Daily Thoughts

I the D&C we read that there are many people in the world who have been lead astray by the craftiness of men who have deceived the.  They are kept from the truth only because they don't know where to find it.  So we need to wear out our lives in bringing light  to the world of darkness.  D&C 123:12-13 "For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—"

In the New Testament we read that if we have faith and do not doubt, we'll be about to remove mountains and our prayers will be answered.  Sometimes our problems and trials can seem as large as mountains, but if we have faith and if it's the Lord's will that they be removed, they will be.  Matthew 21:21-22 "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord upholds those who fall and raises up those who are bowed down.  Indeed, no matter what our problems are, we can turn to the Lord for help.  Psalms 145:14 "The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read the words of the Lord to Joseph Smith when he was suffering much in Liberty Jail.  The Lord mentioned all kinds of calamities that might befall him but told him that even if all these things should come to pass, they would give him experience and be for his good.  This is something for us to remember when we are passing through trials and tribulations.  Even though we might not see it at the time, these things help to strenghten and refine us and help us to become the people we need to be.  We can trust in the Lord and know that whatever we go through in life truly is for our best good.  D&C 122:5-7 " If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea; If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can't you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb; And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus told His disciples that He would be dondemned to death, crucified, and the third day He would be resurrected. He knew all these things were going to happen to Him.  Matthew 20:17-19 "And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,  Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,  And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about how even though Jesus did many wonderful works and healed many people, some people still tried to claim that He was of the devil and they tried to stone Him.  How very sad that down through the ages, people have rejected the prophets, and even the Son of God.  John 10:19-21, 31-32 "There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?"

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that many are called but few are chosen.  The rights of the priesthood are contingent upon the principles of righteousness.  If a man has the priesthood conferred upon him and then he allows his pride or vain ambitions to cause him to exercise unrighteous dominion over others, the Spirit of the Lord will be grieved, the heavens will withdraw, and Amen to the priesthood of that man!  Exercising the priesthood in righteousness means to show love, gentleness, kindness, and meekness, letting virtue garnish the thoughts unceasingly.  If all these things are done in righteousness, the Holy Ghost will be their constant companion.  D&C 121:34-46 "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—  That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.  Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.  We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.  Hence many are called, but few are chosen.  No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;  By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—  Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.  Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."


In the New Testament we read that when asked how we can attain eternal life, Jesus said that we need to keep the commandments.  Matthew 19:16-17 "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that God disciplines those He loves, just like any loving father would, and when He chastises us, it's for our own good. Even though it can be difficult to bear, it will yield good fruit and strengthen us if we'll allow it to.  Hebrews 12:5-12 "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;"

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that it is as fruitless for a man to think that he can stop the work of God from progressing as it would be for him to think that with his puny arm he could stop the Missouri River in its decreed course or turn it upstream.  D&C 121: 33 " How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints."

In the New Testament we read about how much the Lord loves every one of us and wants the lost to be found and saved.  Just like a shepherd with 100 sheep will leave the 99 to go and look for the lost sheep, so the Lord seeks after the person who goes astray and rejoices when they find their way back to Him.  Matthew 18:11-13 "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?  And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray."

A verse with a thought booklet likewise tells us that the Lord doesn't want anyone to perish, but is long suffering toward us and wants us all to repent. The Lord keeps His promises.  2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read Joseph Smith's prayers to the Lord for relief for the suffering saints who have been persecuted and afflicted by their enemies.  And then the Lord replied that his adversity and afflictions were but a small moment in the eternal scheme of things and if he endured them well, God would exalt him on high. These words can likewise comfort us and bring us peace--knowing that whatever trials we suffer in this life will pass and if we endure well we'll receive our eternal reward.  It will all be worth it.  D&C 121:1-8 "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them? O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us. Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs. Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever.  My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

In the New Testament we read if a man were to gain the whole world it would be of no profit to him if he were to lose his soul in the process.  Matthew 16:26 "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Some verses with a thought booklet go right along with this and help us to put money and worldly wealth into perspective.  A man was concerned because his brother didn't want to divide their inheritance with him.  Jesus told the man to beware of covetousness and reminded him that a man's life didn't consist of the abundance of the things he possessed, but rather in being rich toward God.  We can have great stores of wealth accumulated, but when we die we won't be able to take it with us and it will be of no value to us in the next life.  Luke 12:13-21 "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  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."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're told to repent of our covetous desires, for what is property unto the Lord?  D&C 117:4 " Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord."

