In the Old Testament the Lord told the people not to be afraid of the King of Babylon for the Lord would be with them and save them, showing mercy to them. But if they refused to trust in the Lord and insisted on going to Egypt, war and famine would follow them there and they would die there. How very important that we trust in the Lord. He is more powerful than any king, and with Him on our side, we have nothing to fear. Jer. 42: 11-16 "Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the Lord: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand. And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land. But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the Lord your God, Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell: And now therefore hear the word of the Lord, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there; Then it shall come to pass, that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the great wars and destruction that occurred and the numerous people who were killed. There were so many dead that there was no one left to bury the dead and bodies were strewn all across the land, causing a terrible scent. This horrible scene of blood and carnage covering the land is difficult to even think about. And it was all caused by the wickedness of the people and their refusal to repent. Ether 14: 20-27 "And they were divided; and a part of them fled to the army of Shiz, and a part of them fled to the army of Coriantumr. And so great and lasting had been the war, and so long had been the scene of bloodshed and carnage, that the whole face of the land was covered with the bodies of the dead. And so swift and speedy was the war that there was none left to bury the dead, but they did march forth from the shedding of blood to the shedding of blood, leaving the bodies of both men, women, and children strewed upon the face of the land, to become a prey to the worms of the flesh. And the scent thereof went forth upon the face of the land, even upon all the face of the land; wherefore the people became troubled by day and by night, because of the scent thereof. Nevertheless, Shiz did not cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether that Coriantumr should not fall by the sword. And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction. And it came to pass that Shiz did pursue Coriantumr eastward, even to the borders by the seashore, and there he gave battle unto Shiz for the space of three days. And so terrible was the destruction among the armies of Shiz that the people began to be frightened, and began to flee before the armies of Coriantumr; and they fled to the land of Corihor, and swept off the inhabitants before them, all them that would not join them."
Some scriiptures with a thought booklet remind us that the Lord doesn't want to bring evil to us, but has an expected end result in mind for us of peace. If we seek Him with all our hearts, we'll find Him. Sometimes we see only the short term results of trials in our lives, but we need to keep in mind the whole picture that God sees, and realize that our trials and tribulations can strengthen us and be for our good. Look for the good that can come from troubling situations. The thought that went with this gives an example of this. It's written by DeVonna R. Allison from Burr Oak, Michigan. She writes: "Look at that mess," I murmured as I viewed our storm revaged backyard. A violent windstorm had swept through during the night. In addition to many downed branches, a large shade tree had fallen and lay covering our entire backyard. My husband grinned. "Look at all that firewood!" he enthused. I was immediately struck by our differing viewpoints. Though we were both looking at the same scene, we had two very differing viewpoints. Though we were both looking at the same scene, we had two very different perspectives. Where I saw hours of cleanup work ahead, my husband pictured warm, cracking fires on cold winter nights. I was cheered up considerably by his point of view! When unpleasant circumstances enter our lives, we are often so focused on finding a solution that we are unable to recognize any benefits. The Bible is filled with reminders that the Lord has the ability--and the desire--to turn every one of life's challenges into an opportunity for personal growth. Let's ask God to help us seek His blessing in all our circumstances! Jer. 29: 11-14 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord : and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive."
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And it shall come to pass in the last days,when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains....The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the people came to Jeremiah seeking to know what the Lord would have them do and expressing a willingness to do it. This is something we all should do--seek direction from the prophet about what the Lord wants us to do and obey whatever it is. Jer. 42: 1-6 "Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near, And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the Lord thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:) That the Lord thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do. Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the Lord your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the Lord shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you. Then they said to Jeremiah, The Lord be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the Lord thy God shall send thee to us. Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the Lord our God."
In the Book of Mormon I read that there was a curse upon the land because of the iniquity of the people. Ether 14: 1-2 "And now there began to be a great curse upon all the land because of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a man should lay his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place whither he would keep it, behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it, so great was the curse upon the land. Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his own, with his hands, and would not borrow neither would he lend; and every man kept the hilt of his sword in his right hand, in the defence of his property and his own life and of his wives and children."
Some scriptres with a thought booklet tell us that we're not redeemed with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ who was foreordained to be our Savior. We need to love one another with a pure heart and obey the truth through the Spirit. The Word of God endures forever. 1 Pet. 1: 18-25 "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
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In the Book of Mormon I read that there was a curse upon the land because of the iniquity of the people. Ether 14: 1-2 "And now there began to be a great curse upon all the land because of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a man should lay his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place whither he would keep it, behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it, so great was the curse upon the land. Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his own, with his hands, and would not borrow neither would he lend; and every man kept the hilt of his sword in his right hand, in the defence of his property and his own life and of his wives and children."
Some scriptres with a thought booklet tell us that we're not redeemed with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ who was foreordained to be our Savior. We need to love one another with a pure heart and obey the truth through the Spirit. The Word of God endures forever. 1 Pet. 1: 18-25 "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Jeremiah and Ebed-melech the Ethopian were preserved because they trusted in the Lord. Jer. 39: 11-18 "Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard, saying, Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee. So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the king of Babylon's princes; Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people. Now the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord."
In the Book of Mormon we read about how the prophet Ether tried to call the people to repentance, but they refused to listen to him and cast him out from among them. He hid in a cavity of a rock and watched them from afar for over a year. Then the Lord told him go to call Coriantumr to repentance, but again he would not listen and the wars among the people continued on. They tried to kill Ether but he fled and again hid in the cavity of a rock. Ether 13: 1-2, 13-22 "And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record concerning the destruction of the people of whom I have been writing. For behold, they rejected all the words of Ether; for he truly told them of all things, from the beginning of man; and that after the waters had receded from off the face of this land it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face thereof; And I was about to write more, but I am forbidden; but great and marvelous were the prophecies of Ether; but they esteemed him as naught, and cast him out; and he hid himself in the cavity of a rock by day, and by night he went forth viewing the things which should come upon the people. And as he dwelt in the cavity of a rock he made the remainder of this record, viewing the destructions which came upon the people, by night. And it came to pass that in that same year in which he was cast out from among the people there began to be a great war among the people, for there were many who rose up, who were mighty men, and sought to destroy Coriantumr by their secret plans of wickedness, of which hath been spoken. And now Coriantumr, having studied, himself, in all the arts of war and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto them who sought to destroy him. But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daughters; neither the fair sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the fair sons and daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins. Wherefore, it came to pass that in the first year that Ether dwelt in the cavity of a rock, there were many people who were slain by the sword of those secret combinations, fighting against Coriantumr that they might obtain the kingdom. And it came to pass that the sons of Coriantumr fought much and bled much. And in the second year the word of the Lord came to Ether, that he should go and prophesy unto Coriantumr that, if he would repent, and all his household, the Lord would give unto him his kingdom and spare the people— Otherwise they should be destroyed, and all his household save it were himself. And he should only live to see the fulfilling of the prophecies which had been spoken concerning another people receiving the land for their inheritance; and Coriantumr should receive a burial by them; and every soul should be destroyed save it were Coriantumr. And it came to pass that Coriantumr repented not, neither his household, neither the people; and the wars ceased not; and they sought to kill Ether, but he fled from before them and hid again in the cavity of the rock."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Even when we're going through terrible trials and tribulations, we can know that God still loves us and that if we love God, all things can work together for our good. If we'll trust in the Lord, we can learn from our difficult experiences and they'll help us grow. Rom. 8: 28, 35, 38-39 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
