Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Amulek had not understood the mysteries of God because had rebelled against God and hardened his heart against Him.  He had refused to hear the things of God. Alma 10:4-6 "And behold, I am also a man of no small reputation among all those who know me; yea, and behold, I have many kindreds and friends, and I have also acquired much riches by the hand of my industry. Nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power. I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power; yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this people.  Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart, even until the fourth day of this seventh month, which is in the tenth year of the reign of the judges."

In the Old Testament I read that the Tabernacle was finished according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses to do.  Moses looked on the finished work and blessed the people. Exodus 39:42-43 "According to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord does not grow weary or faint, but He will give power to those who are faint and increase their strength.  Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.  They'll be able to run and not be weary and walk and not faint.  When we're feeling weak and like we can't continue on, we need to turn to the Lord.  He will give us the strength we need to carry on.  Isaiah 40:28-31 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that we will be judged according do what we do in our lives.  We're be rewarded for our righteousness and punished for our wickedness.   Alma 9:28 "Therefore, prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time is at hand that all men shall reap a reward of their works, according to that which they have been—if they have been righteous they shall reap the salvation of their souls, according to the power and deliverance of Jesus Christ; and if they have been evil they shall reap the damnation of their souls, according to the power and captivation of the devil."

In the Old Testament we read that all the work of the tabernacle was finished and the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded them, through Moses.  They made a plate and engraved on it, "Holiness to the Lord" which is something that can be found on our temples today.  Exodus 39:30, 32 "And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, Holiness to the Lord. Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we will be forgiven for our trespasses just as readily as we're willing to forgive others for their trespasses against us.  Do we truly forgive others according to the Lord's example?  He forgives totally, not grudgingly.  He doesn't retain bitterness and resentment towards those He has forgiven, and doesn't keep bringing up their past sin.  Can we do the same for those who have sinned against us? Matthew 6:14-15 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read how blessed and enlightened the Nephites had been and how the Lord had healed them and protected them and given them many spiritual gifts.  But that if they turned from the Lord and rejected Him after being so highly favored by Him, they would be worse off than the Lamanites because they were transgressing against greater light and knowledge. Alma 9:20-23 "Yea, after having been such a highly favored people of the Lord; yea, after having been favored above every other nation, kindred, tongue, or people; after having had all things made known unto them, according to their desires, and their faith, and prayers, of that which has been, and which is, and which is to come; Having been visited by the Spirit of God; having conversed with angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the Lord; and having the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and also many gifts, the gift of speaking with tongues, and the gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of translation; Yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the land of Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord; having been saved from famine, and from sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind; and they having waxed strong in battle, that they might not be destroyed; having been brought out of bondage time after time, and having been kept and preserved until now; and they have been prospered until they are rich in all manner of things— And now behold I say unto you, that if this people, who have received so many blessings from the hand of the Lord, should transgress contrary to the light and knowledge which they do have, I say unto you that if this be the case, that if they should fall into transgression, it would be far more tolerable for the Lamanites than for them."

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord chose wise hearted men to work on the tabernacle--men He had given wisdom and understanding to so they would know how to do the work.  When the Lord commands us to do something, He'll give us the understanding we need to be able to accomplish it.  Exodus 36:1 "Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we have a problem with another person, we need to go to that person and tell him his fault privately, just between the two of you.  This is a much better solution than talking about them behind their back, fuming silently and building up resentment against them, or simply avoiding them thereafter.  We might be able to save our relationship with them by simply discussing our problems with them in a kind and loving way.  And we might be able to encourage them to become better people in the process.  Matthew 18:15 "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Alma preached to the people of Ammonihah, but they hardened their hearts against him and would not listen to him. They reviled him and cast him out of their city. However, as Alma was journeying away from this wicked city, an angel appeared to him and told him to go back. That would be a pretty scary thing to return to a place who totally rejected you and threw you out! But Alma was obedient. He "speedily" returned to the land. When the Lord asks us to do something hard, how quick are we to obey? Or do we try to think up excuses why we shouldn't? Alma 8:8-16, 18 "And it came to pass that when Alma had come to the city of Ammonihah he began to preach the word of God unto them. Now Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people of the city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto the words of Alma. Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance. Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts, saying unto him: Behold, we know that thou art Alma; and we know that thou art high priest over the church which thou hast established in many parts of the land, according to your tradition; and we are not of thy church, and we do not believe in such foolish traditions. And now we know that because we are not of thy church we know that thou hast no power over us; and thou hast delivered up the judgment-seat unto Nephihah; therefore thou art not the chief judge over us. Now when the people had said this, and withstood all his words, and reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of their city, he departed thence and took his journey towards the city which was called Aaron. And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying: Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you. And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them. Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city of Ammonihah."