In the New Testament we read about how when there was a great multitude in the wilderness who needed to be fed, Jesus took seven loaves of bread and a few little fishes, gave thanks for them, broke them into pieces and gave them to His disciples to distribute to the people--4,000 men plus women and children!  They all had enough to eat and there were seven baskets of leftovers.  We're all familiar with this story, but one thing that we may have overlooked was that before this miracle took place, Jesus GAVE THANKS.  When we don't have sufficient for our needs, we still need to give thanks and have gratitude for what little we have.  How can we expect the Lord to perform a miracle in our lives to give us more if we're not appreciative of what we already have?  Matthew 15:32-38 "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.  And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?  And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.  And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.  And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about how Moses was wearing himself out trying to counsel all the people and answer their questions.  His Father-in-law came to him and told him that what he was doing was not good.  He needed to delegate some of his responsibilities to others--able, God-fearing men of truth.  Sometimes we likewise try to do everything ourselves and we end up burning out and exhausting ourselves.  If we can delegate some of our responsibilities to other competent people, the job will get done better without wearing ourselves out in the process. And besides that, other people need to be able to serve as well, and learn and grow from the experience.  Exodus 18:13-26 "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. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.  And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that out light should shine forth as a standard for the nations.  And the stakes of Zion should be places of defense and refuge for the saints.  D&C 115:5-6 "Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations; And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus walked on the water and Peter wanted to walk out on the water too.  As Peter kept his eyes on the Savior, he was able to walk toward Him.  But as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus and looked around at the boisterous waves surrounding him, he began to sink.  He was only able to be saved when he took hold of Jesus' hand.  Jesus rebuked him for having so little faith and doubting.  Likewise when we're moving through the troubled waters of the tribulations in our lives, if we keep our eyes on the Savior and have faith in Him, we'll get through our trials safely.  But if we take our eyes off the Savior and look around at all the troubling situations around us, we can be overwhelmed and begin to sink. Only by reaching out to the Lord in faith can we endure well through troubling times.  Matthew 14:25-32 "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet are very appropriate for today.  They tell the wonderful story of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is what today is all about.  Let's join the chorus of angels and shepherds in giving thanks and praise for the wonderful gift! Luke 2:1-20 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that church positions held by those who are not faithful shall be given to others.  D&C 114:2 "For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead and receive their bishopric. Amen."

In the New Testament we read the parable of the sower.  Just like seed can be sown in different kinds of ground and the results vary, so when people hear the word of God the results vary according to the state of their heart.  When a seed is planted in a stony place it cannot get root.  It springs up for a time but then dies. Likewise some people receive the word of God with joy, but if they're not rooted and grounded in their faith, as soon as persecution or tribulation arise, they abandon their new found faith.  Or if a seed is planted among thorns it can be choked out, just like a person who allows the cares of the world or a love of riches to take over their lives at the expense of the gospel.  However, a seed planted in good ground brings forth fruit, just like a person who accepts the gospel with a faithful heart bears forth fruit.  Matthew 13:18-23 "Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."


A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord comforts us and helps us during difficult times and then brings us alongside someone else who is going through tribulations so that we can likewise comfort them.  When we're suffering through a hard trial, it can be a consoling thing to know that someone else has gone through the same thing and survived.  Often the person who can comfort others the best is a person who has likewise suffered.  2 Corinthians 1:4 "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that we need to be faithful until the Lord comes in order to receive our reward.  The Lord will recompense every man according to his works.  D&C 112:34 "Be faithful until I come, for I come quickly; and my reward is with me to recompense every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega. Amen.

In the New Testament we read that if we're heavy laden with burdens in our lives, we can come unto the Savior and He will give us rest.  If we take His yoke upon us and learn of Him, we'll find rest to our souls.  His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that a haughty spirit comes before the fall and pride leads to destruction.  It's better to have a humble spirit among the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.  If we trust in the Lord, we'll be happy. A good example of how pride caused destruction is the Titanic.  The builders of this ship boasted that it was unsinkable, saying that even God could not sink it!  So they didn't provide enough lifeboats for the passengers.  We all know what happened in that tragic situation.  Do we humbly seek the Lord's guidance in our lives and follow His direction?  Or do we think we know what's best and go plunging ahead with our own ideas?   Proverbs 16:18-20 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.  He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the earth is covered in darkness and the minds of men have become corrupt, so the vengeance of the Lord will come upon the inhabitants of the earth and a day of wrath and burning and desolation will come upon the wicked.  D&C 112:23-24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face.  Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord."

