In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would lay waste the cities and leave them desolate because of the wickedness and violence of the people. Then the people would know that the Lord was God. Ezek. 12: 19-20 "And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord God of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein. And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the Lord."
In the D&C I read how the Lord rebuked David Whitmer for his failure to serve diligently. I think sometimes we, too, are in need of chastening because we rely on our own strength instead of giving heed to the Spirit of the Lord, and we fear man instead of trying to please God. D&C 30: 1-3 "Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought. But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded. Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received."
A verse from a thought booklet saying tasks to be accomplished should be done not by might nor power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. When we are connected to the Lord with His Spirit, it enpowers us. When we disconnect ourselves from the Lord's Spirit, we are like an electrical applicance that's unplugged or a streetcar that's become disconnected from the overhead power line. We become stalled and cannot move forward. Zech. 4: 6 "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
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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
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it tells us that the rebellious have eyes to see but will not see and ears to hear but will not hear. Are we sometimes stubborn and rebellious and refuse to see and hear what the Lord wants us to know and understand? General Conference will be coming in just a few days. How attentive will we be to the messages given? Ezek. 12: 1-3 "The word of the Lord also came unto me, saying, Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house. Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house."
In the D&C we read that those who do not believe cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall because they are unwilling to repent. They love darkness rather than light and their deeds are evil, so they will receive their wages of whom they list to obey. D&C 29: 44-45 "And they that believe not unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not; For they love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we are commanded to love one another just as Jesus has loved us. If we do whatever He commands us, we will be His friends. How much love to we show for others? How willing are we to keep the commandments of the Lord? John 15: 12-14 "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."
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In the D&C we read that those who do not believe cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall because they are unwilling to repent. They love darkness rather than light and their deeds are evil, so they will receive their wages of whom they list to obey. D&C 29: 44-45 "And they that believe not unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not; For they love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we are commanded to love one another just as Jesus has loved us. If we do whatever He commands us, we will be His friends. How much love to we show for others? How willing are we to keep the commandments of the Lord? John 15: 12-14 "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."
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it talked about how the Lord would gather scattered Israel and give them a new heart and new spirit to replace their stony heart. They would be His people and keep His commandments and He would be their God. But to those who walk after detestable things and abominations, the Lord will recompense their way upon their own heads. If we will turn to the Lord, He can likewise change our hearts and make us new people. Ezek. 11: 17-21 "Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God ; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God."
In the D&C I read that the elect who hear the word of the Lord and don't harden their hearts will be gathered. These are they who have prepared their hearts in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation will be sent forth upon the wicked. When the wicked and proud are ripe in their iniquity, they will be destroyed. This goes right along with what we read in the Old Testament above, where the wicked will receive their punishment. D&C 29: 7-9 "And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts; Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked. For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;"
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the parable of the sheep and the goats and how people will be separated by the way they treat others. If they feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked, visit the sick and needy, they are doing these things unto the Lord and will receive a wonderful reward. But, on the other hand, if they neglect to do these things for other people, they are not doing them for the Lord and they will receive a punishment prepared for the devil and his angels. However we treat other people, we are doing that unto the Lord. Want to do something for Jesus? Find someone in need and help them. And for the third time in our readings for today the message is brought home that the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked punished. Matt. 25: 33-46 "And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
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In the D&C I read that the elect who hear the word of the Lord and don't harden their hearts will be gathered. These are they who have prepared their hearts in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation will be sent forth upon the wicked. When the wicked and proud are ripe in their iniquity, they will be destroyed. This goes right along with what we read in the Old Testament above, where the wicked will receive their punishment. D&C 29: 7-9 "And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts; Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked. For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;"
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the parable of the sheep and the goats and how people will be separated by the way they treat others. If they feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked, visit the sick and needy, they are doing these things unto the Lord and will receive a wonderful reward. But, on the other hand, if they neglect to do these things for other people, they are not doing them for the Lord and they will receive a punishment prepared for the devil and his angels. However we treat other people, we are doing that unto the Lord. Want to do something for Jesus? Find someone in need and help them. And for the third time in our readings for today the message is brought home that the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked punished. Matt. 25: 33-46 "And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
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Monday, September 27, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the destruction of Jerusalem because of the wickedness of the people in that they would not walk in the statutes of the Lord and did after the manner of the heathen who surrounded them. Ezek. 11: 10-12 "Ye shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof; but I will judge you in the border of Israel: And ye shall know that I am the Lord: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you."
In the D&C I read that our Redeemer atoned for our sins and will gather His people even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings if we will hearken to His voice and humble ourselves before Him, calling upon Him in mighty prayer. If we receive these things, our sins will be forgiven us, but we need to remember to sin no more or perils will come upon us. D&C 29: 1-3 "Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins; Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that no one knows when the Second Coming of Christ will occur, but we need to watch and pray so that we will be prepared. Mark 13: 32-33 "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."
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In the D&C I read that our Redeemer atoned for our sins and will gather His people even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings if we will hearken to His voice and humble ourselves before Him, calling upon Him in mighty prayer. If we receive these things, our sins will be forgiven us, but we need to remember to sin no more or perils will come upon us. D&C 29: 1-3 "Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins; Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that no one knows when the Second Coming of Christ will occur, but we need to watch and pray so that we will be prepared. Mark 13: 32-33 "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."
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Sunday, September 26, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read a verse that reiterated the iniquity of the House of Israel and how they claimed God had forsaken the earth and they could not see what they were doing. The land was full of blood and the city full of wickedness. What a sad state to find themselves in! Ezek. 9: 9 "Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The Lord hath forsaken the earth, and the Lord seeth not."
In the D&C we're admonished to put on the whole armor of God so that we can withstand the evil day and the fiery darts of the wicked and we'll have truth, faith and salvation. We need to be faithful until the Lord comes and we'll be caught up that where He is, we'll be also. So many blessings will be ours if we can hold on and endure. D&C 27: 15-18 "Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you; Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the parable of the pounds. Different servants were given different numbers of pounds and then asked to account for how wisely they had put them to use. The Lord was pleased with those who had increased them, but not happy with the servant who just hid his pound away in a napkin and not increased it. How well do we use what the Lord has blessed us with? Do we put our talents to good use blessing others? Do we spend our time wisely? The story is told of a man who got a phone call informing him that $1,440 was deposited into his bank account, but he had to spend it all that day or it would be deducted out again. So he spent it. The next day he got another phone call saying another $1,440 was put into his account that he had to spend that day. Every day he got a similar phone call so every day he spent the money. Our lives are like this. Every day we're given 1,440 minutes to use or we'll lose them. How wisely do we spend them? Luke 19: 11-27 "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."
