In the Book of Mormon we're told that men are that they might have joy. We're not meant to be unhappy! And if we keep the commandments and stay close to the Lord, that is the pathway to joy. 2 Ne. 2: 25 "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."
In the New Testament I read about how the preaching of Paul and other disciples was spreading the gospel. Churches were established in the faith and increased in number daily. We, too, need to spread the gospel in whatever we can. Acts 16: 5 "And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that even though a life of wickedness brings many sorrows, there is joy and gladness when we trust in the Lord. Indeed, wickedness never was happiness. Psalms 32:10-11 "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."
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And it shall come to pass in the last days,when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains....The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that men were given agency so he could act for himself. He could choose which way he would go. Satan fell from heaven and entices us to choose evil because he wants us to be miserable like he is. We have the right to choose liberty and eternal life or captivity and death. The choice is ours to make. 2 Ne. 2: 16-18 27-29 "Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other. And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God. And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil. Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom."
In the New Testament I read about the great persecution that attended the spreading of the gospel. Even thought signs were given, people were divided about whether to hold to the Jews or side with the apostles. The Jews with their rulers wanted the apostles stoned, so they had to flee. But they continued preaching the gospel in other places. Acts 14:1-7 "And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they preached the gospel."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we're sick or afflicted, we need to pray and ask the elders of the church to give us a blessing. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. And if things are going well for us, we need to give prayers of thanks. James 5:13-16 "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: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
In the New Testament I read about the great persecution that attended the spreading of the gospel. Even thought signs were given, people were divided about whether to hold to the Jews or side with the apostles. The Jews with their rulers wanted the apostles stoned, so they had to flee. But they continued preaching the gospel in other places. Acts 14:1-7 "And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they preached the gospel."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we're sick or afflicted, we need to pray and ask the elders of the church to give us a blessing. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. And if things are going well for us, we need to give prayers of thanks. James 5:13-16 "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: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that redemption only comes through Christ, who offered Himself a sacrifice for sin to all those who have a broken heart and contrite spirit. No one can dwell in the presence of God except through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ who layed down his life for us. He was resurrected from the dead and paved the way for all of us to be resurrected also. He makes intercession for all those who believe in Him. 2 Ne. 2: 6-9 "Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved."
In the New Testament I read about how an angel freed Peter from prison. Of note here is that the people of the church had been praying without ceasing for his deliverance. When people are united in their prayers for another person, they are heard. If we feel helpless to help another person who is going through trials, we can always pray for them. Heavenly Father does hear and answer prayers! Acts 12:5-11 "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about repentance, as David pleads for forgiveness from the Lord. Indeed, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be washed thoroughly from our iniquities and cleansed from our sins. But, like David, we need to acknowledge our transgressions before the Lord. Psalms 51:1-3 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me."
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In the New Testament I read about how an angel freed Peter from prison. Of note here is that the people of the church had been praying without ceasing for his deliverance. When people are united in their prayers for another person, they are heard. If we feel helpless to help another person who is going through trials, we can always pray for them. Heavenly Father does hear and answer prayers! Acts 12:5-11 "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about repentance, as David pleads for forgiveness from the Lord. Indeed, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be washed thoroughly from our iniquities and cleansed from our sins. But, like David, we need to acknowledge our transgressions before the Lord. Psalms 51:1-3 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me."
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon Lehi tells his son Jacob that all his afflictions will be consecrated for his gain. I think that is true of all of us. Our trials and tribulations will strengthen us and help us to grow if we'll rely on the Lord to help us through them. All these things will give us experience and be for our good. 2 Ne. 2: 1-2 "And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my first-born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren. Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain."
In the New Testament we read the important truth that God is no respecter of persons, but will accept any man who shows faith and does righteously. We have no right to call any man common or unclean, no matter what nation or people they come from. There is no place for prejudice in God's Kingdom! Acts 10:28, 34-35 "And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet give us the Ten Commandments. These are basic laws that are as important for us to obey today as they were for the Israelites thousands of years ago when they were first given. Exodus 20:1-17 "And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
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In the New Testament we read the important truth that God is no respecter of persons, but will accept any man who shows faith and does righteously. We have no right to call any man common or unclean, no matter what nation or people they come from. There is no place for prejudice in God's Kingdom! Acts 10:28, 34-35 "And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet give us the Ten Commandments. These are basic laws that are as important for us to obey today as they were for the Israelites thousands of years ago when they were first given. Exodus 20:1-17 "And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read Lehi admonishing his sons to stop rebelling against their brother Nephi who only speaks what the Lord wants him to say. If they'll listen to him, they'll be blessed. 2 Ne. 1: 23-29 "Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust. Rebel no more against your brother, whose views have been glorious, and who hath kept the commandments from the time that we left Jerusalem; and who hath been an instrument in the hands of God, in bringing us forth into the land of promise; for were it not for him, we must have perished with hunger in the wilderness; nevertheless, ye sought to take away his life; yea, and he hath suffered much sorrow because of you. And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you, lest he shall suffer again; for behold, ye have accused him that he sought power and authority over you; but I know that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you, but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own eternal welfare. And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you; but behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger was the truth, according to that which is in God, which he could not restrain, manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities. And it must needs be that the power of God must be with him, even unto his commanding you that ye must obey. But behold, it was not he, but it was the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, which opened his mouth to utterance that he could not shut it. And now my son, Laman, and also Lemuel and Sam, and also my sons who are the sons of Ishmael, behold, if ye will hearken unto the voice of Nephi ye shall not perish. And if ye will hearken unto him I leave unto you a blessing, yea, even my first blessing. But if ye will not hearken unto him I take away my first blessing, yea, even my blessing, and it shall rest upon him."