In the New Testament we read that the Lord values even a sparrow which cannot fall to the ground without Him knowing it.  How much more then does He value us? We are worth more than many sparrows and even the very hairs of our head are numbered.  Matthew 10:29-31 "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we're told that we'll receive great rewards and the Lord will hear our prayers if we'll draw out our souls to the hungry and afflicted.  If we'll show compassion for others in need, the Lord will guide us continually and satisfy our souls.  Isaiah 58:9-11 "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;  And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:  And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that if we are humble the Lord will lead us by the hand and give us answer to our prayers.  D&C 112: 10 "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."

In the New Testament Jesus told His disciples that they would be hated by all men for His sake, but if they would endure to the end, they would be saved.  It seems strange that all down through the ages, prophets of God as well as humble followers of Christ have been hated and persecuted. But those who endure such unfair treatment will receive eternal life.  Matthew 10:22 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the love of money is the root of all evil and can prove to be a snare and temptation to the rich and lead to their destruction and sorrow. We come into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing.  While we're here, if we have enough food to eat and clothing to wear, we should be content.  1 Timothy 6:7-10 "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read a verse that tells us to be wise and without sin, and the Lord will order all things for our good as fast as we're able to receive them.  We need to trust in the Lord that He'll do what's best for us, and also trust in His timetable, that it will be done in the best time.  D&C 111:11 "Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen."

In the New Testament we read about Jesus stilling the storm and asking his disciples why they had feared instead of having faith.  Likewise when we have storms come into our lives (not just bad weather storms, but storms of trials and tribulations), instead of fearing and worrying, we need to trust in the Lord and have faith.  We can call upon Him to calm our storms. Matthew 8:24-27 "And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.  And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.  But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"

Some verses with a thought booklet are a prayer of trust in God.  We don't need to be afraid even if ten thousand people are against us, as long as the Lord is on our side.  It doesn't matter if other people tell us that no help can be found from the Lord.  We an cry unto Him and He will hear us and sustain us.  Psalms 3:1-6 "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.  But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C I read about how Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared and committed their keys of their dispensations.  D&C 110:11-16 "After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north. After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed.  After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:  Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come— To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse— Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors."

In the New Testament we read about how the wise man who obeyed the commandments of the Lord was like a man building his house upon a solid rock foundation.  When storms and winds arose, his house stood firm.  However, a man who refuses to listen to what the Lord says is foolish and is like a man who builds his house on a foolish foundation.  When rain and storms arise, his house is washed away.  If we keep the commandments in our lives, we're building on a firm foundation so we can remain on solid ground when trials and tribulations arise in our lives.  If we don't have this solid foundation, we're liable to be swept away.  Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."


Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell about the Pharisee and the publican.  The Pharisee was proud and self-righteous.  When he prayed, it was to thank God that he wasn't like other men who committed sins and to brag about how he fasted and paid his tithing.  On the other hand, the publican was humble and repentant.  Jesus said that the publican was more justified than the Pharisee.  Those who exalt themselves will be abased and those who humble themselves will be exalted.  When we examine ourselves and our own attitudes, who are we more like--the Pharisee or the publican?  Do we sometimes look down at other people and think we're better than they are because we aren't guilty of the sins that they are?  We need to remember that one of the worst sins is pride and being judgmental of others.  Luke 18:9-14 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the Lord appeared in glory to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple and accepted it as His house.  D&C 110:1-7 "The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.  We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.  His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:  I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.  Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house."

In the New Testament we read that instead of laying up for ourselves the treasures of the earth, worldly wealth that can be stolen or rust away, we need to lay up for ourselves heavenly treasures that cannot be taken away from us and which we can enjoy for eternity.  Matthew 6:19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the parable of the Good Samaritan.  A lawyer had asked Jesus how he might obtain eternal life, and Jesus had answered that he must love the Lord with all his heart and love his neighbor as himself.  The lawyer, wanting to justify himself, asked who his neighbor was.  Jesus then told the parable of the Good Samaritan.  A man fell among thieves and lies beaten on the ground.  Two religious leaders (who you would think would help him) ignore him and pass on by, pretending not to see.  Then a Samaritan comes along and does render aid.  Keep in mind that the Jews despised the Samaritans and would go miles out of their way to avoid them.  But it was a Samaritan who showed compassion for the injured man, and who was truly his neighbor.  Jesus then tells us to go and do likewise.  Are there certain groups of people that we'd just as soon avoid just because of their race or religion or the country they come from?  If so, we have cause to repent.  According to Jesus, they are all our neighbors, and since we are all children of God, they are our brothers and sisters and they deserve our love and kindness.  Luke 10:25-37 "And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the righteous will be caught up to meet the Lord when the trump sounds for the dead.  Those who are pure will be clothed upon with robes of righteousness and receive crowns of glory.  They will reap eternal joy for all their sufferings.  The hope of this wonderful reward can help us get through difficult times in our lives, realizing that we will reap an eternal reward if we remain faithful and endure to the end.  D&C 109:75-76 "That when the trump shall sound for the dead, we shall be caught up in the cloud to meet thee, that we may ever be with the Lord; That our garments may be pure, that we may be clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads, and reap eternal joy for all our sufferings."

