In the Old Testament a promise is given that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, just as the waters cover the sea. What a wonderful day that will be! Hab. 2: 14 "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."
In the D&C we're told that if a man marries a wife in the world their covenant of marriage only lasts for this world only and after they are dead they'll no longer be bound together. Only in Holy Temples can couples be sealed for eternity. D&C 132: 15 "Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus brought Light into the world but evil people prefer darkness. The righteous love the light because they are not ashamed of their deeds being made manifest, but wicked people think darkness will help hide their sins. However, no one can hide anything from God. Let's live our lives so we can welcome the Light! Light is associated with life, but darkness is an ally of death. It takes courage to come unto the Light. John 3: 19-21 "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."
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
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse in the Old Testament tells us that those who lift themselves up in pride are not upright, but the just will live by faith. Hab. 2: 4 "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."
In the D&C we read that it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. A simple truth. We need knowledge and understanding. D&C 131: 6 "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
A verse with a thought booklet prophetically proclaims the birth of the Messiah. Whenever I read this scripture the music from "The Messiah" comes to mind, as Handel used this verse in such an inspiring hymn of praise. Isa. 9: 6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
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In the D&C we read that it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. A simple truth. We need knowledge and understanding. D&C 131: 6 "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
A verse with a thought booklet prophetically proclaims the birth of the Messiah. Whenever I read this scripture the music from "The Messiah" comes to mind, as Handel used this verse in such an inspiring hymn of praise. Isa. 9: 6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the great wickedness of Nineveh and how this resulted in her miserable downfall. Nahum 3: 1-7 "Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not; The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots. The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and there is none end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses: Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame. And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock. And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?"
In the D&C I read about a couple of wonderful truths. One is that whatever knowledge we're able to gain in this life, through our diligence and obedience, will rise with us in the resurrection. Another truth is that when we obey laws, we receive the blessings that are predicated on those laws. D&C 130: 18-21 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to be kind, loving, and tender hearted toward one another and to avoid anger, bitterness, and evil speaking which drive the Spirit away. We need to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. Instead of allowing evil communication to come out of our mouths, we need to use our words to edify one another. We need to follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way we would like to be treated. Eph. 4: 29-32 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
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In the D&C I read about a couple of wonderful truths. One is that whatever knowledge we're able to gain in this life, through our diligence and obedience, will rise with us in the resurrection. Another truth is that when we obey laws, we receive the blessings that are predicated on those laws. D&C 130: 18-21 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to be kind, loving, and tender hearted toward one another and to avoid anger, bitterness, and evil speaking which drive the Spirit away. We need to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. Instead of allowing evil communication to come out of our mouths, we need to use our words to edify one another. We need to follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way we would like to be treated. Eph. 4: 29-32 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read about how Nineveh will be destroyed, which is a type of what will be in the latter days. Nahum 2: 8-10, 13 "But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back. Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for there is none end of the store and glory out of all the pleasant furniture. She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness. Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard."
In the D&C I read some wonderful verses which declare the glad and glorious tidings of the Lord for the living and the dead. We need to move forward with courage and press on to the victory. All of God's creations shout for joy. D&C 128: 22-23 "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free. Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!"
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish older people to be good examples to those who are younger and teach them to be self controlled, chaste, patient, sound in faith, and full of love. What kind of example are we being to others by our actions and by the lives that we live? Titus 2: 1-5 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
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In the D&C I read some wonderful verses which declare the glad and glorious tidings of the Lord for the living and the dead. We need to move forward with courage and press on to the victory. All of God's creations shout for joy. D&C 128: 22-23 "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free. Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!"
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish older people to be good examples to those who are younger and teach them to be self controlled, chaste, patient, sound in faith, and full of love. What kind of example are we being to others by our actions and by the lives that we live? Titus 2: 1-5 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
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Monday, December 27, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord is good and can be a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1: 7 "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
In the D&C it explains baptism by immersion, going under the water and coming back out, is symbolic of being buried in a grave and coming forth in the resurrection. When we're baptized, we bury the old person we used to be and come forth new creatures. D&C 128: 12 "Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead."
Some verses with a thought booklet emphasize the importance of the words we speak and the impact they can have on others. If we give a soft answer, it can turn away the anger of another person. But harsh words can stir up wrath and add fuel to the fire of contention. Gentle words can be like a tree of life and wise words can impart knowledge. But the words of a foolish person can do no such good. We need to be careful not only in what we say, but also in how we say it and the tone of our voice. Our words can do great good in building others up and teaching them truths or our words can do much harm and cause hurt and pain. Think before you speak! Prov. 15: 1, 4, 7 "A Soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."
In the D&C it explains baptism by immersion, going under the water and coming back out, is symbolic of being buried in a grave and coming forth in the resurrection. When we're baptized, we bury the old person we used to be and come forth new creatures. D&C 128: 12 "Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead."
Some verses with a thought booklet emphasize the importance of the words we speak and the impact they can have on others. If we give a soft answer, it can turn away the anger of another person. But harsh words can stir up wrath and add fuel to the fire of contention. Gentle words can be like a tree of life and wise words can impart knowledge. But the words of a foolish person can do no such good. We need to be careful not only in what we say, but also in how we say it and the tone of our voice. Our words can do great good in building others up and teaching them truths or our words can do much harm and cause hurt and pain. Think before you speak! Prov. 15: 1, 4, 7 "A Soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord is slow to anger, but has great power. He can make the rivers and sea dry up, the mountains quake, and the hills melt. Nahum 1: 3-5 "The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein."
