, He will show them mercy and abundantly pardon them. Isa. 55: 7 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

A verse from the Book of Mormon talks about how a voice from Heaven spoke to the people. It was not a loud tumultuous voice of thunder, but rather a still voice of perfect mildness, almost like a whisper, that did pierce their very souls. Often the Lord speaks to us with a still, small voice, and we need to be attentive and sensitive to hear what He has to say. Hel. 5: 30 "And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul—"

A verse from a thought booklet is an oft quoted scriptures in which Joshua asks the people to choose this day whom they will serve--the true God of their fathers, or the idol gods of the Amorites. And then he said, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." In our own day, we're not likely to worship idols carved out of wood or stone. But are we allowing selfish interests or anything to be a higher priority to us than the Lord? Do we put spending hours on FaceBook, playing video games, or watching movies ahead of doing things He wants us to do, such as our home teaching or studying the scriptures? Is the Lord really our top priority or do we worship false "idols" of worldly things that we show by our actions are really more important to us? If we have time for TV but not for prayer, what does this show? If we have a problem with these things, we need to turn to the Lord for help. He will guide and direct our lives if we'll only humbly ask Him to. Josh. 24: 15 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that we need to seek the Lord and call upon Him while He is near and can be found. Isa. 55:6 "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:"

In the Book of Mormon we learn that the Lord came to redeem people FROM their sins, not IN their sins. In other words, we need to repent and turn from our sins in order to be redeemed. We can't continue in our sins and expect to be forgiven. We need to build upon the sure foundation of Christ. If we do this, even though the devil might send forth winds and mighty storms to beat upon us in his attempts to drag us down to misery and endless wo, we will not fall as long as we're built upon that sure foundation of Christ. Hel. 5: 10-12 "And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins. And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls. And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

Some verses with a thought booklet tells us that when we do kind things to the least of our brethren, we do them unto Christ. When we feed the hungry and clothe the naked, we are serving the Lord, and will be rewarded accordingly. Matt. 25: 34-40 "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read a verse that is so true--that there is no peace unto the wicked. Isa. 48: 22 "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Nephites became wicked and filled with pride and the Lord no longer protected them from their enemies as a result. Because they boasted of their own strength, they were left to their own strength. If we become prideful and think we can go through life without the help of the Lord, we likewise may be left to our own strength. And when that happens, we're in trouble! Hel. 4: 11-13, 24-26 "Now this great loss of the Nephites, and the great slaughter which was among them, would not have happened had it not been for their wickedness and their abomination which was among them; yea, and it was among those also who professed to belong to the church of God. And it was because of the pride of their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, yea, it was because of their oppression to the poor, withholding their food from the hungry, withholding their clothing from the naked, and smiting their humble brethren upon the cheek, making a mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation, murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, committing adultery, rising up in great contentions, and deserting away into the land of Nephi, among the Lamanites— And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands. And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples— Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that the Lamanites were exceedingly more numerous than they, and except they should cleave unto the Lord their God they must unavoidably perish. For behold, they saw that the strength of the Lamanites was as great as their strength, even man for man. And thus had they fallen into this great transgression; yea, thus had they become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of not many years."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that instead of looking at our own selfish desires, we should think of other, and we should follow the example of Christ who humbled Himself and took upon Himself the form of a servant. He sacrificed Himself on the cross for us. How willing are we to humbly make sacrifices in our lives in order to serve others? If someone needs our help at an inconvenient time, are we there for them? This is such a small thing compared to what Christ did for us. Philip. 2: 4-8 "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
----------------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that those who trust in wickedness and who think their own wisdom and knowledge is sufficient shall have evil come upon them that no one can save them from. The stargazers and sorceries will not be able to profit them. Fire will burn them up and no one will have power to save them from the flame. Isa. 47: 10-15 "For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord will be merciful to all who call upon His name in the sincerity of their hearts. Whoever will lay hold upon the Word of God will be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven and will be protected against the cunning snares of the devil. Hel. 3: 27-30 "Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name. Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked— And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we're ashamed of Jesus Christ and His words in this wicked world, He likewise will be ashamed of us. What will we give in exchange for our souls? What profit is it to us if we gain the whole world but lose our own souls? Mark 8: 36-38 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament it says that we need to look unto the Lord to be saved. He is our God, and there is none else. Isa. 45: 22 "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."

In the Book of Mormon I read that a hundredth part of what transpired among the people could not be written. What we have is only a small part of what actually took place. Hel. 3: 14 "But behold, a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, yea, the account of the Lamanites and of the Nephites, and their wars, and contentions, and dissensions, and their preaching, and their prophecies, and their shipping and their building of ships, and their building of temples, and of synagogues and their sanctuaries, and their righteousness, and their wickedness, and their murders, and their robbings, and their plundering, and all manner of abominations and whoredoms, cannot be contained in this work."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus told His disciples ahead of time what would happen to Him--He would be betrayed, condemned to death, mocked scourged, and crucified. But on the third day He would rise again. Matt. 20: 17-19 "And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again."