In the Old Testament I again read that the Lord commanded the people to keep the Sabbath Day Holy, with a penalty of death if they disobeyed. This sounds like a very important commandment! Exodus 35:1-2 "And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the Lord hath commanded, that ye should do them. Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to be strong and take courage because God is striding ahead of us. He's right there with us and won't let us down or leave us. What a comforting thought that is! Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we're told to walk blameless before God and to be humble, submissive, gentle, full of patience, to be diligent in keeping the commandments, and to have faith, hope charity, and abound in good works. Alma 7:22-24 "And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received. And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai speaking to the Lord and writing the words of the covenant and ten commandments on tables of stone. When he came back down to the people, his face shone. Exodus 34:27-32 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai."

Some verses with a thought booklet speak of our eternal nature--not just that we'll live forever in the future, but that we have lived forever in the past. And God knows us, and has always known us, even before we were conceived. He told Jeremiah that even before he was born, He had ordained him to be a prophet. We, too, were called to do certain work even before we were born. It may not have been to be a prophet but perhaps it was to be a teacher or a parent or a leader or a missionary. Even before we were born, the Lord had a plan for our lives, and things He wanted us to accomplish during mortality. Jeremiah 1:4-5 "Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that we need to repent and be baptized, laying aside every sin that so easily besets us. We need to come unto Christ and keep the commandments. If we do these things, we'll have eternal life. Alma 7:14-16 "Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism. And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me."

In the Old Testament I read about how Moses moved the Tabernacle of the congregation away from the camp and the Lord spoke to Moses face to face in the Tabernacle. Exodus 33:7-11 "And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle. And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door. And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that bodily exercise is of little profit, but a godly life is valuable not only now, but also in the life to come. In order to understand this, we need to have an eternal perspective. Perhaps we look at people who exercise a great deal and are very physically fit and see the value that their exercise has been to them in keeping in shape. However, fast forward several decades and picture that person at the age or 97, if they live that long. Chances are good that they'll be in a wheelchair or walking with a walker. They may have great difficulty even walking to the bathroom, and no longer would be capable of running 10 miles like they did on a daily basis in their younger years. No matter how fit we try to remain, our bodies will still eventually decay and age, and we'll eventually die. Of what value will all our exercising be 200 years from now? However, when we nourish our spiritual lives through scripture study and prayer, the spiritual growth that results will be of benefit to us not only now, but in our eternal life as well. Whatever knowledge we gain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection. So let's keep things in perspective--excersising our physical bodies is a good thing but is of only temporary value. However, the things we do to promote our spiritual growth are of eternal value. 1 Timothy 4:8 "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
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Daily Thoughts Saturday

In the Book of Mormon I read prophesies about how Christ would be born of Mary and would suffer pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind and suffer for the sins of the people, so that their transgressions could be blotted out. Alma 7:10-13 "And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."

In the Old Testament I read about how the people grew inpatient with Moses being away and gave Aaron their golden jewelry to molten a golden calf that they could worship. The Lord was displeased with their stiffneckedness. How quick are we to forget the Lord and turn our minds and hearts to other things? Exodus 32:1-9 "And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the Lord. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:"

Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to be unselfish, value others above ourselves and looking to the interest of others more than our own. We need to love as Christ loved. Philippians 2:1-4 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
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Daily Thoughts Wednesday

In the Book of Mormon I read that whatever is good comes from God and whoever brings forth evil works is a child of the devil. Alma 5:40-42 "For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil. Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shepherd, and he doth follow him; but whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil, for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him. And whosoever doeth this must receive his wages of him; therefore, for his wages he receiveth death, as to things pertaining unto righteousness, being dead unto all good works."

