In the Book of Mormon I read that wise men receive the words of the Lord and obey them. They build their house upon a solid rock which will stand firm against the storms of life. But a foolish man who hears the sayings of the Lord but chooses to disobey, builds his house upon a sandy foundation which will fall when the storms come. 3 Nephi 14: 24-27 "Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock— And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand— And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
In the Old Testament we read about how horses and chariots surrounded the city and a servant came to tell Elisha about it, very concerned. But Elisha knew that those who were with him were more than those who were against him and he opened the eyes of the servant to see the mountains full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha protecting him. When we have the Lord on our side, it really doesn't matter who is against us. 2 Kings 6:15-17 "And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet ask the question that I think we all ask at times when we pray for something and God doesn't seem to be answering our prayers right away. How long, O Lord? Forever? Have you forgotten me? Are you hiding your face from me when my heart if full of sorrow daily? We live in a world where speed is valued, whether it's a high speed Internet connection or a burger in a drive thru. But God doesn't always grant what we want instantly. Sometimes we have to wait. Sometimes we have to be patient. Not an easy task when we're going through tough times. But sometimes waiting on God is an important part of our journey through life and is the only way we'll learn what the Lord wants us to learn. Waiting builds faith and teaches us patience. We need to trust in God's timing and know that He has not forgotten us. He will not forsake us. He's answering our prayers in the best way and with the best timing that is for our good. Psalms 13:1-2 "How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?"
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that we can know men by their fruits. Those who profess to know the Lord but don't obey Him will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but will be hewn down and cast into the fire. If we are truly righteous, we'll bring forth good fruit. We need to demonstrate our faith by our actions. 3 Nephi 14: 16-21 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven."
In the Old Testament we read the story of now Naaman the leper came to Elisha to be healed of his leprosy. He expected Elisha to greet him personally and strike his hand over him in a powerful way to get rid of his leprosy. However, instead Elisha sent a servant to Naaman and told him to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was angry--saying there were better rivers than that at home he could have dipped in. But a servant convinced him to humble himself enough to do what Elisha said. And as a result, he was healed. Sometimes we need to humble ourselves before the Lord will answer our prayers. Instead of miracles happening in a dramatic way that we might anticipate, sometimes they come quietly and without fanfare. And if we're not willing to be obedient, even in simple ways that we might think are silly or unimportant, they may not happen at all. 2 Kings 5:9-14 "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a virgin gave birth to a son and called him Immanuel, which means God with us. When we're feeling alone, this is something we can remember--God is with us! We are not alone for He is ever with us. What a comfort and blessing that is. Matthew 1: 23 "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
In the Old Testament we read the story of now Naaman the leper came to Elisha to be healed of his leprosy. He expected Elisha to greet him personally and strike his hand over him in a powerful way to get rid of his leprosy. However, instead Elisha sent a servant to Naaman and told him to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was angry--saying there were better rivers than that at home he could have dipped in. But a servant convinced him to humble himself enough to do what Elisha said. And as a result, he was healed. Sometimes we need to humble ourselves before the Lord will answer our prayers. Instead of miracles happening in a dramatic way that we might anticipate, sometimes they come quietly and without fanfare. And if we're not willing to be obedient, even in simple ways that we might think are silly or unimportant, they may not happen at all. 2 Kings 5:9-14 "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a virgin gave birth to a son and called him Immanuel, which means God with us. When we're feeling alone, this is something we can remember--God is with us! We are not alone for He is ever with us. What a comfort and blessing that is. Matthew 1: 23 "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Monday, February 27, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that contains the Golden Rule. We need to do unto others what we would have them do unto us. If we would truly live our lives this way, what a wonderful world full of kindness and unselfishness this would be! 3 Nephi 14: 12 "Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets."