In the D&C I read about the great trials and tribulations that Joseph Smith suffered, but he expressed faith in the Lord. We likewise need to trust in the Lord, in spite of all the problems we're called upon to bear. D&C 127: 2 "And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we're afflicted, we should pray. If we're happy, we should give thanks. If we're sick we should seek a blessing from priesthood holders and let them pray over us. James 5: 13-14 "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
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In the D&C I read about the great trials and tribulations that Joseph Smith suffered, but he expressed faith in the Lord. We likewise need to trust in the Lord, in spite of all the problems we're called upon to bear. D&C 127: 2 "And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we're afflicted, we should pray. If we're happy, we should give thanks. If we're sick we should seek a blessing from priesthood holders and let them pray over us. James 5: 13-14 "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that God pardons iniquity and does not retain his anger forever, but has great compassion and mercy. He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. It's so important to remember that when we have sinned, we can indeed be forgiven if we're willing to repent. Our sins can be cast away by the Lord. Picture Him casting them into the depths of the sea! What an image. Micah 7: 18-19 "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
In the D&C I read that if we can prove ourselves faithful in a few things that have been entrusted in our care, we'll be made ruler over many things. We need to humble ourselves in order to be exalted. D&C 124: 113-114 "And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall be entrusted unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be made ruler over many; Let him therefore abase himself that he may be exalted. Even so. Amen."
In scriptures with a thought booklet, it recounts the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise and prepared for the Lord's coming and five were foolish and not prepared. They didn't have oil in their lamps and even though they tried to rush off to get some at the last minute, it was too late. Are we preparing our lives for the coming of the Lord? Every prayer we say, every scripture we read, every act of loving service we render, every kind word we say, every good deed we perform adds another drop of oil to our lamps. This is not something we can rush out and get at the last minute. It takes a lifetime of righteous living to prepare ourselves so that when the Savior comes, He will know us. Matt. 25: 1-13 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
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In the D&C I read that if we can prove ourselves faithful in a few things that have been entrusted in our care, we'll be made ruler over many things. We need to humble ourselves in order to be exalted. D&C 124: 113-114 "And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall be entrusted unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be made ruler over many; Let him therefore abase himself that he may be exalted. Even so. Amen."
In scriptures with a thought booklet, it recounts the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise and prepared for the Lord's coming and five were foolish and not prepared. They didn't have oil in their lamps and even though they tried to rush off to get some at the last minute, it was too late. Are we preparing our lives for the coming of the Lord? Every prayer we say, every scripture we read, every act of loving service we render, every kind word we say, every good deed we perform adds another drop of oil to our lamps. This is not something we can rush out and get at the last minute. It takes a lifetime of righteous living to prepare ourselves so that when the Savior comes, He will know us. Matt. 25: 1-13 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
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Friday, December 24, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that we should look unto the Lord and wait for Him, and He will hear us. When we fall, the Lord will lift us and when we sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to us. When we sin against the Lord, we must bear His indignation. But if we repent, He will plead our cause and bring us forth to the light so that we can again behold His righteousness. Micah 7: 7-9 "Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness."
In the D&C I read that William Law was commanded to preach the gospel to various cities with joy and as moved upon by the Spirit, and then he was to wait patiently and diligently for further instructions which he would receive at general conference. The Lord doesn't always tell us everything at once that He wants us to do. Sometimes He'll give us some instructions and we need to proceed with that, and then He'll give us further instructions after we've completed that first assignment. Line upon line, precept on precept. D&C 124: 88 "Let my servant William go and proclaim my everlasting gospel with a loud voice, and with great joy, as he shall be moved upon by my Spirit, unto the inhabitants of Warsaw, and also unto the inhabitants of Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of Burlington, and also unto the inhabitants of Madison, and await patiently and diligently for further instructions at my general conference, saith the Lord."
In some scriptures with a thought booklet I read about how Saul enquired of the witch of En-dor for revelation. He had tried getting direction from the Lord, but due to his iniquity, the Lord wasn't speaking to him. So in his desperation and fear of what the Philistines would do to him, he turned to other sources. Not a good idea! We should seek guidance and revelation from the Lord, not from other things. Maybe it might be tempting to seek direction from mediums, fortune tellers, or horoscopes, but the only trustworthy source of advise is from the Lord. 1 Sam. 28: 5-8 "And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee."
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In the D&C I read that William Law was commanded to preach the gospel to various cities with joy and as moved upon by the Spirit, and then he was to wait patiently and diligently for further instructions which he would receive at general conference. The Lord doesn't always tell us everything at once that He wants us to do. Sometimes He'll give us some instructions and we need to proceed with that, and then He'll give us further instructions after we've completed that first assignment. Line upon line, precept on precept. D&C 124: 88 "Let my servant William go and proclaim my everlasting gospel with a loud voice, and with great joy, as he shall be moved upon by my Spirit, unto the inhabitants of Warsaw, and also unto the inhabitants of Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of Burlington, and also unto the inhabitants of Madison, and await patiently and diligently for further instructions at my general conference, saith the Lord."
In some scriptures with a thought booklet I read about how Saul enquired of the witch of En-dor for revelation. He had tried getting direction from the Lord, but due to his iniquity, the Lord wasn't speaking to him. So in his desperation and fear of what the Philistines would do to him, he turned to other sources. Not a good idea! We should seek guidance and revelation from the Lord, not from other things. Maybe it might be tempting to seek direction from mediums, fortune tellers, or horoscopes, but the only trustworthy source of advise is from the Lord. 1 Sam. 28: 5-8 "And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee."
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Thursday, December 23, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that what the Lord requires of us is to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Micah 6: 8 "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
In the D&C we're told that if we diligently do our best to do what the Lord commands us to do, but are hindered in being able to perform the work, the Lord will accept of our offering. We're not only judged on what we're able to accomplish, but also on the desires of our hearts and on our own best efforts. The scripture was given in relation to enemies of the church hindering the saints from being able to build the temple in Jackson County, Missouri, but I think this principle can apply to other things as well, such as a young man being unable to serve a mission due to health reasons or a young mother unable to spend one day a week serving in the temple due to the demands of her little children or a teenager who wants to join the church but whose parents will not grant permission for his baptism. If our heart is in the right place and we truly have a desire to serve the Lord, He'll understand and accept of our best efforts. We can only do what we are able to do. D&C 124: 49 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord is watching over the righteous and listens to their prayers. He is near to those who have a broken heart. Even though we may pass through many afflictions, in the end the Lord will deliver us from them all and will redeem our souls. As long as we trust in Him, we will not be left desolate. As we go through the trials and troubles of life, we can turn to the Lord to help us get through them and trust in Him that as long as we remain faithful, we'll receive the blessing of a wonderful reward someday. Ps. 34: 15, 17-19, 22 "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate."
