In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would sanctify His name which the Israelites had profaned among the heathen and the heathen would know that He is God. And He would take the Israelites from among the heathen and gather them into their own land. Ezek. 36: 23-24 "And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and t For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land."
In the D&C it says that when the Elders are moved upon by the Holy Ghost, their words are scripture--the voice of the Lord and the power of God unto salvation. This is one reason why we need to take General Conference seriously. The talks given are what the Lord would have us know today, and are the latest revelation to us. It's very important that we study these words carefully and heed what they say. D&C 68: 3-4 "And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to keep alert, be courageous and strong, and stand firm in our faith. 1 Cor. 16: 13 "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."
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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
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Seir would fall and be made desolate because of its hatred of Israel. Ezek. 35: 1-9 "Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it, And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate. I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord. Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end: Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord God, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee. Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth. And I will fill his mountains with his slain men: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword. I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I am the Lord."
In the D&C I read a challenge that the wisest person could not duplicate the least of the revelations so they are under condemnation if they do not bear record that they are true. That which is righteous comes from the Father. D&C 67: 6-9 "Now, seek ye out of the Book of Commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you; Or, if there be any among you that shall make one like unto it, then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true; But if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they are true. For ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we'll reap what we sow. This may not always happen in this life, but will eventually be true. We'll be rewarded for the good that we do. When we come to the end of our lives and we are greeted by the Lord, will He say, "Well done, Thou good and faithful servant?" If so it may not be because we acquired a lot of money or had a fancy house, but rather because of little things like smiling at a grumpy store clerk or praying for the slow driver in front of us or helping the elderly neighbor. These are the kinds of things that add up to a great life in the eyes of the Lord and which will reep a great reward. Let's live our lives looking for opportunities to love and serve others, sowing seeds of kindness. 2 Cor. 9: 6 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
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In the D&C I read a challenge that the wisest person could not duplicate the least of the revelations so they are under condemnation if they do not bear record that they are true. That which is righteous comes from the Father. D&C 67: 6-9 "Now, seek ye out of the Book of Commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you; Or, if there be any among you that shall make one like unto it, then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true; But if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they are true. For ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we'll reap what we sow. This may not always happen in this life, but will eventually be true. We'll be rewarded for the good that we do. When we come to the end of our lives and we are greeted by the Lord, will He say, "Well done, Thou good and faithful servant?" If so it may not be because we acquired a lot of money or had a fancy house, but rather because of little things like smiling at a grumpy store clerk or praying for the slow driver in front of us or helping the elderly neighbor. These are the kinds of things that add up to a great life in the eyes of the Lord and which will reep a great reward. Let's live our lives looking for opportunities to love and serve others, sowing seeds of kindness. 2 Cor. 9: 6 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
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Friday, October 29, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would make his gospel covenant with His people and they would know that He was their God. He would keep them safe and shower blessings upon them. Ezek. 34: 25-31 "And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God."
In the D&C we're told not to be weary in well doing becaue we're laying the foundation of a great work. Even if what we're doing seems small to us, we need to remember that great things can proceed out of small things. If we're willing and obedient, we'll be rewarded. D&C 64: 33-34 "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that when we are burdened with heavy labors we should come unto Jesus and He will give us rest unto our souls. If we take His yoke upon us and learn of Him, His yoke will be easy and the burden will be light. If we're feeling weighed down with the burdens of life, we need to take time to commune with the Lord and learn of Him. This will refresh our souls and help us bear our burdens with ease. Matt. 11: 28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
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In the D&C we're told not to be weary in well doing becaue we're laying the foundation of a great work. Even if what we're doing seems small to us, we need to remember that great things can proceed out of small things. If we're willing and obedient, we'll be rewarded. D&C 64: 33-34 "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that when we are burdened with heavy labors we should come unto Jesus and He will give us rest unto our souls. If we take His yoke upon us and learn of Him, His yoke will be easy and the burden will be light. If we're feeling weighed down with the burdens of life, we need to take time to commune with the Lord and learn of Him. This will refresh our souls and help us bear our burdens with ease. Matt. 11: 28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
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Thursday, October 28, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read how the Lord would gather His lost sheep and feed them in good pastures. He lovingly cares for His sheep. And keep in mind that we are His sheep. Ezek. 34: 11-16 "For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment."
In the D&C I read some verses that at times I've had a hard time understanding. They say that we need to forgive one another and that if we don't, there remains in us the greater sin. When someone sins against us it's difficult not to be angry with them. We feel justified in being upset with them. They did us wrong! But the Lord says unless we can forgive them, we're guilty of a worse sin than they are. How can this be? I have actually seen the sin of unforgiveness destroy people's lives. It changes the people that they are. They become so angry and bitter that it taints their entire attitudes and colors how they see the world. It affects how they treat others and sets a terrible example for their children. If someone has done something terrible to us, let God jugdge them. We need to let it go and with the Lord's help, find a way to forgive them. Not for their sakes, but for OURS! As bad as what they did to us may be, it's nothing compared to what we do to ourselves when we allow feelings of unforgiveness to take over our lives. If we find we just can't do it, we need to turn the situation over to the Lord and allow Him to change our hearts so that we can be freed from these bitter feelings that will destroy our lives if we don't get them under control. Our future happiness depends on it. D&C 64: 9-10 "Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we endure temptation, we will be blessed and receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to all those who love Him. We can't always prevent temptations from crossing our paths, but we can respond to them in the way the Lord would have us do. And remember: Resisting temptation brings great rewards! James 1: 12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
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In the D&C I read some verses that at times I've had a hard time understanding. They say that we need to forgive one another and that if we don't, there remains in us the greater sin. When someone sins against us it's difficult not to be angry with them. We feel justified in being upset with them. They did us wrong! But the Lord says unless we can forgive them, we're guilty of a worse sin than they are. How can this be? I have actually seen the sin of unforgiveness destroy people's lives. It changes the people that they are. They become so angry and bitter that it taints their entire attitudes and colors how they see the world. It affects how they treat others and sets a terrible example for their children. If someone has done something terrible to us, let God jugdge them. We need to let it go and with the Lord's help, find a way to forgive them. Not for their sakes, but for OURS! As bad as what they did to us may be, it's nothing compared to what we do to ourselves when we allow feelings of unforgiveness to take over our lives. If we find we just can't do it, we need to turn the situation over to the Lord and allow Him to change our hearts so that we can be freed from these bitter feelings that will destroy our lives if we don't get them under control. Our future happiness depends on it. D&C 64: 9-10 "Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we endure temptation, we will be blessed and receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to all those who love Him. We can't always prevent temptations from crossing our paths, but we can respond to them in the way the Lord would have us do. And remember: Resisting temptation brings great rewards! James 1: 12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord reproved the shepherds who did not feed their flocks but rather fed themselves. They allowed the sheep under their care to wander and be scattered. Ezek. 34: 1-8 "And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;"
In the D&C we're told that if we keep the commandments of God, He will give us the mysteries of His kingdom and it will be like a well of living water springing up unto everlasting life. D&C 63: 23 "But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we patiently endure, we'll obtain the promise. We can count on the fact that it is impossible for God to lie. We can flee to Him for refuge which gives us consolation and hope--a hope which will be an anchor to our souls, sure and steadfast. If a boat is held firmly to an anchor, it is safe and secure as it is kept from driting in the winds and waves. If we anchor ourselves to the Lord, we can have hope even in the midst of troubled waters in our lives. We can have perfect faith and trust in this. God does not lie! Heb. 6: 15, 18-19 "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"
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In the D&C we're told that if we keep the commandments of God, He will give us the mysteries of His kingdom and it will be like a well of living water springing up unto everlasting life. D&C 63: 23 "But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we patiently endure, we'll obtain the promise. We can count on the fact that it is impossible for God to lie. We can flee to Him for refuge which gives us consolation and hope--a hope which will be an anchor to our souls, sure and steadfast. If a boat is held firmly to an anchor, it is safe and secure as it is kept from driting in the winds and waves. If we anchor ourselves to the Lord, we can have hope even in the midst of troubled waters in our lives. We can have perfect faith and trust in this. God does not lie! Heb. 6: 15, 18-19 "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that if a righteous person turns to wickedness, all the righteousness he previously did will not be able to save him--he will die for his iniquity. However, if a wicked person repents and turns their life to righteousness, they will be forgiven for their sins and will surely live. Ezek. 33: 13-16 "When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live."