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In the Book of Mormon we read about how the prophet Ether tried to call the people to repentance, but they refused to listen to him and cast him out from among them. He hid in a cavity of a rock and watched them from afar for over a year. Then the Lord told him go to call Coriantumr to repentance, but again he would not listen and the wars among the people continued on. They tried to kill Ether but he fled and again hid in the cavity of a rock. Ether 13: 1-2, 13-22 "And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record concerning the destruction of the people of whom I have been writing. For behold, they rejected all the words of Ether; for he truly told them of all things, from the beginning of man; and that after the waters had receded from off the face of this land it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face thereof; And I was about to write more, but I am forbidden; but great and marvelous were the prophecies of Ether; but they esteemed him as naught, and cast him out; and he hid himself in the cavity of a rock by day, and by night he went forth viewing the things which should come upon the people. And as he dwelt in the cavity of a rock he made the remainder of this record, viewing the destructions which came upon the people, by night. And it came to pass that in that same year in which he was cast out from among the people there began to be a great war among the people, for there were many who rose up, who were mighty men, and sought to destroy Coriantumr by their secret plans of wickedness, of which hath been spoken. And now Coriantumr, having studied, himself, in all the arts of war and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto them who sought to destroy him. But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daughters; neither the fair sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the fair sons and daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins. Wherefore, it came to pass that in the first year that Ether dwelt in the cavity of a rock, there were many people who were slain by the sword of those secret combinations, fighting against Coriantumr that they might obtain the kingdom. And it came to pass that the sons of Coriantumr fought much and bled much. And in the second year the word of the Lord came to Ether, that he should go and prophesy unto Coriantumr that, if he would repent, and all his household, the Lord would give unto him his kingdom and spare the people— Otherwise they should be destroyed, and all his household save it were himself. And he should only live to see the fulfilling of the prophecies which had been spoken concerning another people receiving the land for their inheritance; and Coriantumr should receive a burial by them; and every soul should be destroyed save it were Coriantumr. And it came to pass that Coriantumr repented not, neither his household, neither the people; and the wars ceased not; and they sought to kill Ether, but he fled from before them and hid again in the cavity of the rock."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Even when we're going through terrible trials and tribulations, we can know that God still loves us and that if we love God, all things can work together for our good. If we'll trust in the Lord, we can learn from our difficult experiences and they'll help us grow. Rom. 8: 28, 35, 38-39 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
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Saturday, August 28, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophesies about how Jerusalem would be taken. The King of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah and put out Zedekiah's eyes, binding him in chains and carrying him to Babylon. The Chaldeans burned the king's house and the houses of the people with fire and broke down the walls of the city. Jer. 39: 5-8 "But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him. Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah. Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon. And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem."
In the Book of Mormon I read that those who have faith can hope for a better world and it can provide an anchor for their souls, which helps make them sure and steadfast and abound in good works. Ether 12: 4 "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that even though Jesus was the Son of God, He still needed to learn obedience by the things which He suffered. If this was true of Jesus, how much more true this must be for us. Heb. 5: 8 "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;"
In the Book of Mormon I read that those who have faith can hope for a better world and it can provide an anchor for their souls, which helps make them sure and steadfast and abound in good works. Ether 12: 4 "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that even though Jesus was the Son of God, He still needed to learn obedience by the things which He suffered. If this was true of Jesus, how much more true this must be for us. Heb. 5: 8 "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;"
Friday, August 27, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Jeremiah was freed from the miry dungeon by an Ethiopian and put in the court of the prison, where he stayed until Jerusalem was taken. Jer. 38:11-13, 28 "So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison. So Jeremiah abode in the court of the prison until the day that Jerusalem was taken: and he was there when Jerusalem was taken."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the wars and wickedness of the people and how the prophets predicted their utter destruction unless they repented. Ether 11: 1-7 "And there came also in the days of Com many prophets, and prophesied of the destruction of that great people except they should repent, and turn unto the Lord, and forsake their murders and wickedness. And it came to pass that the prophets were rejected by the people, and they fled unto Com for protection, for the people sought to destroy them. And they prophesied unto Com many things; and he was blessed in all the remainder of his days. And he lived to a good old age, and begat Shiblom; and Shiblom reigned in his stead. And the brother of Shiblom rebelled against him, and there began to be an exceedingly great war in all the land. And it came to pass that the brother of Shiblom caused that all the prophets who prophesied of the destruction of the people should be put to death; And there was great calamity in all the land, for they had testified that a great curse should come upon the land, and also upon the people, and that there should be a great destruction among them, such an one as never had been upon the face of the earth, and their bones should become as heaps of earth upon the face of the land except they should repent of their wickedness. And they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord, because of their wicked combinations; wherefore, there began to be wars and contentions in all the land, and also many famines and pestilences, insomuch that there was a great destruction, such an one as never had been known upon the face of the earth; and all this came to pass in the days of Shiblom."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the parable of the great supper, where those who were invited had all kinds of excuses why they could not attend. The thought that went with this, written by Thomas Buice from Belleview, Florida says: When my two year old grandson is asked to do soemthing, his quick come back is, "Not now, I'm busy." The first time I heard him say that, I laughted until I cried. Here's this little guy with nothing but time on his hands, with every need and most of his wants satisfied. But he is "too busy" to pick up his toys. What is he doing that's so important? Does God ask that question when push his still, small voice into the background with, "Not now, I'm busy"? When God asks for a little time of fellowship with me, too often my response has been that of my grandson. When God asks for a little service or some form of witness from me, I have been guilty of telling God how busy I am. The little phrase considered cute coming from a toddler becomes tragic when spoken to our Heavenly Father. God has provided everything for me. God has given His best, His all. I am everything to God. So I have decided to try to replace "not now, I'm busy" with "here am I; send me!" Luke 14: 16-21 "Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind."
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In the Book of Mormon I read about the wars and wickedness of the people and how the prophets predicted their utter destruction unless they repented. Ether 11: 1-7 "And there came also in the days of Com many prophets, and prophesied of the destruction of that great people except they should repent, and turn unto the Lord, and forsake their murders and wickedness. And it came to pass that the prophets were rejected by the people, and they fled unto Com for protection, for the people sought to destroy them. And they prophesied unto Com many things; and he was blessed in all the remainder of his days. And he lived to a good old age, and begat Shiblom; and Shiblom reigned in his stead. And the brother of Shiblom rebelled against him, and there began to be an exceedingly great war in all the land. And it came to pass that the brother of Shiblom caused that all the prophets who prophesied of the destruction of the people should be put to death; And there was great calamity in all the land, for they had testified that a great curse should come upon the land, and also upon the people, and that there should be a great destruction among them, such an one as never had been upon the face of the earth, and their bones should become as heaps of earth upon the face of the land except they should repent of their wickedness. And they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord, because of their wicked combinations; wherefore, there began to be wars and contentions in all the land, and also many famines and pestilences, insomuch that there was a great destruction, such an one as never had been known upon the face of the earth; and all this came to pass in the days of Shiblom."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the parable of the great supper, where those who were invited had all kinds of excuses why they could not attend. The thought that went with this, written by Thomas Buice from Belleview, Florida says: When my two year old grandson is asked to do soemthing, his quick come back is, "Not now, I'm busy." The first time I heard him say that, I laughted until I cried. Here's this little guy with nothing but time on his hands, with every need and most of his wants satisfied. But he is "too busy" to pick up his toys. What is he doing that's so important? Does God ask that question when push his still, small voice into the background with, "Not now, I'm busy"? When God asks for a little time of fellowship with me, too often my response has been that of my grandson. When God asks for a little service or some form of witness from me, I have been guilty of telling God how busy I am. The little phrase considered cute coming from a toddler becomes tragic when spoken to our Heavenly Father. God has provided everything for me. God has given His best, His all. I am everything to God. So I have decided to try to replace "not now, I'm busy" with "here am I; send me!" Luke 14: 16-21 "Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind."