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In the D&C we're told that if we diligently do our best to do what the Lord commands us to do, but are hindered in being able to perform the work, the Lord will accept of our offering. We're not only judged on what we're able to accomplish, but also on the desires of our hearts and on our own best efforts. The scripture was given in relation to enemies of the church hindering the saints from being able to build the temple in Jackson County, Missouri, but I think this principle can apply to other things as well, such as a young man being unable to serve a mission due to health reasons or a young mother unable to spend one day a week serving in the temple due to the demands of her little children or a teenager who wants to join the church but whose parents will not grant permission for his baptism. If our heart is in the right place and we truly have a desire to serve the Lord, He'll understand and accept of our best efforts. We can only do what we are able to do. D&C 124: 49 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord is watching over the righteous and listens to their prayers. He is near to those who have a broken heart. Even though we may pass through many afflictions, in the end the Lord will deliver us from them all and will redeem our souls. As long as we trust in Him, we will not be left desolate. As we go through the trials and troubles of life, we can turn to the Lord to help us get through them and trust in Him that as long as we remain faithful, we'll receive the blessing of a wonderful reward someday. Ps. 34: 15, 17-19, 22 "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate."
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that in the last days the Lord would cut off the cities of the land and their strongholds, cut off witchcrafts and soothsayers and graven images, and execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen. Micah 5: 10-15 "And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots: And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds: And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers: Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands. And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee: so will I destroy thy cities. And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard."
In the D&C it is reiterated that when we hearken to the voice of the Lord, and of His servants, we are blessed. But if we refuse, we will have no such blessings. D&C 124: 45-46 "And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place. But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it's not enough to just say that we love, but we need to demonstrate our love through our actions. If we truly love the Lord and other people, our actions will show it. Jesus often spoke about love, but He spent even more time demonstrating it. Let's follow His example. 1 Jn. 3: 18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
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In the D&C it is reiterated that when we hearken to the voice of the Lord, and of His servants, we are blessed. But if we refuse, we will have no such blessings. D&C 124: 45-46 "And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place. But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it's not enough to just say that we love, but we need to demonstrate our love through our actions. If we truly love the Lord and other people, our actions will show it. Jesus often spoke about love, but He spent even more time demonstrating it. Let's follow His example. 1 Jn. 3: 18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it tells us that the people will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks and there will no longer be war. In other words, weapons of war will no longer be needed so they'll be retooled into farming impliments. Won't that be a wonderful day, when men will no longer lift up their hands against each other? Micah 4: 3 "And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
In the D&C it talks about how the Lord loved and blessed Hyrum Smith because of the integrity of his heart and because he loved to do that which is right before the Lord. The Lord indeed values integrity in us all, and blesses those who desire to do what is right. D&C 124: 15 "And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet demonstrate how David cried unto the Lord during his times of trouble and turned to Him for help and refuge from his problems, knowing that He cared for his soul. We also can know that the Lord loves us and will help us through whatever tribulations we're called upon to pass through. Ps. 142: 1-7 "I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me."
In the D&C it talks about how the Lord loved and blessed Hyrum Smith because of the integrity of his heart and because he loved to do that which is right before the Lord. The Lord indeed values integrity in us all, and blesses those who desire to do what is right. D&C 124: 15 "And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet demonstrate how David cried unto the Lord during his times of trouble and turned to Him for help and refuge from his problems, knowing that He cared for his soul. We also can know that the Lord loves us and will help us through whatever tribulations we're called upon to pass through. Ps. 142: 1-7 "I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me."
Monday, December 20, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that in the last days, a temple shall be built in the mountains and people shall gather to it so they may be taught of the Lord. Micah 4: 1-2 "But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord , and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
In the D&C we're told that no matter what horrible tribulations we're called to pass through, we can know that all these things will give us experience and be for our good. Even Jesus Christ suffered. Are we better than He is? We should not fear what man can do to us, because God will be with us forever. D&C 122: 5-9 "If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea; If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can't you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb; And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the parables of the lost sheep and of the lost coin. If a shepherd has 100 sheep and loses one of them, he'll leave the 99 to seek after the lost one. And when he finds it, he rejoices. So likewise if one of Heavenly Father's children loses their way, He'll seek after the lost soul and rejoice when they return to Him. He loves each and every one of us, even those of us who have gone astray. And He longs for us to return to the fold. Luke 15: 1-20 "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
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In the D&C we're told that no matter what horrible tribulations we're called to pass through, we can know that all these things will give us experience and be for our good. Even Jesus Christ suffered. Are we better than He is? We should not fear what man can do to us, because God will be with us forever. D&C 122: 5-9 "If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea; If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can't you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb; And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the parables of the lost sheep and of the lost coin. If a shepherd has 100 sheep and loses one of them, he'll leave the 99 to seek after the lost one. And when he finds it, he rejoices. So likewise if one of Heavenly Father's children loses their way, He'll seek after the lost soul and rejoice when they return to Him. He loves each and every one of us, even those of us who have gone astray. And He longs for us to return to the fold. Luke 15: 1-20 "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
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Sunday, December 19, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it says that priests who teach for hire and prophets who divine for money will bring a curse upon the people. Micah 3:11-12 "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us. Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest."
In the D&C it tells us that our afflictions will only be a small moment and if we endure they well we'll be exalted on high. If we look at the eternal scheme of things, the things we suffer in this life really are not for long. But how important that we endure well because our eternal life is at stake. D&C 121: 7-8 "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that whoever is faithful in small things will be faithful in larger things and likewise a person who is unfaithful in small things can also not be trusted in larger matters. We need to watch ourselves even in small matters that don't seem of great consequence. Even the small things show what our true character is. Luke 16: 10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
In the D&C it tells us that our afflictions will only be a small moment and if we endure they well we'll be exalted on high. If we look at the eternal scheme of things, the things we suffer in this life really are not for long. But how important that we endure well because our eternal life is at stake. D&C 121: 7-8 "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that whoever is faithful in small things will be faithful in larger things and likewise a person who is unfaithful in small things can also not be trusted in larger matters. We need to watch ourselves even in small matters that don't seem of great consequence. Even the small things show what our true character is. Luke 16: 10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it tells us that those who behave ill in their doings will cry unto the Lord but He will not hear them and He will hide His face from them. If we want the Lord to hear and answer our prayers, we need to do what's right. Micah 3: 4 "Then shall they cry unto the Lord , but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings."