In the D&C I read about how the wicked will have a day of wrath come upon them if they don't repent. All flesh will know that the Lord is God. The rebellious will fear and tremble. It's much better if we repent now. Then we'll have nothing to fear. D&C 63: 6 "Wherefore, verily I say, let the wicked take heed, and let the rebellious fear and tremble; and let the unbelieving hold their lips, for the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and all flesh shall know that I am God."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about what the earth will be like during the Millennium. I've always enjoyed hearing about how the animals would be friendly and liked the idea that I might be able to pet a lion (something I've always wanted to do)! But I noticed something else these scriptures say--that the earth will be covered with the knowledge of the Lord, just like the waters cover the sea. When you think about how thoroughly the waters cover the sea, it's amazing to think about the knowledge of the Lord covering the earth like that. What a wonderful time this will be! Isa. 11: 6-9 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."
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In the D&C I read about how the wicked will have a day of wrath come upon them if they don't repent. All flesh will know that the Lord is God. The rebellious will fear and tremble. It's much better if we repent now. Then we'll have nothing to fear. D&C 63: 6 "Wherefore, verily I say, let the wicked take heed, and let the rebellious fear and tremble; and let the unbelieving hold their lips, for the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and all flesh shall know that I am God."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about what the earth will be like during the Millennium. I've always enjoyed hearing about how the animals would be friendly and liked the idea that I might be able to pet a lion (something I've always wanted to do)! But I noticed something else these scriptures say--that the earth will be covered with the knowledge of the Lord, just like the waters cover the sea. When you think about how thoroughly the waters cover the sea, it's amazing to think about the knowledge of the Lord covering the earth like that. What a wonderful time this will be! Isa. 11: 6-9 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."
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Monday, October 25, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how if a watchman sees danger approaching it is his duty to warn others. If he raises the warning voice and they heed the warning, they are saved. If they heed not, their blood is upon their own heads. But if he does not raise the warning even though he's aware of danger, their blood is upon his head. So likewise for those who are called upon to be spiritual watchman. They need to raise the warning voice to call people to repentance or their blood will be upon their heads. But if they raise the warning voice and the people don't listen, they're held accountable and their blood will be upon their own heads. Ezek. 33: 1-9 "Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
In the D&C I read that we need to humble ourselves before the Lord and pray always that we won't enter into temptation and that we'll be prepared when the Savior comes again. He'll come when we won't expect Him so we need to be watchful. And if we think we're so righteous that we don't need to pray to avoid temptation, we could find ourselves in deep trouble! D&C 61: 37-39 "And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not. Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. If we think that something is too difficult for us, we need to turn to the Lord for help and strength. Anything is possible with Him, even things that are impossible if we tried to do them on our own. Philip. 4: 13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
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In the D&C I read that we need to humble ourselves before the Lord and pray always that we won't enter into temptation and that we'll be prepared when the Savior comes again. He'll come when we won't expect Him so we need to be watchful. And if we think we're so righteous that we don't need to pray to avoid temptation, we could find ourselves in deep trouble! D&C 61: 37-39 "And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not. Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. If we think that something is too difficult for us, we need to turn to the Lord for help and strength. Anything is possible with Him, even things that are impossible if we tried to do them on our own. Philip. 4: 13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
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Sunday, October 24, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read how Pharoah would be delivered into the hands of the heathen because of his pride and wickedness. Ezek. 31: 10-11 "Therefore thus saith the Lord God ; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness."
In the D&C I read that those who have been sent to preach the gospel should not idle away their time nor bury their talents that the Lord has blessed them with. I think this applies to all of us. We need to make the best use of our time and talents and do what we can to build up the Kingdom of God. D&C 60: 13 "Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that there is a time for everything in its season, a time for every purpose under heaven. This is an important thing to remember if we're so busy raising a family of young children that we can't seem to find the time for other things that are very important also. Other seasons will come, seasons when the children have left the nest and we'll time for more temple work or community service. Or maybe we're a young single adult eager to find a companion. While we're waiting for that season in our life to begin, we need to take advantage of the season we're in and do useful and productive things that we may not later have time for after we're busily engaged in family life. Or maybe we're in our senior years and feeling like our season for usefulness is over. Even if we're no longer able to do many of the things we used to do when we were younger, we can still find things that our unique talents and abilities and years of experience have prepared us for. In every season of life, we can find purpose and meaning and do the things that God has in mind for us to grow and develop and be of service to others. Those things will change as the years go by, but we will always have things we can do in each season of our lives. If we seek the Lord's guidance and direction we can discover what those things are. Eccl. 3: 1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
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In the D&C I read that those who have been sent to preach the gospel should not idle away their time nor bury their talents that the Lord has blessed them with. I think this applies to all of us. We need to make the best use of our time and talents and do what we can to build up the Kingdom of God. D&C 60: 13 "Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that there is a time for everything in its season, a time for every purpose under heaven. This is an important thing to remember if we're so busy raising a family of young children that we can't seem to find the time for other things that are very important also. Other seasons will come, seasons when the children have left the nest and we'll time for more temple work or community service. Or maybe we're a young single adult eager to find a companion. While we're waiting for that season in our life to begin, we need to take advantage of the season we're in and do useful and productive things that we may not later have time for after we're busily engaged in family life. Or maybe we're in our senior years and feeling like our season for usefulness is over. Even if we're no longer able to do many of the things we used to do when we were younger, we can still find things that our unique talents and abilities and years of experience have prepared us for. In every season of life, we can find purpose and meaning and do the things that God has in mind for us to grow and develop and be of service to others. Those things will change as the years go by, but we will always have things we can do in each season of our lives. If we seek the Lord's guidance and direction we can discover what those things are. Eccl. 3: 1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
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Saturday, October 23, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Egypt would be smitten and scattered. Ezek. 30: 23, 26 "And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries; and they shall know that I am the Lord."