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Jeremiah prophesied evil things coming upon the people because of their wickedness. The people did not want to hear this so they convinced the king to cast Jeremiah into a miry dungeon. This has been the case with many prophets down through the ages. People did not want to hear what they had to say so they had them cast out or killed. Jer. 38: 1-6 "Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying, Thus saith the Lord , He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live. Thus saith the Lord, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it. Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you. Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire."
In the Book of Mormon we read that prophets cried repentance unto the people but they refused to hearken unto them until the Lord sent a dearth into the land, and poisenous serpents--to the point that the people were about to perish. Then and only then were the people willing to humble themselves before the Lord and repent of their sins. Are we this stubborn? Do we need calamities to befall us before we're willing to turn to the Lord and do what's right? When things are going well for us do we still pray and turn to the Lord? Ether 9: 28-35 "And there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance unto them—that they must prepare the way of the Lord or there should come a curse upon the face of the land; yea, even there should be a great famine, in which they should be destroyed if they did not repent. But the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they cast them out; and some of them they cast into pits and left them to perish. And it came to pass that they did all these things according to the commandment of the king, Heth. And it came to pass that there began to be a great dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed exceedingly fast because of the dearth, for there was no rain upon the face of the earth. And there came forth poisonous serpents also upon the face of the land, and did poison many people. And it came to pass that their flocks began to flee before the poisonous serpents, towards the land southward, which was called by the Nephites Zarahemla. And it came to pass that there were many of them which did perish by the way; nevertheless, there were some which fled into the land southward. And it came to pass that the Lord did cause the serpents that they should pursue them no more, but that they should hedge up the way that the people could not pass, that whoso should attempt to pass might fall by the poisonous serpents. And it came to pass that the people did follow the course of the beasts, and did devour the carcasses of them which fell by the way, until they had devoured them all. Now when the people saw that they must perish they began to repent of their iniquities and cry unto the Lord. And it came to pass that when they had humbled themselves sufficiently before the Lord he did send rain upon the face of the earth; and the people began to revive again, and there began to be fruit in the north countries, and in all the countries round about. And the Lord did show forth his power unto them in preserving them from famine."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that the Lord will give us strength when we're weary and increase our power when we're weak. When we feel faint and feel like we just can't continue anymore, the Lord will give us wings like the eagle. We just need to turn to Him. And I don't think this is just limited to physical strength, like you'd need to run a marathon. It also means spiritual and emotional strength. When you feel like you're at the end of your rope and just can't cope anymore with all the trials you're faced with, the Lord will strengthen you so you can continue on. And when you're faced with temptation or overcoming a weakness and feel like you just can't do what you know you need to do, the Lord will be there for you and help you do what you don't have the strength to do on your own. Turn to Him. Trust in Him. He'll help you run the race of life. Isa. 40: 28-31 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
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In the Book of Mormon we read that prophets cried repentance unto the people but they refused to hearken unto them until the Lord sent a dearth into the land, and poisenous serpents--to the point that the people were about to perish. Then and only then were the people willing to humble themselves before the Lord and repent of their sins. Are we this stubborn? Do we need calamities to befall us before we're willing to turn to the Lord and do what's right? When things are going well for us do we still pray and turn to the Lord? Ether 9: 28-35 "And there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance unto them—that they must prepare the way of the Lord or there should come a curse upon the face of the land; yea, even there should be a great famine, in which they should be destroyed if they did not repent. But the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they cast them out; and some of them they cast into pits and left them to perish. And it came to pass that they did all these things according to the commandment of the king, Heth. And it came to pass that there began to be a great dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed exceedingly fast because of the dearth, for there was no rain upon the face of the earth. And there came forth poisonous serpents also upon the face of the land, and did poison many people. And it came to pass that their flocks began to flee before the poisonous serpents, towards the land southward, which was called by the Nephites Zarahemla. And it came to pass that there were many of them which did perish by the way; nevertheless, there were some which fled into the land southward. And it came to pass that the Lord did cause the serpents that they should pursue them no more, but that they should hedge up the way that the people could not pass, that whoso should attempt to pass might fall by the poisonous serpents. And it came to pass that the people did follow the course of the beasts, and did devour the carcasses of them which fell by the way, until they had devoured them all. Now when the people saw that they must perish they began to repent of their iniquities and cry unto the Lord. And it came to pass that when they had humbled themselves sufficiently before the Lord he did send rain upon the face of the earth; and the people began to revive again, and there began to be fruit in the north countries, and in all the countries round about. And the Lord did show forth his power unto them in preserving them from famine."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that the Lord will give us strength when we're weary and increase our power when we're weak. When we feel faint and feel like we just can't continue anymore, the Lord will give us wings like the eagle. We just need to turn to Him. And I don't think this is just limited to physical strength, like you'd need to run a marathon. It also means spiritual and emotional strength. When you feel like you're at the end of your rope and just can't cope anymore with all the trials you're faced with, the Lord will strengthen you so you can continue on. And when you're faced with temptation or overcoming a weakness and feel like you just can't do what you know you need to do, the Lord will be there for you and help you do what you don't have the strength to do on your own. Turn to Him. Trust in Him. He'll help you run the race of life. Isa. 40: 28-31 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that because the people had not hearkened to the Lord, He would bring all the evil upon them that He had prounced against them. He had spoken to them, but they had not heard. He called to them, but they did not answer. Are we listening when the Lord speaks to us? Jer. 35: 17 "Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered."
In the Book of Mormon I read Moroni's warning that we need to do away with evil so that Satan can have no power upon our hearts and that all men will be persuaded to do good continually and be saved. Ether 8: 26 "Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved."
A verse from a thought booklet talks about how David commited his spirit into the hand of the Lord who redeemed him. Are we likewise willing to commit our spirts unto God? Ps. 31: 5 "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth."
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In the Book of Mormon I read Moroni's warning that we need to do away with evil so that Satan can have no power upon our hearts and that all men will be persuaded to do good continually and be saved. Ether 8: 26 "Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved."
A verse from a thought booklet talks about how David commited his spirit into the hand of the Lord who redeemed him. Are we likewise willing to commit our spirts unto God? Ps. 31: 5 "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth."
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Daily Thoughts
n the Old Testament I read that the day will come when every good thing the Lord has promised to the House of Israel and the House of Judah will be fulfilled. The Lord keeps His promises. We can count on that. Jer. 33: 14 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah."
In the Book of Mormon I read that any nation that upholds secret combinations to get power and gain will be destroyed. The Lord won't allow the blood of His saints to always cry unto Him from the ground for vengeance without avenging them. Ether 8: 22 "And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we should consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because we can know that the testing of our faith develops patience. When I'm going through trials, I have a hard time finding joy in them, but as I look back on trials of the past, I can see how they've made me a stronger person and they've helped me learn to rely on the Lord to help me get through them. James 1: 2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
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In the Book of Mormon I read that any nation that upholds secret combinations to get power and gain will be destroyed. The Lord won't allow the blood of His saints to always cry unto Him from the ground for vengeance without avenging them. Ether 8: 22 "And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we should consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because we can know that the testing of our faith develops patience. When I'm going through trials, I have a hard time finding joy in them, but as I look back on trials of the past, I can see how they've made me a stronger person and they've helped me learn to rely on the Lord to help me get through them. James 1: 2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
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Monday, August 23, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord will cleanse from sin and pardon iniquities. What a blessing it is to be able to repent of our sins and be forgiven! Jer. 33: 8-9 "And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it."
