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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