In the D&C we're told that the Lord always fulfills His promises. Some of His promises are conditional--we need to obey a law to get the blessings associated with that commandment. Some foolish men disobey the commandments and then complain that they didn't get the promised blessings. But we need to realize that if the Lord commands and we disobey, the blessings are revoked. D&C 58: 31-33 "Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled? I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing. Then they say in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh beneath, and not from above."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us to forget the things from the past and move on to the future, pressing forward. This means not only letting go of past pain or grudges that interfer with our happiness in the present, but also not being so caught up in memories of blessings in the past that we can't appreciate the blessings of the present. Be grateful for what you have NOW and move forward. Philip. 3: 13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
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In the D&C we're told that the Lord always fulfills His promises. Some of His promises are conditional--we need to obey a law to get the blessings associated with that commandment. Some foolish men disobey the commandments and then complain that they didn't get the promised blessings. But we need to realize that if the Lord commands and we disobey, the blessings are revoked. D&C 58: 31-33 "Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled? I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing. Then they say in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh beneath, and not from above."
Some verses with a thought booklet remind us to forget the things from the past and move on to the future, pressing forward. This means not only letting go of past pain or grudges that interfer with our happiness in the present, but also not being so caught up in memories of blessings in the past that we can't appreciate the blessings of the present. Be grateful for what you have NOW and move forward. Philip. 3: 13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
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Friday, October 22, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the idols of the wicked nations would be destroyed and the fury of the Lord would be poured out upon them. They would come to know that the Lord was God. Ezek. 30: 13-19 "Thus saith the Lord God; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt. And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No. And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. And I will set fire in Egypt: Sin shall have great pain, and No shall be rent asunder, and Noph shall have distresses daily. The young men of Aven and of Pi-beseth shall fall by the sword: and these cities shall go into captivity. At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity. Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the Lord."
In the D&C we read that we need to do many things of our own free will and not wait to be commanded. If we only do what we're specifically commanded to do and do it with a slothful heart, we'll receive no reward. We need to be anxiously engaged in a good cause and use our agency to do good for other people. Look around for opportunities to serve others. Seek the Lord's guidance in knowing what you might do to bless other people and benefit them. D&C 58:26-29 "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that even though Joseph's brothers meant him harm in selling him into Egypt, much good came of it, according to the plan of God. Because of Joseph being in Egypt events were able to take place that allowed food to be stored before a famine hit and Joseph's brothers had their lives spared as a result. When troubling times come to us, we need to take heart in knowing that God may have a plan behind it all and much good might come from it. Sometimes just going through troubling times can strengthen us and force us to draw closer to the Lord as we seek His help to endure what we're going through. Don't allow trials to make you bitter, allow them to make you better. Gen. 50: 20 "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
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In the D&C we read that we need to do many things of our own free will and not wait to be commanded. If we only do what we're specifically commanded to do and do it with a slothful heart, we'll receive no reward. We need to be anxiously engaged in a good cause and use our agency to do good for other people. Look around for opportunities to serve others. Seek the Lord's guidance in knowing what you might do to bless other people and benefit them. D&C 58:26-29 "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that even though Joseph's brothers meant him harm in selling him into Egypt, much good came of it, according to the plan of God. Because of Joseph being in Egypt events were able to take place that allowed food to be stored before a famine hit and Joseph's brothers had their lives spared as a result. When troubling times come to us, we need to take heart in knowing that God may have a plan behind it all and much good might come from it. Sometimes just going through troubling times can strengthen us and force us to draw closer to the Lord as we seek His help to endure what we're going through. Don't allow trials to make you bitter, allow them to make you better. Gen. 50: 20 "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
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Thursday, October 21, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how Egypt and her helpers would be made desolate and they would come to know that the Lord is God. Sometimes it takes being humbled by terrible circumstances to get us to realize that the Lord is real. If we allow our circumstances to humble us and get us to turn to the Lord, we will be rewarded. Ezek. 30: 4-11 "And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword. Thus saith the Lord ; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord God. And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted. And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed. In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.0 Thus saith the Lord God; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon. He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain."
Some verses in the D&C tell us that if we keep the commandments and remain faithful in times of tribulation, we'll receive a great reward in heaven. In fact, the glory we'll receive is so great that we couldn't even see it with our natural eyes. So when we're going through trials and rough times in our lives, we need to remember that they are preparing us for a wonderful reward in the life to come. D&C 58: 2-4 "For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after signs. We already have signs enough in the scriptures. Jonah spending three days and nights in the whale's belly before he emerged was symbolic of Christ spending three days and nights in the grave before He would be resurrected. If we don't believe in this, the people of Nineveh will rise up in judgment against us because they repented at the words of Jonah and we have the words of one even greater, Jesus Christ. Matt. 12: 38-41 "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here."
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Some verses in the D&C tell us that if we keep the commandments and remain faithful in times of tribulation, we'll receive a great reward in heaven. In fact, the glory we'll receive is so great that we couldn't even see it with our natural eyes. So when we're going through trials and rough times in our lives, we need to remember that they are preparing us for a wonderful reward in the life to come. D&C 58: 2-4 "For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after signs. We already have signs enough in the scriptures. Jonah spending three days and nights in the whale's belly before he emerged was symbolic of Christ spending three days and nights in the grave before He would be resurrected. If we don't believe in this, the people of Nineveh will rise up in judgment against us because they repented at the words of Jonah and we have the words of one even greater, Jesus Christ. Matt. 12: 38-41 "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here."