In the New Testament I read about how the disciples were hestitant to trust Paul because of how he had treated the followers of Christ in the past. But Barnabas defended him and told them how Paul had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. Do we sometimes judge others by their pasts? People can indeed change, and we need to give them a chance. And if other people won't give them the benefit of the doubt, we need to be like Barnabas and come to their defence. Acts 9: 26-27 "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the reason Jesus Christ came into the world was to save sinners like us. He shows long suffering and mercy to those who believe in Him, to everlasting life. So if we ever feel unworthy to pray or feel like we've sinned so badly there is no hope for us, we need to remember that Jesus came into the world for just such people! He suffered and died for people just like us. And if we'll have faith in Him and are willing to repent of our sins, He'll be merciful and long suffering toward us, and we can indeed enjoy eternal life. Even if we feel we are "chief" among the sinners, there is hope for us. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
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In the New Testament I read about how the disciples were hestitant to trust Paul because of how he had treated the followers of Christ in the past. But Barnabas defended him and told them how Paul had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. Do we sometimes judge others by their pasts? People can indeed change, and we need to give them a chance. And if other people won't give them the benefit of the doubt, we need to be like Barnabas and come to their defence. Acts 9: 26-27 "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the reason Jesus Christ came into the world was to save sinners like us. He shows long suffering and mercy to those who believe in Him, to everlasting life. So if we ever feel unworthy to pray or feel like we've sinned so badly there is no hope for us, we need to remember that Jesus came into the world for just such people! He suffered and died for people just like us. And if we'll have faith in Him and are willing to repent of our sins, He'll be merciful and long suffering toward us, and we can indeed enjoy eternal life. Even if we feel we are "chief" among the sinners, there is hope for us. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
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Sunday, April 24, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that those who keep the commandments would prosper in the land and be blessed, but when they turn from the Lord and reject the Holy One of Israel, the judgments of God will rest upon them and they'll be cut off from His presense. 2 Ne. 1: 9-11, 20 "Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land, and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever. But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious land of promise—behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them. Yea, he will bring other nations unto them, and he will give unto them power, and he will take away from them the lands of their possessions, and he will cause them to be scattered and smitten. And he hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence."
In the New Testament we read the miraculous story of the conversion of Paul. Here was a man who was persecuting Christians, but after Jesus appeared to him, he was transformed into a chosen vessel and spent his time preaching to others and teaching them of Christ. When Ananias was inspired to go to Paul and place his hands on him that he might receive his sight, he hesitated, knowing the evil that this man had done. But God let him know that Paul had been chosen to do a great work. People can change! We should not judge others or assume that they'll forever be the way that they are now. People can repent, lives can be transformed, and God can use people for wonderful purposes that we cannot imagine. There is hope! Acts 9:1-22 "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ."
Some verses with a thought booklet are very appropriate for Easter Sunday. They ask the question of death--where is it's sting, where is it's victory? Jesus Christ has overcome death. He was indeed resurrected from the dead and provided the way for us to rise from the dead also. Those we love who have died will live again! What a wonderful message of comfort and hope. And this is what Easter is all about. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
In the New Testament we read the miraculous story of the conversion of Paul. Here was a man who was persecuting Christians, but after Jesus appeared to him, he was transformed into a chosen vessel and spent his time preaching to others and teaching them of Christ. When Ananias was inspired to go to Paul and place his hands on him that he might receive his sight, he hesitated, knowing the evil that this man had done. But God let him know that Paul had been chosen to do a great work. People can change! We should not judge others or assume that they'll forever be the way that they are now. People can repent, lives can be transformed, and God can use people for wonderful purposes that we cannot imagine. There is hope! Acts 9:1-22 "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ."
Some verses with a thought booklet are very appropriate for Easter Sunday. They ask the question of death--where is it's sting, where is it's victory? Jesus Christ has overcome death. He was indeed resurrected from the dead and provided the way for us to rise from the dead also. Those we love who have died will live again! What a wonderful message of comfort and hope. And this is what Easter is all about. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that Lehi testified to his children about the great things the Lord had done for them--leading them out of Jerusalem and bringing them to the promised land. Had they remained in Jerusalem, they would have been destroyed. In spite of their rebellions, the Lord had been merciful to them in warning them to flee Jerusalem. 2 Ne. 1: 1-4 "And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of teaching my brethren, our father, Lehi, also spake many things unto them, and rehearsed unto them, how great things the Lord had done for them in bringing them out of the land of Jerusalem. And he spake unto them concerning their rebellions upon the waters, and the mercies of God in sparing their lives, that they were not swallowed up in the sea. And he also spake unto them concerning the land of promise, which they had obtained—how merciful the Lord had been in warning us that we should flee out of the land of Jerusalem. For, behold, said he, I have seen a vision, in which I know that Jerusalem is destroyed; and had we remained in Jerusalem we should also have perished."
In the New Testament I read about the martyrdom of Stephen. He was full of the Spirit and was able to look up into heaven and see the glory of God, with Jesus standing on the right hand of God. This only angered the people who stopped their ears because they didn't want to hear what he had to say, and stoned him to death, all while he was praising God and asking the Lord to forgive them. Acts 7: 55-60 "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a lazy fellow is a pain to his employers--like smoke in their eyes or vinegar that sets their teeth on edge. How refreshing it is to work with someone who is a hard worker--eager to get in and get things done, even without supervision. Can people count on us to do what we're supposed to do? Are we hard working and enthusiastic or are we slothful and look for excuses to get out of doing things? Proverbs 10:26 "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him."
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In the New Testament I read about the martyrdom of Stephen. He was full of the Spirit and was able to look up into heaven and see the glory of God, with Jesus standing on the right hand of God. This only angered the people who stopped their ears because they didn't want to hear what he had to say, and stoned him to death, all while he was praising God and asking the Lord to forgive them. Acts 7: 55-60 "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a lazy fellow is a pain to his employers--like smoke in their eyes or vinegar that sets their teeth on edge. How refreshing it is to work with someone who is a hard worker--eager to get in and get things done, even without supervision. Can people count on us to do what we're supposed to do? Are we hard working and enthusiastic or are we slothful and look for excuses to get out of doing things? Proverbs 10:26 "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him."
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Friday, April 22, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that when Christ comes, He will gather His children together and be their Shepherd. He will feed His sheep and they will find pasture in Him. Satan will no longer have power over the people, who will dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel if they will repent. If we will obey the commandments and endure to the end, we will be saved at the last day. 1 Ne. 22: 24-31 "And the time cometh speedily that the righteous must be led up as calves of the stall, and the Holy One of Israel must reign in dominion, and might, and power, and great glory. And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture. And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth. And now behold, I, Nephi, say unto you that all these things must come according to the flesh. But, behold, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel if it so be that they will repent. And now I, Nephi, make an end; for I durst not speak further as yet concerning these things. Wherefore, my brethren, I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the plates of brass are true; and they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God. Wherefore, ye need not suppose that I and my father are the only ones that have testified, and also taught them. Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen."