In the D&C I read Joseph Smith's pleadings with the Lord while in Liberty Jail regarding the suffering and persecutions of the saints. He asked, "O God, where art Thou?" Have you ever felt that way while going through times of trial? Wondering where God was and how long He would allow you to go through such heartache? Joseph Smith felt this way at times too. D&C 121: 1-3 "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that a leper came to Jesus in an attitude of worship and said, "If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." He showed forth faith, knowing Jesus could heal him, and acknowledged that it would happen if it was the Lord's will. This is an example of how we should approach the Lord in prayer with our requests. We should come to Him in an attitude of praise and worship, show forth faith, and always be willing to accept His will rather than demanding that our prayers be answered according to our own wishes. Matt. 8: 2-3 "And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."
In the D&C I read Joseph Smith's pleadings with the Lord while in Liberty Jail regarding the suffering and persecutions of the saints. He asked, "O God, where art Thou?" Have you ever felt that way while going through times of trial? Wondering where God was and how long He would allow you to go through such heartache? Joseph Smith felt this way at times too. D&C 121: 1-3 "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?"
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that a leper came to Jesus in an attitude of worship and said, "If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." He showed forth faith, knowing Jesus could heal him, and acknowledged that it would happen if it was the Lord's will. This is an example of how we should approach the Lord in prayer with our requests. We should come to Him in an attitude of praise and worship, show forth faith, and always be willing to accept His will rather than demanding that our prayers be answered according to our own wishes. Matt. 8: 2-3 "And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."
Friday, December 17, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Israel would be destroyed because of her iniquity and the evil and violence she was guilty of. Micah 2: 1-4 "Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. Therefore thus saith the Lord ; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil. In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed it from me! turning away he hath divided our fields."
In the D&C I read a promise from the Lord that the families of the Twelve would be provided for if they would preach in all meekness and long-suffering. When we do what the Lord asks us to do, we are blessed. D&C 118: 3 "Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth."
A verse with a thought booklet warns us to watch the words that come out of our mouths--and put all perverse speaking far from us. The words we speak have a profound effect on those around us, for good or ill. An unkind remark can wound another person, sometimes in a lasting way. But a kind or encouraging word at the right time can make all the difference to a person who is struggling. Prov. 4: 24 "Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee."
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In the D&C I read a promise from the Lord that the families of the Twelve would be provided for if they would preach in all meekness and long-suffering. When we do what the Lord asks us to do, we are blessed. D&C 118: 3 "Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth."
A verse with a thought booklet warns us to watch the words that come out of our mouths--and put all perverse speaking far from us. The words we speak have a profound effect on those around us, for good or ill. An unkind remark can wound another person, sometimes in a lasting way. But a kind or encouraging word at the right time can make all the difference to a person who is struggling. Prov. 4: 24 "Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee."
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Thursday, December 16, 2010
Daily Thoughts
Continuing on with the story of Jonah in the Old Testament, we read that when the people repented and were spared the destruction that they'd been warned about, Jonah became angry. What? You'd think he'd be delighted that the people had hearkened unto him and repented of their sins. But instead he was upset that the Lord had shown so much mercy to the city of Nineveh to be willing for forgive them of their sins and spare them. The Lord rebuked Jonah by sending a gourd to provide a shadow over his head and deliver him from his grief. But the next morning a worm came and smote the gourd that it withered. Jonah then suffered the heat of the sun as it beat upon his head and made him feel faint. He became angry for the loss of the gourd. The Lord then pointed out to him how ridiculous it was to be angry over a gourd that he hadn't labored for or made to grow in yet not understand why the Lord was willing to spare Nineveh which contained 120,000 people. Jonah 4: 1-11 "But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry? So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.0 Then said the Lord , Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?"
In the D&C it tells us that church positions that are held by those who are not faithful will be given to others. The Lord's work will continue to go forward! D&C 114: 2 "For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead and receive their bishopric. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we should be content with what we have. The love of money is the root of all evil. We don't bring anything into this world and we won't take anything out with us. Instead of persuing wealth, we should seek for righteousness, love, faith, and patience. Striving to please the Lord will bring us contentment in life, not having lots of money. When someone asked John D. Rockefeller how much money it takes to make a man happy, his reply was "Just one more dollar." Often this is the case--no matter how much money a person has, they always want more and are never satisfied. Let's instead seek for the riches of heaven which are of eternal value. 1 Tim. 6: 6-11 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
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In the D&C it tells us that church positions that are held by those who are not faithful will be given to others. The Lord's work will continue to go forward! D&C 114: 2 "For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead and receive their bishopric. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we should be content with what we have. The love of money is the root of all evil. We don't bring anything into this world and we won't take anything out with us. Instead of persuing wealth, we should seek for righteousness, love, faith, and patience. Striving to please the Lord will bring us contentment in life, not having lots of money. When someone asked John D. Rockefeller how much money it takes to make a man happy, his reply was "Just one more dollar." Often this is the case--no matter how much money a person has, they always want more and are never satisfied. Let's instead seek for the riches of heaven which are of eternal value. 1 Tim. 6: 6-11 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read that after Jonah's life was miraculously spared when the great fish vomited him up, the Lord again commanded him to go to Nineveh and cry repentance unto the people. This time he did so, and the people hearkened to what he said and repented. As a result, the Lord decided to spare the city from destruction. Jonah 3: 1-10 "And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."