In the Book of Mormon I read a great example of how a righteous king was able to lead the people into righteousness. During the reign of King Shule, the people were wicked and involved in idolatry. The Lord sent a prophet to call them to repentance, but the people reviled against the prophet and mocked him. However, King Shule executed a law throughout the land that gave power to the prophets and brought judgment against those who reviled them. Because of this, the people did repent and the Lord spared them. This shows the importance of having righteous people to govern us who will make rightous laws. Ether 7: 23-27 "And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent. And it came to pass that the people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them. And it came to pass that king Shule did execute judgment against all those who did revile against the prophets. And he did execute a law throughout all the land, which gave power unto the prophets that they should go whithersoever they would; and by this cause the people were brought unto repentance. And because the people did repent of their iniquities and idolatries the Lord did spare them, and they began to prosper again in the land. And it came to pass that Shule begat sons and daughters in his old age. And there were no more wars in the days of Shule; and he remembered the great things that the Lord had done for his fathers in bringing them across the great deep into the promised land; wherefore he did execute judgment in righteousness all his days."
The scriptures with a thought booklet today teach us to learn the way of the Lord and to allow Him to lead us in a straight path. The thought that went with this, written by Dale Vander Veen from Jenison, Michigan says: As we think about Psalm 27 today, let's insert "God will make a way" as a response to each point. When I am afraid--God will make a way. When I am attacked or beseiged--God will make a way. When I seek the Lord and cannot seem to find him--God will make a way. When I seek new heights and cannot shout for joy--God will make a way. When I call for mercy--God will make a way. When His face is turned from me--God will make a way. When I feel rejected--God will make a way. When I am forsaken--God will make a way. When my path is difficult--God will make a way. When people tell lies about me--God will make a way. When I am blind to the goodness of life--God will make a way. When I cannot wait--God will make a way. Our job is not to see the way or know the way or make the way, but to walk forward with God through the tangles of life or to wait with God till he leads us further. And in His time, God in His grace will make a way. Ps. 27: 1-14 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
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In the Book of Mormon I read a great example of how a righteous king was able to lead the people into righteousness. During the reign of King Shule, the people were wicked and involved in idolatry. The Lord sent a prophet to call them to repentance, but the people reviled against the prophet and mocked him. However, King Shule executed a law throughout the land that gave power to the prophets and brought judgment against those who reviled them. Because of this, the people did repent and the Lord spared them. This shows the importance of having righteous people to govern us who will make rightous laws. Ether 7: 23-27 "And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent. And it came to pass that the people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them. And it came to pass that king Shule did execute judgment against all those who did revile against the prophets. And he did execute a law throughout all the land, which gave power unto the prophets that they should go whithersoever they would; and by this cause the people were brought unto repentance. And because the people did repent of their iniquities and idolatries the Lord did spare them, and they began to prosper again in the land. And it came to pass that Shule begat sons and daughters in his old age. And there were no more wars in the days of Shule; and he remembered the great things that the Lord had done for his fathers in bringing them across the great deep into the promised land; wherefore he did execute judgment in righteousness all his days."
The scriptures with a thought booklet today teach us to learn the way of the Lord and to allow Him to lead us in a straight path. The thought that went with this, written by Dale Vander Veen from Jenison, Michigan says: As we think about Psalm 27 today, let's insert "God will make a way" as a response to each point. When I am afraid--God will make a way. When I am attacked or beseiged--God will make a way. When I seek the Lord and cannot seem to find him--God will make a way. When I seek new heights and cannot shout for joy--God will make a way. When I call for mercy--God will make a way. When His face is turned from me--God will make a way. When I feel rejected--God will make a way. When I am forsaken--God will make a way. When my path is difficult--God will make a way. When people tell lies about me--God will make a way. When I am blind to the goodness of life--God will make a way. When I cannot wait--God will make a way. Our job is not to see the way or know the way or make the way, but to walk forward with God through the tangles of life or to wait with God till he leads us further. And in His time, God in His grace will make a way. Ps. 27: 1-14 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
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Sunday, August 22, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read some scriptures that tell us about the great punishments that come to those who do wickedly and who provoke Him to anger. However, to those who keep their covenants with Him, He will give great blessings and rewards that He has promised. Jer. 32: 29-42 "And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set fire on this city, and burn it with the houses, upon whose roofs they have offered incense unto Baal, and poured out drink offerings unto other gods, to provoke me to anger. For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have only done evil before me from their youth: for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands, saith the Lord. For this city hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it even unto this day; that I should remove it from before my face, Because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction. But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it. And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. And now therefore thus saith the Lord , the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence; Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul. For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Jaredites were able to come to the promised land in their barges with the help and protection of the Lord. They never ceased to pray to, praise, and gives thanks to the Lord. Ether 6: 2-12 "For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels. And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness. And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind. And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord. And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water. And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water. And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us about how the Lord lead the children of Israel with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He was also guiding them on the path that they should go. The Lord knows our strengths and weaknesses and He knows the paths that will give us the experiences we need, gradually preparing us for the next step along our journey through life. We may not have clouds and fires to direct us, but if we're atune to the Lord's guidance, He'll direct us just like He did the Israelites. Ex. 13: 21-22 "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Jaredites were able to come to the promised land in their barges with the help and protection of the Lord. They never ceased to pray to, praise, and gives thanks to the Lord. Ether 6: 2-12 "For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels. And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness. And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind. And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord. And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water. And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water. And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us about how the Lord lead the children of Israel with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He was also guiding them on the path that they should go. The Lord knows our strengths and weaknesses and He knows the paths that will give us the experiences we need, gradually preparing us for the next step along our journey through life. We may not have clouds and fires to direct us, but if we're atune to the Lord's guidance, He'll direct us just like He did the Israelites. Ex. 13: 21-22 "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people."
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read a verse that asks an important question: Is anything too hard for the Lord? And of course the answer is a resounding No! With God, all things are possible. Jer. 32: 27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?"
In the Book of Mormon I read an account about how after the Brother of Jared asked the Lord what to do about having light in the vessels that he'd made to cross the ocean (since they were tight like unto a dish, there would be no light in them), the Lord had replied by asking the Brother of Jared what he wanted him to do about it. So the Brother of Jared came up with his own plan--to molten 16 small stones, two for each vessel, which were transparent like glass. And then he asked the Lord to touch these stones so they'd give off light. He had total faith that the Lord could do this,, and the Lord indeed did touch them so they gave off light. In fact, the Brother of Jared had so much faith that he was able to see the finger of the Lord as it touched these stones, and was privileged to see the spirit body of Christ because he had shown such exceedingly great faith. Ether 3: 1, 4-20 "And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying: And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea. Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men. And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear. And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen? And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood. And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this? And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me.And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak? And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie. And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you. Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters. And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image. Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh. And now, as I, Moroni, said I could not make a full account of these things which are written, therefore it sufficeth me to say that Jesus showed himself unto this man in the spirit, even after the manner and in the likeness of the same body even as he showed himself unto the Nephites. And he ministered unto him even as he ministered unto the Nephites; and all this, that this man might know that he was God, because of the many great works which the Lord had showed unto him. And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting. Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him."
Some verses with a thought booklet say that the Lord told the people to walk in the old paths, which is the good way, and they'd find rest to their souls. However, their reply was "We will not walk therein." Then the Lord said He would set watchmen over them and that they should listen to the sound of the trumpet. Their reply to this was "We will not hearken." Boy, what stubborn and disobedient people! Here was the Lord trying to show them which way to go to bring rest to their souls, and they were refusing to pay attention. To Lord's response to this was to tell them that evil would come upon them because they would not hear His words and they rejected His law. This was the fruit of their thoughts. We need to make sure that we hearken to the words of the Lord and keep His commandments so that we can find rest for our souls. Jer. 6: 16-19 "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."