In the Old Testament we read that Aaron and his sons were to be consecrated and anointed to minister in the priest's office. Exodus 28:1 "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to bless those who persecute us instead of cursing them, and don't pay back evil when we receive evil at the hands of others. We need to live in harmony with other people and not think we're superior to them. We should rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, being a true friend to them. Romans 12:14-17 "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."

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Daily Thoughts Tuesday

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord sends an invitation to all men to repent and come unto Him and He will receive them. If we do what's right, we won't be hewn down and cast into the fire. Alma 5: 33-35 "Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely; Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire—"

In the Old Testament I read the details with which the tabernacle would be built--along with the mercy seat, cherubims, table and candlestick. And then there's a verse that says that all these things would be made after the pattern which the Lord had shown Moses in the mount. This was all according to the direction of the Lord. Exodus 25:40 "And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we trust in the Lord and our minds are stayed on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace. The only way to have true peace in our lives, is to turn to the Lord. Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."


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Daily Thoughts Friday

In the Book of Mormon we're told that we need to repent or we will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, and we'll be cut down and cast into the fire. We need to give of our riches to others to help them, rather than being puffed up with pride and thinking we're better than others, or turning our backs on those in need. If we don't repent from doing these things, we'll be cast into the fire unless we speedily repent. Alma 5:51-56 "And also the Spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with a mighty voice, saying: Go forth and say unto this people—Repent, for except ye repent ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, the Spirit saith: Behold, the ax is laid at the root of the tree; therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire, yea, a fire which cannot be consumed, even an unquenchable fire. Behold, and remember, the Holy One hath spoken it. And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches? Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another; yea, will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they do bring forth works which are meet for repentance— Yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and the needy, and in withholding your substance from them? And finally, all ye that will persist in your wickedness, I say unto you that these are they who shall be hewn down and cast into the fire except they speedily repent."

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord commanded that we should keep the Sabbath Day holy and not do any work thereon. This would be a perpetual covenant between the Lord and His people. In fact, this law is so important that the penalty for Sabbath desecration was death! Exodus 31:12-17 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed."

The scriptures with a thought booklet today were giving thanks to God for all things, and emphasizing over and over again that His mercy endures forever. The Lord has given all of us a multitude of blessings we can be grateful for. In the case of the Israelites, they could be grateful that He had smitten the Egyptian's firstborn, parted the Red Sea, and slain the kings of the Amorites and of Bashan and given their land for an inheritance. We, too, have many things in our lives to be grateful for. Maybe we can be grateful for our homes, our families, our friends, our health, our church, the fact that we have food to eat--the list can go on and on. We all have much to thank the Lord for every day. Psalm 136:1-26 "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever."
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Daily Thoughts Monday

*I'm going on vacation this week and won't have access to the Internet so I'm sending these out ahead of time. 

In the Book of Mormon we're asked some piercing questions. If we were called upon to die at this time and had to face our Creator, would we be clean and humble? Would we be blameless before God? Are we stripped of pride? If not, we need to prepare ourselves now. Alma 5:26-28 "And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now? Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins? Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life."

In the Old Testament I read about Moses being called by the Lord to go up to the Mount to receive tables of stone with the law and commandments. He was gone for 40 days and 40 nights, and left Aaron and Hur in charge of the people during his absense. Exodus 24:12-18 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them. And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the parable of the lost sheep, and remind us how much the Lord loves every one of us and will seek after us when we're lost--rejoicing when we are found! Luke 15:3-7 "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."

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Daily Thoughts Thursday

In the Book of Mormon I read that Alma was able to testify of the reality of Jesus Christ and to know that these things are true because the Spirit made these things known to him after much fasting and prayer on his part. We can know the truth of all things through the power of the Holy Ghost which gives revelation to those who humbly and diligently seek it. Alma 5:45-49 "And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety? Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me. And moreover, I say unto you that it has thus been revealed unto me, that the words which have been spoken by our fathers are true, even so according to the spirit of prophecy which is in me, which is also by the manifestation of the Spirit of God. I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall say unto you, concerning that which is to come, is true; and I say unto you, that I know that Jesus Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth. And behold, it is he that cometh to take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name. And now I say unto you that this is the order after which I am called, yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that dwelleth in the land; yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again."