In the New Testament we read a recounting of the story of Joseph who was sold into Egypt by his brothers and how the Lord used this situation for good--saving the lives of his brethren during a time of famine. Sometimes when we go through difficult situations, the Lord uses those trials to strenghten us and help us grow or bring about good in our lives in some other way. We need to trust in the Lord that all these things will give us experience and be for our good. Acts 7:9-13 "And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us how foolish it is to place our hearts on worldly wealth which has no lasting eternal value and which we can't take with us when we die. True wealth is found in the things of God. Let's not allow material things to rob us of eternal treasure! Luke 12:16-21 "And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
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In the New Testament we read a recounting of the story of Joseph who was sold into Egypt by his brothers and how the Lord used this situation for good--saving the lives of his brethren during a time of famine. Sometimes when we go through difficult situations, the Lord uses those trials to strenghten us and help us grow or bring about good in our lives in some other way. We need to trust in the Lord that all these things will give us experience and be for our good. Acts 7:9-13 "And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us how foolish it is to place our hearts on worldly wealth which has no lasting eternal value and which we can't take with us when we die. True wealth is found in the things of God. Let's not allow material things to rob us of eternal treasure! Luke 12:16-21 "And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we're told that the time will soon come when Satan will have no more power over the hearts of the children of men and all the wicked will have the wrath of God poured out upon them. The Lord will not allow the wicked to destroy the righteous. 1 Ne. 22: 15-16 "For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned. For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous."
In the New Testament we're told that we should rather obey God than men. Acts 5:29 "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that lips that tell lies are an abomination to the Lord, but those who speak the truth are a delight to Him. Honesty is very important to the Lord and we need to be truthful in what we say. Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight."
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In the New Testament we're told that we should rather obey God than men. Acts 5:29 "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that lips that tell lies are an abomination to the Lord, but those who speak the truth are a delight to Him. Honesty is very important to the Lord and we need to be truthful in what we say. Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight."
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we're told that Israel would be scattered upon all the face of the earth and that the gentiles would nurse and nourish them with the gospel in the last days. Are we seeing the fulfillment of some of this now? 1 Ne. 22: 5-9 "And since they have been led away, these things have been prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those who shall hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of Israel; for against him will they harden their hearts; wherefore, they shall be scattered among all nations and shall be hated of all men. Nevertheless, after they shall be nursed by the Gentiles, and the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel. And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered. And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders. And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed."
In the New Testament we're told that salvation comes only through Christ and there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can know if we truly know the Lord by how we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:3 "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."
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In the New Testament we're told that salvation comes only through Christ and there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can know if we truly know the Lord by how we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:3 "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord will never forget us--we're engraven upon the palms of His hands. 1
Ne. 21: 14-16 "But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will
show that he hath not. For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of
her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the
palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."
In the New Testament I read that we need to repent and be baptized for the remission of our sins, and then receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
A verse with a thought booklet says that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. Wow! How wonderful will that be. Having recently lost my mother, it is a comfort to know that the pain of losing loved ones is just temporary. And our illnesses and pains of this life are just temporary. There will come a time when such things will be done away. Revelation 21:4 "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."
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Ne. 21: 14-16 "But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will
show that he hath not. For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of
her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the
palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."
In the New Testament I read that we need to repent and be baptized for the remission of our sins, and then receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
A verse with a thought booklet says that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. Wow! How wonderful will that be. Having recently lost my mother, it is a comfort to know that the pain of losing loved ones is just temporary. And our illnesses and pains of this life are just temporary. There will come a time when such things will be done away. Revelation 21:4 "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."
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Monday, April 18, 2011
Daily Thoughts
A verse in the Book of Mormon gives us a profound truth--that there is no peace unto the wicked. We may think we're happy when we're sinning, but this is just temporary. In the end, we will have no peace when our lives are not taking the path they should. 1 Ne. 20: 22 "And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked."
In the New Testament I read about how Jesus was taken up into Heaven while His disciples watched. Two men in white apparel told them that in the same manner they saw Him go into Heaven, so would He return to earth someday. Jesus will come again! Acts 1:9-11 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell parables about lost things and the joy in finding them. The Lord likewise rejoices when a lost sinner repents and turns unto Him. He cares about the lost and seeks after them. He delights in answering prayers. He loves us so much that He wants to find us when we go astray. Whenever we're feeling far from Him, we need to remember that He is waiting with open arms to accept us back, wanting us to come unto Him. He can save our lost souls. Luke 15:3-10 "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."
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In the New Testament I read about how Jesus was taken up into Heaven while His disciples watched. Two men in white apparel told them that in the same manner they saw Him go into Heaven, so would He return to earth someday. Jesus will come again! Acts 1:9-11 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell parables about lost things and the joy in finding them. The Lord likewise rejoices when a lost sinner repents and turns unto Him. He cares about the lost and seeks after them. He delights in answering prayers. He loves us so much that He wants to find us when we go astray. Whenever we're feeling far from Him, we need to remember that He is waiting with open arms to accept us back, wanting us to come unto Him. He can save our lost souls. Luke 15:3-10 "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."
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Sunday, April 17, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that the furnace of affliction refines us. Sometimes when we are going through trying times we might feel like we have been forsaken by the Lord. But actually, the trials we go through refine us and help us to become the people we have the potential to become. This is actually a blessing from the Lord. 1 Ne. 20:10 "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."
In the New Testament I read about how Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, and told him to feed His sheep. Why did Jesus repeat Himself three times like this? Perhaps it's because Peter denied Christ three times and Jesus wanted to give Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Him three times. Perhaps also it's because when something is repeated a number of times, we tend to remember it more and it sticks in our minds. This is why the angel Moroni repeated the same thing to Joseph Smith a number of times. Sometimes we may feel frustrated at church when we hear the same subject addressed in talks or lessons repeatedly and feel like we've "heard it all before." But in reality, maybe we need to hear these things repeatedly before they'll sink in. John 21:15-17 "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a cheerful heart is a good medicine but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. There is much to be said for a positive attitude. And it can not only make us feel better mentally, but can make us physically healthier as well. Happiness can improve our health and even prolong our lives. Anger and worry contribute to numerous kinds of diseases. A happy heart is good for your health! Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
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In the New Testament I read about how Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, and told him to feed His sheep. Why did Jesus repeat Himself three times like this? Perhaps it's because Peter denied Christ three times and Jesus wanted to give Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Him three times. Perhaps also it's because when something is repeated a number of times, we tend to remember it more and it sticks in our minds. This is why the angel Moroni repeated the same thing to Joseph Smith a number of times. Sometimes we may feel frustrated at church when we hear the same subject addressed in talks or lessons repeatedly and feel like we've "heard it all before." But in reality, maybe we need to hear these things repeatedly before they'll sink in. John 21:15-17 "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a cheerful heart is a good medicine but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. There is much to be said for a positive attitude. And it can not only make us feel better mentally, but can make us physically healthier as well. Happiness can improve our health and even prolong our lives. Anger and worry contribute to numerous kinds of diseases. A happy heart is good for your health! Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
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Saturday, April 16, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord declared things that would come to pass ahead of time so that stiff necked, obstinate people couldn't declare that their idols had done these things. 1 Ne. 20: 3-5 "Behold, I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them. I did show them suddenly. And I did it because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; And I have even from the beginning declared to thee; before it came to pass I showed them thee; and I showed them for fear lest thou shouldst say—Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath commanded them."