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In the Book of Mormon I read an account about how after the Brother of Jared asked the Lord what to do about having light in the vessels that he'd made to cross the ocean (since they were tight like unto a dish, there would be no light in them), the Lord had replied by asking the Brother of Jared what he wanted him to do about it. So the Brother of Jared came up with his own plan--to molten 16 small stones, two for each vessel, which were transparent like glass. And then he asked the Lord to touch these stones so they'd give off light. He had total faith that the Lord could do this,, and the Lord indeed did touch them so they gave off light. In fact, the Brother of Jared had so much faith that he was able to see the finger of the Lord as it touched these stones, and was privileged to see the spirit body of Christ because he had shown such exceedingly great faith. Ether 3: 1, 4-20 "And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying: And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea. Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men. And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear. And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen? And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood. And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this? And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me.And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak? And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie. And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you. Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters. And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image. Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh. And now, as I, Moroni, said I could not make a full account of these things which are written, therefore it sufficeth me to say that Jesus showed himself unto this man in the spirit, even after the manner and in the likeness of the same body even as he showed himself unto the Nephites. And he ministered unto him even as he ministered unto the Nephites; and all this, that this man might know that he was God, because of the many great works which the Lord had showed unto him. And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting. Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him."
Some verses with a thought booklet say that the Lord told the people to walk in the old paths, which is the good way, and they'd find rest to their souls. However, their reply was "We will not walk therein." Then the Lord said He would set watchmen over them and that they should listen to the sound of the trumpet. Their reply to this was "We will not hearken." Boy, what stubborn and disobedient people! Here was the Lord trying to show them which way to go to bring rest to their souls, and they were refusing to pay attention. To Lord's response to this was to tell them that evil would come upon them because they would not hear His words and they rejected His law. This was the fruit of their thoughts. We need to make sure that we hearken to the words of the Lord and keep His commandments so that we can find rest for our souls. Jer. 6: 16-19 "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."
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it says that we can have hope and don't need to weep, because our work will be rewarded. Jer. 31: 16-17 "Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border."
In the Book of Mormon I read that this is a land of promise and whoever possesses it shall either serve God or be swept off when they ripen in iniquity. This can serve as a warning that we need to repent and serve God or we'll suffer the consequences. Ether 2: 8-12 "And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them. And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity. For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off. And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God—that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done. Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we are commanded to love one another as Jesus loved us. He loved us so much that He laid down his life for us. We show that we are Jesus' friends when we do what He commanded us to do. John 15: 12-14, 17 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. These things I command you, that ye love one another."
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In the Book of Mormon I read that this is a land of promise and whoever possesses it shall either serve God or be swept off when they ripen in iniquity. This can serve as a warning that we need to repent and serve God or we'll suffer the consequences. Ether 2: 8-12 "And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them. And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity. For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off. And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God—that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done. Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we are commanded to love one another as Jesus loved us. He loved us so much that He laid down his life for us. We show that we are Jesus' friends when we do what He commanded us to do. John 15: 12-14, 17 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. These things I command you, that ye love one another."
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it tells us that the Lord loves us with an everlasting love and draws us to Him with loving kindness. Jer. 31: 3 "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."
In the Book of Mormon I read that Jesus and His apostles did many mighty miracles when He lived on the earth. And since He is an unchanging God, He is still a God of miracles today and will grant unto us what we ask for in faith. If we don't have miracles in our lives today, it's becase we lack faith. Morm. 9: 18-21 "And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how an angel called Gideon to deliver Israel, but he had grave doubts about the call. His immediate response was to question why, if the Lord was with them, so many bad things had happened. It seemed to him as if God had abandoned them. And Who was he to save Israel when his family was poor and he was least in his father's house? He then asked for a sign to prove that God had called him. He put fleece on the floor and asked that the dew be only on the fleece and that the earth around it be dry. When this happened, he asked for the reverse--that the ground have dew and the fleece be dry. When we receive calls, are we like this--instead of showing forth faith and doing what the Lord asks us to do, do we make us excuses of why we're not the right people for the job or ask for signs that we've really been called? These scripture verses can be a comfort that we're not the only ones who sometimes lack faith, but the Lord is still willing to work with us, just like he was willing to work with Gideon. Judg. 6: 12-17, 36-40 "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground."
In the Book of Mormon I read that Jesus and His apostles did many mighty miracles when He lived on the earth. And since He is an unchanging God, He is still a God of miracles today and will grant unto us what we ask for in faith. If we don't have miracles in our lives today, it's becase we lack faith. Morm. 9: 18-21 "And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how an angel called Gideon to deliver Israel, but he had grave doubts about the call. His immediate response was to question why, if the Lord was with them, so many bad things had happened. It seemed to him as if God had abandoned them. And Who was he to save Israel when his family was poor and he was least in his father's house? He then asked for a sign to prove that God had called him. He put fleece on the floor and asked that the dew be only on the fleece and that the earth around it be dry. When this happened, he asked for the reverse--that the ground have dew and the fleece be dry. When we receive calls, are we like this--instead of showing forth faith and doing what the Lord asks us to do, do we make us excuses of why we're not the right people for the job or ask for signs that we've really been called? These scripture verses can be a comfort that we're not the only ones who sometimes lack faith, but the Lord is still willing to work with us, just like he was willing to work with Gideon. Judg. 6: 12-17, 36-40 "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground."
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would sent famine, pestilence, the sword, and other punishments to the people because of their wickedness. Jer. 29: 17-19, 23 "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil. And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them: Because they have not hearkened to my words, saith the Lord, which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but ye would not hear, saith the Lord. Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the Lord."
In the Book of Mormon I read a warning against those who love riches and the things that money can buy more than they love helping the poor and needy. If the Lord has blessed us with more than we need, do we spend our money on helping the poor, or do we go out and buy luxuries for ourselves? Do we turn a blind eye to the suffering of the needy while we adorn ourselves in fancy clothes? Morm. 8: 37, 39 "For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?"
Some scriptures with a thoght booklet remind us that the Lord's thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than our ways. We need to trust the Lord even if we don't understand what He's asking us to do. Just like when we try to keep out beloved dog from running out into the street because we don't want him to get hit by a passing car--he doesn't understand why, but we've really got his best interests at heart. Letting him run loose would be very dangerous. Likewise if we "run loose" without regard to the commandments of God, it will prove very dangerous to us and not be for our best good. The "restraints" of keeping within what the Lord wants us to do will really be for our best good. And we need to trust that God knows best. 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 a warning against those who love riches and the things that money can buy more than they love helping the poor and needy. If the Lord has blessed us with more than we need, do we spend our money on helping the poor, or do we go out and buy luxuries for ourselves? Do we turn a blind eye to the suffering of the needy while we adorn ourselves in fancy clothes? Morm. 8: 37, 39 "For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?"
Some scriptures with a thoght booklet remind us that the Lord's thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than our ways. We need to trust the Lord even if we don't understand what He's asking us to do. Just like when we try to keep out beloved dog from running out into the street because we don't want him to get hit by a passing car--he doesn't understand why, but we've really got his best interests at heart. Letting him run loose would be very dangerous. Likewise if we "run loose" without regard to the commandments of God, it will prove very dangerous to us and not be for our best good. The "restraints" of keeping within what the Lord wants us to do will really be for our best good. And we need to trust that God knows best. 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."