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In the D&C we're admonished to put on the whole armor of God so that we can withstand the evil day and the fiery darts of the wicked and we'll have truth, faith and salvation. We need to be faithful until the Lord comes and we'll be caught up that where He is, we'll be also. So many blessings will be ours if we can hold on and endure. D&C 27: 15-18 "Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you; Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the parable of the pounds. Different servants were given different numbers of pounds and then asked to account for how wisely they had put them to use. The Lord was pleased with those who had increased them, but not happy with the servant who just hid his pound away in a napkin and not increased it. How well do we use what the Lord has blessed us with? Do we put our talents to good use blessing others? Do we spend our time wisely? The story is told of a man who got a phone call informing him that $1,440 was deposited into his bank account, but he had to spend it all that day or it would be deducted out again. So he spent it. The next day he got another phone call saying another $1,440 was put into his account that he had to spend that day. Every day he got a similar phone call so every day he spent the money. Our lives are like this. Every day we're given 1,440 minutes to use or we'll lose them. How wisely do we spend them? Luke 19: 11-27 "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."
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Saturday, September 25, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Ezekiel saw in vision the great wickedness and abominations in Jerusalem. The people were worshipping the sun while turning their backs to the temple, committing violence, and committing all kinds of abominations. They claimed that God had forsaken the earth and that they could do whatever they wanted and the Lord would not see them. But the Lord was provoked to anger by all this wickedness and would deal with them in His fury. Ezek. 8: 12-18 "Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The Lord seeth us not; the Lord hath forsaken the earth. He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord's house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them."
In the D&C I read that we need to be patient in our afflictions, for we'll have many, but the Lord will be with us and help us endure, even to the end of our days. What a comfort this is to know that no matter what we go through in life, the Lord will help us get through it. D&C 24: 8 "Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell two stories--that of the rich young man and that of the tax collector. They were both rich and they both sought out Jesus. The rich young man had kept the commandments from his youth up. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, had not. He had cheated people and charged more taxes than he should. When Jesus told the rich young man to sell all he had and give to the poor, he went away sorrowful--unwilling to part with his wealth. However, the tax collector forsook his previous lifestyle, paying back four times what he had stolen and giving his possessions to the poor. One man trusted in his riches and refused to give them up; the other man was truly doing everything he could to be a disciple of Christ. Luke 18: 18-23; Luke 19: 1-10 "And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
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In the D&C I read that we need to be patient in our afflictions, for we'll have many, but the Lord will be with us and help us endure, even to the end of our days. What a comfort this is to know that no matter what we go through in life, the Lord will help us get through it. D&C 24: 8 "Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell two stories--that of the rich young man and that of the tax collector. They were both rich and they both sought out Jesus. The rich young man had kept the commandments from his youth up. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, had not. He had cheated people and charged more taxes than he should. When Jesus told the rich young man to sell all he had and give to the poor, he went away sorrowful--unwilling to part with his wealth. However, the tax collector forsook his previous lifestyle, paying back four times what he had stolen and giving his possessions to the poor. One man trusted in his riches and refused to give them up; the other man was truly doing everything he could to be a disciple of Christ. Luke 18: 18-23; Luke 19: 1-10 "And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
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Friday, September 24, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Israel would be destroyed because of their idolatry. Ezek. 6: 1-7 "And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them, And say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God; Thus saith the Lord God to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places. And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain men before your idols. And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars. In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished. And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I am the Lord."
In the D&C we read that we need to heed the words of the prophet and receive what he says as if it was directly from the mouth of the Lord. We need to do this in all patience and faith. D&C 21: 5 "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that a person who thinks they're righteous and better than other people is really less justified before God than a person who humbly acknowledges that he is a sinner and cries out in repentance. Are we humble or haughty? Do we look down on other people and think, "Boy, I'm glad I'm not like him. I'd never do the horrible things he does. I'm so much better than he is." Our prideful attitude might actually be worse in the sight of God than that person's sins, especially if they humble themselves and repent. When we focus on another person's weaknesses, we hardly notice our own. But we need to take care of our own weaknesses rather than critizing or looking down on someone else. Luke 18: 9-14 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
In the D&C we read that we need to heed the words of the prophet and receive what he says as if it was directly from the mouth of the Lord. We need to do this in all patience and faith. D&C 21: 5 "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that a person who thinks they're righteous and better than other people is really less justified before God than a person who humbly acknowledges that he is a sinner and cries out in repentance. Are we humble or haughty? Do we look down on other people and think, "Boy, I'm glad I'm not like him. I'd never do the horrible things he does. I'm so much better than he is." Our prideful attitude might actually be worse in the sight of God than that person's sins, especially if they humble themselves and repent. When we focus on another person's weaknesses, we hardly notice our own. But we need to take care of our own weaknesses rather than critizing or looking down on someone else. Luke 18: 9-14 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how famine, pestilence and war would come upon the people because of their wickedness. Ezek. 5: 11-17 "Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord God ; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity. A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the Lord have spoken it in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them. Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by. So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that are round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the Lord have spoken it. When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread: So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the Lord have spoken it."
In the D&C, the proper mode of baptism is set forth. No one should be baptized until they've arrived at the age of accountability, which has been set at 8 years of age. They need to be old enough that they are capable of repentance and of understanding the covenants they are making. Also, baptism needs to be done by immersion, going all the way under the water. D&C 20: 71-74 "No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent— The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water."
A verse with a thoght booklet talks about catching the little foxes before they can ruin the vineyard with its tender grapes. We need to catch problems when they are small, before they get worse. If we're hiking up a mountain and take the wrong trail we may find ourselves going in the right general direction so we think our mistake was minor and keep perservering up the mountain. But we might get halfway up after hours of hiking and find our way blocked. Then the only thing to do is hike back down and get on the right path that we should have taken to begin with. When we make little mistakes in life we might think we can just keep going and things will sort themselves out. But we need to get back on the right path before we can move forward. Even a small mistake can begin to take us in the wrong direction and we need to make an immediate course correction before we get even farther off our path. Often we need God help to show us the way to get back on the right track. Song. 2: 15 "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes."