In the New Testament we read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount--and what a powerful sermon it is.  Part of it consists of naming various people who are blessed--those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, and those who are persecuted. Matthew 5:3-12 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that God's way is perfect and He can make our way perfect too if we'll trust in Him.  He is a rock to us and clothes us with strength.  Psalms 18:30-32 "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.  For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?  It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the judgments of God must come upon the wicked.  We can warn them, but if they refuse to listen they will reap punishment from God. We do not delight in the destruction of our fellowmen because every soul is precious, but we know that the word of the Lord must be fulfilled.  God's will be done, not ours.  D&C 109:41-45 "And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter, and the people of that city receive not the testimony of thy servants, and thy servants warn them to save themselves from this untoward generation, let it be upon that city according to that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of thy prophets.  But deliver thou, O Jehovah, we beseech thee, thy servants from their hands, and cleanse them from their blood.  O Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our fellow men; their souls are precious before thee;  But thy word must be fulfilled. Help thy servants to say, with thy grace assisting them: Thy will be done, O Lord, and not ours. We know that thou hast spoken by the mouth of thy prophets terrible things concerning the wicked, in the last days—that thou wilt pour out thy judgments, without measure;"

In the New Testament we read about how Satan tempted Jesus but His response was to tell him to get lost, go away, scram.  The exact quote is "Get thee hence, Satan!" These four words might be good ones to memorize and recite to ourselves when we're faced with temptations.  Matthew 4:8-11 "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."

Some scriptures in a thought booklet tell the parable of the great supper.  A man gave a great banquet and invited many guests to attend, but one by one they made up flimsy excuses of why they couldn't come.  So he had a servant go out into the streets finding poor and disabled people who wouldn't normally receive invitations and invited them to come until he had enough people to fill his feast.  When the Lord invites us to His feast, do we make up excuses why we can't come?  The Lord invites all to feast with Him, even the poor and downtrodden.  He leaves no one out.  Sometimes we're like the servant to issues the invitations, as we spread the gospel to the world.  We must likewise to remember to leave no one out.  The Lord loves everyone and wants them all to feast at His table.  He leaves no one off His invitation list!  Luke 14:16-24 "Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:  And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.  And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.  And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.  And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.  For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."
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Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that all men sin, but we can be forgiven for our transgressions and have them blotted out forever.  D&C 109:34 "O Jehovah, have mercy upon this people, and as all men sin forgive the transgressions of thy people, and let them be blotted out forever."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus was born of Mary, a virgin, and would save His people from their sins.  This fulfilled prophesy.  Matthew 1:21-23 "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us we need to do good and that sacrifices are pleasing unto God.  But also mentioned is we need to give thanks to God and to offer up the "sacrifice of praise" continually.  Why would it be a sacrifice to praise God?  Sometimes we go through very difficult times.  Maybe we're struggling with illness, or we've lost a loved one, or we're having trouble with finances or relationships.  Whatever our troubles, do we sometimes have a difficult time giving thanks and praising God while things are not going well for us?  In yet, we're told to give thanks and praise to God CONTINUALLY, which would mean even during our times of trial.  Are we willing to make the sacrifice to do this?  Hebrews 13:15-16 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that no unclean thing should be permitted to come into the Lord's house to pollute it.  And when the people transgress, they should speedily repent and return unto the Lord so He can pour out His blessings to them and they will again be able to reverence Him in His house.  D&C 109:20-21 "And that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it; And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house."

In the Old Testament we read that the day will come when the proud and wicked will be burned as stubble and be left with neither root nor branch.  But to those who reverence the Lord, He will come with healing in His wings. Malachi 4:1-2 "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can call upon God who will answer us and teach us great and mighty things that we did not know.  The story is told of a mother who came home from running errands and told her 4 year old daughter that she needed to check the answering machine.  The little girl became exciting to hear about this "answering" machine and wanted to know if you could ask it any question and it would tell you the answers.  The mother explained the true purpose of the answering machine but also told her daughter that the ultimate answering machine is the Lord and that we can indeed pray to Him for answers to our perplexing questions.  Indeed, in anything we lack wisdom in, we can call upon the Lord in prayer, and He will answer us.  Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that as part of the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple, it was asked that all people who enter the threshold of the Lord's House may feel His power and know that it is sanctified and a place of holiness.  I believe this is equally true today.  As we enter a Holy Temple, we can feel that it is a holy place of God.  D&C 109:13 "And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness."