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would dwell among the children of Isreal and would be their God. They would know that He had brought them forth out of Egypt. Exodus 29:45-46 "And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the Lord their God."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be kind, humble, forgiving, and have charity (the pure love of Christ) in our hearts. If we do these things, and are thankful, we'll be able to have the peace of God rule in our hearts. What a wonderful blessing peace is. Colossians 3:12-15 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that having faith brings a mighty change in our hearts, just like it did for Alma when he heard Abinidi preach. Alma 5:11-13 "Behold, I can tell you—did not my father Alma believe in the words which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy prophet? Did he not speak the words of God, and my father Alma believe them? And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true. And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved."

In the Old Testament we read some laws the Lord gave the people to help them live lives of integrity and godly conduct--things such as not lying or being an unrighteous witness, and not following the crowd when they do evil. If they see their enemy's animal go astray, they should return it to its owner and help him when they have the opportunity to do so. Exod Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet admonish us to put off the former lives that we lived when we accept Christ. We should not be like other people who don't know of Christ and whose understanding is darkened and have blindness in their hearts. They are past feeling because they have given themselves over to greediness and works of uncleanliness. Instead, we need to put on the new man of righteousness and holiness, being renewed in the spirit of our minds. Ephesians 4:17-24 "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."



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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of mormon I read that we will reap the reward or punishment of our actions, depending on if they are good or evil. We will receive eternal happiness or eternal misery, depending on whose voice we list to obey. Alma 3: 26-27 "And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one. For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth. And thus endeth the fifth year of the reign of the judges."

In the Old Testament we read that we should not vex a stranger, remembering that the Israelites were strangers in Egypt. We can also remember that our ancestors were strangers when they came to America. Is it really okay to treat foreigners with less that kindness and compassion? Aren't they also children of our Heavenly Father? Exodus 22:21 "Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us that as God's chosen people we need to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love. These are the qualities that Jesus possessed in abundance and as His disciples, we need to follow Him. What can we say today that will encourage and lift another? What can we do today to show compassion, patience and love to those we come in contact with? Colossians 3:12-14 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that people bring curses upon themselves by their own actions. Alma 3:19 "Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves the curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed bring upon himself his own condemnation."

In the Old Testament we read the Ten Commandments that the Lord gave to the Israelites. These are all as applicable to us today as they were in ancient times. 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 taket 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."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold. It's so important that we use our words in ways to build and strengthen and encourage. Saying just the right thing at the right time can be a great blessing in the lives of others, and can be like a treasure to them. Proverbs 25:11 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord strenghtened the people who prayed mightily to Him that He would deliver them from their enemies. When we pray to the Lord for help, He hears our prayers. Alma 2:28 "Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them."

