Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that Ephraim's sins provoked the Lord. There is no Savior besides the Lord. Hosea 13: 1-4 "When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died. And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves. Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney. Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me."

In the D&C we're told to forgive our enemies as often as they're willing to repent of their tresspasses against us, even until 70 times 7. This can be easier said than done, but if we find ourselves very angry and upset with another person over what they've done to us, we can turn to the Lord for help in softening our hearts and helping us feel better. And this is actually more for our benefit than for the other person's because as long as we have an unforgiving, bitter heart, we will be unhappy and have no peace. D&C 98: 39-40 "And again, verily I say unto you, if after thine enemy has come upon thee the first time, he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou shalt forgive him, and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy— And so on unto the second and third time; and as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive him, until seventy times seven."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that faith without works are dead. If we truly have faith, our works will show it. We'll be willing to help those in need, not just wish them well. Do we keep the commandments with a desire to please the Lord because of our love for Him? Or are we half hearted in keeping the commandments, and only when it's convenient for us and doesn't take much effort? If we truly have faith, how we live our lives will reflect that. James 2: 14-17 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.:


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