In the Old Testament we read about the dire straits that a widow was in. Her husband had been a good man who feared the Lord, but now he was dead and creditors had come to take their two sons into bondage to pay their debts. However, the Lord did not leave her alone to this fate. He sent Elisha to preform a miracle for her--of oil being multiplied and filling as many vessels as the woman could borrow. She was able to sell this oil to pay her debts. When we do what's right and trust in the Lord, He will help us during our times of need. 2 Kings 4:1-7 "Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to be silent before the Lord. Do we always utter prayers and then get up off our knees and quickly go about our daily business? Sometimes we need to take time, in silent meditation, to hear and feel what the Lord has to say to us. It is often when we are in a spirit of silent contemplation that we can receive guidance and direction from the Lord. Zechariah 2:13 "Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation."
In the Old Testament we read about the dire straits that a widow was in. Her husband had been a good man who feared the Lord, but now he was dead and creditors had come to take their two sons into bondage to pay their debts. However, the Lord did not leave her alone to this fate. He sent Elisha to preform a miracle for her--of oil being multiplied and filling as many vessels as the woman could borrow. She was able to sell this oil to pay her debts. When we do what's right and trust in the Lord, He will help us during our times of need. 2 Kings 4:1-7 "Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to be silent before the Lord. Do we always utter prayers and then get up off our knees and quickly go about our daily business? Sometimes we need to take time, in silent meditation, to hear and feel what the Lord has to say to us. It is often when we are in a spirit of silent contemplation that we can receive guidance and direction from the Lord. Zechariah 2:13 "Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation."
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that we need to avoid judging others, because the Lord will use the same measure to judge us that we use to judge others. Sometimes we can see a tiny speck in our brother's eye and seek to take it out, when actually we're blinded by the beam that's in our own eye. In other words we often criticize others for small faults when we have worse faults of our own! First we need to take care of our own problems before we can hope to help somebody else overcome theirs. 3 Nephi 14:1-5 "And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he turned again to the multitude, and did open his mouth unto them again, saying: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother: Let me pull the mote out of thine eye—and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother's eye."
In the Old Testament we read how the mantle of a prophet passed from Elijah to Elisha and how Elisha was able to part the water just like Elijah had done. When one prophet dies, another is called to take his place. 2 Kings 2:8-14 "And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet testify that Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead, as is told in the scriptures. If we only have hope in Christ in this life, we are most miserable. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead! Jesus is our hope. He died for our sins and paved the way for us to be resurrected from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, 19-20 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
In the Old Testament we read how the mantle of a prophet passed from Elijah to Elisha and how Elisha was able to part the water just like Elijah had done. When one prophet dies, another is called to take his place. 2 Kings 2:8-14 "And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet testify that Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead, as is told in the scriptures. If we only have hope in Christ in this life, we are most miserable. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead! Jesus is our hope. He died for our sins and paved the way for us to be resurrected from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, 19-20 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that we need to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and other things will be added unto us. When we place our priorities right and put the Lord first in our lives, everything else seems to fall into place. Some examples of this principle that I've discovered in my own life are: When I pay my tithing first, I seem to have enough money for the things I need. When I make time to pray and study my scriptures first thing in the morning, I seem to have time for the other things I need to do that day. If we'll trust in the Lord and put Him first in our lives, He'll richly bless us. 3 Nephi 13:25-34 "And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen, and said unto them: Remember the words which I have spoken. For behold, ye are they whom I have chosen to minister unto this people. 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 today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 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 is the day unto the evil thereof."
In the Old Testament we read that Ahaziah turned to Baal-zebub to find out whether or not he would live after he had an accident. The Lord was very displeased that he would turn to wicked sources for information when there was a God in Israel that he could turn to. The Lord sent an angel to Elijah the prophet to tell Ahaziah this and tell him that he would not rise from his bed, but would surely die. When we want to know what's going to happen to us, do we turn to the Lord, or do we turn to horoscopes, fortune tellers, and other unsavory sources? If we're looking to these other sources for information, the Lord is displeased with us, just like He was with Ahaziah. 2 Kings 1:2-4 "And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell how Jesus called some of His disciples. They were busy with their work and everyday lives, but when He called to them, they left what they were doing and followed. How willing are we to give up whatever is necessary to do whatever the Lord asks of us? Would we be willing to drop what we're doing and follow Him? Mark 1:16-20 "Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him."