In the New Testament we read about how Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, commissioning them to go forth and preach His gospel and giving them the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He first appeared to His disciples when Thomas was not present. Thomas refused to believe until he saw the resurrected Christ himself. After Jesus did appear to him, he did believe. Jesus said he was blessed for believing but those who could believe without seeing were even more blessed. How much faith do we have in Jesus Christ, even though we haven't seen Him with our own eyes? John 20: 19-31 "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that whether we turn to the right or turn to the left, our ears will hear a word behind us telling us the right way to go and which way we should walk. When we're not sure which path to take in our lives, we need to be attune to the Spirit which will guide us and show us the way to go. And whether that pathway appears easy or challenging, we need to trust that the Lord will provide us with everything we need to follow the way we should go. Isaiah 30:21 "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
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In the New Testament we read about how Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, commissioning them to go forth and preach His gospel and giving them the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He first appeared to His disciples when Thomas was not present. Thomas refused to believe until he saw the resurrected Christ himself. After Jesus did appear to him, he did believe. Jesus said he was blessed for believing but those who could believe without seeing were even more blessed. How much faith do we have in Jesus Christ, even though we haven't seen Him with our own eyes? John 20: 19-31 "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that whether we turn to the right or turn to the left, our ears will hear a word behind us telling us the right way to go and which way we should walk. When we're not sure which path to take in our lives, we need to be attune to the Spirit which will guide us and show us the way to go. And whether that pathway appears easy or challenging, we need to trust that the Lord will provide us with everything we need to follow the way we should go. Isaiah 30:21 "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
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Friday, April 15, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon said he read to the people from the Books of Moses and from the writings of Isaiah for their profit and learning and to persuade them to believe in the Lord. Reading the scriptures and likening them unto us will help us to draw closer to the Lord and gain the strength and guidance we need to follow Him. 1 Ne. 19: 23 "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."
In the New Testament I read that at the crucifixion of Jesus, He was concerned about His mother Mary. He knew that He was not going to be around anymore to take care of her, so He asked His disciple to do so. The disciple took Mary into his own home to care for her from that day forward. This incident shows the great love and compassion that Jesus had for His mother, in making sure she was taken care of. John 19:26-27 "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost. Love is a gift of the Spirit. And as we show our love for others through our thoughts, words and actions, we bring the love of God to life. Romans 5:5 "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
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In the New Testament I read that at the crucifixion of Jesus, He was concerned about His mother Mary. He knew that He was not going to be around anymore to take care of her, so He asked His disciple to do so. The disciple took Mary into his own home to care for her from that day forward. This incident shows the great love and compassion that Jesus had for His mother, in making sure she was taken care of. John 19:26-27 "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost. Love is a gift of the Spirit. And as we show our love for others through our thoughts, words and actions, we bring the love of God to life. Romans 5:5 "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
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Thursday, April 14, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that the purpose of Nephi writing was to persuade people to remember the Lord, our Redeemer. This is the purpose of the Book of Mormon--to bring us to Christ and serve as a witness of Him. 1 Ne. 19: 18 "And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer."
In the New Testament I read that in the world we will have tribulation, but in Christ we will have peace. We can be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. We need to turn to Him and He will help us through our trials. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet teach us that it's not enough to just love in word, or say that we love others. We need to show our love with our actions. If we have plenty of money to live well but turn our backs on those in need and show no compassion for them, we don't have the love of God dwelling in us. 1 John 3:17-18 "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
In the New Testament I read that in the world we will have tribulation, but in Christ we will have peace. We can be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. We need to turn to Him and He will help us through our trials. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet teach us that it's not enough to just love in word, or say that we love others. We need to show our love with our actions. If we have plenty of money to live well but turn our backs on those in need and show no compassion for them, we don't have the love of God dwelling in us. 1 John 3:17-18 "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read about the many prophesies of the prophets of old testifying of the coming of Christ who would be smitten, spit upon, and finally crucified. He yielded Himself and suffered all these things, even though He was the God of their fathers who lead them out of Egypt. 1 Ne. 19: 9-10 "And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men. And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel."
In the New Testament we're told to love one another as Jesus has loved us. He laid down his life for us. No man can show greater love than that. If we want to be Jesus' friends, we will keep His commandments. John 15:12-14 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to remember the poor. The thought that went with this, written by Ted De Haas from Bedford, Iowa, says: When we were living in northern California, one of our neighbors was a devout Mennonite farmer named Henry. He had almond and walnut orchards, and our family helped him during one harvest. We were to go through a walnut orchard with five gallon buckets and pick up the loose walnuts on the ground. As we set out on our task, Henry gave us this instruction: "Don't pick up the walnuts in the corners of the orchard. leave them on the ground." These walnuts, he explained, were to be left for anyone who would like to come and gather. Henry practiced the Old Testament practice of gleaning. He wanted to obey the Lord by caring for others. This Old Testament law is not forgotten in the New Testament. Paul wrote to the Galatians that the leaders of the church in Jerusalem had accepted him as an apostle, and the only instruction they gave him was to "continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do". Remember the poor. These three words underline the obligation that we all have to the needy. On that day in the orchard, I learned an important lesson that I have never forgotten: I need to do whatever I can to help others and to remember the poor. Leviticus 19:9-10 "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God."
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In the New Testament we're told to love one another as Jesus has loved us. He laid down his life for us. No man can show greater love than that. If we want to be Jesus' friends, we will keep His commandments. John 15:12-14 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to remember the poor. The thought that went with this, written by Ted De Haas from Bedford, Iowa, says: When we were living in northern California, one of our neighbors was a devout Mennonite farmer named Henry. He had almond and walnut orchards, and our family helped him during one harvest. We were to go through a walnut orchard with five gallon buckets and pick up the loose walnuts on the ground. As we set out on our task, Henry gave us this instruction: "Don't pick up the walnuts in the corners of the orchard. leave them on the ground." These walnuts, he explained, were to be left for anyone who would like to come and gather. Henry practiced the Old Testament practice of gleaning. He wanted to obey the Lord by caring for others. This Old Testament law is not forgotten in the New Testament. Paul wrote to the Galatians that the leaders of the church in Jerusalem had accepted him as an apostle, and the only instruction they gave him was to "continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do". Remember the poor. These three words underline the obligation that we all have to the needy. On that day in the orchard, I learned an important lesson that I have never forgotten: I need to do whatever I can to help others and to remember the poor. Leviticus 19:9-10 "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God."