In the Old Testament we read a verse that is very applicable in today's world, when "tolerance" is used to describe how we should react to wickedness.  When we say that evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and claim that He delights in those who choose to sin against Him, we weary Him. Malachi 2:17 "Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?"

Some scriptures with a thought booklet give us another parable about seed.  The farmer's job is to plant seeds.  He doesn't have to understand how they grow.  But they come forth in an orderly fashion, first the blade and then the ear, and then the full corn appears.  Then the harvest.  The Kingdom of God is like this.  We plant the seed when we try to tell others about the gospel.  But we don't convert people.  The Holy Ghost does that.  We don't have to understand how it works.  We don't have to feel responsible for other people's spiritual growth.  Our job is just to scatter seed and continue being faithful.  Only the Spirit can transform people's lives.  Mark 4:26- 29 "And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;  And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that we must seek diligently to teach one another words of wisdom.  We should seek learning by both study and also by faith, and we should organize ourselves and establish a house of fasting, faith, learning, glory, order--a House of God.  All our incomings and outgoings should be in the name of the Lord.  D&C 109:7-9 "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith; Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High—"

In the Old Testament we read about how the people did not show honor and respect for the Lord.  They offered polluted bread upon the altar and sacrificed animals with blemishes.  Do we likewise sometimes give the Lord less than our best?  Half hearted efforts to keep the commandments or do what the Lord has asked us to do, are not acceptable to the Lord and do not please Him. Malachi 1:6-8 "A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible.  And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read the mortal trials are nothing when contrasted with eternal glory, and they last but a moment when looked at from an eternal perspective. A woman from Maryland talked about how she flew to Hawaii to visit her daughter.  The 14 hour flight was miserable.  The plane was crowded, the seats were cramped, and she was uncomfortable and bored. But when the islands came into view with palm trees and sand bordering blue, blue water, she felt excited.  When the plane landed and she was greeting with a warm breeze and the smiling face of her daughter, she felt nothing but joy. She wondered if this could be likened to life.  We go through trials and tribulations, sicknesses and pain.  But at the end of it all when we touch down in Paradise with the Savior's smiling face and outstretched arms, it will all be worth it!  2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read a prayer asking the Lord to accept of the House of God the people had sacrificed to build, even if their poverty (the Kirtland Temple).  D&C 109:4-5 "And now we ask thee, Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of thy bosom, in whose name alone salvation can be administered to the children of men, we ask thee, O Lord, to accept of this house, the workmanship of the hands of us, thy servants, which thou didst command us to build. For thou knowest that we have done this work through great tribulation; and out of our poverty we have given of our substance to build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people."

In the Old Testament we read that at the Second Coming of Christ, the Jews will ask Him about the wounds in his hands, and He'll reply that He got them in the house of His friends.  Zechariah 13:6 "And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read the parable of the wicked husbandmen.  The owner of a vineyard put husbandmen in charge of it, but when he sent servants to collect the fruit, they abused them--beating some and killing others.  Finally he sent his own son, thinking they would respect him, but they killed him too.  This is like the way the Israelites treated the prophets that the Lord sent as messengers to them--they beat some and killed others.  Then the God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, but they killed Him too.  Are we faithful if following the prophets today, and are we obedient to the messages they give us?  Mark 12:1-12 "And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.  And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.  And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.  And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his well beloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.  But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.  What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.  And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:  This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're told to strengthen our brethren, in our prayers, conversations, exhortations, and doings.  In other words, in everything we do and say we need to lift and build others.  As we do this, the Lord will be with us and bless us.  D&C 108:7-8 "Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings. And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read a prophesy that the Messiah would come, having salvation, lowly and riding upon an ass. This gives us reason to rejoice!  Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell how Jesus looked upon the multitude of people and had great compassion on them.  He saw them as scattered sheep who needed a shepherd.  He told His disciples that more laborers were needed for the great harvest.  In other words, there are many souls in need of the gospel in their lives, and more people are needed to proclaim the gospel and spread it.  Each of us is needed in this great work!  Matthew 9:36-38 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that every man needs to learn his duty and act with all diligence in the office he's been called to.  If someone is slothful and does not put forth the effort to learn what their duty is, they won't be counted worthy to stand.  So if we receive a calling and don't know what we're supposed to be doing or don't understand our calling, it's our duty to learn what we're supposed to do and then be diligent in doing it.  Ignorance is no excuse!  D&C 107:99-100 "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read how the Lord spoke through His prophets, telling the people to show mercy and compassion to their brethren and execute true judgment.  They should not oppress the widows or fatherless and have no evil in their hearts against anyone. However, this is not what the people wanted to hear and they refused to listen.  They would stop up their ears to avoid hearing, and made their hearts like stone.  Just as they refused to hearken to the prophets, so would God refuse to hearken to their prayers or listen to them when they cried.  Instead, he scattered them and made their land desolate.  Zechariah 7:8-13 "And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:  And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.  But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.  Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.  Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts:"