In the Old Testament we read about how Moses was wearing himself out, judging people from morning until night and trying to government them all by himself. His father in law saw that this was too much for him and gave him some good advice, telling him to assign other people to judge the small cases and only bring the more difficult ones to him. In other words, he was to delegate! This is an important principle. If the tasks at hand really are too much for us, we need to delegate some of those tasks to others. Exodus 18:13-24 "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus was taken up into heaven while the people watched. And then two angels told them that in the same manner that they saw Jesus go up into heaven, so would be return and come back down. That day is coming. Jesus will return! 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."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the people gave of their substance to the poor and needy. They were blessed with an abundance of wealth but instead of setting their hearts on their riches, they used what they had to help those who stood in need--to feed the hungry and nourish the sick. What do we do with the excess money that we have? Do we use it to buy luxuries for ourselves or do we seek to do good to others and bless the lives of those who stand in need? Alma 1:27-30 "And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely. And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions. And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth. And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord sent Manna to feed to people. He told them to go out every morning and gather up what they needed for that day. If they tried to store extra it would breed worms and stink. However, on the day before the Sabbath Day, they were to gather twice as much as normal, and the extra left over for the second day was still good. Those who were disobedient and tried to go out to gather on the Sabbath Day, found none. When we keep the Lord's commandment to keep the Sabbath Day holy, we are blessed. I discovered this truth when I was a young student. I did best studying for tests the night before, when the information was fresh in my mind for the next day. If I tried to study a couple of days ahead of time, I couldn't remember the information as well and didn't do as well on the test. However, if I had a test on a Monday I found I could study on Saturday night and remember what I'd studied just as well as if I'd studied it the night before. I feel I was blessed in my studies by refraining from doing homework on Sundays. Exodus 16:14-30 "And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them. And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted. And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. And Moses said, Eat that today; for today is a sabbath unto the LORD: today ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days: abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. So the people rested on the seventh day."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that a cheerful heart does us good, like a medicine. If we can keep a positive outlook and see the humor in things, even when our challenges are great, we can get through our trials without becoming discouraged and defeated by them. Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that Nehor was condemned to die for killing Gideon. However, this did not end priestcraft in the land. People still preached false doctrine for the sake of riches and honor. Alma 1:10-16 "And the man who slew him was taken by the people of the church, and was brought before Alma, to be judged according to the crimes which he had committed. And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pled for himself with much boldness. But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction. And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, yea, a man who has done much good among this people; and were we to spare thee his blood would come upon us for vengeance. Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and it has been acknowledged by this people; therefore this people must abide by the law. And it came to pass that they took him; and his name was Nehor; and they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there he was caused, or rather did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what he had taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he suffered an ignominious death. Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor."


In the Old Testament I read about how the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, complaining that they had plenty to eat in Egypt but they had been brought out into the wilderness to starve. Moses told them that the Lord heard their murmurings and that rather than murmuring against Moses and Aaron, they were actually murmuring against the Lord. We need to be careful not to murmur, and realize that when we murmur against the Lord's servants, we are really murmuring against Him. Exodus 16:2-3, 8 "And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us how much Jesus loved the little children and valued them. Instead of sending them away, like his disciples wanted to do, He welcomed them with open arms. Matthew 19:13-14 "Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the man who can gone about preaching false doctrine contended with Gideon, a righteous man who admonished him for leading people astray. The man became angry with Gideon and slew him with a sword. Alma 1: 7-9 "And it came to pass as he was going, to preach to those who believed on his word, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, yea, even one of their teachers; and he began to contend with him sharply, that he might lead away the people of the church; but the man withstood him, admonishing him with the words of God. Now the name of the man was Gideon; and it was he who was an instrument in the hands of God in delivering the people of Limhi out of bondage. Now, because Gideon withstood him with the words of God he was wroth with Gideon, and drew his sword and began to smite him. Now Gideon being stricken with many years, therefore he was not able to withstand his blows, therefore he was slain by the sword."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could come through safely, but closed the waters up again when the Egyptians tried to follow them. The Lord miraculously saved Israel from their enemies. Exodus 14:21-31 "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us that if we truly know God we will love one another, for God is love. If we don't love others, we don't know God. 1 John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about a man who went about preaching false doctrine which was popular among the people--things like that everybody would be saved no matter what they did. People like to hear things like that because it allows them to continue in their sins without having to worry about repenting. They were willing to pay him money, which allowed him to become wealthy and prideful. Alma 1:2-6 "And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength. And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people. And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life. And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money. And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching."

