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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people who believed in the words of Samuel the Lamanite repented and went to Nephi to be baptized.  But most of the people did not believe and cast stones and arrows at him, trying to kill him.  However, the Lord protected him so they could not injure him and he was able to escape.  Helaman 16:1-7 "And now, it came to pass that there were many who heard the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake upon the walls of the city. And as many as believed on his word went forth and sought for Nephi; and when they had come forth and found him they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the Lord. But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of Samuel were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall; but the Spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones neither with their arrows. Now when they saw that they could not hit him, there were many more who did believe on his words, insomuch that they went away unto Nephi to be baptized. For behold, Nephi was baptizing, and prophesying, and preaching, crying repentance unto the people, showing signs and wonders, working miracles among the people, that they might know that the Christ must shortly come— Telling them of things which must shortly come, that they might know and remember at the time of their coming that they had been made known unto them beforehand, to the intent that they might believe; therefore as many as believed on the words of Samuel went forth unto him to be baptized, for they came repenting and confessing their sins. But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him. And as they went forth to lay their hands on him, behold, he did cast himself down from the wall, and did flee out of their lands, yea, even unto his own country, and began to preach and to prophesy among his own people."

In the Old Testament we read about how Shimei curses David, throwing stones at him and calling him names.  David's servants suggested he cut off Shimei's head.  But David said that maybe the Lord would requite good to him for the cursing that day.  He did not seek revenge on someone who was treating him very badly, but instead tried to have an attitude of looking for good to come of the situation.  2 Samuel 16:5-13 "And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him.  It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day.
 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God sent His Son because He loved the world and wanted to save it through Him.  Whoever believes in the Son of God will not perish but have everlasting life.  It is overwhelming to think about how much love God has for each one of us and how He wants to save us. What a powerful message this is! John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
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Monday, January 30, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon, Samuel the Lamanite continued with his prophecies, talking about the great destruction and three days of darkness that would occur on the American continent at the time of the crucifixion of the Savior.   Helaman 14:20-27  "But behold, as I said unto you concerning another sign, a sign of his death, behold, in that day that he shall suffer death the sun shall be darkened and refuse to give his light unto you; and also the moon and the stars; and there shall be no light upon the face of this land, even from the time that he shall suffer death, for the space of three days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead. Yea, at the time that he shall yield up the ghost there shall be thunderings and lightnings for the space of many hours, and the earth shall shake and tremble; and the rocks which are upon the face of this earth, which are both above the earth and beneath, which ye know at this time are solid, or the more part of it is one solid mass, shall be broken up; Yea, they shall be rent in twain, and shall ever after be found in seams and in cracks, and in broken fragments upon the face of the whole earth, yea, both above the earth and beneath. And behold, there shall be great tempests, and there shall be many mountains laid low, like unto a valley, and there shall be many places which are now called valleys which shall become mountains, whose height is great. And many highways shall be broken up, and many cities shall become desolate. And many graves shall be opened, and shall yield up many of their dead; and many saints shall appear unto many. And behold, thus hath the angel spoken unto me; for he said unto me that there should be thunderings and lightnings for the space of many hours. And he said unto me that while the thunder and the lightning lasted, and the tempest, that these things should be, and that darkness should cover the face of the whole earth for the space of three days."

In the Old Testament we read about how Absalom conspired against David and was able to steal the hearts of the people and gain their support.  2 Samuel 15: 2-14 "And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron. For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord. And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that since Christ died for all and was resurrected from the dead, we need to live unto Him, not unto ourselves, and become new creatures unto Christ, old things having passed away.  2 Corinthians 5:15, 17 "And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read the prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite, who said that a sign would be given at the time of Christ's birth that there would be a day, a night, and a day in which there would be no darkness.   Helaman 14:1-4 "And now it came to pass that Samuel, the Lamanite, did prophesy a great many more things which cannot be written. And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born."

In the Old Testament we read how Nathan told David a parable of the ewe lamb and likened it to what David had done by taking Uriah's wife and having hims killed.  David admits that he has committed a grave sin. Nathan tells him that the child that Bath-sheba bore will die.  2 Samuel 12: 1-14 "And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die."

Some verses with a thought booklet show how even though we're all different and have different talents and abilities, we're all needed in the Kingdom of God. It's just like with different parts of the body.  We need eyes to see and ears to hear--each part has its own function and each is needed in it's own way, all working together for the good of the whole. Some of us are good at teaching, others are good at fellowshipping and making others feel welcome, still others are good at serving and being sensitive to the needs of others.  Whatever our gifts and talents are, we need to use them for the benefit of others as we all work together.  1 Corinthians 12:14-20 "For the body is not one member, but many.  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body."