In the D&C, the proper mode of baptism is set forth. No one should be baptized until they've arrived at the age of accountability, which has been set at 8 years of age. They need to be old enough that they are capable of repentance and of understanding the covenants they are making. Also, baptism needs to be done by immersion, going all the way under the water. D&C 20: 71-74 "No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent— The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water."
A verse with a thoght booklet talks about catching the little foxes before they can ruin the vineyard with its tender grapes. We need to catch problems when they are small, before they get worse. If we're hiking up a mountain and take the wrong trail we may find ourselves going in the right general direction so we think our mistake was minor and keep perservering up the mountain. But we might get halfway up after hours of hiking and find our way blocked. Then the only thing to do is hike back down and get on the right path that we should have taken to begin with. When we make little mistakes in life we might think we can just keep going and things will sort themselves out. But we need to get back on the right path before we can move forward. Even a small mistake can begin to take us in the wrong direction and we need to make an immediate course correction before we get even farther off our path. Often we need God help to show us the way to get back on the right track. Song. 2: 15 "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes."
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the judgments of God would be brought against Jerusalem becaue of her iniquities. Ezek. 5: 5-9 "Thus saith the Lord God; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her. And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye multiplied more than the nations that are round about you, and have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that are round about you; Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations. And I will do in thee that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all thine abominations."
In the D&C I read that we need to humble ourselves before God and be baptized, repenting of our sins, taking upon us the name of Jesus Christ, and serving Him to the end. D&C 20: 37 "And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism —All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the ten lepers and how after Jesus healed them, only one came back to thank Him. He questioned where the other nine were. When the Lord gives us blessings and answers our prayers, do we show our graditude? Do we take the time to thank Him for all He does for us? Luke 17: 11-19 "And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."
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In the D&C I read that we need to humble ourselves before God and be baptized, repenting of our sins, taking upon us the name of Jesus Christ, and serving Him to the end. D&C 20: 37 "And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism —All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the ten lepers and how after Jesus healed them, only one came back to thank Him. He questioned where the other nine were. When the Lord gives us blessings and answers our prayers, do we show our graditude? Do we take the time to thank Him for all He does for us? Luke 17: 11-19 "And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how we're called as watchmen and need to warn the wicked to repent. If we warn them and they listen, their souls will be saved. If we don't give them the warning, we'll be held accountable because they did not have the opportunity to repent. But if we do give the warning, even if they refuse to listen and die in their sins, we will at least have delivered our own souls. Ezek. 3: 17-19 "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
In the D&C I read that power was given to Jospeh Smith to translate the Book of Mormon, which contains a fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It proves to the world that the Holy Scriptres are true and that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and inspires men today the same as He did in days of old. Those who receive it in faith and work righteousness will receive a crown of eternal life. But those who reject it and harden their hearts against it will be condemned. D&C 20: 8-15 "And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon; Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also; Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them— Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen. Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work. And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life; But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation—"
Some verses with a thought booklet warn us to avoid entering into the path of the wicked and not go the way evil men go. We need to turn from it and go the other way. Prov. 4: 14-15 "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."
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In the D&C I read that power was given to Jospeh Smith to translate the Book of Mormon, which contains a fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It proves to the world that the Holy Scriptres are true and that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and inspires men today the same as He did in days of old. Those who receive it in faith and work righteousness will receive a crown of eternal life. But those who reject it and harden their hearts against it will be condemned. D&C 20: 8-15 "And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon; Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also; Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them— Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen. Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work. And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life; But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation—"
Some verses with a thought booklet warn us to avoid entering into the path of the wicked and not go the way evil men go. We need to turn from it and go the other way. Prov. 4: 14-15 "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."
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Monday, September 20, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord called Ezekiel to take the word of God to Israel. They were a rebellious nation but whether they would listen or not, the word of the Lord needed to be taken to them. Ezek. 2: 1-5 "And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them."
In the D&C I read a powerful admonition to repent. Jesus Christ suffered for our sins--suffered in a terrible way that we cannot even imagine. He paid the price for our sins if we would but repent. But if we refuse to repent, we'll need to suffer for ourselves the same way He did. D&C 19: 15-20 "Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men. Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how if we abide in Christ we are like branches and He is the vine. As long as we're connected to Him, we can bear beautifl fruit. But just like if you cut a branch off a fruit tree it will wither and die, so will we wither and die spiritually if we cut ourselves off from the Lord. Without Him, we can do nothing. John 15: 4-6 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."
In the D&C I read a powerful admonition to repent. Jesus Christ suffered for our sins--suffered in a terrible way that we cannot even imagine. He paid the price for our sins if we would but repent. But if we refuse to repent, we'll need to suffer for ourselves the same way He did. D&C 19: 15-20 "Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men. Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how if we abide in Christ we are like branches and He is the vine. As long as we're connected to Him, we can bear beautifl fruit. But just like if you cut a branch off a fruit tree it will wither and die, so will we wither and die spiritually if we cut ourselves off from the Lord. Without Him, we can do nothing. John 15: 4-6 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read the sorrowful prayer of Jeremiah regarding the sad state of Zion which was brought about by their sins, bringing the wrath of God upon them. Lam. 5: 1-22 "Remember, O Lord, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows. We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us. Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest. We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities. Servants have ruled over us: there is none that doth deliver us out of their hand. We gat our bread with the peril of our lives because of the sword of the wilderness. Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine. They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah. Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured. They took the young men to grind, and the children fell under the wood. The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick. The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning. The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim. Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it. Thou, O Lord, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation. Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time? Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. But thou hast utterly rejected us; thou art very wroth against us."
In the D&C we read that the Lord will give us blessings that are above all things, but if we don't keep the commandments, we cannot be saved. It should be a no brainer to keep the commandments! D&C 18: 45-46 "Wherefore, the blessings which I give unto you are above all things. And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father."