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Ezekiel was told not to mourn for the death of his wife. This seemed rather strange to me, but the Institute manual explained it as follows: Although the Lord took away "the desire of his eyes" meaning his wife, Ezekiel was instructed to make no mourning. Putting ashes on the head, making one's feet bare, covering the lips, and eating bread of mourning were all signs of grief. When Ezekiel thus abstained from all lamentation and outward sign of mourning on the death of his dearest one, the people conjectured that such striking conduct must have some significance, and asked him what it was that he intended to show thereby. He then announced to them the word of God. As his dearest one, his wife, had been taken from him, so should its dearest object, the holy temple, be taken from the nation by destruction, and their children by the sword. When this occurred, then would they act as he was doing now; they would not mourn and weep, but simply in their gloomy sorrow sigh in silence on account of their sins, and groan one toward another. Ezek. 24: 15-27 "Also the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded. And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so? Then I answered them, The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword. And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men. And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another. Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord God. Also, thou son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their minds, their sons and their daughters, That he that escapeth in that day shall come unto thee, to cause thee to hear it with thine ears? In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the Lord."
In the D&C we read that if rich men refuse to share what they have with the poor, their riches will canker their souls and they'll be subject to the judgment and indignation of God. Their souls will not be saved. D&C 56: 16 "Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Let's keep our priorities straight. Getting physical exercise is a good thing, but it's even more important to feed our spirits--pray, read our scriptures, attend our church meetings. These things will not only help us now, but in the eternities as well. 1 Tim. 4: 8 "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
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In the D&C we read that if rich men refuse to share what they have with the poor, their riches will canker their souls and they'll be subject to the judgment and indignation of God. Their souls will not be saved. D&C 56: 16 "Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Let's keep our priorities straight. Getting physical exercise is a good thing, but it's even more important to feed our spirits--pray, read our scriptures, attend our church meetings. These things will not only help us now, but in the eternities as well. 1 Tim. 4: 8 "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read the parable of the boiling pot. The institute manual explains it as follows: The pot in this parable represents the city of Jerusalem. Its inhabitants are symbolized by the flesh and bones in the pot. The choice pieces denote the strongest and most important inhabitants of the city (Zedekiah and his family would be part of this group). Boiling the contents of the pot on the fires represents the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The scum in the pot indicates impurity and bloodshed in Jerusalem, the inhabitants of which are in a very sinful state. As the contents of the pot are brought out piece by piece, so will the city of Jerusalem be emptied of its inhabitants one by one, either by death or by captivity. The phrase "let no lot fall upon it" means that the contents of the pot will be pulled out indiscriminately, at random, without preference. The heating of the empty pot represents the burning of the city of Jerusalem after the siege. Verses 7-8 refer to blood being set on the top of a rock. The city has shed blood, which is not covered with earth, but has been left uncovered, like blood poured out upon a hard rock, which the stone cannot absorb, and which cries to God for vengeance, because it is uncovered. The thought is this: she has sinned in an insolent and shameless manner, and has done nothing to cover her sin, has shown no sign of repentance or atonement, by which she might have got rid of her sin. This has all been ordered by God. He has caused the blood that was shed to fall upon a bare rock, that it might lie uncovered, and He might be able to execute vengeance for the crime. Ezek. 24: 1-14 "Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, write thee the name of the day, even of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day. And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it: Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones. Take the choice of the flock, and burn also the bones under it, and make it boil well, and let them seethe the bones of it therein. Wherefore thus saith the Lord God; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum is therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it. For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust; That it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance; I have set her blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not be covered. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great. Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burned. Then set it empty upon the coals thereof, that the brass of it may be hot, and may burn, and that the filthiness of it may be molten in it, that the scum of it may be consumed. She hath wearied herself with lies, and her great scum went not forth out of her: her scum shall be in the fire. In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee. I the Lord have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord God."
A verse in the D&C tells us that we must be patient in tribulation. The Lord will come quickly and we'll find rest to our souls. Whatever we suffer in this life will pass and if we endure well, we'll receive our reward. D&C 54: 10 "And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it is better to put our trust in the Lord than depend on people. People are imperfect and they will let us down. But we can count on the Lord. He is 100% trustworthy and reliable. Ps. 118: 8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."
A verse in the D&C tells us that we must be patient in tribulation. The Lord will come quickly and we'll find rest to our souls. Whatever we suffer in this life will pass and if we endure well, we'll receive our reward. D&C 54: 10 "And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it is better to put our trust in the Lord than depend on people. People are imperfect and they will let us down. But we can count on the Lord. He is 100% trustworthy and reliable. Ps. 118: 8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."
Monday, October 18, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would cause lewdness to cease out of the land and the people would be punished for their lewdness and their idols and would come to know that the Lord was God. Wickedness will eventually come to an end and all will come to know that the Lord is God. Ezek. 23: 48-49 "Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness. And they shall recompense your lewdness upon you, and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord God."
In the D&C I read that the Lord has given us a pattern to follow so that we may not be deceived. Satan is going about trying to decieve the nations. He who speaks with a contrite spirit and uses language that edifies, is accepted of the Lord if he obeys the commandments. D&C 52: 14-15 "And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations— Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that there are many plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. We may have plans for our life that are forced to take a detour because the Lord has other things in mind for us. We need to have faith and trust in Him, no matter what roads we are on, even if things don't happen the way we planned on. Prov. 19: 21 "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand."
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In the D&C I read that the Lord has given us a pattern to follow so that we may not be deceived. Satan is going about trying to decieve the nations. He who speaks with a contrite spirit and uses language that edifies, is accepted of the Lord if he obeys the commandments. D&C 52: 14-15 "And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations— Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that there are many plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. We may have plans for our life that are forced to take a detour because the Lord has other things in mind for us. We need to have faith and trust in Him, no matter what roads we are on, even if things don't happen the way we planned on. Prov. 19: 21 "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand."
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Sunday, October 17, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the great wickedness of the people. They worshipped idols, committed adultery, profaned the Sabbaths, and sacrificed their children to idols. Very sad indeed. Can you imagine how Heavenly Father feels to see His beloved children behaving in this way. Ezek. 23: 37-39 "That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them. Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths. For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house."
A verse from the D&C tells us that whoever is a faithful and just and wise steward will enter into the joy of the Lord and inherit eternal life. D&C 51: 19 "And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life."
So in the Old Testament today we read about how wicked people could be and in the D&C we read about how much joy will come from being faithful and wise. Seems like a no brainer to live righteously, but most people don't find that so easy to do. Some verses with a thought booklet give us the answer. They tell us that the Lord will cleanse us and put a new heart and new spirit in us, so that we can walk in the way to keep the commandments. The Lord can replace our hearts of stone by hearts of flesh, softened and nourished by the Holy Spirit. Ezek. 36: 24-28 "For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."