In the D&C it tells us that darkeness covers the earth and the minds of the peoople and that they are corrupt. The bengeance of the Lord will speedily come upon them, causing great lamentation. If the world was dark and wicked back in 1837 when this revelation was given to Joseph Smith, think of how much more wicked it has become today--and how much closer to that day of vengeance we must be. The wicked will be punished. That really will happen! We need to make sure we repent and are not numbered among them. D&C 112: 23-24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face. Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that with God on our side, we have no need to fear. What can man do to us? Ps. 118: 6 "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"
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In the D&C it tells us that darkeness covers the earth and the minds of the peoople and that they are corrupt. The bengeance of the Lord will speedily come upon them, causing great lamentation. If the world was dark and wicked back in 1837 when this revelation was given to Joseph Smith, think of how much more wicked it has become today--and how much closer to that day of vengeance we must be. The wicked will be punished. That really will happen! We need to make sure we repent and are not numbered among them. D&C 112: 23-24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face. Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that with God on our side, we have no need to fear. What can man do to us? Ps. 118: 6 "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament, continuing with the story of Jonah, Jonah prayed unto the Lord from the belly of the great fish and the Lord heard and answered his prayer by causing the fish to vomit up Jonah onto dry ground. This, indeed was a miracle! Jonah 2: 1, 10 "Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land."
In the D&C I read a verse that's special to me. Many years ago I was praying for a blessing that I thought I needed RIGHT NOW! I asked the Lord, "When am I going to get it? When? Just tell me when!" I felt impressed to open my scriptures at random and this is the verse I read. I came to see much later that the Lord wanted to give me the blessing I sought for, but I needed to prepare myself first to receive it. I wasn't ready for it at the time I asked. D&C 111: 11 "Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us what to do when we are beset with fear and worry--seek the Lord. He will deliver us from all our fears. Ps. 34: 4 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
In the D&C I read a verse that's special to me. Many years ago I was praying for a blessing that I thought I needed RIGHT NOW! I asked the Lord, "When am I going to get it? When? Just tell me when!" I felt impressed to open my scriptures at random and this is the verse I read. I came to see much later that the Lord wanted to give me the blessing I sought for, but I needed to prepare myself first to receive it. I wasn't ready for it at the time I asked. D&C 111: 11 "Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us what to do when we are beset with fear and worry--seek the Lord. He will deliver us from all our fears. Ps. 34: 4 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
Monday, December 13, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read that after Jonah was cast into the sea, that was not the end of the story. The Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow him up. And Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish (just like Jesus spent three days and three nights in the grave). 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."
In the D&C we read about how Jehovah appeared in glory to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple and accepted it as His house. He told them that He was their advocate with the Father and their sins were forgiven them. They should let their hearts rejoice! Can you imagine the wonder of having such a vision opened up to you and how they must have felt? D&C 110: 1-8 "The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the story of the woman takn in adultery. The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus saying that the law of Moses prescribed that she be stoned. What was Jesus going to do about it? He told them that he who was without sin among them should cast the first stone. Then he stooped down to write upon the ground and each person, pricked by their own conscience, crept away ashamed. How quick are we to judge others? In yet, if we look deeply into our own lives, we'll find that we also have committed sins. We, too, are guilty! It's not our place to condemn others. We are to be loving and forgiving of other people and work on repenting of our own sins. We have enough sins of our own to worry about without concerning ourselves with the sins of other people. John 8: 1-11 "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
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In the D&C we read about how Jehovah appeared in glory to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple and accepted it as His house. He told them that He was their advocate with the Father and their sins were forgiven them. They should let their hearts rejoice! Can you imagine the wonder of having such a vision opened up to you and how they must have felt? D&C 110: 1-8 "The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the story of the woman takn in adultery. The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus saying that the law of Moses prescribed that she be stoned. What was Jesus going to do about it? He told them that he who was without sin among them should cast the first stone. Then he stooped down to write upon the ground and each person, pricked by their own conscience, crept away ashamed. How quick are we to judge others? In yet, if we look deeply into our own lives, we'll find that we also have committed sins. We, too, are guilty! It's not our place to condemn others. We are to be loving and forgiving of other people and work on repenting of our own sins. We have enough sins of our own to worry about without concerning ourselves with the sins of other people. John 8: 1-11 "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
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Sunday, December 12, 2010
Daily Thoughts
Yesterday we read about how Jonah tried to run away from the Lord. But as he soon found out, you can't run away from God. The Lord caused a great storm to come upon the sea and the people aboard the ship were afraid they were all going to die. They drew lots to find out the cause of the problem and discovered that it was Jonah. He told them that to calm the sea they'd need to throw him overboard. They hesitated to do so and tried all the more to row to shore, but were unsucessfl. Finally in desperation they threw Jonah into the ocean. The sea then ceased its raging. Jonah 1: 4-15 "But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee. So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging."
In the D&C we read that we should not delight in the destruction of our fellowmen for they are precious in God's sight. Do we sometimes secretly rejoice when bad things happen to people we don't like? We should try to see others as the Lord see's them, and want only good for them. D&C 109: 43 "O Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our fellow men; their souls are precious before thee;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to bear each other's burdens. When other people are troubled and carrying a heavy load, do we do what we can to help them? And not only do we try to help them bear their burdens, but do we bear with people who are difficult? Do we show patience, kindness, and love to people we might find annoying? They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Gal. 6: 2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
In the D&C we read that we should not delight in the destruction of our fellowmen for they are precious in God's sight. Do we sometimes secretly rejoice when bad things happen to people we don't like? We should try to see others as the Lord see's them, and want only good for them. D&C 109: 43 "O Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our fellow men; their souls are precious before thee;"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to bear each other's burdens. When other people are troubled and carrying a heavy load, do we do what we can to help them? And not only do we try to help them bear their burdens, but do we bear with people who are difficult? Do we show patience, kindness, and love to people we might find annoying? They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Gal. 6: 2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord called Jonah to go to Nineveh and cry repentance unto the people. But instead of obeying what the Lord, asked him to do, he decided to run away. He got on a ship heading toward Tarshish and sailed away, thinking he could escape from the Lord. How do we react when the Lord asks us to do something difficult, something we'd rather not do? Do we try our best to do it anyway, or do we try to run away like Jonah did? Jonah 1: 1-3 "Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord , and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."