Some verses with a thought booklet help us place our priorities in the right place. It is foolish to place our hearts on the riches of the world which are not of any lasting eternal value. What good does it do us if we accumulate so much of this world's goods that we need to build storage facilities to hold them all, when our lives could be taken from us tonight and we could not take any of those things with us? Instead of worrying about worldly riches, we need to trust in the Lord that He will take care of our basic needs if we seek first the Kingdom of God. It's foolish to place our security in our wealth, or in anything other than God. If we're not rich toward God, we possess the worst kind of poverty. Luke 12: 16-21, 29-34 "And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
In the D&C we read that the Lord will give us blessings that are above all things, but if we don't keep the commandments, we cannot be saved. It should be a no brainer to keep the commandments! D&C 18: 45-46 "Wherefore, the blessings which I give unto you are above all things. And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father."
Some verses with a thought booklet help us place our priorities in the right place. It is foolish to place our hearts on the riches of the world which are not of any lasting eternal value. What good does it do us if we accumulate so much of this world's goods that we need to build storage facilities to hold them all, when our lives could be taken from us tonight and we could not take any of those things with us? Instead of worrying about worldly riches, we need to trust in the Lord that He will take care of our basic needs if we seek first the Kingdom of God. It's foolish to place our security in our wealth, or in anything other than God. If we're not rich toward God, we possess the worst kind of poverty. Luke 12: 16-21, 29-34 "And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that we need to take a careful look at our ways and see things we need to repent of. We need to turn to the Lord, lifting up our hearts unto God. Lam. 3: 40-41 "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens."
In the D&C I read a reminder that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. This is something we need to remember in dealing with other people, even difficult people. Heavenly Father loves each one of His children. Jesus died for every one of them. Anything we can do to help or benefit another person is a very worthwhile thing to do. D&C 18: 10 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to pray without ceasing. We can't spend our entire lives, day and night, kneeling down and saying verbal prayers--we do need to live our lives. But we can have a constant prayer in our hearts and constantly think of the Lord in all we say and do. 1 Thes. 5: 17 "Pray without ceasing."
In the D&C I read a reminder that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. This is something we need to remember in dealing with other people, even difficult people. Heavenly Father loves each one of His children. Jesus died for every one of them. Anything we can do to help or benefit another person is a very worthwhile thing to do. D&C 18: 10 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to pray without ceasing. We can't spend our entire lives, day and night, kneeling down and saying verbal prayers--we do need to live our lives. But we can have a constant prayer in our hearts and constantly think of the Lord in all we say and do. 1 Thes. 5: 17 "Pray without ceasing."
Friday, September 17, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord is good to those who seek for Him and wait for Him. We should hope for and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lam. 3: 25-26 "The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."
In the D&C I read that no one should assist in the work of the Lord unless they are humble, have faith and hope, and are full of love and charity. These are qualities we need to posses to have the Lord entrust His work to our care. If we're going to help others we need to be examples of faith and humility. And we can't hope to teach others without being loving and compassionate toward them. D&C 12: 8 "And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we do not to cast away our confidence in the Lord and we will receive a great reward. We need to have patience. It is after we do the will of the Lord that we'll receive the promise. Heb. 10: 35-36 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
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In the D&C I read that no one should assist in the work of the Lord unless they are humble, have faith and hope, and are full of love and charity. These are qualities we need to posses to have the Lord entrust His work to our care. If we're going to help others we need to be examples of faith and humility. And we can't hope to teach others without being loving and compassionate toward them. D&C 12: 8 "And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we do not to cast away our confidence in the Lord and we will receive a great reward. We need to have patience. It is after we do the will of the Lord that we'll receive the promise. Heb. 10: 35-36 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
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Thursday, September 16, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that even though Jeremiah could freshly remember the misery and affliction that Jeruselem had gone through, he still trusted in the Lord and knew that His mercy would not fail. His soul still had hope in the Lord. What a wonderful example of how to keep focussed on the Lord, even when going through trials and tribulations in our lives! Lam. 3: 19-24 "Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."
In the D&C I read that instead of seeking for riches, we should seek for wisdom. He who has eternal life is rich. D&C 11: 7 "Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us to look, see, and consider in order to receive instruction. We need to be observant and try to see things from the other person's perspective. The story is told of a dog who was barking like crazy and the owner could not see what he was barking at and kept telling him to shut up. She went out into the yard and saw that he was barking at a tree but could not see anything unusual about the tree and thought her dog had gone nuts. Finally she got down on the ground level with the dog and looked up at the tree. It was only then that she saw the cat in the tree. She had to get down to get a dog's eye view before she could see it. Prov. 24: 32 "Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."
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In the D&C I read that instead of seeking for riches, we should seek for wisdom. He who has eternal life is rich. D&C 11: 7 "Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us to look, see, and consider in order to receive instruction. We need to be observant and try to see things from the other person's perspective. The story is told of a dog who was barking like crazy and the owner could not see what he was barking at and kept telling him to shut up. She went out into the yard and saw that he was barking at a tree but could not see anything unusual about the tree and thought her dog had gone nuts. Finally she got down on the ground level with the dog and looked up at the tree. It was only then that she saw the cat in the tree. She had to get down to get a dog's eye view before she could see it. Prov. 24: 32 "Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read more about the misery, sorrow, and desolation that prevail in Jerusalem. What a sad state to have befallen them! If only they had repented before these things came to pass. Lam. 2: 2-11 "The Lord hath swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob, and hath not pitied: he hath thrown down in his wrath the strong holds of the daughter of Judah; he hath brought them down to the ground: he hath polluted the kingdom and the princes thereof. He hath cut off in his fierce anger all the horn of Israel: he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy, and he burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth round about. He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire. The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation. And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle, as if it were of a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the assembly: the Lord hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest. The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the Lord, as in the day of a solemn feast. The Lord hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together. Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the Lord. The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, and keep silence: they have cast up dust upon their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground. Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city."
In the D&C it says that the Lord brought forth the gospel and the true points of His doctrine so there would not be contention. Satan stirs up people to contention regarding doctrine and causes them to wrest the scriptures and misunderstand them. Whenever there is contention and angry arguments, the Spirit leaves. This is why we need to avoid contentious arguments regarding gospel doctrines. Satan delights when he can get people to angrily argue with each other over points of doctrine. I've never seen any good coming from these kinds of confrontations, where the Spirit cannot be present. D&C 10: 62-63 "Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me. And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the story of Jesus stilling the storm and then asking His disciples where their faith was. Jesus can not only still raging storms of bad weather, but can also still the storms of life as well. When we're in the midst of trials and tribulations, we can call out for help from the Lord. And if we have faith and trust in Him, He can calm our troubled lives. Luke 8: 22-25 "Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him."