Saturday, January 28, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about the sad state of those who procrastinate the day or their repentance until it is everlastingly too late.  Those who seek to find happiness in doing iniquity will find that such is against the nature of happiness.  Wickedness never was happiness!  Helaman 13: 38-39 "But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head. O ye people of the land, that ye would hear my words! And I pray that the anger of the Lord be turned away from you, and that ye would repent and be saved."

Yesterday we read about how David allowed lust in his heart to cause him to commit sin and get a married woman pregnant.  Today we read how he committed an even greater sin of having her husband killed in battle and then taking her to be his wife.  One bad thing lead to another, and the Lord was very displeased with what David had done. If we do something wrong, we need to repent right away and turn our lives back around before we head on a downward spiral to even worse things.  2 Samuel 11:14-15, 26-27 "And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.  And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to always give thanks unto our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, for all things.  ALL things! It's one thing to express our gratitude to the Lord for our health, our families, our homes, all the blessings in our lives.  But is it so easy to give thanks for illnesses, financial setbacks, a job loss, and other trials and tribulations that come our way?  In yet, we're told to give thanks in ALL things.  And even our difficult situations can turn into blessings in disguise when we look back at them after we're gone through them.  In the eternal prospective of things, all things work together for our good and help strengthen us and help us to become the people we have the potential to become.  If we truly can give thanks in ALL things, it will change our attitudes and help us find joy even in the midst of our trials.  Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"
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Friday, January 27, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord's anger is kindled against wicked people who seek to kill the prophets who testify against them and chastise them for their sins, but who love false prophets who tell them that everything they do is okay and they are not guilty of sin.  It's sad when people love darkness rather than light.  Helaman 13: 26-30 "Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light? Yea, behold, the anger of the Lord is already kindled against you; behold, he hath cursed the land because of your iniquity."

In the Old Testament we read about how David saw a beautiful woman bathing from his rooftop.  Instead of walking away from this temptation, he sent for the woman even though she was married to someone else. David lied with her, and she became pregnant as a result. This all began with lustful thoughts that David allowed to enter into his mind as he watched her from his rooftop.  When we're faced with unclean thoughts, we need to redirect our thoughts to something else such as a favorite hymn, before those thoughts take root and we end up doing things we'll later regret.   2 Samuel 11:2-5 "And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet compare the difference between the old worldly man we once were and the new creature in Christ that we become when we take His name upon us.  We put off such things as anger, wrath, malice, dishonesty, and filthy communications coming out of our mouths. Instead we show forth kindness, mercy, humility, longsuffering, forgiveness, and most of all charity.  We allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts and have a grateful attitude, doing all things in the name of the Lord and giving thanks unto Him.  Colossians 3:8-17 "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that if we will repent and return to the Lord, His anger will be turned away and we will be blessed.  How wonderful that the door is always open for us to turn our lives around and repent, and He will welcome us with open arms.  Helaman 13:11 "But if ye will repent and return unto the Lord your God I will turn away mine anger, saith the Lord; yea, thus saith the Lord, blessed are they who will repent and turn unto me, but wo unto him that repenteth not."

In the Old Testament we read that David reigned over Israel and executed judgment and justice to all his people.  He was a good king.  2 Samuel 8:15 "And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that when Judgment Day comes, people will be judged by how they treated other people and how they helped those in need.  If they fed the hungry or visited the sick, it will be like they did these things to the Lord.  But if they neglected to do these things, it will be like they neglected to help and serve the Lord.  And everyone will receive their eternal reward or punishment based on whether they chose to love and share and serve or whether they chose to ignore the poor, the hungry, the hurting people they encountered during their lives.  Matthew 25: 34-46 "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about the greatness and power of God.  No matter what He commands, it is done!  Helaman 12:7-17 "O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth. For behold, the dust of the earth moveth hither and thither, to the dividing asunder, at the command of our great and everlasting God. Yea, behold at his voice do the hills and the mountains tremble and quake. And by the power of his voice they are broken up, and become smooth, yea, even like unto a valley. Yea, by the power of his voice doth the whole earth shake; Yea, by the power of his voice, do the foundations rock, even to the very center. Yea, and if he say unto the earth—Move—it is moved. Yea, if he say unto the earth—Thou shalt go back, that it lengthen out the day for many hours—it is done; And thus, according to his word the earth goeth back, and it appeareth unto man that the sun standeth still; yea, and behold, this is so; for surely it is the earth that moveth and not the sun. And behold, also, if he say unto the waters of the great deep—Be thou dried up—it is done. Behold, if he say unto this mountain—Be thou raised up, and come over and fall upon that city, that it be buried up—behold it is done."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord is great and there is none other like Him.  2 Samuel 7:22 "Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the way of the transgressor is hard. When we sin, it just makes life more difficult for us!  Proverbs 13:15 "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard."