In the D&C we're told to strengthen our brethren, in all our conversations, prayers, exhortations, and doing. In other words, in all we say and do we need to be a strength to other people. And if we do this, the Lord will be with us and bless us forever. Look around you today. What can you do to be a strength to someone else? D&C 108: 7-8 "Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings. And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us of Habakkuk's cry to the Lord, asking why his prayers don't seem to be answered. Have you ever felt that way? I have. The important thing to remember is that even if God's promised blessings don't seem to be coming, they WILL eventually come! We just need to be patient and trust in the Lord. And He will help us get through whatever circumstances come our way. The thought that went with this, written by Harvey Stob from Ann Arbor, Michigan says: Have you ever lost patience with God? The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk did. Habakkuk lived during a time of violence, war and death. God's people were suffering and it seemed that God wasn't doing anything about it. Habakkuk couldn't understand it. He knew that God was powerful and that God loved His people. They desperately needed God's help, but it wasn't coming. Habakkuk finally couldn't take it anymore. "How long, Lord," he cried. "How long must I call for help, but you do not listen?" God promised to rid this world of its violence, but the world is violent still. God promised to put an end to death, but we still get sick and our loved ones die. Jesus said, "I am coming soon!" But that was 2,000 years ago. How long are we to wait for those promises to come true? We pray for our sons and our daughters every day, but nothing seems to change. We pray for an end to poverty and disease, to famines and wars, but those horrors continue to plague us. How long are we to wait for God's promises to come true? Maybe a long time. God is patient with us; can we be patient with Him? We, along with Habakkuk, need to say, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God, my Savior." Hab. 1: 2-4; 3: 16-18 "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
In the D&C we're told to strengthen our brethren, in all our conversations, prayers, exhortations, and doing. In other words, in all we say and do we need to be a strength to other people. And if we do this, the Lord will be with us and bless us forever. Look around you today. What can you do to be a strength to someone else? D&C 108: 7-8 "Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings. And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us of Habakkuk's cry to the Lord, asking why his prayers don't seem to be answered. Have you ever felt that way? I have. The important thing to remember is that even if God's promised blessings don't seem to be coming, they WILL eventually come! We just need to be patient and trust in the Lord. And He will help us get through whatever circumstances come our way. The thought that went with this, written by Harvey Stob from Ann Arbor, Michigan says: Have you ever lost patience with God? The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk did. Habakkuk lived during a time of violence, war and death. God's people were suffering and it seemed that God wasn't doing anything about it. Habakkuk couldn't understand it. He knew that God was powerful and that God loved His people. They desperately needed God's help, but it wasn't coming. Habakkuk finally couldn't take it anymore. "How long, Lord," he cried. "How long must I call for help, but you do not listen?" God promised to rid this world of its violence, but the world is violent still. God promised to put an end to death, but we still get sick and our loved ones die. Jesus said, "I am coming soon!" But that was 2,000 years ago. How long are we to wait for those promises to come true? We pray for our sons and our daughters every day, but nothing seems to change. We pray for an end to poverty and disease, to famines and wars, but those horrors continue to plague us. How long are we to wait for God's promises to come true? Maybe a long time. God is patient with us; can we be patient with Him? We, along with Habakkuk, need to say, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God, my Savior." Hab. 1: 2-4; 3: 16-18 "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
Friday, December 10, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it says that the proud of heart and those who exalt themselves will be brought down by the Lord. Obad. 1: 3-4 "The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord."
In the D&C we read that we need to learn our duty so that we can act with all diligence in the offices and callings that we've been appointed to. If we're slothful in this, we won't be counted worthy to stand. And ignorance is no excuse--we need to learn what our duty is if we don't know. D&C 107: 99-100 "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tells us to hope and wait for the Lord and His salvation. We wait for the Lord to return. He WILL come! We can be certain of that. And when He does, we need to be ready and waiting. Lam. 3: 25-26 "The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."
In the D&C we read that we need to learn our duty so that we can act with all diligence in the offices and callings that we've been appointed to. If we're slothful in this, we won't be counted worthy to stand. And ignorance is no excuse--we need to learn what our duty is if we don't know. D&C 107: 99-100 "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tells us to hope and wait for the Lord and His salvation. We wait for the Lord to return. He WILL come! We can be certain of that. And when He does, we need to be ready and waiting. Lam. 3: 25-26 "The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would sift Israel among all nations, and all the sinners would die by the sword. Amos 9: 9-10 "For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us."
In the D&C I read about how when Adam was old and nearing death he called his posterity together in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman and bestowed blessings upon them. I've been to Adam-ondi-Ahman and it's such a peaceful place. There's really not much out there to see, but when you think of the events that have taken place there and events yet to come that will take place there, it's awe inspiring. D&C 107: 53 "Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to do all things without murmuring and disputing. Do we complain and grumble about things we don't like in our lives? A negative attitude can not only affect us, but all those around us as well. The Lord loves a cheerful heart and a grateful attitude. Let's look for the positive in our lives and stop all the murmuring. I think we'll find this shift in our attitude will make us much happier people and we'll enjoy life so much more. Philip. 2: 14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings:"
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In the D&C I read about how when Adam was old and nearing death he called his posterity together in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman and bestowed blessings upon them. I've been to Adam-ondi-Ahman and it's such a peaceful place. There's really not much out there to see, but when you think of the events that have taken place there and events yet to come that will take place there, it's awe inspiring. D&C 107: 53 "Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to do all things without murmuring and disputing. Do we complain and grumble about things we don't like in our lives? A negative attitude can not only affect us, but all those around us as well. The Lord loves a cheerful heart and a grateful attitude. Let's look for the positive in our lives and stop all the murmuring. I think we'll find this shift in our attitude will make us much happier people and we'll enjoy life so much more. Philip. 2: 14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings:"
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the day would come when there would be a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. People would seek the word of the Lord but would not find it. Amos 8: 11-12 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."
In the D&C we're told what the power and authority is of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church. It is their privilege to receive the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven and to enjoy communion and presence of the Lord. Wow! What wonderful blessings attend a worthy priesthood holder! The power and authority of the Aaronic Priesthood is also explained--to administer the outward ordinances, such as baptism. But they're also given the keys to the ministering of angels. The Priesthood is not something to be taken for granted, but is the power to act for God and is a very sacred thing. D&C 107: 18-20 "The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church— To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that men cannot even imagine what God has prepared for those who wait for Him. If we do what's right and endure to the end, our reward will be so great we can't even conceive of it. What a wonderful promise! Isa. 64: 4 "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."