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In the D&C it says that the Lord brought forth the gospel and the true points of His doctrine so there would not be contention. Satan stirs up people to contention regarding doctrine and causes them to wrest the scriptures and misunderstand them. Whenever there is contention and angry arguments, the Spirit leaves. This is why we need to avoid contentious arguments regarding gospel doctrines. Satan delights when he can get people to angrily argue with each other over points of doctrine. I've never seen any good coming from these kinds of confrontations, where the Spirit cannot be present. D&C 10: 62-63 "Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me. And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the story of Jesus stilling the storm and then asking His disciples where their faith was. Jesus can not only still raging storms of bad weather, but can also still the storms of life as well. When we're in the midst of trials and tribulations, we can call out for help from the Lord. And if we have faith and trust in Him, He can calm our troubled lives. Luke 8: 22-25 "Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him."
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read how Jeremiah lamented the miserable state of Jersalem, which was destroyed due to the wickedness of the people. When we see our loved one making poor choices in their lives we likewise are very saddened. Imagine how the Lord laments His children when they are wicked. It is a very sad thing to watch people destroying their lives because they refuse to obey the Lord. Lam. 1: 1-8 "How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary! She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies. Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits. The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness. Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the Lord hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy. And from the daughter of Zion all her beauty is departed: her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, and they are gone without strength before the pursuer. Jerusalem remembered in the days of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy, and none did help her: the adversaries saw her, and did mock at her sabbaths. Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward."
In the D&C we read about how Satan gets great hold upon people so that they fight the work of the Lord. He stirs them up so he may lead their souls to destruction. He flatters them so he can drag their souls down to hell. He tells them that those who are doing the Lord's work are deceivers so it's okay to lie in order to catch them in lies. Satan is doing everything in his power to destroy the souls of men. We need to make sure that we don't love darkness rather than light and that we continally pray to the Lord so Satan will not be able to take hold of our hearts. Satan is going to fight the work of the Lord with everything he's' got! But the Lord will not allow His work to be destroyed. The wisdom of God is greater and more powerful than the cunning of the devil. D&C 10: 20-28, 43 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that Satan has great hold upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good; And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wickedness and abominations; and they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me. Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction. And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God; but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment. Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work. Yea, he saith unto them: Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy; behold, this is no harm. And thus he flattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him. And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare. And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men. Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us to keep the commandments and not forget the law of the Lord. If we do this, our days will be lengthened and filled with peace. Prov. 3: 1-2 "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee."
In the D&C we read about how Satan gets great hold upon people so that they fight the work of the Lord. He stirs them up so he may lead their souls to destruction. He flatters them so he can drag their souls down to hell. He tells them that those who are doing the Lord's work are deceivers so it's okay to lie in order to catch them in lies. Satan is doing everything in his power to destroy the souls of men. We need to make sure that we don't love darkness rather than light and that we continally pray to the Lord so Satan will not be able to take hold of our hearts. Satan is going to fight the work of the Lord with everything he's' got! But the Lord will not allow His work to be destroyed. The wisdom of God is greater and more powerful than the cunning of the devil. D&C 10: 20-28, 43 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that Satan has great hold upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good; And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wickedness and abominations; and they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me. Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction. And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God; but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment. Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work. Yea, he saith unto them: Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy; behold, this is no harm. And thus he flattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him. And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare. And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men. Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us to keep the commandments and not forget the law of the Lord. If we do this, our days will be lengthened and filled with peace. Prov. 3: 1-2 "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee."
Monday, September 13, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the king's house, the house of the Lord, and all the houses in Jerusalem were burned with fire and the walls around the city were broken down. Imagine the great destruction that took place here! Jer. 52: 13-14 "And burned the house of the Lord, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great men, burned he with fire: And all the army of the Chaldeans, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down all the walls of Jerusalem round about."
In the D&C I read some familiar verses pertaining to how we receive revelation from God. It's not enough to merely ask and expect the Lord to give us the answers we seek without any effort on our part. We need to study it out in our own mind first and then ask if what we've come up with is right. D&C 9: 7-9 "Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us the importance of keeping the commandments of the Lord and teaching them to our children. If we love the Lord with all our hearts and keep His commandments, it will be well with us. Deut. 5: 31-33; 6: 4-7 "But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it. Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
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In the D&C I read some familiar verses pertaining to how we receive revelation from God. It's not enough to merely ask and expect the Lord to give us the answers we seek without any effort on our part. We need to study it out in our own mind first and then ask if what we've come up with is right. D&C 9: 7-9 "Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us the importance of keeping the commandments of the Lord and teaching them to our children. If we love the Lord with all our hearts and keep His commandments, it will be well with us. Deut. 5: 31-33; 6: 4-7 "But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it. Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
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Sunday, September 12, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Jerusalem was beseiged and King Zedekiah was carried in chains to Babylon where they blinded him and he was put in prison until he died. Jer. 52: 4-11 "And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about. So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. And in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land. Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans were by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain. But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him. Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; where he gave judgment upon him. And the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes: he slew also all the princes of Judah in Riblah. Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death."
In the D&C I read the Lord's words to Oliver Cowdery regarding revelation--the Lord tells us things in our mind and heart by the Holy Ghost. But we need to ask in faith with an honest heart and keep the commandments. D&C 8: 1-5 "Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the manifestation of my Spirit. Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction. Oh, remember these words, and keep my commandments. Remember, this is your gift."
A verse from a thought booklet repeats a message that we have received from the beginning--that we should love one another. This is the most important commandment and something that we should practice constantly in our lives in all our dealings with others. 1 Jn. 3: 11 "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another."
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In the D&C I read the Lord's words to Oliver Cowdery regarding revelation--the Lord tells us things in our mind and heart by the Holy Ghost. But we need to ask in faith with an honest heart and keep the commandments. D&C 8: 1-5 "Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the manifestation of my Spirit. Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction. Oh, remember these words, and keep my commandments. Remember, this is your gift."