Monday, August 16, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord wants peace for us, not evil, and He wants to give us an expected end. If we seek Him and call upon Him in prayer, He will hearken to us, if we search for Him with all our hearts. Jer. 29: 11-13 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
In the Book of Mormon I read we should not judge rashly or we'll in turn be judged rashly to the Lord. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay. Those who try to destroy the work of the Lord will be hewn down and cast into the fire. The eternal purposes of the Lord will roll on, until all His promises will be fulfilled. Morm. 8: 19-22 "For behold, the same that judgeth brashly shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth shall be smitten again, of the Lord. Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay. And he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes against the work of the Lord, and against the covenant people of the Lord who are the house of Israel, and shall say: We will destroy the work of the Lord, and the Lord will not remember his covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel—the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the fire; For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recont the story of how God told Moses to send twelve spies to search the land of Canaan, one from every tribe, and bring back a report of what they found. Ten of them brought back an evil report, telling only of the strength of the inhabitants. The thought that went with this, written by Norma C. Mezoe from Sandborn, Indiana says: The story in today's scripture reading is s familiar one. God spoke to Moses, telling him to send spies into Canaan, the Promised Land. These spies were to search the area and to bring their reports back to the Israelites. The twelve spies discovered luscios fruit and a land flowing with milk and honey. But they also discovered something which flooded their hearts with fear: giants! When the spies returned to report their findings, only Caleb and Joshua wanted to conquer the territory. The remaining spies allowed fear of the giants to overrule faith in God. As a result, the Israelites were forced to wander in the desert for forty years. They were close to the Promised Land, yet so far away. How often do we allow the giant named Fear to prevent us from doing God's will? If God should call us to share our faith, to give more than a tithe of our earnings, to teach a Sunday School class, or to do some other job, what would our answer be? Would we continue to wander in an arid desert of withered faith, or would we, like Caleb and Joshua say, "The Lord is with me. I will not fear"? Loving God, give us courage to face our fears. Num. 13: 1-3, 25-33 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may bsearch the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the Lord sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel. And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south : and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
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In the Book of Mormon I read we should not judge rashly or we'll in turn be judged rashly to the Lord. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay. Those who try to destroy the work of the Lord will be hewn down and cast into the fire. The eternal purposes of the Lord will roll on, until all His promises will be fulfilled. Morm. 8: 19-22 "For behold, the same that judgeth brashly shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth shall be smitten again, of the Lord. Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay. And he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes against the work of the Lord, and against the covenant people of the Lord who are the house of Israel, and shall say: We will destroy the work of the Lord, and the Lord will not remember his covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel—the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the fire; For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recont the story of how God told Moses to send twelve spies to search the land of Canaan, one from every tribe, and bring back a report of what they found. Ten of them brought back an evil report, telling only of the strength of the inhabitants. The thought that went with this, written by Norma C. Mezoe from Sandborn, Indiana says: The story in today's scripture reading is s familiar one. God spoke to Moses, telling him to send spies into Canaan, the Promised Land. These spies were to search the area and to bring their reports back to the Israelites. The twelve spies discovered luscios fruit and a land flowing with milk and honey. But they also discovered something which flooded their hearts with fear: giants! When the spies returned to report their findings, only Caleb and Joshua wanted to conquer the territory. The remaining spies allowed fear of the giants to overrule faith in God. As a result, the Israelites were forced to wander in the desert for forty years. They were close to the Promised Land, yet so far away. How often do we allow the giant named Fear to prevent us from doing God's will? If God should call us to share our faith, to give more than a tithe of our earnings, to teach a Sunday School class, or to do some other job, what would our answer be? Would we continue to wander in an arid desert of withered faith, or would we, like Caleb and Joshua say, "The Lord is with me. I will not fear"? Loving God, give us courage to face our fears. Num. 13: 1-3, 25-33 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may bsearch the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the Lord sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel. And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south : and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
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Sunday, August 15, 2010
Daily Thoughts
* Note: I'll be sending these out early (the night before) this week because I'll be going to BYU Education Week every day and won't have time to get on the computer in the mornings before I leave.
In the Old Testament we read about how Jeremiah told the people that the Lord had sent him to prophesy unto them and that if they killed him, they would shed innocent blood. He told them they needed to repent, amend their ways, and start obeying the word of the Lord. Jer. 26: 12-15 "Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God; and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you. As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears."
In the Book of Mormon I read a simple, straightforward verse that says we must repent if we want to be saved. That means that people who realize they're sinning but don't make any effort to repent will not be saved. And it also means that people who think they're so good they have no need to repent will not be saved. We ALL sin and we ALL need to repent. If we think we're so great that repentance is just for other people, we need to humble ourselves before God and seek direction about what we may need to repent of. Nobody can be saved without repentance. Morm. 7: 3 "Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that after the Lord had been calling Samuel and he thought it was Eli calling him, Eli finally realized what was happening and instructed Samuel that if it happened again he should reply with "Speak, Lord for Thy servant heareth." When the Lord speaks we need to listen. Have you ever prayed and asked the Lord to help you with something but didn't stop to try to listen to His guidance and direction? Sometimes we pray as if to say, "Listen Lord, for Thy servant speaketh!" We need to remind ourselves to listen, for the Lord speaks! 1 Sam. 3: 8-10 "And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
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In the Old Testament we read about how Jeremiah told the people that the Lord had sent him to prophesy unto them and that if they killed him, they would shed innocent blood. He told them they needed to repent, amend their ways, and start obeying the word of the Lord. Jer. 26: 12-15 "Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God; and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you. As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears."
In the Book of Mormon I read a simple, straightforward verse that says we must repent if we want to be saved. That means that people who realize they're sinning but don't make any effort to repent will not be saved. And it also means that people who think they're so good they have no need to repent will not be saved. We ALL sin and we ALL need to repent. If we think we're so great that repentance is just for other people, we need to humble ourselves before God and seek direction about what we may need to repent of. Nobody can be saved without repentance. Morm. 7: 3 "Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that after the Lord had been calling Samuel and he thought it was Eli calling him, Eli finally realized what was happening and instructed Samuel that if it happened again he should reply with "Speak, Lord for Thy servant heareth." When the Lord speaks we need to listen. Have you ever prayed and asked the Lord to help you with something but didn't stop to try to listen to His guidance and direction? Sometimes we pray as if to say, "Listen Lord, for Thy servant speaketh!" We need to remind ourselves to listen, for the Lord speaks! 1 Sam. 3: 8-10 "And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
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Daily Thoughts
Yesterday we read in the Old Testament about how Jeremiah cried repentance unto the people. Today we read their reaction--they wanted to kill him. This is often how people react to prophets who tell them to repent. Rather than listen and change their ways, they want to do away with the prophet so they won't have to listen to him. Jer. 26: 8, 11 "Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die. Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears."
In the Book of Mormon we're warned that we need to repent and humble ourselves before God before it is too late. We're asked how we can stand before the power of God unless we repent and turn from out evil ways. He is all powerful and will come out in justice against the wicked who will be torn to pieces and there will be none to deliver them. That sounds like a pretty scary fate! Morm. 5: 22-24 "And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways? Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll? Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you—lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell s that We have redemption because of the atonement of Jesus Christ who shed His blood for us so that we could receive forgiveness for our sins. Eph. 1: 7-8 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;"
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In the Book of Mormon we're warned that we need to repent and humble ourselves before God before it is too late. We're asked how we can stand before the power of God unless we repent and turn from out evil ways. He is all powerful and will come out in justice against the wicked who will be torn to pieces and there will be none to deliver them. That sounds like a pretty scary fate! Morm. 5: 22-24 "And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways? Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll? Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you—lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell s that We have redemption because of the atonement of Jesus Christ who shed His blood for us so that we could receive forgiveness for our sins. Eph. 1: 7-8 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;"
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Saturday, August 14, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord commanded Jeremiah to preach to the people and warn them that if they would not repent, they would be destroyed. Jer. 26: 1-6 "In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the Lord, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord's house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word: If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings. And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord; If ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you, To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened; Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the terrible state of wickedness the people were in. They refused to repent of their iniquities or call upon God, even while struggling for their lives. They were in such an awful state that Mormon could no longer hope for them and knew that the judgments of God would come upon them.