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how those who do not hearken to the counsels of the Lord set Him at naught and
trample Him under their feet. We should place great worth on the counsels of the Lord and make sure we listen and
obey. 1 Ne. 19: 7 "For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others
set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say,
trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels."
In the New Testament I read a very important commandment--that we love one another as Jesus has loved us. This is how we can tell a true disciple of Christ--they show love one to another. I remember one time years ago I was looking at a "Christian" discussion board online. All it consisted of was people from different denominations arguing with each other about points of doctrine and criticizing each other for differences in their beliefs. I remember posting a message with this scripture verse on the discussion board, but it didn't seem to make them miss a beat, even though I asked them, "What would a non Christian think if they came to this board wondering what Christianity was all about, and seeing you all being hateful and argumentative with each other? " Being a true Christian is all about love, and how kind we are to others. If someone were to examine your life and how you treat others, would they be able to recognize you as a follower of Christ? John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
A verse with a thought booklet goes right along with this, telling us that we need to have unity and love toward one another, and if we do this, we'll have joy. Philippians 2:2 "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
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trample Him under their feet. We should place great worth on the counsels of the Lord and make sure we listen and
obey. 1 Ne. 19: 7 "For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others
set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say,
trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels."
In the New Testament I read a very important commandment--that we love one another as Jesus has loved us. This is how we can tell a true disciple of Christ--they show love one to another. I remember one time years ago I was looking at a "Christian" discussion board online. All it consisted of was people from different denominations arguing with each other about points of doctrine and criticizing each other for differences in their beliefs. I remember posting a message with this scripture verse on the discussion board, but it didn't seem to make them miss a beat, even though I asked them, "What would a non Christian think if they came to this board wondering what Christianity was all about, and seeing you all being hateful and argumentative with each other? " Being a true Christian is all about love, and how kind we are to others. If someone were to examine your life and how you treat others, would they be able to recognize you as a follower of Christ? John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
A verse with a thought booklet goes right along with this, telling us that we need to have unity and love toward one another, and if we do this, we'll have joy. Philippians 2:2 "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
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Monday, April 11, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that the only thing that caused the brothers of Nephi to untie him was the fear that they would be swallowed up in the ocean. But after they did untie him, the liahona began to work again and the storm calmed down and they were able to continue their journey to the promised land, where they were able to plant their seeds and grow crops in abundance. 1 Ne. 18: 20-24 "And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me. And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land. And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land. And it came to pass that we did begin to till the earth, and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our seeds into the earth, which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow exceedingly; wherefore, we were blessed in abundance."
In the New Testament I read about some of the chief rulers who believed in Jesus but were afraid to confess Him openly because they would be put out of the synagogue if they did. In other words, they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. How bold are we to stand up for what we know is right, even when popular opinion is against us? Do we can more about pleasing God or about what other people think of us? John 12:42-43 "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord truly knows and understands us. He is acquainted with our every thought and action. And we cannot hide from Him. No matter where we go or what we do, He will see us and know what we're up to. Darkness will not cover us because He can see as well in darkness as He can in light. This is a pretty scary thought if we're doing things we're ashamed of. Much better to live our lives above reproach! Psalms 139:1-4, 7-12 "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."
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In the New Testament I read about some of the chief rulers who believed in Jesus but were afraid to confess Him openly because they would be put out of the synagogue if they did. In other words, they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. How bold are we to stand up for what we know is right, even when popular opinion is against us? Do we can more about pleasing God or about what other people think of us? John 12:42-43 "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord truly knows and understands us. He is acquainted with our every thought and action. And we cannot hide from Him. No matter where we go or what we do, He will see us and know what we're up to. Darkness will not cover us because He can see as well in darkness as He can in light. This is a pretty scary thought if we're doing things we're ashamed of. Much better to live our lives above reproach! Psalms 139:1-4, 7-12 "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."
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Sunday, April 10, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi's wicked brothers began to act up with much rudeness while sailing
for the promised land. Nephi tried to chastise them which just made them angry and they tied him up. Then the
liahona stopped working and a great storm arose, and it was only when they feared for their lives that they finally
untied Nephi. His reaction was interesting. Even though his ankles and wrists were swollen and sore from being tied
up, instead of getting angry with his brothers, he praied God all day long and did not murmur against the Lord
because of his afflictions. How do we reaction when things are going badly for us? Do we murmur and complain or
do we praise the Lord all day long? What a great example Nephi is to all of us! 1 Ne. 18: 9-16 "And after we had
been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness. And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us. And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked. And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work. Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be rightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me. And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore. And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions."
Yesterday we read about how Jesus wept with the loved ones of Lazarus who had died. Today we read that He did more than just weep, He called him forth to rise from the dead. Jesus has power over death and someday all our loved ones will be resurrected and we will see them again. We can weep because we miss them, but we can also rejoice because death is not permanent. Our Savior conquered death! John 11:38-44 "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that an angry man stirs up strife and a furious man abounds in transgression. How important is it for us to control our tempers and how much damage can be done when we don't? Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Who can calculate the wounds inflicted, their depth and pain, by harsh and mean words spoken in anger?" Sounds like it's very important indeed to gain control over our tongues and the words we speak. And to get to the root of the problem, we need to control our angry feelings. One thing I've noticed in my own life is that when I'm feeling angry, I cannot feel the Spirit. Anger seems to drive the Spirit away and make it withdraw. That's all the more reason to overcome this problem. And if we'll turn to the Lord to help us, He will. Proverbs 29:22 "An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression."
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for the promised land. Nephi tried to chastise them which just made them angry and they tied him up. Then the
liahona stopped working and a great storm arose, and it was only when they feared for their lives that they finally
untied Nephi. His reaction was interesting. Even though his ankles and wrists were swollen and sore from being tied
up, instead of getting angry with his brothers, he praied God all day long and did not murmur against the Lord
because of his afflictions. How do we reaction when things are going badly for us? Do we murmur and complain or
do we praise the Lord all day long? What a great example Nephi is to all of us! 1 Ne. 18: 9-16 "And after we had
been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness. And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us. And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked. And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work. Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be rightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me. And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore. And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions."