In the Old Testament we read that Ahaziah turned to Baal-zebub to find out whether or not he would live after he had an accident. The Lord was very displeased that he would turn to wicked sources for information when there was a God in Israel that he could turn to. The Lord sent an angel to Elijah the prophet to tell Ahaziah this and tell him that he would not rise from his bed, but would surely die. When we want to know what's going to happen to us, do we turn to the Lord, or do we turn to horoscopes, fortune tellers, and other unsavory sources? If we're looking to these other sources for information, the Lord is displeased with us, just like He was with Ahaziah. 2 Kings 1:2-4 "And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell how Jesus called some of His disciples. They were busy with their work and everyday lives, but when He called to them, they left what they were doing and followed. How willing are we to give up whatever is necessary to do whatever the Lord asks of us? Would we be willing to drop what we're doing and follow Him? Mark 1:16-20 "Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him."
Friday, February 24, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that instead of laying up for ourselves worldly treasures that rust or can be stolen, we need to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, which are eternal. 3 Nephi 13: 19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord spoke to Elijah regarding the wickedness that Ahab had committed, which we read about yesterday. The Lord told Elijah to go to Ahab and tell him all the evil that would befall him due to his sins. When Ahab heard these words, he repented of what he had done and humbled himself before the Lord. So the Lord said he wouldn't bring all that evil upon his house during his lifetime, but would wait until the next generation. 1 Kings 21:17-29 "And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine. And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, And will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin. And of Jezebel also spake the Lord, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat. But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about people who are hypocrites--they seem to draw near unto the Lord by their words, but their actions don't follow and their hearts are far from Him. Their worship is in vain. Do we go to church on Sunday, singing hymns of praise to the Lord, and then go about our week as if He didn't exist? Do we profess to be Christians in yet fail to show love to our fellowmen, which is what Christ and His teachings were all about? What is really in our hearts? Matthew 15: 7-9 "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord spoke to Elijah regarding the wickedness that Ahab had committed, which we read about yesterday. The Lord told Elijah to go to Ahab and tell him all the evil that would befall him due to his sins. When Ahab heard these words, he repented of what he had done and humbled himself before the Lord. So the Lord said he wouldn't bring all that evil upon his house during his lifetime, but would wait until the next generation. 1 Kings 21:17-29 "And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine. And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, And will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin. And of Jezebel also spake the Lord, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat. But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about people who are hypocrites--they seem to draw near unto the Lord by their words, but their actions don't follow and their hearts are far from Him. Their worship is in vain. Do we go to church on Sunday, singing hymns of praise to the Lord, and then go about our week as if He didn't exist? Do we profess to be Christians in yet fail to show love to our fellowmen, which is what Christ and His teachings were all about? What is really in our hearts? Matthew 15: 7-9 "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we're told that if we want the Lord to forgive us our trespasses, we need to be wiling to forgive the trespasses of others. 3 Nephi 13: 14-15 "For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
In the Old Testament we read the story of how Ahab wanted a vineyard that belonged to Naboth, who refused to sell it to him because it was his inheritance. However, when Ahab complained to his wife Jezebel about the situation, she arranged some false witnesses to testify against Naboth to have him stoned to death. After his death, Ahab took possession of the vineyard. This is an example of how sometimes wicked people commit terrible sins to get what they want. 1 Kings 21:1-16 "And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard. And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth. And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead. And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead. And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that before we come to the Lord in prayer, we need to forgive anyone we have bad feelings toward. If we expect God to forgive us, we need to be willing to forgive others. Mark 11:25 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
In the Old Testament we read the story of how Ahab wanted a vineyard that belonged to Naboth, who refused to sell it to him because it was his inheritance. However, when Ahab complained to his wife Jezebel about the situation, she arranged some false witnesses to testify against Naboth to have him stoned to death. After his death, Ahab took possession of the vineyard. This is an example of how sometimes wicked people commit terrible sins to get what they want. 1 Kings 21:1-16 "And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard. And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth. And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead. And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead. And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that before we come to the Lord in prayer, we need to forgive anyone we have bad feelings toward. If we expect God to forgive us, we need to be willing to forgive others. Mark 11:25 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we're told do give our alms in secret, not openly and with fanfare so we can receive the praise of men. 3 Nephi 13:1-4 "Verily, verily, I say that I would that ye should do alms unto the poor; but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven. Therefore, when ye shall do your alms do not sound a trumpet before you, as will 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 who seeth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly."