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In the D&C we're told what the power and authority is of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church. It is their privilege to receive the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven and to enjoy communion and presence of the Lord. Wow! What wonderful blessings attend a worthy priesthood holder! The power and authority of the Aaronic Priesthood is also explained--to administer the outward ordinances, such as baptism. But they're also given the keys to the ministering of angels. The Priesthood is not something to be taken for granted, but is the power to act for God and is a very sacred thing. D&C 107: 18-20 "The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church— To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that men cannot even imagine what God has prepared for those who wait for Him. If we do what's right and endure to the end, our reward will be so great we can't even conceive of it. What a wonderful promise! Isa. 64: 4 "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read how Amos was not a prophet nor a prophet's son, but merely a herdsman, but the Lord called him and told him to go prophesy unto the people of Israel. Sometimes we might receive calls from the Lord that we don't feel qualified for or think that other people would do a better job. But the Lord qualifies those He calls and we need to be willing to serve in any way we can. Amos 7: 14-15 "Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel."
In the D&C we're told that the coming of the Lord will overtake the world as a thief in the night, but the children of light who gird up their loins will not be so overtaken. We need to be prepared for the coming of Christ so it will not catch us unawares. D&C 106: 4-5 "And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night— Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief."
A verse with a thought booklet says that God is well pleased by the sacrifices we make to do good and communicate. Even small acts of kindness can make a difference in people's lives--a cheerful word or a smile can change the tone of another person's day. It's been said that if you drop even a small pebble into a river, it will change the river's flow. What is your pebble? How can you be used by God to make a difference to someone today? Heb. 13: 16 "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
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In the D&C we're told that the coming of the Lord will overtake the world as a thief in the night, but the children of light who gird up their loins will not be so overtaken. We need to be prepared for the coming of Christ so it will not catch us unawares. D&C 106: 4-5 "And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night— Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief."
A verse with a thought booklet says that God is well pleased by the sacrifices we make to do good and communicate. Even small acts of kindness can make a difference in people's lives--a cheerful word or a smile can change the tone of another person's day. It's been said that if you drop even a small pebble into a river, it will change the river's flow. What is your pebble? How can you be used by God to make a difference to someone today? Heb. 13: 16 "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
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Monday, December 6, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament it tells us that woe will be to them who are at east in Zion. Israel will be plagued with desolation. Amos 6: 1, 8, 14 "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! The Lord God hath sworn by himself, saith the Lord the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein. But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the Lord the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness."
In the D&C I read that the Lord's people need to learn obedience through chastening from the Lord and from the things that they suffer. When we're going through difficult times, we need to ask ourselves what we can learn from these experiences. We need to trust in the Lord and be obedient to Him, even in the midst of our trials. D&C 105: 6 "And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that as God's chosen and beloved people we need to show kingness, mercy, humility and meekness. Do we demonstrate these qualities in our daily lives and our interactions with others? Col. 3: 12 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"
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In the D&C I read that the Lord's people need to learn obedience through chastening from the Lord and from the things that they suffer. When we're going through difficult times, we need to ask ourselves what we can learn from these experiences. We need to trust in the Lord and be obedient to Him, even in the midst of our trials. D&C 105: 6 "And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that as God's chosen and beloved people we need to show kingness, mercy, humility and meekness. Do we demonstrate these qualities in our daily lives and our interactions with others? Col. 3: 12 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"
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Sunday, December 5, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament the Lord told the people that if they would seek Him, they would live. He told them that their sacrifices to false gods and their other sins were abhorrent to Him. Amos 5: 4-15 "For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: But seek not Beth-el, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beer-sheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Beth-el shall come to nought. Seek the Lord, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el. Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth, Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The Lord is his name: That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress. They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly. Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them. For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right. Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph."
In the D&C I read the words of the Lord to various people in which he repeatedly said that if they would humble themselves and be faithful, he would multiply blessings unto them. If He repeated this same message to all these different people, I'm sure He would also say the same thing to all of us--if we are humble and faithful, He will multiply blessings unto us. D&C 104: 23, 25, 31, 33, 35, 38, 42, 46 "And I will multiply blessings upon him, inasmuch as he will be humble before me. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings upon him and his seed after him. And inasmuch as they are faithful, behold I will bless, and multiply blessings upon them. And, inasmuch as they are faithful, I will multiply blessings upon them and their seed after them, even a multiplicity of blessings. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings upon him. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon him. And inasmuch as he is faithful in keeping my commandments, which I have given unto him, I will multiply blessings upon him and his seed after him, even a multiplicity of blessings.And I will multiply blessings upon the house of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., inasmuch as he is faithful, even a multiplicity of blessings."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments. And we will be given another Comforter to be with us forever. What a wonderful blessing to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost to be with us and help us. All these scripture verses today seem to emhasize the fact that if we do what's right, we'll be blessed. John 14: 15-16 "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"
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In the D&C I read the words of the Lord to various people in which he repeatedly said that if they would humble themselves and be faithful, he would multiply blessings unto them. If He repeated this same message to all these different people, I'm sure He would also say the same thing to all of us--if we are humble and faithful, He will multiply blessings unto us. D&C 104: 23, 25, 31, 33, 35, 38, 42, 46 "And I will multiply blessings upon him, inasmuch as he will be humble before me. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings upon him and his seed after him. And inasmuch as they are faithful, behold I will bless, and multiply blessings upon them. And, inasmuch as they are faithful, I will multiply blessings upon them and their seed after them, even a multiplicity of blessings. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings upon him. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon him. And inasmuch as he is faithful in keeping my commandments, which I have given unto him, I will multiply blessings upon him and his seed after him, even a multiplicity of blessings.And I will multiply blessings upon the house of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., inasmuch as he is faithful, even a multiplicity of blessings."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments. And we will be given another Comforter to be with us forever. What a wonderful blessing to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost to be with us and help us. All these scripture verses today seem to emhasize the fact that if we do what's right, we'll be blessed. John 14: 15-16 "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"
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Saturday, December 4, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would withhold rain and send famine and pestilence as judgments upon His people for their wickedness, but they still would not return unto Him. I used to wonder what "cleanness of teeth" meant when it was mentioned in the scriptures. But then I heard in a class that it meant famine. If we have no food to eat, our teeth remain clean. From these verses we hear about all of the punishments that the people received because of the evil that they did. In yet they still refused to repent. Very sad. Amos 4: 6-11 "And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered. So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord."