A verse from a thought booklet repeats a message that we have received from the beginning--that we should love one another. This is the most important commandment and something that we should practice constantly in our lives in all our dealings with others. 1 Jn. 3: 11 "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another."
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Saturday, September 11, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the destruction of Babylon and it's inhabitants, because of their wickedness, and how Jeremiah prophesied of it. Jer. 51: 29, 37, 40-44, 47, 56-58, 60-64 "And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the Lord shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant. I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with he goats. How is Sheshach taken! and how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations! The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof. Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth any son of man pass thereby. And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall. Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her. Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the Lord God of recompences shall surely requite. And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the Lord of hosts. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary. So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon. And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, When thou comest to Babylon, and shalt see, and shalt read all these words; Then shalt thou say, O Lord , thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate for ever. And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates: And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah."
In the D&C I read that we should stop and stand still until the Lord commands us. He will provide the means for us to accomplish the things that He commands us. If we're faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord, He will lift us up at the last day. D&C 5: 34-35 "Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee. And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted up at the last day. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how Jesus raised from death the son of the widow of Nain. The thing that struck me about this story is that it said how Jesus had compassion for her and told her not to weep. He really loved her and had compassion for what she was going through. Do we follow His example in this? When others around us are suffering or going through difficult times, do we turn the other way and go on about our business? Or do we really care? Do we do whatever we can to relieve their suffering? We need to become more like our Savior--comforting those in grief and helping those who weep. Luke 7: 11-17 "And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about."
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In the D&C I read that we should stop and stand still until the Lord commands us. He will provide the means for us to accomplish the things that He commands us. If we're faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord, He will lift us up at the last day. D&C 5: 34-35 "Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee. And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted up at the last day. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how Jesus raised from death the son of the widow of Nain. The thing that struck me about this story is that it said how Jesus had compassion for her and told her not to weep. He really loved her and had compassion for what she was going through. Do we follow His example in this? When others around us are suffering or going through difficult times, do we turn the other way and go on about our business? Or do we really care? Do we do whatever we can to relieve their suffering? We need to become more like our Savior--comforting those in grief and helping those who weep. Luke 7: 11-17 "And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about."
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Friday, September 10, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read that Israel is commanded to flee from Babylon for it will be destroyed when the vengeance of the Lord comes upon it. Jer. 51: 6-11 "Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the Lord's vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence. Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies. The Lord hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God. Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the Lord hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple."
In the D&C it says that if we are faithful, the Lord extends His arm and supports us against all the fiery darts of the adversary and be with us in every time of trouble. What a blessing and comfort this is! D&C 3: 8 "Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble."
Going right along with this, some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God leads and guides us, just as He lead the Israelites with a cloud of smoke by day and a piller of fire by night. He provides a shadow from the heat, gives us refuge, and is a shelter during troubled times. Isa. 4: 5-6 "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."
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In the D&C it says that if we are faithful, the Lord extends His arm and supports us against all the fiery darts of the adversary and be with us in every time of trouble. What a blessing and comfort this is! D&C 3: 8 "Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble."
Going right along with this, some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God leads and guides us, just as He lead the Israelites with a cloud of smoke by day and a piller of fire by night. He provides a shadow from the heat, gives us refuge, and is a shelter during troubled times. Isa. 4: 5-6 "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."
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Thursday, September 9, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the children of Israel and the children of Judah would seek the Lord and ask the way to Zion. They would want to join themselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that would not be forgotten. We, likewise, need to make covenants with the Lord which will not be forgotten. Jer. 50: 4-5 "In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten."
In the D&C I read that the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. In other words, our "little" sins that we don't think are very important, indeed are important. But we don't need to give up hope! If we repent and keep the commandments, the Lord will forgive us. But if we don't repent, the light that we have will be taken away and the Lord's Spirit will not always strive with us. D&C 1: 31-33 "For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven; And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that the Lord speaks (even more than once) and people do not perceive it. Unfortunately, that is often the case. We often are not in tune with the Spirit enough to notice when the Lord is trying to talk to us. We don't hear Him when He's speaking. Do we expect to hear from Him? Do we keep our hearts and ears open? Do we listen for His voice? Job 33: 14 "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not."
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In the D&C I read that the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. In other words, our "little" sins that we don't think are very important, indeed are important. But we don't need to give up hope! If we repent and keep the commandments, the Lord will forgive us. But if we don't repent, the light that we have will be taken away and the Lord's Spirit will not always strive with us. D&C 1: 31-33 "For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven; And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that the Lord speaks (even more than once) and people do not perceive it. Unfortunately, that is often the case. We often are not in tune with the Spirit enough to notice when the Lord is trying to talk to us. We don't hear Him when He's speaking. Do we expect to hear from Him? Do we keep our hearts and ears open? Do we listen for His voice? Job 33: 14 "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not."
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Babylon would be destroyed. Jer. 50: 1-3, 13-16 "The word that the Lord spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet. Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces. For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast. Because of the wrath of the Lord it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues. Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the Lord. Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the Lord: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her. Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land."
In the D&C I read we need to prepare for the day of the Lord which will come. The day is coming when all those who refused to listen to the voice of the Lord or His servants, will be cut off from among the people. Those who have strayed from the ordinances of the Lord, broken their covenants, or who have not walked in righteousness will perish. D&C 1: 11-16 "Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear: Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth. And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant; They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about the wonder and magnificance of God. He is all powerful. At His word, the heavens were made. All He has to do is speak, and it is done. If God could be in charge of the universe for millions of years, how can we doubt that He can take care of us and our problems. Just because we in our puny wisdom feel like our situation is hopeless, we need to remember that with the Lord help, we can meet any challenge. We just need to trust in Him. Ps. 33: 6-11 "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
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In the D&C I read we need to prepare for the day of the Lord which will come. The day is coming when all those who refused to listen to the voice of the Lord or His servants, will be cut off from among the people. Those who have strayed from the ordinances of the Lord, broken their covenants, or who have not walked in righteousness will perish. D&C 1: 11-16 "Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear: Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth. And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant; They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about the wonder and magnificance of God. He is all powerful. At His word, the heavens were made. All He has to do is speak, and it is done. If God could be in charge of the universe for millions of years, how can we doubt that He can take care of us and our problems. Just because we in our puny wisdom feel like our situation is hopeless, we need to remember that with the Lord help, we can meet any challenge. We just need to trust in Him. Ps. 33: 6-11 "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how judgments of destruction would come upon Elam. Jer. 49: 34-37 "The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come. For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the Lord; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:"
In the Book of Mormon we read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and that spiritual gifts shall never be done away, except because of the unbelief of man. And if things things are done away because of unbelief, wo unto the children of men! Anyone who does good will be able to work by the power and gifts of God. Moro. 10: 19, 24-25 "And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men. And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief. And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God."