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord doesn't always speak loudly like a wind or an earthquake, but sometimes He speaks in a still, small voice. And we need to be quiet and listen carefully or we may miss it. 1 Kings 19:11-12 "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
In a verse with a thought booklet we read that Jesus is the light of the world and if we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord doesn't always speak loudly like a wind or an earthquake, but sometimes He speaks in a still, small voice. And we need to be quiet and listen carefully or we may miss it. 1 Kings 19:11-12 "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
In a verse with a thought booklet we read that Jesus is the light of the world and if we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that we need to love our enemies and bless those who curse us. We need to do good to those who hate us and pray for those who persecute us and despitefully use us. Boy, that's not easy to do! But if we can truly live this way, we can remove a lot of the power that other people have to hurt us. If we can remain positive and loving toward all people, we will be filled with peace and the Spirit of the Lord. I think the only way we can achieve this kind of loving attitude toward our enemies is with help from the Lord. We can ask Him to change our hearts. And remember, we're commanded to do this, and the Lord does not give us any commandments except He'll prepare a way for us to do what He asks us to do. 3 Nephi 12: 43-44 "And behold it is written also, that thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy; But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you;"
In the Old Testament we read the story of how the widow of Zarephath only had enough meal and oil to make one last meal for herself and her son. She planned to eat it and then die. But the prophet Elijah came to her and asked him to first make a cake for him. Trusting in the Lord, she did so, and she was rewarded with a barrel of meal and a cruse of oil that did not run dry. When we're willing to give what we have, the Lord blesses us with all that we need. I've seen this same principle bring miracles when people paid their tithing with what little they had, not knowing how they would get money for things they needed. But the Lord poured His blessings upon them and they somehow were able to obtain the things they needed. 1 Kings 17: 10-15 "So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days."
In some scriptures with a thought booklet we're told that when we're baptized, it's like our old sinful selves are buried and the new person we become is raised to life in newness of life. We become new creatures in Christ. Romans 6:3-4 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
In the Old Testament we read the story of how the widow of Zarephath only had enough meal and oil to make one last meal for herself and her son. She planned to eat it and then die. But the prophet Elijah came to her and asked him to first make a cake for him. Trusting in the Lord, she did so, and she was rewarded with a barrel of meal and a cruse of oil that did not run dry. When we're willing to give what we have, the Lord blesses us with all that we need. I've seen this same principle bring miracles when people paid their tithing with what little they had, not knowing how they would get money for things they needed. But the Lord poured His blessings upon them and they somehow were able to obtain the things they needed. 1 Kings 17: 10-15 "So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days."
In some scriptures with a thought booklet we're told that when we're baptized, it's like our old sinful selves are buried and the new person we become is raised to life in newness of life. We become new creatures in Christ. Romans 6:3-4 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Monday, February 20, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we're told to come unto Christ and be saved. Unless we keep the commandments, there is no way we'll be able to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 3 Nephi 12:20 "Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
In the Old Testament we read about the reign of more wicked kings, including Baasha. Even though the Lord had exalted him out of the dust and made him a prince over Israel, he had chosen to sin and provoked the Lord to anger. 1 Kings 16:1-4 "Then the word of the Lord came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying, Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins; Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that if we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments. John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
In the Old Testament we read about the reign of more wicked kings, including Baasha. Even though the Lord had exalted him out of the dust and made him a prince over Israel, he had chosen to sin and provoked the Lord to anger. 1 Kings 16:1-4 "Then the word of the Lord came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying, Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins; Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that if we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments. John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read the teachings of Jesus, which are similar to the Sermon on the Mount that He gave in the Old World. 3 Nephi 12:3-12 "Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God. And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you."