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A verse from the D&C tells us that whoever is a faithful and just and wise steward will enter into the joy of the Lord and inherit eternal life. D&C 51: 19 "And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life."
So in the Old Testament today we read about how wicked people could be and in the D&C we read about how much joy will come from being faithful and wise. Seems like a no brainer to live righteously, but most people don't find that so easy to do. Some verses with a thought booklet give us the answer. They tell us that the Lord will cleanse us and put a new heart and new spirit in us, so that we can walk in the way to keep the commandments. The Lord can replace our hearts of stone by hearts of flesh, softened and nourished by the Holy Spirit. Ezek. 36: 24-28 "For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."
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Saturday, October 16, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the people commited great lewdness and whoredoms so the Lord delivered them into the hands of their enemies. Ezek. 23: 28-30 "For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will deliver thee into the hand of them whom thou hatest, into the hand of them from whom thy mind is alienated: And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms. I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and because thou art polluted with their idols."
In the D&C we read that that which does not edify is not of God and is darkness. That which is of God is light and continues to grow brighter and brither until the perfect day. D&C 50: 23-24 "And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling or complaining. Just as we've received many gifts, we need to likewise give to others. We need to be sensitive to the needs of others and be kind in all our actions. 1 Pet. 4: 9-10 "Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
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In the D&C we read that that which does not edify is not of God and is darkness. That which is of God is light and continues to grow brighter and brither until the perfect day. D&C 50: 23-24 "And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling or complaining. Just as we've received many gifts, we need to likewise give to others. We need to be sensitive to the needs of others and be kind in all our actions. 1 Pet. 4: 9-10 "Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
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Friday, October 15, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the people were guilty of robbery, vexing the poor, and oppressing strangers. The Lord tried to find one man among them who was rightous so that He would not have to destroy them, but He couldn't even find one, so He poured out His indignation upon them and punished them according to their deeds. Likewise, if we sin and don't repent, we'll reap what we deserve. Ezek. 22: 29-31 "The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God."
In the D&C I read that no one knows when Christ will come again. Even the angels won't know it until He comes. D&C 49: 7 "I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes."
Some verses with a thought booklet give us the example of the ant. It is not lazy. Even without someone to oversee it, it works hard to gather food. We would be wise to consider the ways of the ant and follow its example. Prov. 6: 6-8 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."
In the D&C I read that no one knows when Christ will come again. Even the angels won't know it until He comes. D&C 49: 7 "I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes."
Some verses with a thought booklet give us the example of the ant. It is not lazy. Even without someone to oversee it, it works hard to gather food. We would be wise to consider the ways of the ant and follow its example. Prov. 6: 6-8 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."
(no subject)
In the Old Testament I read that the people were guilty of robbery, vexing the poor, and oppressing strangers. The Lord tried to find one man among them who was rightous so that He would not have to destroy them, but He couldn't even find one, so He poured out His indignation upon them and punished them according to their deeds. Likewise, if we sin and don't repent, we'll reap what we deserve. Ezek. 22: 29-31 "The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God."
In the D&C I read that no one knows when Christ will come again. Even the angels won't know it until He comes. D&C 49: 7 "I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes."
Some verses with a thought booklet give us the example of the ant. It is not lazy. Even without someone to oversee it, it works hard to gather food. We would be wise to consider the ways of the ant and follow its example. Prov. 6: 6-8 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."
In the D&C I read that no one knows when Christ will come again. Even the angels won't know it until He comes. D&C 49: 7 "I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes."
Some verses with a thought booklet give us the example of the ant. It is not lazy. Even without someone to oversee it, it works hard to gather food. We would be wise to consider the ways of the ant and follow its example. Prov. 6: 6-8 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament the sins of Israel were enumerated--shedding of blood, worshipping idols, committing lewd acts, profaning the Sabbath, etc. The Lord would punish them for all these things, scattering and destroying them. Sins do not go on unpunished indefinitely. Ezek. 22: 4-16 "Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries. Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed. Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood. In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow. Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths. In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness. In thee have they discovered their fathers' nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution.1 And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter. In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord God. Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee. Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the Lord have spoken it, and will do it. And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee. And thou shalt take thine inheritance in thyself in the sight of the heathen, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord."
In the D&C we read that to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was crucified for the sins of the world. But to others it is given to believe on their words, and if they remain faithful, they too will have eternal life. Maybe we're one of those who have the burning knowledge that Jesus is the Christ. But if we're not, we can still show forth faith to believe. D&C 46: 13-14 "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the righteous will flourish and bring forth fruit in old age. The Lord can be our rock. Ps. 92: 12-15 "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him."
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In the D&C we read that to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was crucified for the sins of the world. But to others it is given to believe on their words, and if they remain faithful, they too will have eternal life. Maybe we're one of those who have the burning knowledge that Jesus is the Christ. But if we're not, we can still show forth faith to believe. D&C 46: 13-14 "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the righteous will flourish and bring forth fruit in old age. The Lord can be our rock. Ps. 92: 12-15 "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him."
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read a verse that talks about the king of Babylon making arrows bright, consulting with images and looking in the liver. These things didn't make a whole lot of sense to me, but the institute manual explained them as follows: Three methods of divination used by idolaters were shaking arrows and drawing one out or watching them fall, consulting with idols, and examining the entrails of animal sacrifices--customs no more ridiculous than consulting cards and tea leaves or reading palms. Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem because Jehovah allowed it, not because an arrow, an image, or a liver bespoke good omens. Ezek. 21: 21 "For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver."
In the D&C we're told to ask God in all things and His Spirit will testify as to what we should do. We need to do all things with a prayer of thanksgiving to avoid being deceived by the devil or the precepts of men. We need to seek earnestly for the best gifts which are given for the benefit of those who love the Lord and keep His commandments. D&C 46: 7-9 "But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the loaves and fishes and how a small amount of food was miraculously increased to feed 5,000. When we think we don't have enough of something we need, instead of bemoaning the fact and waiting around for more, we need to use what we already have because we may discover that the Lord will increase it to make it go much further than we expected. Even a little can accomplish a lot when we trust in the Lord. Matt. 14: 15-21 "And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."