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when the Lord blesses people with peace and prosperity they often forget Him and are quick to turn to iniquity.  Sometimes He needs to chastise them with afflictions in order for them to humbles themselves before Him and turn to Him.  How foolish people can be!  We need to be on our guard that when things are going well for us, we don't make this same mistake and begin to forget that all our blessings come from the Lord.  Helaman 12:2-5 "Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity. And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him. O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world! Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom's paths!"

In the Old Testament we read that David decided to built a house for the Lord.  At first Nathan, without consulting the Lord tells David to go ahead with his plans and the Lord would be with him.  However, that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan and told him that David should not build the house for Him, but that after David dies his son should build the house.  Are we sometimes like Nathan in that we get ideas we think are good and just go ahead and proceed with them without first consulting with the Lord?  The understanding of men is very limited compared to the knowledge of the Lord.  We need to pray and seek guidance about everything we do.  2 Samuel 7: 2-6, 12-13 "That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we cry unto the Lord, He helps us with our troubles and saves us from our distresses.  We have great reason to praise Him for all the wonderful things He does for us.  Psalms 107: 13-15 "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
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Monday, January 23, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that in the space of just three years the people went from beginning to forget the Lord to waxing stronger and stronger in iniquity and ripening for destruction.  We need to watch ourselves that we don't begin to forget God and start on the pathway that will lead us away from our eternal goals.  Helaman 11:36-38 "And in the eighty and second year they began again to forget the Lord their God. And in the eighty and third year they began to wax strong in iniquity. And in the eighty and fourth year they did not mend their ways. And it came to pass in the eighty and fifth year they did wax stronger and stronger in their pride, and in their wickedness; and thus they were ripening again for destruction. And thus ended the eighty and fifth year."

In the Old Testament we read about how David inquired of the Lord whether or not he should go up against the Philistines.  The Lord told him to do so and he would deliver him from their hands.  If we seek the Lord's guidance, He will help us do what we need to do.  2 Samuel 5:19 "And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that because iniquity will abound, the love of many will wax cold.  It's a cause and effect.  Wicked people don't show forth love. So if we can't love other people, we can know for certain that our lives are on the wrong track.  Matthew 24:12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi preached repentance to the people and declared to them that if they refused to repent they would be destroyed. But they hardened their hearts and would not listen to him.  Instead they cast him into prison.  But the Lord was with him and conveyed him out of the prison where he continued to declare the Word of God to the people.  They still would not hearken to his words though, and there began great contentions among them that divided the people.  Helaman 10:14-18 "Therefore Nephi did declare unto them the word of the Lord, saying: Except ye repent, thus saith the Lord, ye shall be smitten even unto destruction. And it came to pass that when Nephi had declared unto them the word, behold, they did still harden their hearts and would not hearken unto his words; therefore they did revile against him, and did seek to lay their hands upon him that they might cast him into prison. But behold, the power of God was with him, and they could not take him to cast him into prison, for he was taken by the Spirit and conveyed away out of the midst of them. And it came to pass that thus he did go forth in the Spirit, from multitude to multitude, declaring the word of God, even until he had declared it unto them all, or sent it forth among all the people. And it came to pass that they would not hearken unto his words; and there began to be contentions, insomuch that they were divided against themselves and began to slay one another with the sword."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord spoke of David, saying that by his hand He would save His people Israel out of the hand of their enemies.  2 Samuel 3:18 "Now then do it: for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of Jesus talking to a woman by a well.  He told her that people who drank water from the well would just get thirsty again.  But He offered the kind of water that would spring up into everlasting life, and if men drank of that water, they would never thirst again.  John 4:13-14 "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read Nephi's rebuke of the people who were blind and stiffnecked.  He told them they ought to howl and mourn because of the great destruction that would await them unless they repented. Alma 9:21-22 "Having been visited by the Spirit of God; having conversed with angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the Lord; and having the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and also many gifts, the gift of speaking with tongues, and the gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of translation; Yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the land of Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord; having been saved from famine, and from sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind; and they having waxed strong in battle, that they might not be destroyed; having been brought out of bondage time after time, and having been kept and preserved until now; and they have been prospered until they are rich in all manner of things—"

In the Old Testament I read that Saul was buried and David was anointed king.  2 Samuel 2:4 "And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul."