In the Old Testament we read about a series of kings. Abijam reigned in wickedness, than Asa reigned in righteousness, and then Nadab and Baasha reigned in wickedness once again. 1 Kings 15: 1-3, 8-13, 24-26, 33-34 "Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah. Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah. And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father. And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead. And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin. In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that sin and evil ensnare and trap us, but the righteous can sing and rejoice. Sometimes we may look at sinners and think what freedom they have--they don't have to keep the commandments. But in actuality, it's the righteous who have freedom. They are free from addictions that would enslave them, they are free from bad habits that rule their lives, they are free from a guilty conscience that keeps them from enjoying life. When we do what's right, it brings happiness to our lives. Proverbs 29:6 "In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice."
In the Old Testament we read about a series of kings. Abijam reigned in wickedness, than Asa reigned in righteousness, and then Nadab and Baasha reigned in wickedness once again. 1 Kings 15: 1-3, 8-13, 24-26, 33-34 "Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah. Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah. And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father. And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead. And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin. In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that sin and evil ensnare and trap us, but the righteous can sing and rejoice. Sometimes we may look at sinners and think what freedom they have--they don't have to keep the commandments. But in actuality, it's the righteous who have freedom. They are free from addictions that would enslave them, they are free from bad habits that rule their lives, they are free from a guilty conscience that keeps them from enjoying life. When we do what's right, it brings happiness to our lives. Proverbs 29:6 "In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice."
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that we need to repent, become humble like a little child, and be baptized in order to inherit the Kingdom of God. If we build upon the solid foundation of this doctrine, the gates of hell shall not prevail against us. However, anyone who declares more or less than this is building upon a sandy foundation which will not stand. 3 Nephi 11:37-40 "And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them."
In the Old Testament we continue to read about the wickedness of Jeroboam who did not repent of his evil ways. He built high places to worship his false gods and consecrated the worst of people to be priests of the false gods. These sins caused Jeroboam to be cut off and his house destroyed from off the face of the earth. 1 Kings 13:33-34 "After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places. And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is in our midst, rejoices over us with joy, and with joy sings over us. Has anyone ever sung over you? When I was very young my mother sung lullabies over me, and I never doubted that she loved me, no matter what. This is an interesting verse of scripture because it starts out telling us that God is mighty to save and ends up telling us that he sings over us and we can rest in His love. The next time we're doubting our worth, we can think of the Lord rejoicing and singing over us, because of His great love for us. Zephaniah 3:17 " The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
In the Old Testament we continue to read about the wickedness of Jeroboam who did not repent of his evil ways. He built high places to worship his false gods and consecrated the worst of people to be priests of the false gods. These sins caused Jeroboam to be cut off and his house destroyed from off the face of the earth. 1 Kings 13:33-34 "After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places. And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is in our midst, rejoices over us with joy, and with joy sings over us. Has anyone ever sung over you? When I was very young my mother sung lullabies over me, and I never doubted that she loved me, no matter what. This is an interesting verse of scripture because it starts out telling us that God is mighty to save and ends up telling us that he sings over us and we can rest in His love. The next time we're doubting our worth, we can think of the Lord rejoicing and singing over us, because of His great love for us. Zephaniah 3:17 " The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
Friday, February 17, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that contention is of the devil and is the doctrine of Christ that such things should be done away with. Satan is the father of contention and stirs up the hears of men to contend in anger one toward another. So if we ever find ourselves in an angry, heated "discussion" with someone we can know that this is not of God. And the Spirit of the Lord cannot be felt under such circumstances. No good will come of this type of contention. 3 Nephi 11:29-30 "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."
In the Old Testament we read that Jeroboam was afraid that the heart of the people would turn to the Lord and to Rehoboam instead of him, so he set up false gods for them to worship, encouraging them to worship those gods instead of traveling to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice to the true God in His House. This caused the people to sin. 1 Kings 12:26-30 "And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan."
A verse with a thought booklet warns us not to judge one another and to be careful not to place a stumbling block in our brother's way. Romans 14:13 "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."
In the Old Testament we read that Jeroboam was afraid that the heart of the people would turn to the Lord and to Rehoboam instead of him, so he set up false gods for them to worship, encouraging them to worship those gods instead of traveling to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice to the true God in His House. This caused the people to sin. 1 Kings 12:26-30 "And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan."