In the D&C we're told to ask God in all things and His Spirit will testify as to what we should do. We need to do all things with a prayer of thanksgiving to avoid being deceived by the devil or the precepts of men. We need to seek earnestly for the best gifts which are given for the benefit of those who love the Lord and keep His commandments. D&C 46: 7-9 "But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the loaves and fishes and how a small amount of food was miraculously increased to feed 5,000. When we think we don't have enough of something we need, instead of bemoaning the fact and waiting around for more, we need to use what we already have because we may discover that the Lord will increase it to make it go much further than we expected. Even a little can accomplish a lot when we trust in the Lord. Matt. 14: 15-21 "And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
(no subject)
In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord commanded the children of Isreal to keep His Sabbaths, refrain from worhipping idols, and keep the statutes of the Lord. Howeve, they rebelled against the Lord, which caused Him to be angry with them. Ezek. 20: 18-21 "But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness."
In the D&C I read that Jesus will be made known to the Jews who crucified Him and they'll weep because of their iniquities and lament that they ever persecuted Him. D&C 45: 51-53 "And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and whatever else we need will be added unto us. I've found this to be so true in my life. If I pay my tithing FIRST, I seem to have money left over for what I need. If I read my scriptures FIRST, the rest of my day goes better. When I put God FIRST in my life, other things seem to fall into place. It's when we put other things ahead of the Lord that we get into trouble. That's when we'll find there's no money for tithing, no time to read scriptures or pray, and no room for God in our lives. He has to come first. Matt. 6: 33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
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In the D&C I read that Jesus will be made known to the Jews who crucified Him and they'll weep because of their iniquities and lament that they ever persecuted Him. D&C 45: 51-53 "And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and whatever else we need will be added unto us. I've found this to be so true in my life. If I pay my tithing FIRST, I seem to have money left over for what I need. If I read my scriptures FIRST, the rest of my day goes better. When I put God FIRST in my life, other things seem to fall into place. It's when we put other things ahead of the Lord that we get into trouble. That's when we'll find there's no money for tithing, no time to read scriptures or pray, and no room for God in our lives. He has to come first. Matt. 6: 33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
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Monday, October 11, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the Israelites rebelled against the Lord, worshipping the idols of Egypt and refusing to hearken to the words of the Lord. As a result, the fury of the Lord was upon them. Ezek. 20: 7-8 "Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt."
In the D&C we're told that Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father and pleads our cause before Him. Even though He was innocent of any sin Himself, He suffered and died for our sins so that those of us who would believe on His name could be spared and have everlasting life. D&C 45: 3-5 "Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him— Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life."
Some verses from a thought booklet talk about the power and majesty of God who created all things. He does not faint and is not weary, and He gives strength to those who wait upon Him, helping them to run and not be weary and walk and not faint. If we're feeling weak and tired, we need to turn to the Lord who will help us and give us strength to do whatever we need to do. He will be there for us. In fact, He'll help us soar like eagles! Isa. 40: 28-31 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
In the D&C we're told that Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father and pleads our cause before Him. Even though He was innocent of any sin Himself, He suffered and died for our sins so that those of us who would believe on His name could be spared and have everlasting life. D&C 45: 3-5 "Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him— Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life."
Some verses from a thought booklet talk about the power and majesty of God who created all things. He does not faint and is not weary, and He gives strength to those who wait upon Him, helping them to run and not be weary and walk and not faint. If we're feeling weak and tired, we need to turn to the Lord who will help us and give us strength to do whatever we need to do. He will be there for us. In fact, He'll help us soar like eagles! Isa. 40: 28-31 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read the allegory of the vine and its branches. The Institute manual says: The Allegory deals with the conditions in Israel at the time of Ezekiel: "Israel resembled a vine planted by the water... This vine sent out strong shoots for rules' sceptres; that is to say, it brought forth powerful kings, and grew up to a great height... It was turn up in fury by the wrath of God, cast down to the groud, so that its fruit withered... The uprooting ends in the transplanted of the vine into a waste, dry, unwatered land, --it other words, in the transplanting of the people, Israel, into exile. The dry land is Babylon, so described as being a barren soil in which the kingdom of God could not flourish." (Keil and Delizsch, Commentary, 9:1:261-62). With the destruction of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar and the killing of Zedekiah's sons, "she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule." Clarke summarized: "None of the blood-royal of Judah was left. And from that time not one of her own royal race ever sat upon the strone of Israel." (Commentary 4:474.) Ezek. 19: 10-14 "Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters. And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches. But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them. And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground. And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation."
In the D&C we're told that if we're faithful and exercise faith in the Lord, He will pour out His Spirit to be with us when we assemble together. D&C 44: 2 "And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the God who made us will carry us and take care of us even until we are old and our hair is gray. What a comforting thought! Having tried to take care of my parents as they aged, I've sometimes wondered who is going to take care of me when I get old. But I know that no matter what my circumstances become, the Lord will always be with me and help me. People of any age can trust in the Lord with whatever problems, concerns and challenges we have to face. Isa. 46: 4 "And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you."
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In the D&C we're told that if we're faithful and exercise faith in the Lord, He will pour out His Spirit to be with us when we assemble together. D&C 44: 2 "And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the God who made us will carry us and take care of us even until we are old and our hair is gray. What a comforting thought! Having tried to take care of my parents as they aged, I've sometimes wondered who is going to take care of me when I get old. But I know that no matter what my circumstances become, the Lord will always be with me and help me. People of any age can trust in the Lord with whatever problems, concerns and challenges we have to face. Isa. 46: 4 "And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you."
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Saturday, October 9, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read the allegory of the lioness and the whelps. The Institute manual tells about it as follows: The interpretation of this allegory seems fairly clear. The lioness, if not the doomed country (Judah), is Hamutal, the mother of Zedekiah. The first of her whelps would then be Jehoahaz, who after reigning for a short time was taken prisoner to Egypt by Pharaoh-hechoh. Jehoahaz was in turn suceeded by Jekoiakim, a son of Josiah by a wife other than Hamutal. Jehoiakim was succeeded by his soj Jehoiachin. When the last-named was taken captice by the Babylonians, Hamutal's second son, Zedekiah, was appointed king i his stead. He must therefore be the other "whelp" of the allegory. When taken captive by Nebuchadrezzar and carried to Babylon, Zedekiah fulfilled the requirements of the last two verses. Ezek. 19: 1-9 "Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel, And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions. And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men. The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt. Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion. And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men. And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring. Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit. And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be heard upon the mountains of Israel."