A verse with a thought booklet talks about having the Lord test and try us, and examine our heart and mind. This life is a test, and indeed the Lord can see into our hearts and minds and knows our every thought.  Is He pleased with what He sees?  Psalms 26: 2 "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."

Friday, January 20, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that those who reject the words of God and refuse to repent of their sins, are heaping up for themselves wrath in the day of judgment.  Unless they repent, they will ripen for destruction.  Helaman 8: 24-26 "And now I would that ye should know, that even since the days of Abraham there have been many prophets that have testified these things; yea, behold, the prophet Zenos did testify boldly; for the which he was slain. And behold, also Zenock, and also Ezias, and also Isaiah, and Jeremiah, (Jeremiah being that same prophet who testified of the destruction of Jerusalem) and now we know that Jerusalem was destroyed according to the words of Jeremiah. O then why not the Son of God come, according to his prophecy? And now will you dispute that Jerusalem was destroyed? Will ye say that the sons of Zedekiah were not slain, all except it were Mulek? Yea, and do ye not behold that the seed of Zedekiah are with us, and they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem? But behold, this is not all— Our father Lehi was driven out of Jerusalem because he testified of these things. Nephi also testified of these things, and also almost all of our fathers, even down to this time; yea, they have testified of the coming of Christ, and have looked forward, and have rejoiced in his day which is to come."

In the Old Testament we read that the Amalekites invaded the land and took the women captive.  This greatly grieved the people so they wept until they had no more to weep and wanted to take out their grief on David by stoning him.  This understandably distressed David! But he turned to the Lord for encouragement.  When we're at the end of our ropes with everything going wrong, do we turn to the Lord for help and comfort?  1 Samuel 30:1-6 "And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of Jesus being criticized for being a guest in the home of a sinner.  But Jesus knew that this man was worth saving!  And indeed, he was willing to repent and wanted to make restitution for the things he'd done wrong.  It was Jesus' mission to save the lost.  Luke 19:5-10 "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the prophets all down through the ages testified of Jesus Christ.  Helaman 8:19-22 "And now I would that ye should know, that even since the days of Abraham there have been many prophets that have testified these things; yea, behold, the prophet Zenos did testify boldly; for the which he was slain. And behold, also Zenock, and also Ezias, and also Isaiah, and Jeremiah, (Jeremiah being that same prophet who testified of the destruction of Jerusalem) and now we know that Jerusalem was destroyed according to the words of Jeremiah. O then why not the Son of God come, according to his prophecy? And now will you dispute that Jerusalem was destroyed? Will ye say that the sons of Zedekiah were not slain, all except it were Mulek? Yea, and do ye not behold that the seed of Zedekiah are with us, and they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem? But behold, this is not all— Our father Lehi was driven out of Jerusalem because he testified of these things. Nephi also testified of these things, and also almost all of our fathers, even down to this time; yea, they have testified of the coming of Christ, and have looked forward, and have rejoiced in his day which is to come."

In the Old Testament we read how the Lord again delivered Saul into David's hands but he choose not to kill him.  1 Samuel 26:7-11 "So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.  Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?  David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.  The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we repent of our sins, the Lord will be faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Moses and Abraham other ancient prophets testified of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before He came.  Just as Moses held up the brazen serpent in the wilderness and those who looked upon it lived, even so shall those who look about Jesus Christ with faith and a contrite spirit will live--even unto life that is eternal.  Helaman 8:13-18 "But, behold, ye not only deny my words, but ye also deny all the words which have been spoken by our fathers, and also the words which were spoken by this man, Moses, who had such great power given unto him, yea, the words which he hath spoken concerning the coming of the Messiah.Yea, did he not bear record that the Son of God should come? And as he lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should come. And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal. And now behold, Moses did not only testify of these things, but also all the holy prophets, from his days even to the days of Abraham. Yea, and behold, Abraham saw of his coming, and was filled with gladness and did rejoice. Yea, and behold I say unto you, that Abraham not only knew of these things, but there were many before the days of Abraham who were called by the order of God; yea, even after the order of his Son; and this that it should be shown unto the people, a great many thousand years before his coming, that even redemption should come unto them."