Yesterday we read about how Jesus wept with the loved ones of Lazarus who had died. Today we read that He did more than just weep, He called him forth to rise from the dead. Jesus has power over death and someday all our loved ones will be resurrected and we will see them again. We can weep because we miss them, but we can also rejoice because death is not permanent. Our Savior conquered death! John 11:38-44 "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that an angry man stirs up strife and a furious man abounds in transgression. How important is it for us to control our tempers and how much damage can be done when we don't? Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Who can calculate the wounds inflicted, their depth and pain, by harsh and mean words spoken in anger?" Sounds like it's very important indeed to gain control over our tongues and the words we speak. And to get to the root of the problem, we need to control our angry feelings. One thing I've noticed in my own life is that when I'm feeling angry, I cannot feel the Spirit. Anger seems to drive the Spirit away and make it withdraw. That's all the more reason to overcome this problem. And if we'll turn to the Lord to help us, He will. Proverbs 29:22 "An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression."
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Saturday, April 9, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how, with the Lord's help, Nephi was able to build a ship of fine workmanship. It was not like ships that other men built, but it was a ship that the Lord had told him how to build after he had sought the Lord's help through prayer. After it was built, even his rebellous brothers admitted that it was a fine ship. They gathered up their provisions and entered into the ship to sail for the promised land. 1 Ne. 18: 1-8 "And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship. Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men. And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things. And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship. And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and our children. And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder was called Jacob and the younger Joseph. And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land."
In the New Testament I read about how when Jesus came upon those greiving for Lazarus who had died, He wept with them. When we are trying to comfort those who have lost loved ones and are at a loss on what to do, maybe we can simply follow the Savior's example and cry with them. When we mourn with those who mourn, we are showing love for them. John 10:32-36 "Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
A verse with a thought booklet tell us to hold fast to the profession of our faith, without wavering. How strong is our faith when we go through trying times? Do we hold fast or do we waver? Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"
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In the New Testament I read about how when Jesus came upon those greiving for Lazarus who had died, He wept with them. When we are trying to comfort those who have lost loved ones and are at a loss on what to do, maybe we can simply follow the Savior's example and cry with them. When we mourn with those who mourn, we are showing love for them. John 10:32-36 "Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
A verse with a thought booklet tell us to hold fast to the profession of our faith, without wavering. How strong is our faith when we go through trying times? Do we hold fast or do we waver? Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"
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Friday, April 8, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi stretched forth his hand and shocked his brothers so that would know that the Lord was with Nephi and that what he was telling them was the truth. Isn't it sad that their hearts were so hard that it took something like this to convince them? 1 Ne. 17: 53-55 "And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thine hand again unto thy brethren, and they shall not wither before thee, but I will shock them, saith the Lord, and this will I do, that they may know that I am the Lord their God. And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my brethren, and they did not wither before me; but the Lord did shake them, even according to the word which he had spoken. And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee."
In the New Testament we read that God doesn't hear sinners, but rather listens to the prayers of those who worship Him. If we do what's right, Heavenly Father will hear and answer our prayers in the way that's best for us. John 9:31 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about our souls longing for God the way a hart pants after water brooks. Does a thirsty animal seek after water? Look for it until he finds it? How intent are we at seeking after God? Do we persist until we find Him, as if our very lives depended on it? Indeed, our spiritual lives do depend on it. Psalms 42:1 "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
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In the New Testament we read that God doesn't hear sinners, but rather listens to the prayers of those who worship Him. If we do what's right, Heavenly Father will hear and answer our prayers in the way that's best for us. John 9:31 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about our souls longing for God the way a hart pants after water brooks. Does a thirsty animal seek after water? Look for it until he finds it? How intent are we at seeking after God? Do we persist until we find Him, as if our very lives depended on it? Indeed, our spiritual lives do depend on it. Psalms 42:1 "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi's brothers murmured against him and their father and refused to help
him build the ship that the Lord had commanded them to build. Nephi asked them why they didn't believe that the
Lord could instruct him on how to build a ship when God is all powerful and can do all things. If the Lord asks us to
do something we find difficult, do we likewise complain and think it's too hard? Noting is too hard for us to
accomplish if the Lord asks us to do it--He will help us every step of the way. 1 Ne. 17: 49-51 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them that they should murmur no more against their father; neither should they withhold their labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should build a ship. And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?"
In the New Testament I read that Jesus is the Light of the World and if we follow Him we'll have the light of life and not walk in darkness. There is no reason for us to stumble around in the dark, not knowing which way to go. All we have to do is follow Jesus who is a Light to us and shows us the way. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we reverence the Lord and keep His commandments, we gain good understanding and wisdom. Maybe this is why people who turn from the Lord and break His commandments sometimes stop being able to comprehend things of the Spirit and lose all understanding of God. We understand things of the Spirit through the Spirit. And we need to be worthy to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Psalms 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."
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him build the ship that the Lord had commanded them to build. Nephi asked them why they didn't believe that the
Lord could instruct him on how to build a ship when God is all powerful and can do all things. If the Lord asks us to
do something we find difficult, do we likewise complain and think it's too hard? Noting is too hard for us to
accomplish if the Lord asks us to do it--He will help us every step of the way. 1 Ne. 17: 49-51 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them that they should murmur no more against their father; neither should they withhold their labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should build a ship. And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?"
In the New Testament I read that Jesus is the Light of the World and if we follow Him we'll have the light of life and not walk in darkness. There is no reason for us to stumble around in the dark, not knowing which way to go. All we have to do is follow Jesus who is a Light to us and shows us the way. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we reverence the Lord and keep His commandments, we gain good understanding and wisdom. Maybe this is why people who turn from the Lord and break His commandments sometimes stop being able to comprehend things of the Spirit and lose all understanding of God. We understand things of the Spirit through the Spirit. And we need to be worthy to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Psalms 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."
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Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi telling about how his brothers were so swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord, even though they'd seen angels. He said that the Lord tries to speak to them in a still, small voice, but they were past feeling and could not feel His words. So then He had to speak to them in a voice of thunder that shook the earth. Do we keep ourselves in tune with the Lord so we can hear that still, small voice? Do we hearken to and obey what He tells us? 1 Ne. 17: 45-46 "Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder. And ye also know that by the power of his almighty word he can cause the earth that it shall pass away; yea, and ye know that by his word he can cause the rough places to be made smooth, and smooth places shall be broken up. O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your hearts?"