In the D&C I read that we need to purge out iniquity from among us and sanctify yourself. D&C 43: 11 "Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you; sanctify yourselves before me;"
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. If we're feeling lost, we can know that Jesus is seeking after us and wants to save us. And if we see others who are lost, we need to remember that they are beloved children of God and they are valuable to Him. He came to seek after them and save them. We need to do our part to help them as well. Luke 19: 10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
In the D&C I read that we need to purge out iniquity from among us and sanctify yourself. D&C 43: 11 "Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you; sanctify yourselves before me;"
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. If we're feeling lost, we can know that Jesus is seeking after us and wants to save us. And if we see others who are lost, we need to remember that they are beloved children of God and they are valuable to Him. He came to seek after them and save them. We need to do our part to help them as well. Luke 19: 10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Friday, October 8, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we're told that no matter how righteous we are, we can't build up "rightous reserves" that will make up for it if we decide to sin later on. It doesn't work that way! We need to endure to the end and remain righteous our whole lives. But if we've lived a sinful life, we can repent and become righteous. The important thing is to put our life on the right track, and then keep it there. We need to repent of our sins and cast them away. The Lord doesn't take pleasure in punishing us; He wants us to turn our lives around and live. President Spencer W. Kimball taught: Having received the necesssary saving ordinances--baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, temple ordinances, and sealings--one must live the covenants made. He must endure in faith. No matter how brilliant was the service rendered by the bishop or stake president or other person, if he falters later in his life and fails to live righteously "to the end" the good works he did all stand in jeopardy. Ezek. 18: 21-32 "But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."
In the D&C a verse tells us that we should not be idle, and that he who is idle should not eat the bread or wear the garments of the laborer. In other words, we need to work for what we get and not expect other people to provide for us just because we're too lazy to do so ourselves. Of course this refers to people who can work, but just don't want to. All those who are able need to pull their own weight. D&C 42: 42 "Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will wonderously show His loving kindness to those who take refuge at His right hand. Ps. 17: 7 "Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them."
In the D&C a verse tells us that we should not be idle, and that he who is idle should not eat the bread or wear the garments of the laborer. In other words, we need to work for what we get and not expect other people to provide for us just because we're too lazy to do so ourselves. Of course this refers to people who can work, but just don't want to. All those who are able need to pull their own weight. D&C 42: 42 "Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will wonderously show His loving kindness to those who take refuge at His right hand. Ps. 17: 7 "Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them."
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we learn the principle that each individual has their agency and are accountable for their own actions; they will not be punished for the sins of someone else. The institute manual explains it this way: Ezekiel used the example of a man, his son, and his grandson to teach the principles of accountability as they relate to spiritual life and death. He said that if a man (the grandfather in this case) is just, he shall live. If his son, having seen the good example and been exposed to the good teachings, turns to iniquity, he shall not live. "His blood shall be upon him", that is, he will be punished for his own sins. If he, in turn, has a son who sees his father's iniquities and yet lives righteously, "he (the son) shall not die for the iniquity of his father." Ezek. 18: 1-20 "The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God. If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things, And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife, Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination, Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him. Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like, That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife, Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment, That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live. As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity. Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him."
In the D&C I read a familiar verse that tells us we should not teach unless we have the Spirit with us. And how do we get the Spirit? By the prayer of faith. D&C 42: 14 "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we commit sin, we're the servant of sin. Some people think that keeping the commandments restricts our freedom, but actually the opposite is true. When we commit sin, we lose our freedom and become a slave to sin. Our sins can become bad habits or addictions which are very difficult to overcome. And we lose the freedom to have the Holy Ghost in our life to guide us. John 8: 34 "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
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In the D&C I read a familiar verse that tells us we should not teach unless we have the Spirit with us. And how do we get the Spirit? By the prayer of faith. D&C 42: 14 "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we commit sin, we're the servant of sin. Some people think that keeping the commandments restricts our freedom, but actually the opposite is true. When we commit sin, we lose our freedom and become a slave to sin. Our sins can become bad habits or addictions which are very difficult to overcome. And we lose the freedom to have the Holy Ghost in our life to guide us. John 8: 34 "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the sins of Sodom caused the Lord to take them away. Some of their sins were pride, idleness, being haughty, and committing abominations before the Lord. Ezek. 16: 48-50 "As I live, saith the Lord God, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good."
In the D&C we read the sad story of James Covill. He accepted the word of the Lord with gladness and covenated to obey it. However, fear of persecution and the cares of the world then caused him to reject it and he broke his covenants. It's not only imporftant that we accept the gospel and make covenants to obey, but we need to be streadfast and endure to the end, not allowing anything to distract us or keep us from following the right path. D&C 40: 1-3 "Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James Covill was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word. And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word. Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the nations of the earth are like a drop in the bucket or a small amount of dust on a scale. Nations rise and fall and their fame is temporary. Many nations that were on the globe when I was a child no longer exist. New ones have taken their place. Instead of worrying about what the nations and their leaders are up to, we need to trust in the Lord alone. His knowledge and power is greater than any nation. Isa. 40: 15 "Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing."
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In the D&C we read the sad story of James Covill. He accepted the word of the Lord with gladness and covenated to obey it. However, fear of persecution and the cares of the world then caused him to reject it and he broke his covenants. It's not only imporftant that we accept the gospel and make covenants to obey, but we need to be streadfast and endure to the end, not allowing anything to distract us or keep us from following the right path. D&C 40: 1-3 "Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James Covill was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word. And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word. Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the nations of the earth are like a drop in the bucket or a small amount of dust on a scale. Nations rise and fall and their fame is temporary. Many nations that were on the globe when I was a child no longer exist. New ones have taken their place. Instead of worrying about what the nations and their leaders are up to, we need to trust in the Lord alone. His knowledge and power is greater than any nation. Isa. 40: 15 "Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing."
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read some verses that compare Judah's iniquities with those of a harlot, saying they are worse. The institute manual explains it as follows: The imagery Ezekiel uses in 16:30-34 is some of the most scathing in all the scriptures. Comparing idolatry to adultery, Ezekiel condemned Judah for being far worse than a harlot who takes men for personal gain and the presents they give her. Judah was not like this She scorned personal presents and took strangers to her simply for the change and the pleasure of being with other men.
A harlot takes presents from her lovers, and that is her motivation; in Judah's case, not only did she not receiv e such presents from her lovers (the false gods gave no benefits to Israel) but instead she gave the presents to her lovers (the false gods). Thus, so deeply sunk in her idolatry (adultery), Judah should not have been surprised to be punished accordingly. Ezek. 16: 30-34 "How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord God, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman; In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire; But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband! They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom. And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary."