In the Old Testament I read about how Nabal treated David's men with such rudeness that David commanded his men to go and kill Nabal and all his household.  But Nabal's wife Abigail went rushing forth to meet David and his men bearing them gifts and apologizing for her husband.  She was able to make peace with David and he spared Nabal's life.  However, the Lord struck Nabal down and he died anyway.  When David heard about this he sent for Abigail and she became his wife.  What a story!  1 Samuel 25 9-42 "And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased. And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be? So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings. And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff. But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them. But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields: They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal. And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert of the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them. Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send. Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal.  And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord. I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.  Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling. And it shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offense of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid. And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person. And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And it came to pass about ten days after, that the Lord smote Nabal, that he died. And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the Lord, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the Lord hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife. And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord can help us increase in love for one another and establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before Him at the coming of Jesus Christ.  If we're having trouble loving others or keeping the commandments, we can turn to the Lord for help and He will strength us and change our hearts to help us become the people He wants us to be.  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi called the people to repentance for all their wickedness and told them that if they did not repent, they would be destroyed.  Helaman 7:17-22 "O repent ye, repent ye! Why will ye die? Turn ye, turn ye unto the Lord your God. Why has he forsaken you? It is because you have hardened your hearts; yea, ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd; yea, ye have provoked him to anger against you. And behold, instead of gathering you, except ye will repent, behold, he shall scatter you forth that ye shall become meat for dogs and wild beasts. O, how could you have forgotten your God in the very day that he has delivered you? But behold, it is to get gain, to be praised of men, yea, and that ye might get gold and silver. And ye have set your hearts upon the riches and the vain things of this world, for the which ye do murder, and plunder, and steal, and bear false witness against your neighbor, and do all manner of iniquity. And for this cause wo shall come unto you except ye shall repent. For if ye will not repent, behold, this great city, and also all those great cities which are round about, which are in the land of our possession, shall be taken away that ye shall have no place in them; for behold, the Lord will not grant unto you strength, as he has hitherto done, to withstand against your enemies."

In the Old Testament we read about how even though Saul had been seeking to kill David, when David found Saul sleeping in a cave and could have easily killed him, he refrained form doing so.  But he but off the skirt of his robe and later showed it to Saul so that Saul could see for himself that he'd had an opportunity to kill him but did not do it.  Saul could see that David was more righteous than he, treating him kindly even though Saul had wanted to kill him.  How do we treat our enemies?  Do we take every opportunity for revenge against them, or do we use restraint and reward their evil with good?  1 Samuel 24:2-10 "Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?  Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet talk about our motives behind giving or doing good things.  Do we do these things to be seen of men and loudly try to draw attention to our actions? If so, the notice we draw to ourselves from other people will be our sole reward.  Or do we quietly go about doing good and give to others because we love them and want to help them, rather than seeking for other people to see what we're doing and think we're great?  If we do good things out of love and a desire to serve rather than a desire for other men's praise, our Heavenly Father will reward us openly. So if we go out of our way to help someone else and nobody seems to notice, that's okay!  We don't need thanks and recognition from other people.  Heavenly Father sees what we did, and that's all that really matters. Matthew 6:1-4 "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."
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Monday, January 16, 2012

Daily Thoughts

n the Book of Mormon we read that the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from the Nephites because of their wickedness, but the Lamanites were more willing to believe the word of the Lord, so He poured out His Spirit among them.  The Lord blesses whatever people will hearken unto His words.  Helaman 6: 35-36 "And thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from the Nephites, because of the wickedness and the hardness of their hearts. And thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in his words."

In the Old Testament we read about how David inquired of the Lord what he should do regarding fighting against the Philistines.  The Lord told him to go ahead and fight them and He would deliver them into his hands.  When we're faced with obstacles and trials, do we pray to the Lord about what we should do?  The Lord can help us prevail over our troubles if we'll trust in Him.  1 Samuel 23:1-5 "Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors. Therefore David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? Then David enquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah."