They had once been a righteous people who followed Christ and were led by Heavenly Father, but now they were being led about by Satan, just like a ship tossed about upon the waves, without an anchor or sail or anything to steer with. Picture that in your mind--a ship in the middle of the angry waves of the ocean without any means of going anywhere. That's what our lives become when we give in to the temptations of Satan and stop following our Savior. Morm. 5: 2, 16-18 "But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them. For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind. They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father. But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that in wisdom the Lord made all the many things on the earth and the world is full of the riches of God. How marvelous are God's many creations! Ps. 104: 24 "O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches."
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In the Book of Mormon I read about the terrible state of wickedness the people were in. They refused to repent of their iniquities or call upon God, even while struggling for their lives. They were in such an awful state that Mormon could no longer hope for them and knew that the judgments of God would come upon them.
They had once been a righteous people who followed Christ and were led by Heavenly Father, but now they were being led about by Satan, just like a ship tossed about upon the waves, without an anchor or sail or anything to steer with. Picture that in your mind--a ship in the middle of the angry waves of the ocean without any means of going anywhere. That's what our lives become when we give in to the temptations of Satan and stop following our Savior. Morm. 5: 2, 16-18 "But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them. For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind. They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father. But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that in wisdom the Lord made all the many things on the earth and the world is full of the riches of God. How marvelous are God's many creations! Ps. 104: 24 "O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches."
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Friday, August 13, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we've been reading about how the Lord is not with false prophets who lead people astray. Today we read about how the people refuse to listen to true prophets who are trying to tell them to repent and turn from their evil ways. The Lord will punish people who refuse to hearken to the words of His true prophets that He has sent. Jer. 25: 4-11 "And the Lord hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the Lord; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words, Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the Lord , and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations. Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years."
In the Book of Mormon I read that we will all someday stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be judged of our works, whether they be good or evil. This day really will come for all of us! It's a reality. We need to live our lives to prepare for it. Morm. 3: 20 "And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord strengthens His people and blesses them with peace. Ps. 29: 11 "The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace."
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In the Book of Mormon I read that we will all someday stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be judged of our works, whether they be good or evil. This day really will come for all of us! It's a reality. We need to live our lives to prepare for it. Morm. 3: 20 "And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord strengthens His people and blesses them with peace. Ps. 29: 11 "The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace."
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Thursday, August 12, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord is against the false prophets who speak their own words and not His and tells lies to the people and cause them to err. Jer. 23: 30-32 "Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord , and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord told Mormon to cry repentance unto the people, which he tried to do. But it was all in vain because the people had hardened their hearts against the Lord. Morm. 3: 2-3 "And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared. And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet explain that each of us have received a special gift that we need to use to serve each other. Each gift is necessary for the benefit of the whole membership of Christ's church, just like different parts of the body are necessary for the functioning of the whole body. The thought that went with this, written by Charles P. Axe from Hermitage, Pennsylvania says: Years ago my basketball talents enabled me to be in the starting lineup on my school's team. Though I was an All-Sar, I came to understand that I was not all-important. My team would not have accomplished anything of significance were it not for the special abilities of each player. In addition, the coaches provided valuable direction, the reserves stepped up when needed, and the managers tended to a multitude of needs. One day I learned how vital the cheerleaders and fans were when, due to extraordinary circumstances, our team played a game without their support. Similarly, as members of Christ's body, no one person is all-important, and no one is unimportant. Each and every one of us can be used in some way to accomplish something significant--God's work for God's glory. 1 Cor. 12: 12-27 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
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In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord told Mormon to cry repentance unto the people, which he tried to do. But it was all in vain because the people had hardened their hearts against the Lord. Morm. 3: 2-3 "And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared. And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet explain that each of us have received a special gift that we need to use to serve each other. Each gift is necessary for the benefit of the whole membership of Christ's church, just like different parts of the body are necessary for the functioning of the whole body. The thought that went with this, written by Charles P. Axe from Hermitage, Pennsylvania says: Years ago my basketball talents enabled me to be in the starting lineup on my school's team. Though I was an All-Sar, I came to understand that I was not all-important. My team would not have accomplished anything of significance were it not for the special abilities of each player. In addition, the coaches provided valuable direction, the reserves stepped up when needed, and the managers tended to a multitude of needs. One day I learned how vital the cheerleaders and fans were when, due to extraordinary circumstances, our team played a game without their support. Similarly, as members of Christ's body, no one person is all-important, and no one is unimportant. Each and every one of us can be used in some way to accomplish something significant--God's work for God's glory. 1 Cor. 12: 12-27 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how falst prophets who teach lies would be cursed. These false prophets caused the people to forget the Lord and place their trust in Baal. If they'd been true prophets, they would have caused the people to turn from their evil ways. Jer. 23: 11-22, 25-27 "For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord. Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord. And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal."
In the Book of Mormon I read the sad description of how wicked the people had become. They lamented and mourned and Mormon had hope that they were repenting, but it was just the sorrowing of the damned. The Lord would not always allow them to take happiness in sin and their day of grace had passed. Morm. 2: 12-15 "And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people. But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin. And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their lives. And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto me again, and I saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually; for I saw thousands of them hewn down in open rebellion against their God, and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And thus *three hundred and forty and four years had passed away."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how Saul started out his day looking for his father's donkeys, but ended up being crowned as Israel's king. The Lord had told Samuel the day before to expect Saul and when he showed up, the Lord told Samuel that Saul should reign over the people. This must have come as a total surprise to Saul, but was according to the Lord's plan. We never know what the Lord might have in store for us today. 1 Sam. 9: 3-6, 15-17 "And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people."
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In the Book of Mormon I read the sad description of how wicked the people had become. They lamented and mourned and Mormon had hope that they were repenting, but it was just the sorrowing of the damned. The Lord would not always allow them to take happiness in sin and their day of grace had passed. Morm. 2: 12-15 "And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people. But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin. And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their lives. And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto me again, and I saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually; for I saw thousands of them hewn down in open rebellion against their God, and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And thus *three hundred and forty and four years had passed away."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how Saul started out his day looking for his father's donkeys, but ended up being crowned as Israel's king. The Lord had told Samuel the day before to expect Saul and when he showed up, the Lord told Samuel that Saul should reign over the people. This must have come as a total surprise to Saul, but was according to the Lord's plan. We never know what the Lord might have in store for us today. 1 Sam. 9: 3-6, 15-17 "And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people."
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the people would be punished for their wickedness and for serving other gods. Jer. 19: 4-9, 15 "Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents; They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind: Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter. And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth. And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof. And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words."