In the D&C we're told that we need to preach a warning voice in mildness and meekness and go out from among the wicked. We need to be clean. D&C 38: 41-42 "And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet tells how the Lord prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah after he'd been tossed into the sea. And he was in the fish three days and three nights before the fish vomitted him up onto dry ground. How unlikely would it seem that getting swallowed up by a big fish would actually be a blessing? God could have used another ship to rescue Jonah, but chose this fish instead. When we're facing difficult times in the sea of life, maybe the means of rescue God sends us won't seem like a blessing at all at first. Maybe it will seem like a greater trial. But if we trust in God and obey Him no matter what, He'll see us through whatever comes our way. We need to trust Him in all our circumstances. Jonah 1: 17 "Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."
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A harlot takes presents from her lovers, and that is her motivation; in Judah's case, not only did she not receiv e such presents from her lovers (the false gods gave no benefits to Israel) but instead she gave the presents to her lovers (the false gods). Thus, so deeply sunk in her idolatry (adultery), Judah should not have been surprised to be punished accordingly. Ezek. 16: 30-34 "How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord God, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman; In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire; But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband! They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom. And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary."
In the D&C we're told that we need to preach a warning voice in mildness and meekness and go out from among the wicked. We need to be clean. D&C 38: 41-42 "And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet tells how the Lord prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah after he'd been tossed into the sea. And he was in the fish three days and three nights before the fish vomitted him up onto dry ground. How unlikely would it seem that getting swallowed up by a big fish would actually be a blessing? God could have used another ship to rescue Jonah, but chose this fish instead. When we're facing difficult times in the sea of life, maybe the means of rescue God sends us won't seem like a blessing at all at first. Maybe it will seem like a greater trial. But if we trust in God and obey Him no matter what, He'll see us through whatever comes our way. We need to trust Him in all our circumstances. Jonah 1: 17 "Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."
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Monday, October 4, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the great wickedness of Jerusalem--worshipping false gods, sacrificing children, partaking of the sins of Egypt and the nations round about. How very sad that they had turned to doing so much evil! It's no wonder that all this provoked the Lord to anger. Ezek. 16: 15-26 "But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was. And of thy garments thou didst take, and deckedst thy high places with divers colours, and playedst the harlot thereupon: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so. Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them, And tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them: and thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before them. My meat also which I gave thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed thee, thou hast even set it before them for a sweet savour: and thus it was, saith the Lord God. Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter, That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them? And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood. And it came to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord God;) That thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street. Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms. Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger."
In the D&C we're told that we need to esteem all men as our brothers, and as we would ourselves. We need to practise virtue and holiness before the Lord. D&C 38: 24-25 "And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practise virtue and holiness before me. And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that instead of conforming to this world, we need to be transformed and have our minds renewed, that we may know the perfect will of God. If we're in tune with the Spirit, we will be guided and directed in the way we should go and the path the Lord wants us to take. Rom. 12: 2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
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In the D&C we're told that we need to esteem all men as our brothers, and as we would ourselves. We need to practise virtue and holiness before the Lord. D&C 38: 24-25 "And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practise virtue and holiness before me. And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that instead of conforming to this world, we need to be transformed and have our minds renewed, that we may know the perfect will of God. If we're in tune with the Spirit, we will be guided and directed in the way we should go and the path the Lord wants us to take. Rom. 12: 2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
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Sunday, October 3, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would make the land desolate because the people had committed a trespass. We are punished for our sins and what we do has consequences. Ezek. 15: 8 "And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord God."
A scripture in the D&C tells us that when we have hands laid upon our heads to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, He'll teach us the peaceable things of the Kingdom. D&C 36: 2 "And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we love the Lord, we'll keep His commandments. We need to show our love for Him by our actions. John 14: 15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
A scripture in the D&C tells us that when we have hands laid upon our heads to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, He'll teach us the peaceable things of the Kingdom. D&C 36: 2 "And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we love the Lord, we'll keep His commandments. We need to show our love for Him by our actions. John 14: 15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord will not answer those who worship false gods and work iniquity. Do we want the Lord to hear and answer our prayers? We need to repent and get rid of the sins in our lives. Ezek. 14: 3-8 "Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the Lord will answer him by myself: And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord."
In the D&C I read that the Lord is a God of miracles and will show them forth to those who believe on His name. Those who ask in faith will be able to heal the sick, but those without faith will not be shown forth anything but desolations. D&C 35: 8-11 "For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name. And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. And the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men; But without faith shall not anything be shown forth except desolations upon Babylon, the same which has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that if we're wise, we'll be willing to hear instruction and not refuse to listen to it. Do we think we know it all and having nothing to learn? If so, we'd better think again. The truly wise person is willing to listen. Prov. 8: 33 "Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not."
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In the D&C I read that the Lord is a God of miracles and will show them forth to those who believe on His name. Those who ask in faith will be able to heal the sick, but those without faith will not be shown forth anything but desolations. D&C 35: 8-11 "For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name. And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. And the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men; But without faith shall not anything be shown forth except desolations upon Babylon, the same which has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
A verse from a thought booklet tells us that if we're wise, we'll be willing to hear instruction and not refuse to listen to it. Do we think we know it all and having nothing to learn? If so, we'd better think again. The truly wise person is willing to listen. Prov. 8: 33 "Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not."
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Friday, October 1, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament the Lord reproved the false prophets who prophesied lies and claimed the Lord spoke to them when He did not. Ezek. 13: 1-8 "And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The Lord saith: and the Lord hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The Lord saith it; albeit I have not spoken? Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God."
In the D&C I read that we need to be faithful and pray always, preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord, for He comes quickly. D&C 33: 17-18 "Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom— For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we not only near to hear the sayings of the Lord, but we need to do them. He who does both is like a man who builds his house upon a firm foundation of rock, which remains unshaken even when storms beat vehemently upon it. But a man who hears the sayings of the Lord but does not obey them is like a man who builds his house upon the sand--when a storm comes along, the house falls and great is the ruin of it. It's like the primary song says, The wise man built his house upon the rock and when the rains came tumbling down and the floods came up, the house on the rock stood still. But the foolish man built his house upon the sand and it washed away. Luke 6: 46-49 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."
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In the D&C I read that we need to be faithful and pray always, preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord, for He comes quickly. D&C 33: 17-18 "Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom— For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we not only near to hear the sayings of the Lord, but we need to do them. He who does both is like a man who builds his house upon a firm foundation of rock, which remains unshaken even when storms beat vehemently upon it. But a man who hears the sayings of the Lord but does not obey them is like a man who builds his house upon the sand--when a storm comes along, the house falls and great is the ruin of it. It's like the primary song says, The wise man built his house upon the rock and when the rains came tumbling down and the floods came up, the house on the rock stood still. But the foolish man built his house upon the sand and it washed away. Luke 6: 46-49 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."
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