Some verses with a thought booklet give us wonderful advice on how we should live. We need to speak the truth and put away lying. Can we be angry and not sin? No! We should not let the sun set upon wrath. We shouldn't give place to the devil. We should work, laboring with or own hands. We shold not allow corrupt communication to come out of our mouths, which wold grieve the Holy Spirit. We need to get rid of all bitterness, anger, malice, and evil speaking. And finally we need to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving of one another. Boy, a lot of things here that I think we all need to improve on! But something to keep in mind is that by being more kind and loving toward others and avoiding anger or doing things to hurt others, we'll find much more joy ourselves! Eph. 4: 25-32 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
In the Book of Mormon we read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and that spiritual gifts shall never be done away, except because of the unbelief of man. And if things things are done away because of unbelief, wo unto the children of men! Anyone who does good will be able to work by the power and gifts of God. Moro. 10: 19, 24-25 "And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men. And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief. And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God."
Some verses with a thought booklet give us wonderful advice on how we should live. We need to speak the truth and put away lying. Can we be angry and not sin? No! We should not let the sun set upon wrath. We shouldn't give place to the devil. We should work, laboring with or own hands. We shold not allow corrupt communication to come out of our mouths, which wold grieve the Holy Spirit. We need to get rid of all bitterness, anger, malice, and evil speaking. And finally we need to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving of one another. Boy, a lot of things here that I think we all need to improve on! But something to keep in mind is that by being more kind and loving toward others and avoiding anger or doing things to hurt others, we'll find much more joy ourselves! Eph. 4: 25-32 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Monday, September 6, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read about the destruction that would come upon Moab because of their contempt for God. Very important that we keep the commandments. Those who do not, will be punished. Jer. 48: 1-4 "Against Moab thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed. There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee. A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction. Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard."
In the Book of Mormon I read that when we read these things, we should ponder them in our hearts and pray to the Lord, asking Him if they are true. And if we do this, the Holy Ghost will manifest to us the truth of them. It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we may know the truth of all things. This is a wonderful promise! If we want to know if the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God, we need to pray and ask God. Moro. 10: 3-5 "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is our light, so why should we fear? Indeed, what do we have to be afraid of when we have the Lord to guide us? Ps. 27: 1 "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?"
In the Book of Mormon I read that when we read these things, we should ponder them in our hearts and pray to the Lord, asking Him if they are true. And if we do this, the Holy Ghost will manifest to us the truth of them. It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we may know the truth of all things. This is a wonderful promise! If we want to know if the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God, we need to pray and ask God. Moro. 10: 3-5 "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is our light, so why should we fear? Indeed, what do we have to be afraid of when we have the Lord to guide us? Ps. 27: 1 "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?"
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read about the fortold desolation and destruction that would come upon the Philistines. Jer. 47: 1-4 "The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza. Thus saith the Lord ; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl. At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands; Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the Lord will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor."
In the Book of Mormon I read about the qualitites of charity, the pure love of Christ. It suffers long, seeks not her own, is kind, is not envious or prideful, is not easily provoked. Charity never fails. And then an important key is given--telling us how to get this charity that is so vital to a true disciple of Jesus Christ. We must pray for it with all the energy of our hearts, asking the Lord to fill us with this love. If we do this, when Christ appears, we will be like Him. It isn't enough to just realize that we need to have charity in our lives and hope we can have it. We need to humbly plead with the Lord to bestow it upon us. Moro. 7: 45-48 "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that if anyone wants to serve Jesus, they must follow Him. And the Father will honor all who serve Jesus. John 12: 26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."
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In the Book of Mormon I read about the qualitites of charity, the pure love of Christ. It suffers long, seeks not her own, is kind, is not envious or prideful, is not easily provoked. Charity never fails. And then an important key is given--telling us how to get this charity that is so vital to a true disciple of Jesus Christ. We must pray for it with all the energy of our hearts, asking the Lord to fill us with this love. If we do this, when Christ appears, we will be like Him. It isn't enough to just realize that we need to have charity in our lives and hope we can have it. We need to humbly plead with the Lord to bestow it upon us. Moro. 7: 45-48 "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that if anyone wants to serve Jesus, they must follow Him. And the Father will honor all who serve Jesus. John 12: 26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."
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Saturday, September 4, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord will punish Egypt and their gods, and all who trust in Pharoh. He'll deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives. But Jacob did not need to fear for the Lord would be with him and he would be able to return to his own land. When we keep the Lord's commandments, we have nothing to fear, but when we trust in anything other than the Lord, He will punish us. Jer. 46: 25-28 "The Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and all them that trust in him: And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the Lord. But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the Lord: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished."
In the Book of Mormon the question is asked, "Have miracles ceased?" And the answer is a resounding NO! If miracles are not happening in our lives today, like they happened to people in ancient times as told about in the scriptures, it is because of our unbelief. Moro. 7: 27, 36-37 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that God uses the foolish, weak and lowly to complete big tasks on His behalf. So if we belittle ourselves and think that we're not good enough to accomplish anything in the Kingdom of God or think that someone else with greater abilities can do a better job than we can, we need to rethink that. In spite of our weaknesses, we may be just the kind of person who can make a difference in some special way. We need to make ourselves useful to the Lord in whatever way we can, and be in tune with the Spirit enough to understand what He wants us to do. 1 Cor. 1: 27-28 "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:"
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In the Book of Mormon the question is asked, "Have miracles ceased?" And the answer is a resounding NO! If miracles are not happening in our lives today, like they happened to people in ancient times as told about in the scriptures, it is because of our unbelief. Moro. 7: 27, 36-37 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that God uses the foolish, weak and lowly to complete big tasks on His behalf. So if we belittle ourselves and think that we're not good enough to accomplish anything in the Kingdom of God or think that someone else with greater abilities can do a better job than we can, we need to rethink that. In spite of our weaknesses, we may be just the kind of person who can make a difference in some special way. We need to make ourselves useful to the Lord in whatever way we can, and be in tune with the Spirit enough to understand what He wants us to do. 1 Cor. 1: 27-28 "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:"
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Friday, September 3, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the punishments that would come upon the people for their wickedness. Jer. 44: 11-14 "Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will set my face against you for evil, and to cut off all Judah. And I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be consumed, and fall in the land of Egypt; they shall even be consumed by the sword and by the famine: they shall die, from the least even unto the greatest, by the sword and by the famine: and they shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach. For I will punish them that dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:
So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape."