Do you have a tendency to worry?  I do!  But a verse with a thought booklet tells us what to do about our worries and fears--seek the Lord's help!  He will hear us and deliver us from all our fears. I've also noticed that if I concentrate on things I'm grateful for and thank the Lord for those things, it takes my mind off my worries and fears.  It's difficult to have negative and positive thoughts at the same time.  Psalms 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that Satan is the author of sin and it has been his evil influence down through the ages that caused Cain to kill Abel, the tower of Babel to be built, and the Gadianton robbers to carry on works of darkness among the Nephites.  If people allow him to take hold of their hearts, they will trample the commandments of God under their feet and turn to their own ways instead of the Lord.  Helaman 6: 27-31 "Yea, that same being who did plot with Cain, that if he would murder his brother Abel it should not be known unto the world. And he did plot with Cain and his followers from that time forth. And also it is that same being who put it into the hearts of the people to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to heaven. And it was that same being who led on the people who came from that tower into this land; who spread the works of darkness and abominations over all the face of the land, until he dragged the people down to an entire destruction, and to an everlasting hell. Yea, it is that same being who put it into the heart of Gadianton to still carry on the work of darkness, and of secret murder; and he has brought it forth from the beginning of man even down to this time. And behold, it is he who is the author of all sin. And behold, he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand down their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans of awful wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men. And now behold, he had got great hold upon the hearts of the Nephites; yea, insomuch that they had become exceedingly wicked; yea, the more part of them had turned out of the way of righteousness, and did trample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways, and did build up unto themselves idols of their gold and their silver."

In the Old Testament we read of Saul's desire to kill David, due to jealousy.  However, Michal (David's wife and Saul's daughter) helped him escape unharmed.  1 Samuel 19:11-18 "Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain. So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped. And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth. And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick. And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him. And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster. And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee? So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be willing to sacrifice all things for Christ, because nothing else is of much worth compared to Him.  Are we willing to give up things that we think are important for Christ's sake?  Are we willing to put Him No. 1?  Philippians 3:7-8 "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after the Lord blessed the people with riches they began to seek to get gain so that they could be lifted up above other people, and they were willing to resort to robbing and murdering to get what they wanted. Helaman 6:17 "For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world that they had not been stirred up to anger, to wars, nor to bloodshed; therefore they began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder, that they might get gain."

In the Old Testament we see how jealousy took hold of the heart of Saul as he heard women singing and dancing with joy saying that David had slain tens of thousands while Saul had only slain thousands.  From that day forward, Saul eyed David in an unkind way.  When we see others getting recognition, how do we react?  Are we happy for them or jealous of them?  1 Samuel 18:6-9 "And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell is that if we abide in the Lord, He will abide in us and has promised us eternal life. When we die, that is not the end!  And if we abide in the Lord, we can live eternally with Him.  1 John 2:24-25 "Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life."

Friday, January 13, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people who were overshadowed with darkness cried unto the Lord in repentance and the cloud of darkness was dispersed from them and they were encircled with a pillar of fire and were filled with unspeakable joy.  Helaman 5:40-45 "And it came to pass that the Lamanites said unto him: What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing us? And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you. And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice of him who had shaken the earth; yea, they did cry even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed. And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire. And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not, neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison; and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words."

In the Old Testament we read the story of David and Goliath.  As we read yesterday, all Israel was afraid of the giant Philistine who challenged them to fight him.  But David, who was just a youth, was unafraid.  He knew that with the Lord's help he had been able to fight off a lion and a bear, and he trusted in the Lord to help him likewise prevail against Goliath.  When we're faced with Goliath-sized problems in our lives, do we run away in fear?  Or do we trust in the Lord and know that with Him to help us, we can overcome any obstacle?  1 Samuel 17: 32-51 "And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:  And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee. And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.  And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.  And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.  Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that the afflictions that we suffer in this life are as a moment when compared to eternal glory.  2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer who came to save us from our sins, but not save us in our sins.  In order to be forgiven, we need to repent.  If we build our lives on the foundation of Christ, we will have a firm foundation which will stand against all the storms and mighty whirlwinds that might come against us.  The devil will have no power over us to drag us down to the gulf of misery and endless woe, as long as we are built upon the sure foundation of Jesus Christ.  Helaman 5:10-12 "And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins. And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls. And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

In the Old Testament I read about how the giant Goliath defied Israel, challenging any Israelite to personal combat.  Saul and all Israel heard him and were greatly afraid.  1 Samuel 17:4-11 "And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.  And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.  When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid."

A verse with a thought booklet talks about a day when we won't need to teach our neighbors about the Lord because everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know Him and He will forgive their iniquities and remember their sins no more. Jeremiah 31:34 "And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that there is no other ways nor means whereby man can be saved excepted through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who came to redeem the world.  Helaman 5: 9 "O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world."