In the D&C we're told that the earth has sufficient for all its inhabitants. If a person who has abundance refuses to share what he has with the poor and needy, he'll lift up his eyes in hell. Pretty strong words! If the Lord has blessed us with enough and to spare, we need to be generous in giving to others. D&C 104: 17-18 "For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment."
As I was reading through thought booklets today looking for some verses to comment on, one of them quoted 1 Corinthians 13. These are very familiar verses, talking about the qualities of charity, the pure love of Christ. Very beautiful scripture reminding us of what charity is and is not. But I thought this was so often quoted so I'd see what another thought booklet had to say and maybe use those verses instead. Wow! They quoted 1 Corinthians 13 as well! Strange coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe this is something I really needed reminding of today. Maybe this is something we all need reminding of. To show others the pure love of Christ is the most important thing we can do in our lives. 1 Cor. 13: 1-13 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
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In the D&C we're told that the earth has sufficient for all its inhabitants. If a person who has abundance refuses to share what he has with the poor and needy, he'll lift up his eyes in hell. Pretty strong words! If the Lord has blessed us with enough and to spare, we need to be generous in giving to others. D&C 104: 17-18 "For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment."
As I was reading through thought booklets today looking for some verses to comment on, one of them quoted 1 Corinthians 13. These are very familiar verses, talking about the qualities of charity, the pure love of Christ. Very beautiful scripture reminding us of what charity is and is not. But I thought this was so often quoted so I'd see what another thought booklet had to say and maybe use those verses instead. Wow! They quoted 1 Corinthians 13 as well! Strange coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe this is something I really needed reminding of today. Maybe this is something we all need reminding of. To show others the pure love of Christ is the most important thing we can do in our lives. 1 Cor. 13: 1-13 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read an often quoted scripture that tells us that the Lord reveals His secrets to his servants, the prophets. So if we want to understand the workings of the Lord, we indeed need to listen to and heed the words of the prophets. Amos 3: 7 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
A verse in the D&C reminds us that it's after much tribulation that the blessings will come. This is a great comfort to us when we're going through difficult times. We need to endure and the blessings truly will eventually come. D&C 103: 12 "For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Paul prayed for the people, that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will and spiritual understanding, that they would be fruitful in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. What wonderful things to pray for! Do we pray for these kinds of things for the people we know? Do we pray that they'll live lives worthy of the Lord? Is that the kind of life we try to live ourselves? What is a life that's worthy of the Lord? Perhaps it's doing the kind of things that He would do if He were in our circumstances. Maybe it's a child being kind to a classmate. Maybe it's a businessman doing what's best for his employees. Maybe it's a woman going through one crisis after another in her life but still remaining faithful and trusting in the Lord. These are the kinds of things we need to pray for in our own lives as well as those of others. Col. 1: 9-10 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
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A verse in the D&C reminds us that it's after much tribulation that the blessings will come. This is a great comfort to us when we're going through difficult times. We need to endure and the blessings truly will eventually come. D&C 103: 12 "For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Paul prayed for the people, that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will and spiritual understanding, that they would be fruitful in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. What wonderful things to pray for! Do we pray for these kinds of things for the people we know? Do we pray that they'll live lives worthy of the Lord? Is that the kind of life we try to live ourselves? What is a life that's worthy of the Lord? Perhaps it's doing the kind of things that He would do if He were in our circumstances. Maybe it's a child being kind to a classmate. Maybe it's a businessman doing what's best for his employees. Maybe it's a woman going through one crisis after another in her life but still remaining faithful and trusting in the Lord. These are the kinds of things we need to pray for in our own lives as well as those of others. Col. 1: 9-10 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
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Thursday, December 2, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about how the Lord would por out judgments upon the wicked for their unrighteousness. Amos 2: 1-8 "Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime: But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kirioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet: And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem. Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes; That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name:And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god."
In the D&C we're told that the Lord will gather His people, just like in the parable of the wheat and the tares. The wheat (the righteous) will be secured in the garners to possess eternal life and the tares (the wicked) will be bound in bundles and burned. D&C 101: 65-66 "Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be; While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how God will wipe away all tears and there will be no more pain nor crying. We will be His people and He will be our God. What a wonderful thing to look forward to! Rev. 21: 3-4 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
In the D&C we're told that the Lord will gather His people, just like in the parable of the wheat and the tares. The wheat (the righteous) will be secured in the garners to possess eternal life and the tares (the wicked) will be bound in bundles and burned. D&C 101: 65-66 "Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be; While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how God will wipe away all tears and there will be no more pain nor crying. We will be His people and He will be our God. What a wonderful thing to look forward to! Rev. 21: 3-4 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that Egypt and Edom will be like a desolate wilderness because of the violence they committed against the children of Judah. But Judah shall dwell forever and the Lord will dwell in Zion. Joel 3: 19-21 "Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion."
In the D&C it says that all those who have given their lives for the name of the Lord shall be crowned. I've always thought this meant martyrs who died for the gospel's sake, and I'm sure it does mean that. But I wonder if it also might mean those who live out their lives giving service and trying to spread the gospel. If we give our lives in serving God, even if we die of old age, aren't we also giving our lives for His name? And won't we also be crowned with glory? Do we really need to die a martyr's death to give our lives to the Lord? D&C 101: 15 "And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we Lord the Lord we will walk as He walked and keep His commandments. If we claim to know the Lord, but break His commandments, we are liars and the truth is not in us. 1 Jn. 2: 3-6 "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."
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In the D&C it says that all those who have given their lives for the name of the Lord shall be crowned. I've always thought this meant martyrs who died for the gospel's sake, and I'm sure it does mean that. But I wonder if it also might mean those who live out their lives giving service and trying to spread the gospel. If we give our lives in serving God, even if we die of old age, aren't we also giving our lives for His name? And won't we also be crowned with glory? Do we really need to die a martyr's death to give our lives to the Lord? D&C 101: 15 "And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we Lord the Lord we will walk as He walked and keep His commandments. If we claim to know the Lord, but break His commandments, we are liars and the truth is not in us. 1 Jn. 2: 3-6 "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."
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