In the Book of Mormon it tells us how to judge good from evil. An evil man cannot bring forth good works. Even if he does something good, he does it grudgingly or without sincere intent, so it profits him nothing. A bitter fountain can't bring forth good water. That which is of God invites and entices us to do good. But whatever persuades us to do evil is of Satan. So it's very plain to judge what is good and what is of the devil. Moro. 7: 5-18 "For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil. Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil. For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, who does not change. We can count on Him! James 1: 17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
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So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape."
In the Book of Mormon it tells us how to judge good from evil. An evil man cannot bring forth good works. Even if he does something good, he does it grudgingly or without sincere intent, so it profits him nothing. A bitter fountain can't bring forth good water. That which is of God invites and entices us to do good. But whatever persuades us to do evil is of Satan. So it's very plain to judge what is good and what is of the devil. Moro. 7: 5-18 "For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil. Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil. For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, who does not change. We can count on Him! James 1: 17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about Jeremiah's prophesies regarding the evil that would come upon the Jews in Egypt who disobeyed the Lord. They would be destroyed for worshipping false gods. Jer. 44: 1-7 "The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Ye have seen all the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, and upon all the cities of Judah; and, behold, this day they are a desolation, and no man dwelleth therein, Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, whom they knew not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers. Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods. Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day. Therefore now thus saith the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; Wherefore commit ye this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave you none to remain;"
In the Book of Mormon I read the fulfillment of prophecy--that Coriantumr was the last one left after everyone else had been destroyed due to their wickedness. Ether 15: 30-33 "And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz. And it came to pass that after he had smitten off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised up on his hands and fell; and after that he had struggled for breath, he died. And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life. And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record; (and the hundredth part I have not written) and he hid them in a manner that the people of Limhi did find them."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that weeping may last for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Sad times will end and better times will come. Present hardship does not mean that life will always be difficult. And we need to remember that it is often in times of trouble that we draw nearest to the Lord. Every cloud has a silver lining. We need to trust that every situation and every person we encounter has the potential to contribute to our life in some positive way. Ps. 30: 5 "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
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In the Book of Mormon I read the fulfillment of prophecy--that Coriantumr was the last one left after everyone else had been destroyed due to their wickedness. Ether 15: 30-33 "And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz. And it came to pass that after he had smitten off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised up on his hands and fell; and after that he had struggled for breath, he died. And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life. And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record; (and the hundredth part I have not written) and he hid them in a manner that the people of Limhi did find them."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that weeping may last for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Sad times will end and better times will come. Present hardship does not mean that life will always be difficult. And we need to remember that it is often in times of trouble that we draw nearest to the Lord. Every cloud has a silver lining. We need to trust that every situation and every person we encounter has the potential to contribute to our life in some positive way. Ps. 30: 5 "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament yesterday we read about how the Lord warned the people not to go to Egypt. However, today we read about how they did not believe the words of the Lord and insisted on going to Egypt anyway. Jer. 43: 1-4, 7 "And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the Lord their God, for which the Lord their God had sent him to them, even all these words, Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the Lord our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there: But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon. So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the Lord, to dwell in the land of Judah. So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the Lord: thus came they even to Tahpanhes."
In the Book of Mormon we read about how evil and hardened the people had become--so much so that the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them and Satan had full power over their hearts. We need to be very careful to heed the words of the Lord so we can keep the Spirit of the Lord in our lives. If we ignore promptings of the Spirit, the Holy Ghost will stop trying to talk to us. And that's a scary state to find ourselves in. Ether 15: 19 "But behold, the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them, and Satan had full power over the hearts of the people; for they were given up unto the hardness of their hearts, and the blindness of their minds that they might be destroyed; wherefore they went again to battle."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that obeying the voice of the Lord is better than offering sacrifices. When Saul disobeyed the Lord's commandment to smite and destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, and instead saved some of the animals to sacrifice them, the Lord was displeased with him. We need to obey whatever the Lord tells us to do and not make up excuses of why our way is better. "Well, Lord, I didn't pay my tithing because I wanted to donate to this other charity." "I didn't go to church because I really wanted to spend some quality time with my family at the ballgame." We might have some good things we want to do, but if they conflict with a commandment the Lord has given us, we need to put our priorities straight and obey the Lord. 1 Sam. 15: 22 "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
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In the Book of Mormon we read about how evil and hardened the people had become--so much so that the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them and Satan had full power over their hearts. We need to be very careful to heed the words of the Lord so we can keep the Spirit of the Lord in our lives. If we ignore promptings of the Spirit, the Holy Ghost will stop trying to talk to us. And that's a scary state to find ourselves in. Ether 15: 19 "But behold, the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them, and Satan had full power over the hearts of the people; for they were given up unto the hardness of their hearts, and the blindness of their minds that they might be destroyed; wherefore they went again to battle."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that obeying the voice of the Lord is better than offering sacrifices. When Saul disobeyed the Lord's commandment to smite and destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, and instead saved some of the animals to sacrifice them, the Lord was displeased with him. We need to obey whatever the Lord tells us to do and not make up excuses of why our way is better. "Well, Lord, I didn't pay my tithing because I wanted to donate to this other charity." "I didn't go to church because I really wanted to spend some quality time with my family at the ballgame." We might have some good things we want to do, but if they conflict with a commandment the Lord has given us, we need to put our priorities straight and obey the Lord. 1 Sam. 15: 22 "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
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