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord rejected Saul as king because of his disobedience and his failure to keep the commandments.  1 Samuel 15: 10-11 "Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we cannot serve two masters.  We can't love the world and love the Lord at the same time.  We need to choose which we will serve.  Matthew 6:24 "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that when the voice of the people chose evil over good, their laws become corrupted and they are ripening for destruction. Helaman 5:2-3 "For as their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted. Yea, and this was not all; they were a stiffnecked people, insomuch that they could not be governed by the law nor justice, save it were to their destruction."

In the Old Testament we read that Saul ruled over Israel and fought against enemies on every side.  1 Samuel 14:47-48 "So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them. And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to stop being selfish and to think about what we can do to help other people, rather than think what they can do for us.  We need to be humble and care as much for other people as we do for ourselves. If we're upset with a friend because they haven't been there for us as much as we think they should be, perhaps we need to look inwardly and think what more we could be doing for them.  Perhaps they're going through a rough time of their own and need our help. If we can stop thinking of ourselves long enough to try to see things from the other person's perspective, we may see ways we can serve them and show them love. And by so doing, we'll be happier ourselves.  Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
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Monday, January 9, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the  church began to dwindle because of iniquity, and people began to disbelieve in prophecy. Because they fell into a state of unbelief they became weak and vulnerable to the Lamanites.  The Lord was no longer preserving them with His miraculous power.   Helaman 4: 23-26 "And because of their iniquity the church had begun to dwindle; and they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation; and the judgments of God did stare them in the face. And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples— Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that the Lamanites were exceedingly more numerous than they, and except they should cleave unto the Lord their God they must unavoidably perish. For behold, they saw that the strength of the Lamanites was as great as their strength, even man for man. And thus had they fallen into this great transgression; yea, thus had they become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of not many years."

In the Old Testament the people were warned that they needed to reverence the Lord and serve Him with all their hearts, remembering all the great things He had done for them.  But if they instead chose to do wickedly, they would be consumed, and their king along with them.  1 Samuel 12: 24-25 "Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.  But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we should acquaint ourselves with God.  If we do this, good will come to us and we'll be at peace.  Job 22:21 "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee."

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that when the people became wicked and started boasting of their own strength instead of being humble and relying on the Lord, they did not prosper and were afflicted and smitten by the Lamanites until they lost possession of their lands.  Helaman 4:13 "And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands."

In the Old Testament I read about how Samuel called all the people together and reminded them about how the Lord had delivered them out of Egypt and saved them from adversities and tribulations, but they had rejected God by demanding a king to rule over them.  1 Samuel 10: 17-19 "And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that rather than worrying, we need to trust in the Lord who will provide for us if we have faith.  We need to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and other things we need will be added unto us.  Matthew 6: 25-34 "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that some people allowed their riches to make them prideful and persecute the humble followers of Christ.  However, the people being persecuted fasted and prayed and became even stronger in their humility and firmer in their faith.  Their hearts were filled with joy, as their hearts became purified and sanctified.  When we are going through trials and tribulations, if we turn toward God instead of away from Him, we can become stronger and closer to Him as a result of going through those difficult times.  We just need to yield our hearts to God.   Helaman 3: 34-35 "And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction. Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."

In the Old Testament we read about how the people demanded that they have a king to rule over them.  Samuel warned them about the evils that would befall them under the hands of a king but they refused to listen to him and still insisted that they wanted a king.  Samuel took the matter to the Lord who told Samuel to give the people what they wanted.  Sometimes we are like this.  We want something that is not for our best good and will cause us heartache in the end.  The Lord wants to spare us and doesn't want to give us what we ask for because He knows it will be bad for us.  But we don't want to listen to reason. We want what we want and we want it now!  And sometimes the Lord says, "Okay, if you insist" and grants our request, so we need to learn the hard way that we should have listened to begin with.  We eventually learn, to our sorrow, that what we demanded was NOT what we needed to make us happy.  We need to learn to trust in the Lord and accept His answers when He tries to answer our prayers with, "No, my child, that won't be good for you."  1 Samuel 8:10-22 "And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.  And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tells us that a soft answer can turn away anger, but grievous words stir it up.  An angry man stirs up strife, but someone who is slow to anger can calm contention.  So when we're faced with someone who is angry, do we speak softly, not get angry ourselves,  and do what we can to calm them down?  Or do we add coals to the fire and just stir things up even worse?  Have you ever tried to argue with someone who won't argue back, just walks away, or who turns around and does something kind to you?  Gentle answers and well chosen words can bring peace and calm to what otherwise could turn into a contentious argument.  Let's be peacemakers to the best of our capacity. We can't control other people or the choices they make, but sometimes we can go a long ways toward bringing peace to a situation instead of adding fuel to the flames of anger. Proverbs 15:1, 18 "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."