Some verses with a thought booklet illustrate how important it is for us to forgive others if we expect God to forgive us.  The parable is told of the servant who owed a tremendous debt--10,000 talents.  This would have amounted to 200,000 of a day laborer's wages and was a sum so large it could never be repaid. But the merciful king forgives this debt, and the servant is free! Similarly, the Lord's forgiveness of our sins frees us of guilt.  It is an enormous debt paid in full. But the parable continues by telling about how then this same servant who had been forgiven such a tremendous debt refused to forgive a fellow servant of a small debt owed to him.  This is similar to how we behave when we refuse to forgive others their trespasses against us.  When Peter asked Jesus if we should forgive those who sin against us seven times, Jesus replied that we are to forgive them 70 times seven times.  We are to forgive over and over again.  It's the least we can do if we expect the Lord to forgive us when we sin over and over again ourselves.  And if we from our hearts refuse to forgive others, we cannot expect compassion from God to forgive us. Matthew 18:21-35 "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.  And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that there are two divisions in the priesthood--the Aaronic and the Melchizedek.  The Melchizedek has power and authority over the offices in the church and administers in spiritual things. The Aaronic, or lesser priesthood, has the power to administer the outward ordinances of the gospel.  D&C 107:6-8, 13-14 "But there are two divisions or grand heads—one is the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood. The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchizedek.  The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things. The second priesthood is called the Priesthood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations.  Why it is called the lesser priesthood is because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances."

In the Old Testament we read that those who steal or those who swear falsely will be cursed and cut off.  The Lord will consume their houses.  Honesty is very important--both in telling the truth and in not taking what does not belong to us.  Those who are guilty of dishonesty of any kind will not go unpunished.  Zechariah 5:3-4 "Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  In other words, it shows us the way to go.  If we're walking along a dark trail in the woods, we'd need a flashlight to illuminate our path and keep us from stumbling and falling.  The Word of the Lord is like that.  If we follow it, it will provide light to show us the way to travel through life, and prevent us from stumbling over sins and temptations.  Obeying the Word of the Lord keeps us safe.  Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C I read that the Second Coming of Christ will be like a thief in the night to the wicked who will be taken unprepared.  But we need to be children of light so this will not be the case with us.  D&C 106:4-5 "And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night— Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief."

In the Old Testament we read that if we are willing to turn to the Lord, He will turn to us.  Zechariah 1:3 "Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can rejoice in hope as we are patient during tribulation and continue in prayer.  We will all go through times of trial and difficulties, but if we'll pray to the Lord for strength and be patient as we go through the hard times, we can retain hope and joyfulness.  Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're told to proclaim peace, even unto those who smite us, and all things will work together for our good.  If we're faithful, the Lord will be with us unto the end.  D&C 105:39-41 "And lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the earth; And make proposals for peace unto those who have smitten you, according to the voice of the Spirit which is in you, and all things shall work together for your good. Therefore, be faithful; and behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end. Even so. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord has told us to consider our ways.  We all need to examine ourselves and our lives and see if there are things that need changing and improving. That is definitely something we all need to give thought to.  Haggai 1:5 "Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of how after Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit, they tried to hide from the Lord.  But He sought them out, asking, "Where art thou?"  Of course an all knowing God knew where they were, but may have been asking more about the state of their hearts than the location of their bodies.  After Adam admitted he'd eaten of the forbidden fruit, he blamed it on his wife.  Eve, in turned, blamed it on the serpent.  How many times do we act like this?  When we do something wrong, we try to hide from God.  We stop praying. We stop going to church or reading scriptures.  We want to avoid Him and any reminder of Him, because we don't want to be reminded that we've sinned.  But He seeks us.  If we're willing at all to listen, He's calling out to us.  And if we'll own up to what we've done instead of trying to make up excuses and pass the blame to someone or something else, He'll welcome us back and forgive us for whatever we're willing to repent of.  Genesis 3:8-13 "And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.  And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?  And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the people had not learned to be obedient, but were full of all manner of evil and had refused to help the poor and afflicted among them.  They were not united.  Zion cannot be built up except upon principles of Celestial law.  So the people needed to be chastened until they could learn obedience, even if it needed to be by the things that they suffer.  Are we willing to keep the commandments and do the will of the Lord without having to be chastened first?  Are we willing to humble ourselves or do we need to be given circumstances that will compel us to be humble and turn to the Lord?  D&C 105:1-6 "Verily I say unto you who have assembled yourselves together that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people— Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now. But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them; And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;  And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself. And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer."