In the New Testament we're told not to judge by appearance, but to judge righteous judgment. How many times do we judge people because of the way they're dressed or the way they talk or by something about their physical appearance? We can be thankful that the Lord will not judge us on such superficial things. He looks on our hearts and will judge us by the things we think, say and do. And a very big factor will be how much love we have shown to others. John 7:24 "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us how fragile life is. We might makes plans that we'll do certain things today, tomorrow, or next year, but we'll only be able to follow through on those plans if it's the Lord's will. We don't know that we'll still be alive tomorrow. Life is like a vapour that appears for a time and then vanishes. We need to take advantage of whatever time we have because we don't know when we'll be called home to God. The thought that went with this, written by Wilma Musser from Mechanicburg, Pennsylvania says: I saw him daily at the nursing home: an elderly man pushing his wife in a wheelchair. She had a pretty complexion, but glazed eyes and an open mouth. Although she did not respond in any way, his attentiveness intrigued me. As they sat at the big window, he would describe the beautiful flowers outside or tell her the colors and models of the cars that passed by. I sometimes heard him tell her how pretty she was and what a wonderful wife she had been and how much he loved her. One day I overheard him talking to another resident: "When she was well, I was too busy with my business to pay much attention. Now I come every day. I tell her how much I love her, but it's too late. She can't see or talk. But I do love her, and I am trying to make up for my years of negligence." How sad! Our verse for today says that we should do our kind deeds and show our love for people before it is too late. Life is short and uncertain. Thank you for reminding me to act now, love now, and serve now--before it's too late. James 4:13-15 "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
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In the New Testament we're told not to judge by appearance, but to judge righteous judgment. How many times do we judge people because of the way they're dressed or the way they talk or by something about their physical appearance? We can be thankful that the Lord will not judge us on such superficial things. He looks on our hearts and will judge us by the things we think, say and do. And a very big factor will be how much love we have shown to others. John 7:24 "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us how fragile life is. We might makes plans that we'll do certain things today, tomorrow, or next year, but we'll only be able to follow through on those plans if it's the Lord's will. We don't know that we'll still be alive tomorrow. Life is like a vapour that appears for a time and then vanishes. We need to take advantage of whatever time we have because we don't know when we'll be called home to God. The thought that went with this, written by Wilma Musser from Mechanicburg, Pennsylvania says: I saw him daily at the nursing home: an elderly man pushing his wife in a wheelchair. She had a pretty complexion, but glazed eyes and an open mouth. Although she did not respond in any way, his attentiveness intrigued me. As they sat at the big window, he would describe the beautiful flowers outside or tell her the colors and models of the cars that passed by. I sometimes heard him tell her how pretty she was and what a wonderful wife she had been and how much he loved her. One day I overheard him talking to another resident: "When she was well, I was too busy with my business to pay much attention. Now I come every day. I tell her how much I love her, but it's too late. She can't see or talk. But I do love her, and I am trying to make up for my years of negligence." How sad! Our verse for today says that we should do our kind deeds and show our love for people before it is too late. Life is short and uncertain. Thank you for reminding me to act now, love now, and serve now--before it's too late. James 4:13-15 "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
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Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon Nephi told the story of the fiery flying serpents bit the people and how all the people had to do to be saved was look at the brass serpent. Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? But they had hardened their hearts so much that they refused to look. And so they perished. 1 Ne. 17: 41-42 "And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished. And they did harden their hearts from time to time, and they did revile against Moses, and also against God; nevertheless, ye know that they were led forth by his matchless power into the land of promise."
In the New Testament we're told that Jesus is the bread of life and that whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. In Moses' day, the people were tgiven manna to eat in the wilderness. But those people all died. But Christ offers us living bread which, if we partake, we will live forever. John 6:47-51 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
A verse with a thought booklet warns us against using "vain repetitions" when we pray. How often do we pray saying the same old things, day after day, without really listening to what we're saying? Are we really paying attention to what we're saying in our prayers or are we just reciting words that we've been saying every day without conscious effort? We need to remember that we're supposed to be having a conversation with our Heavenly Father. How do we converse with someone we love? Do we speak from the heart, or do we just mumble a bunch of words out of habit? Next time you pray, listen to what you're saying. Speak from the heart. Vain repetitions are not pleasing unto the Lord. Matthew 6:7 "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."
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In the New Testament we're told that Jesus is the bread of life and that whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. In Moses' day, the people were tgiven manna to eat in the wilderness. But those people all died. But Christ offers us living bread which, if we partake, we will live forever. John 6:47-51 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
A verse with a thought booklet warns us against using "vain repetitions" when we pray. How often do we pray saying the same old things, day after day, without really listening to what we're saying? Are we really paying attention to what we're saying in our prayers or are we just reciting words that we've been saying every day without conscious effort? We need to remember that we're supposed to be having a conversation with our Heavenly Father. How do we converse with someone we love? Do we speak from the heart, or do we just mumble a bunch of words out of habit? Next time you pray, listen to what you're saying. Speak from the heart. Vain repetitions are not pleasing unto the Lord. Matthew 6:7 "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."
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Monday, April 4, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon Nephi recounted to his brothers about how the Lord commanded Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, parting the Red Sea and providing manna in the wilderness for them to eat. He gave them water to drink and lead them in the wilderness. In yet in spite of all these blessings, the people reviled against Him. Nephi then asked his brothers if they really thought the people in Jeruselem were righteous and then told them no! They were ripe for destruction. 1 Ne. 17: 26-35 "Now ye know that Moses was commanded of the Lord to do that great work; and ye know that by his word the waters of the Red Sea were divided hither and thither, and they passed through on dry ground. But ye know that the Egyptians were drowned in the Red Sea, who were the armies of Pharaoh. And ye also know that they were fed with manna in the wilderness. Yea, and ye also know that Moses, by his word according to the power of God which was in him, smote the rock, and there came forth water, that the children of Israel might quench their thirst. And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God, their Redeemer, going before them, leading them by day and giving light unto them by night, and doing all things for them which were expedient for man to receive, they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds, and reviled against Moses and against the true and living God. And it came to pass that according to his word he did destroy them; and according to his word he did lead them; and according to his word he did do all things for them; and there was not any thing done save it were by his word. And after they had crossed the river Jordan he did make them mighty unto the driving out of the children of the land, yea, unto the scattering them to destruction. And now, do ye suppose that the children of this land, who were in the land of promise, who were driven out by our fathers, do ye suppose that they were righteous? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. Do ye suppose that our fathers would have been more choice than they if they had been righteous? I say unto you, Nay. Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God. But behold, this people had rejected every word of God, and they were ripe in iniquity; and the fulness of the wrath of God was upon them; and the Lord did curse the land against them, and bless it unto our fathers; yea, he did curse it against them unto their destruction, and he did bless it unto our fathers unto their obtaining power over it."