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people became exceedingly wicked, being proud in their hearts and building up secret combinations. How very sad indeed that a people who had been so righteous and so happy could turn to such evil. 4 Ne. 1: 40-45 "And it came to pass that *two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God. And they did still continue to build up churches unto themselves, and adorn them with all manner of precious things. And thus did two hundred and fifty years pass away, and also two hundred and sixty years. And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton. And also the people who were called the people of Nephi began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, and become vain like unto their brethren, the Lamanites. And from this time the disciples began to sorrow for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that when three hundred years had passed away, both the people of Nephi and the Lamanites had become exceedingly wicked one like unto another."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we listen to what the Lord has to say to us, He will speak peace to us. How do we listen to the Lord? Do we take quiet time each day to pray and be atune to anything He might have to say to us? Do we take time to study and ponder on the scriptures? Often times we'll find things that the Lord means just for us. Do we attend our church meetings and listen to and later study the talks from general conference? It's important to put aside life's distractions and carefully listen to what the Lord has to say to us. If we do this, we will find peace in our lives. Ps. 85: 8 "I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly."
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In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people became exceedingly wicked, being proud in their hearts and building up secret combinations. How very sad indeed that a people who had been so righteous and so happy could turn to such evil. 4 Ne. 1: 40-45 "And it came to pass that *two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God. And they did still continue to build up churches unto themselves, and adorn them with all manner of precious things. And thus did two hundred and fifty years pass away, and also two hundred and sixty years. And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton. And also the people who were called the people of Nephi began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, and become vain like unto their brethren, the Lamanites. And from this time the disciples began to sorrow for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that when three hundred years had passed away, both the people of Nephi and the Lamanites had become exceedingly wicked one like unto another."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we listen to what the Lord has to say to us, He will speak peace to us. How do we listen to the Lord? Do we take quiet time each day to pray and be atune to anything He might have to say to us? Do we take time to study and ponder on the scriptures? Often times we'll find things that the Lord means just for us. Do we attend our church meetings and listen to and later study the talks from general conference? It's important to put aside life's distractions and carefully listen to what the Lord has to say to us. If we do this, we will find peace in our lives. Ps. 85: 8 "I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly."
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Monday, August 9, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord had Jeremiah go and watch a potter to teach him a lesson about how we are as clay in a potter's hands. If the clay is marred, the potter can start over and make another pot that is good. If we repent of the evil we do, the Lord will not give us the punishment that He thought to give us. We need to return from our evil ways and do what is right. Jer. 18: 1-11 "The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord ; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the blessed and wonderful time after Christ's coming to the Americas when there was no contention in the land because of the love of God which ws in the hearts of the people. There were no envyings, strifes, lyings, murders, or other evils. There was not a happier people among all those who were created by God. What a wonderful time this must have been to live in! And I think the key was that the people loved God. When we truly love the Lord, we lose the desire to contend with others or commit sins. And when we live righteous lives, we indeed are happy.
Some verses with a thought booklet tells us that we don't have a high priest (Jesus Christ) who is unable to sympathize with or weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, but was without sin. Jesus Christ is our perfect example! Heb. 4: 14-15 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." 4 Ne. 1: 15-16 "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God."
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In the Book of Mormon I read about the blessed and wonderful time after Christ's coming to the Americas when there was no contention in the land because of the love of God which ws in the hearts of the people. There were no envyings, strifes, lyings, murders, or other evils. There was not a happier people among all those who were created by God. What a wonderful time this must have been to live in! And I think the key was that the people loved God. When we truly love the Lord, we lose the desire to contend with others or commit sins. And when we live righteous lives, we indeed are happy.
Some verses with a thought booklet tells us that we don't have a high priest (Jesus Christ) who is unable to sympathize with or weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, but was without sin. Jesus Christ is our perfect example! Heb. 4: 14-15 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." 4 Ne. 1: 15-16 "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God."
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Sunday, August 8, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read how the Lord commanded the people to keep the Sabbath Day holy, to carry no burdens and do no work on that day. However, the people did not listen or obey, but were stiffnecked and refused to receive instruction. Jer. 17: 21-23 "Thus saith the Lord; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction."
In the Book of Mormon I read that Wo will be unto those who will not hearken to the word of the Lord nor the words of His servants. When the Lord speaks, we need to listen! 3 Ne. 28: 34 "And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom he hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent receiveth not him; and therefore he will not receive them at the last day;"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the day of the Lord will come, as a thief in the night. We may sometimes think that the Lord is slack in His coming. But He is not slack, He's long suffering, giving everyone a chance to repent because He doesn't want anyone to perish. His promises will be fulfilled in His own due time. But to him a thousand years is as one day. 2 Pet. 3: 8-10 "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
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In the Book of Mormon I read that Wo will be unto those who will not hearken to the word of the Lord nor the words of His servants. When the Lord speaks, we need to listen! 3 Ne. 28: 34 "And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom he hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent receiveth not him; and therefore he will not receive them at the last day;"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the day of the Lord will come, as a thief in the night. We may sometimes think that the Lord is slack in His coming. But He is not slack, He's long suffering, giving everyone a chance to repent because He doesn't want anyone to perish. His promises will be fulfilled in His own due time. But to him a thousand years is as one day. 2 Pet. 3: 8-10 "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
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Saturday, August 7, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that cursed would be the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord. But blessed would be the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is in the Lord. Jer. 17: 5, 7 "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is."
In the Book of Mormon I read that whatever we ask the Father for in the name of Jesus Christ will be given to us. This theme is repeated in several places in the scriptures. We need to pray for those things that we need, and if it is best for us to receive them, we will. Heavenly Father always answers our prayers in the way that is best for us. Sometimes He answers our prayers yes, sometimes no, and sometimes wait awhile, but He always answers our prayers and we can trust that His answers are right. 3 Ne. 27: 28-29 "And now I go unto the Father. And verily I say unto you, whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father in my name shall be given unto you. Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord's voice is like a noise of many waters and His glory shines on the earth. When God speaks, we'd better listen! Ezek. 43: 2 "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."
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In the Book of Mormon I read that whatever we ask the Father for in the name of Jesus Christ will be given to us. This theme is repeated in several places in the scriptures. We need to pray for those things that we need, and if it is best for us to receive them, we will. Heavenly Father always answers our prayers in the way that is best for us. Sometimes He answers our prayers yes, sometimes no, and sometimes wait awhile, but He always answers our prayers and we can trust that His answers are right. 3 Ne. 27: 28-29 "And now I go unto the Father. And verily I say unto you, whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father in my name shall be given unto you. Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord's voice is like a noise of many waters and His glory shines on the earth. When God speaks, we'd better listen! Ezek. 43: 2 "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."
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Friday, August 6, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Israel was rejected for serving false gods and for their evil ways. They would be cast out into a land they knew not where they could serve their other gods day and night and where the Lord would not show them favor. Jer. 16: 10-13 "And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God? Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the Lord , and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law; And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me: Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour."
In the Book of Mormon we're told that if we take upon us the name of Christ and endure to the end, we'll be saved at the last day. 3 Ne. 27: 6 "And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how we can be cleansed by the Lord who will blot out our iniqities, create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. Joy in our salvation will be restored to us and we'll sing aloud the righteousness of God. A sinful life is a troubled life. Satan will try to tell us that we're hopeless and we may as well give up because we can never be clean and happy again. He lies! Repentance through the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes forgiveness for our sins possible and we can once again be clean and joyful. The Lord is waiting with open arms to receive us! Ps. 51: 7-14 "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness."
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In the Book of Mormon we're told that if we take upon us the name of Christ and endure to the end, we'll be saved at the last day. 3 Ne. 27: 6 "And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how we can be cleansed by the Lord who will blot out our iniqities, create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. Joy in our salvation will be restored to us and we'll sing aloud the righteousness of God. A sinful life is a troubled life. Satan will try to tell us that we're hopeless and we may as well give up because we can never be clean and happy again. He lies! Repentance through the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes forgiveness for our sins possible and we can once again be clean and joyful. The Lord is waiting with open arms to receive us! Ps. 51: 7-14 "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness."
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