In the Old Testament we read that woe will come to the wicked who are filthy and polluted and obey not the voice of the Lord, nor receive His correction.  If we don't trust in the Lord nor draw near to Him, there will be consequences that we will suffer.  Zephaniah 3:1-2 "Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the eyes of all wait upon the Lord who gives them food at the proper time.  The Lord sees our needs.  The story is told of a woman who lost her job and her home.  She could only find part time work and barely had enough money to rent a small apartment.  She didn't have enough money for much food and spent weeks living on cereal and canned spaghetti.  One night there was a knock on her door and when she answered, no one was there but there was a bag of groceries left on her doorstep.  Much needed!  She didn't know who left it, but thanked the Lord for touching someone's heart to know that she was in need and supplying her with food.  We can trust in the Lord to help us when needed, and we need to also be in tune with His Spirit enough to receive promptings on how we might help someone else.  Psalms 145:15 "The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that it is the Lord's will that we pay all our debts. Likewise, our prophets in our day have told us to stay out of debt and pay what we owe.  D&C 104:78 "And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts."

The Old Testament tells us to rejoice in the Lord and have joy in the God of our salvation.  When we think of all the wonderful blessings that the Lord had poured out upon us, how can we help but rejoice and be glad? Habakkuk 3:18 "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the prodigal son.  Here is a selfish young man who wanted his inheritance before his father was even dead.  Then he went away and wasted it on a wild lifestyle and goes bankrupt.  He ends up feeding pigs and eating their food.  What a disgrace to his family.  But when he returns, his father welcomes him with joy and open arms, giving him a ring and killing the fatted calf to make a feast to celebrate his return.  What mercy and love!  This is in similitude for how our Heavenly Father feels about us when we return to Him.  No matter how badly we've sinned and turned away from Him, if we're wiling to repent, He welcomes us back with love and rejoicing.  Luke 15:11-24 "And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.  And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the earth is full and there is enough and to spare, but men are to be agents unto themselves and those who have been blessed with an abundance need to be willing to share with the poor and the needy.  If he refuses to do so, he will lift up his eyes in hell with the wicked, being in torment.  That's a pretty hefty punishment for being unwilling to share what we have with those in need.  D&C 104:17-18 "For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment."

In the Old Testament that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, just like the waters cover the sea.  Habakkuk 2:14 "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

In some verses with a thought booklet we're told that the Lord will help us and preserve us.  He made the heaven and the earth.  Someone that powerful can certainly come to our aid.  He never slumbers or sleeps, but will preserve our comings and goings at all times.  Psalms 121:1-8 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.  The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that when we are faithful, we'll be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings.  But if we are not faithful, we'll be cursed with a very sore and grievous curse. If we are found to be transgressors, we will not be able to escape the wrath of God nor the buttetings of Satan.  D&C 104:2-4, 8-9 "With promise immutable and unchangeable, that inasmuch as those whom I commanded were faithful they should be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings; But inasmuch as they were not faithful they were nigh unto cursing. Therefore, inasmuch as some of my servants have not kept the commandment, but have broken the covenant through covetousness, and with feigned words, I have cursed them with a very sore and grievous curse. Therefore, inasmuch as you are found transgressors, you cannot escape my wrath in your lives. Inasmuch as ye are cut off for transgression, ye cannot escape the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption."