In the Old Testament I read that the firstborn of man and of beasts were to be sancitified unto the Lord. The firstborn were the ones who were spared at the time of the Passover. Exodus 13:1-2 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we turn to the Lord in times of trouble, He will be found by us. We need to seek Him and ask Him for help, and He will be there for us. 2 Chronicles 15:4 "But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about what a good king Mosiah was and how instead of seeking for wealth for himself, he sought to bring peace to the land and freedom from bondage for his people. No wonder the people loved him! Wouldn't this be a wonderful world if all the leaders of governments were like Mosiah? Mosiah 29:40 "And they did wax strong in love towards Mosiah; yea, they did esteem him more than any other man; for they did not look upon him as a tyrant who was seeking for gain, yea, for that lucre which doth corrupt the soul; for he had not exacted riches of them, neither had he delighted in the shedding of blood; but he had established peace in the land, and he had granted unto his people that they should be delivered from all manner of bondage; therefore they did esteem him, yea, exceedingly, beyond measure."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord would send one more plague upon the Egyptians, causing the firstborn of both man and animal to die. But he would pass over the firstborn of the Israelites and none of them would die. This caused Pharoah to tell the Israelites to leave, go serve their God, and get out of the land. Exodus 11:1, 4-7, 12: 29-33 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether. And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and holy nation, a peculiar people, and God has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light. We're supposed to be different from the people of the world! 1 Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"



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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about the great iniquity and destruction that can be caused by one wicked king. We need to be careful who we vote for becaue an evil leader can cause great harm. Mosiah 29: 17 "For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!"

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord sent a plague of locusts and thick darkness, but Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go. He told Moses he didn't want to see his face anymore and that if he did, Moses would die. Moses told him he would see his face no more. Exodus 10:12-15, 21-23, 27-29 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left. And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such. For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die.And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us to praise the Lord. We should praise Him in His sanctuary and in the firmament of His power. We should praise Him for His greatness and mighty acts. Everything that breaths should praise the Lord! Psalm 150:1-2, 6 "Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that it is better to be judged by God instead of men because the judgments of God are always just but the judgments of men are not. We need to be careful that we do not judge others, but leave their judging to God. Mosiah 29:12 "Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just."

In the Old Testament I read about further signs given--the Lord destroying the Egyptian's animals but not the Israelite's, cursing the people with boils and blains, and great hail coming upon them. But Pharaoh still hardened his heart and would not let the people go. Exodus 9:1-10, 14-15, 18 "Then the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still, Behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain. And the Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel. And the Lord appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land. And the Lord did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go. And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt. And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we're all one in Christ. It doesn't matter our age, gender, or what nation we come from. We're all precious in His sight! Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that even though the Sons of Mosiah had been the vilest of sinners and had suffered much anguish because of their sins, the Spirit of the Lord worked upon them so that they wanted to spread the gospel message to all. They could not stand the thought of any human soul perishing. When we're filled with the Spirit, we have such love and compassion for others that we want only good and happiness for them, and we'll do whatever we can to help them. Mosiah 28:3-4 "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were the very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever."

In the Old Testament we read about the sings and wonders that the Lord shows in Egypt, but Pharaoh continues to harden his heart and refuses to let the people go. Exodus 7:8-10, 14-21; 8:1-2, 16-17, 20-24 "And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. And thou shalt say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. Thus saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be. And the Lord did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we'll reap what we sow. We need to take every opportunity to do good to all men, not being weary in well-doing, for we will in due season receive our reward. Galatians 6:7-10 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah travelled about the land zealously striving to repair all the damage they had done when they'd been trying to harm the church and twart the work of the Lord. They preached to the people, confessed their sins, and explained the scriptures. In spite of their wicked past, they became instruments in the hands of God to bringing many to a knowledge of the truth and a knowledge of Jesus Christ. In spite of what we may have done in the past, we can still repent and do much good. There is great hope for the repentant sinner. Mosiah 27:34-37 "And four of them were the sons of Mosiah; and their names were Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni; these were the names of the sons of Mosiah. And they traveled throughout all the land of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them. And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer. And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth."

In the Old Testament I read that Moses and Aaron went to Pharoah and asked permission for the children of Israel to go. However, Pharoah responded negatively, questioning who the Lord is and placing greater burdens upon them than ever. Exodus 5:1-14 "And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?"

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the rich young man who came to Jesus asking what he could do to obtain eternal life. The Savior told him to keep the commandments, which the young man said he'd been doing since he was a child. Jesus then told him there was only one thing he lacked--he needed to sell whatever he had and give to the poor. The man was not willing to do this and went away sorrowing. The problem was that the man loved his money more than he loved God. When we put other things as a higher priority than God, our eternal salvation is at stake! Mark 10:17-22 "And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions."

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