A familiar verse in the New Testament tells us to search the scirptures, which testify of Christ, for in them we have eternal life. John 5:39 "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that the Lord will be with us always, even to the end. What great comfort we can gain from knowing tht we are not alone and that we can feel the presence of God when we're in need of peach and comfort. We have a place to turn. Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
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A familiar verse in the New Testament tells us to search the scirptures, which testify of Christ, for in them we have eternal life. John 5:39 "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that the Lord will be with us always, even to the end. What great comfort we can gain from knowing tht we are not alone and that we can feel the presence of God when we're in need of peach and comfort. We have a place to turn. Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
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Sunday, April 3, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi's brothers mocked him for trying to build a ship and said he was foolish to think he could accomplish so great a work as that. They refused to help him in the task. They also murmured and complained about having been lead out of the land of Jerusalem and said they would be so much better off if they'd stayed and been able to enjoy their nice things. They claimed that the people in Jerusalem were righteous and would not really have been destroyed like their father claimed. 1 Ne. 17: 17-22 "And when my brethren saw that I was about to build a ship, they began to murmur against me, saying: Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters. And thus my brethren did complain against me, and were desirous that they might not labor, for they did not believe that I could build a ship; neither would they believe that I was instructed of the Lord. And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceedingly sorrowful because of the hardness of their hearts; and now when they saw that I began to be sorrowful they were glad in their hearts, insomuch that they did rejoice over me, saying: We knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish so great a work. And thou art like unto our father, led away by the foolish imaginations of his heart; yea, he hath led us out of the land of Jerusalem, and we have wandered in the wilderness for these many years; and our women have toiled, being big with child; and they have borne children in the wilderness and suffered all things, save it were death; and it would have been better that they had died before they came out of Jerusalem than to have suffered these afflictions. Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have been happy. And we know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem were a righteous people; for they kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses; wherefore, we know that they are a righteous people; and our father hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto his words; yea, and our brother is like unto him. And after this manner of language did my brethren murmur and complain against us."
In the New Testament I read that the gospel would be taken to the dead. This is what makes temple work so important. Those who had no opportunity to hear the gospel while they were alive can have that opportunity after they die. And they can also accept baptisms and other ordinances done in their behalf. John 5:25, 28 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we commit a sin, we become a servant of that sin. If we want to be free, we'll obey the commendments because sin enslaves us! John 8:34 "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
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In the New Testament I read that the gospel would be taken to the dead. This is what makes temple work so important. Those who had no opportunity to hear the gospel while they were alive can have that opportunity after they die. And they can also accept baptisms and other ordinances done in their behalf. John 5:25, 28 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we commit a sin, we become a servant of that sin. If we want to be free, we'll obey the commendments because sin enslaves us! John 8:34 "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
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Saturday, April 2, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that when we keep the commandments, the Lord blesses us. Nephi did strive to keep
the commandments and exhorted his brothers to also be faithful and diligent. 1 Ne. 17: 13-15 "And I will also be
your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments;
wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall
know that it is by me that ye are led. Yea, and the Lord said also that: After ye have arrived in the promised land, ye
shall know that I, the Lord, am God; and that I, the Lord, did deliver you from destruction; yea, that I did bring you out
of the land of Jerusalem. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did strive to keep the commandments of the Lord, and I did exhort my
brethren to faithfulness and diligence."
In the New Testament I read that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son--not to condemn the world but to save it. If we have faith and believe in our Savior, we'll have everlasting life. What a wonderful, loving gift our Heavenly Father has given to us. John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
A verse from a thought booklet reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is a good thing to remember when we're prone to condemning other people--or ourselves. Nobody is perfect! Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
the commandments and exhorted his brothers to also be faithful and diligent. 1 Ne. 17: 13-15 "And I will also be
your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments;
wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall
know that it is by me that ye are led. Yea, and the Lord said also that: After ye have arrived in the promised land, ye
shall know that I, the Lord, am God; and that I, the Lord, did deliver you from destruction; yea, that I did bring you out
of the land of Jerusalem. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did strive to keep the commandments of the Lord, and I did exhort my
brethren to faithfulness and diligence."
In the New Testament I read that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son--not to condemn the world but to save it. If we have faith and believe in our Savior, we'll have everlasting life. What a wonderful, loving gift our Heavenly Father has given to us. John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
A verse from a thought booklet reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is a good thing to remember when we're prone to condemning other people--or ourselves. Nobody is perfect! Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Friday, April 1, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord commanded Nephi to build a ship. Nephi inquired about where to find ore to make tools and proceeded to get to work and make fire. When the Lord commanded him to do something, he got busy and did it. 1 Ne. 17: 8-11 "And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters. And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me? And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make a bellows wherewith to blow the fire, of the skins of beasts; and after I had made a bellows, that I might have wherewith to blow the fire, I did smite two stones together that I might make fire."
In the New Testament I read about the conversation Jesus had with His disciples right before He was taken up into heaven. He told them that what the ancient prophets had prohesied about had been fulfilled and He opened their understanding to what the scriptures say. He told them that they needed to preach repentance to all nations and teach the people that He had suffered for their sins and had overcome death and been resurrected from the dead on the third day. They were witnesses to these things! And they had been endued with power from on high. After Jesus blessed them, He ascended up into heaven. Luke 24:44-51 "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we love one another, we'll fulfill the law and keep the other commandments, such as not killing, stealing, bearing false witness, committing adultary, or coveting. If we truly love other people are we going to steal from them or bear false witness against them? Or are we going to unselfishly want what is best for them and do what we can to serve them and make their lives easier? Love is truly the key to keeping the commandments. Romans 13:8-10 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
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In the New Testament I read about the conversation Jesus had with His disciples right before He was taken up into heaven. He told them that what the ancient prophets had prohesied about had been fulfilled and He opened their understanding to what the scriptures say. He told them that they needed to preach repentance to all nations and teach the people that He had suffered for their sins and had overcome death and been resurrected from the dead on the third day. They were witnesses to these things! And they had been endued with power from on high. After Jesus blessed them, He ascended up into heaven. Luke 24:44-51 "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we love one another, we'll fulfill the law and keep the other commandments, such as not killing, stealing, bearing false witness, committing adultary, or coveting. If we truly love other people are we going to steal from them or bear false witness against them? Or are we going to unselfishly want what is best for them and do what we can to serve them and make their lives easier? Love is truly the key to keeping the commandments. Romans 13:8-10 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
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