In the Old Testament we read about how merciful the Lord is to forgive sins and pardon iniquities.  He will not stay angry at us forever but will turn again and have compassion on us, casting our sins into the depths of the sea.  Micah 7:18-19 "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.  He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

A verse with a thought booklet states the Golden Rule, that we should treat others the way we, ourselves, would want to be treated.  Matthew 7:12 "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that whoever is willing to lay down his life for the Lord's sake will find it again.  And whoever is not willing to do so is not His disciple. Most of us will probably not be called upon to die for the Lord.  But are we willing to live for Him?  Are we willing to sacrifice for Him and the gospel?  Are we willing to serve Him and keep His commandments?  Sometimes it's easier to think we'd be willing to die as a martyr than to go help clean the church at 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning or accept a calling serving in the nursery.  D&C 103:27-28 "Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again.  And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple."

In the Old Testament we read about all the wonderful things the Lord did for His people and the blessings He poured out on them, in yet they have ot served Him in spirit or in truth.  They need to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before Him.  Micah 6:3-8 "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.  For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Some scriptures with a thought booklet should be very familiar to us but they are extremely important.  They remind us that if we don't have charity, the pure love of Christ, we are nothing.  Even if we do many wonderful things, if we don't have love in our hearts, it means nothing.  And what are the qualities of charity?  Love is patient, kind, doesn't envy, doesn't boast, isn't proud, isn't rude, isn't self-seeking, isn't short-tempered, doesn't keep a grudge, doesn't delight in evil but prizes truth, always protects, always trusts and hopes, always keeps hanging in there.  What a great description on how to get along with people and deal with even the difficult people in our lives.  1 Corinthians 13:1-13 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that after much tribulation, come the blessings.  This is a comforting thought to realize when we're going through trying times.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel and there will come a time when our suffering will end.  D&C 103:12 "For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing."

In the Old Testament we read that in the last days the temple will be built and Israel will gather to it.  When the Millennial era commences there will be peace and the Lord will reign in Zion.  Micah 4:1-7 "But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.  For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.  In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet I read that the Lord is our salvation and when our souls are full of troubles, even to the point that we feel we are near death, we can pray to Him day and night and He will hear our cries.  Psalms 88:1-3 "O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:  Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;  For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the Lord sees fit to chasten His people when they don't hearken to His commandments which He has given them.  But if they do hearken, He will be with them and help them prevail against their enemies.  They are set to be a light unto the world.  But if they become as salt that has lost its savor, they'll be cast out and trodden under the foot of man.  D&C 103:4-10 "And that those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them. But verily I say unto you, that I have decreed a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour unto the counsel which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them.  Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour. And by hearkening to observe all the words which I, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth is given unto the saints, to possess it forever and ever. But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them.  For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men; And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men."

In the Old Testament we read that woe will come unto those who work evil, who covet what belongs to others and take it by violence.  Micah 2:1-2 "Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to rejoice in the Lord always.  Rejoice!  Did you know it's a commandment to be joyful?  And when we think about all the many wonderful blessings the Lord has blessed us with, we indeed have reason to rejoice. If we keep our minds centered on thoughts of the Lord and our gratitude to Him, it will drive the dark depressing thoughts away.  It's like the child who challenged another child, "I'll bet you can't avoid thinking of pink elephants for five minutes.  I'll bet you can't keep them out of your mind!"  And of course the more you try to NOT think of pink elephants, the more they'll be in your mind.  But if you spend that five minutes focussed solidly on purple rhinos, the pink elephant thoughts will never enter your head. So when it seems you're overwhelmed with troubling thoughts, think instead of the Lord and His blessings, and rejoice! Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read about how the Lord will separate the wheat from the tares.  The wheat, or the righteous people, will be gathered together and secured to receive eternal life;  and the tares, or the wicked people, will be burned. D&C 101:65-66 " Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be; While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire."

We've been reading the story of Jonah in the Old Testament.  Continuing on, we read that Jonah, having been swallowed by the big fish, prayed to the Lord.  And the Lord caused the fish to vomit up Jonah.  He then does go to the city of Nineveh and cries repentance unto them.  They repent and are spared from being destroyed.  Jonah 2:1-2, 10; 3:1-10 "Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly,  And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,  Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.  So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.  And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.  Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."

In some verses from a thought booklet we read about how the disciples were so busy waiting tables, or helping the poor and widows, that they didn't have time to pray and further the ministry.  So they were told to find seven men who were full of the Spirit and wisdom to take on some of those responsibilities. We each have our own talents and abilities.  Some require education, some require time and love, some require artistic talents.  We can all work together with our respective abilities to further the work of the Lord.  Each task is important.  Even things that might seem trivial like stuffing envelopes, visiting a shut-in, or baking a batch of cookies can make a difference.  Our "little abilities" are vital to furthering God's Kingdom.  We can all contribute.  Acts 6:1-7 "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."