Friday, January 6, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the gate of heaven is open to all who will have faith and who will lay hold upon the word of God, which leads us to Christ in a strait and narrow course, and helps us avoid the cunning snares and wiles of the devil, which would lead to misery.   Helaman 3:28-30 "Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked— And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out."

In the Old Testament we read about how Samuel exhorted Israel to forsake the false gods and worship only the Lord. He told them if they would do this, the Lord would deliver them from the hands of the Philistines.  They obeyed and put away their idols, serving only the Lord.   1 Samuel 7:3-4 "And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we abide in the Lord, we will have confidence, rather than being ashamed, at His coming.  How are we living our lives?  Are we prepared for the Second Coming of Christ so that we can face that day with confidence? Will we be able to rush joyfully into the Lord's open arms?  Or are we guilty of sins that will make us ashamed to face our Savior?  1 John 2:28 "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming."

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Nephites kept their records and handed them down from one generation to the next, but even a hundredth part of their proceedings cannot be contained in this work.   Helaman 3:14-16 "But behold, a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, yea, the account of the Lamanites and of the Nephites, and their wars, and contentions, and dissensions, and their preaching, and their prophecies, and their shipping and their building of ships, and their building of temples, and of synagogues and their sanctuaries, and their righteousness, and their wickedness, and their murders, and their robbings, and their plundering, and all manner of abominations and whoredoms, cannot be contained in this work. But behold, there are many books and many records of every kind, and they have been kept chiefly by the Nephites. And they have been handed down from one generation to another by the Nephites, even until they have fallen into transgression and have been murdered, plundered, and hunted, and driven forth, and slain, and scattered upon the face of the earth, and mixed with the Lamanites until they are no more called the Nephites, becoming wicked, and wild, and ferocious, yea, even becoming Lamanites."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Philistines took the ark of God and set it before their false god Dagon.  The next morning, their idol Dagon had fallen over.  They set him back up and the next morning he had fallen over again and his head and hands were cut off. Not only that, but the people were destroyed and were smitten with emerods. This frightened them so they took  the ark of God to Gath to get it out of their hands.  This made great destruction and emerods come upon the people of Gath.  So the people of Gath sent the ark of God to Ekron where the people there wanted nothing to do with it and decided they'd better send it back where it belonged. 1 Samuel 5:1-12 "And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod.  When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day. But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof. And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither. And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven."

A verse with a thought booklet tells about the positive effect we can have on others when we encourage and console them.  We can refresh them and give them (and us) great joy.  Sometimes it can make all the difference in a person's life if they have someone who sees something in them that can't see in themselves--potential they didn't know they had.  Let's try to be sensitive to other people and give them the love and encourage they might need.  Philemon 1:7 "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how the Lord blessed and prospered the people, but they did not allow themselves to be lifted up in the pride of their hearts.  Instead, they humbled themselves before God and were grateful to Him for all He'd done for them and in delivering them from their enemies.  They prayed unto God continually. Because of this, the Lord continued to bless and prosper them.  When things are going well for us, do we become complacent and start taking things for granted?  Do we stop praying because we don't feel the constant need for the Lord's help?  If so, we need to repent.  It's just as important to stay close to the Lord during good times as during bad.  We have all the more to thank Him for then.  Alma 62: 48-51 "And the people of Nephi began to prosper again in the land, and began to multiply and to wax exceedingly strong again in the land. And they began to grow exceedingly rich. But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him. Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies. And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord called to the boy Samuel, but he thought it was Eli who was calling him so he kept waking up Eli and asking him what he wanted.  Finally Eli figured out that it was the Lord who was talking to him and instructed the boy to go back and say, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth."  Sometimes the Lord tries to talk to us but we're not familiar enough with His voice to recognize it or we're too distracted to hear and understand what He's trying to say to us.  1 Samuel 3:4-10 "That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.  And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.  Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we wait patiently for the Lord, He will hear our cry.  He will lift us out of the pit of despair and out of the mud and the mire, to set our feet upon solid rock.  He can lead is where to go. Psalms 40:1-2 "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."