A verse with a thought booklet warns us not to judge one another and to be careful not to place a stumbling block in our brother's way. Romans 14:13 "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read the marvelous account of Jesus Christ appearing to the Nephites and allowing them to feel the prints of the nails in His hands and feet and know for themselves that this was indeed the Christ who had suffered for their sins and who the prophets had testified of. 3 Nephi 11:6-17 "And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them: Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.'
In the Old Testament we read about Rehoboam consulted with others about how he should rule Israel. The old men advised him to treat the people with kindness and relieve their burdens, but the young men who grew up with him told them to impose even greater burdens on the people and be harsh with them. He listened to the young men, and Israel rebelled against him. It's not a good think to reject the counsel of people who are older and wiser! 1 Kings 12:6-19 "And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the Lord, that he might perform his saying, which the Lord spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day."
In some verses with a thought booklet, Jesus denounces the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who make themselves look good on the outside, but on the inside they are full of wickedness. They make sure that outwardly everything is in order, but inwardly they lack the love of God, which is what it's all about! We need to be careful that we're not just appearing to be righteous so other people will think well of us, but that inside we truly have a love for God and other people. Otherwise it's like cleaning the outside of a cup but leaving the inside (the part that really matters) dirty. Luke 11:39-42 "And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."
In the Old Testament we read about Rehoboam consulted with others about how he should rule Israel. The old men advised him to treat the people with kindness and relieve their burdens, but the young men who grew up with him told them to impose even greater burdens on the people and be harsh with them. He listened to the young men, and Israel rebelled against him. It's not a good think to reject the counsel of people who are older and wiser! 1 Kings 12:6-19 "And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the Lord, that he might perform his saying, which the Lord spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day."
In some verses with a thought booklet, Jesus denounces the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who make themselves look good on the outside, but on the inside they are full of wickedness. They make sure that outwardly everything is in order, but inwardly they lack the love of God, which is what it's all about! We need to be careful that we're not just appearing to be righteous so other people will think well of us, but that inside we truly have a love for God and other people. Otherwise it's like cleaning the outside of a cup but leaving the inside (the part that really matters) dirty. Luke 11:39-42 "And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that great destruction had come upon the people because of their wickedness but the Lord spared some of the people who were more righteous than the ones who had been destroyed. Jesus Christ called upon them to repent, be baptized, and come unto Him. If they would do this, He would redeem them from their sins. He had laid down His life for them. 3 Nephi 9:, 12-22 "And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations. O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name. I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled. And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled. I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings. And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not. Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin. Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."
In the Old Testament we read that Solomon married many women who worshiped false gods and they turned his heart away from the Lord and he served the gods that his wife did. The Lord was very displeased with him. We need to use caution in the friends we choose and particularly who we marry--the wrong companions can turn our hearts away from the Lord. 1 Kings 11:1-11 "But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God uses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and mighty and things of naught to bring great things to pass. Some examples of God using small things to accomplish much are the stories of the loaves and fishes, David and Goliath, and God deliberately using fewer soldiers in Gideon's army to defeat thousands. Little is much if God is in it. We need to remember this when we're feeling small and inadequate or doubting our abilities. Whatever we are or have to offer is enough if we add God to the equation. 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:"
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In the Old Testament we read that Solomon married many women who worshiped false gods and they turned his heart away from the Lord and he served the gods that his wife did. The Lord was very displeased with him. We need to use caution in the friends we choose and particularly who we marry--the wrong companions can turn our hearts away from the Lord. 1 Kings 11:1-11 "But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God uses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and mighty and things of naught to bring great things to pass. Some examples of God using small things to accomplish much are the stories of the loaves and fishes, David and Goliath, and God deliberately using fewer soldiers in Gideon's army to defeat thousands. Little is much if God is in it. We need to remember this when we're feeling small and inadequate or doubting our abilities. Whatever we are or have to offer is enough if we add God to the equation. 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:"
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about all the great cities that were destroyed because of their iniquities and because the blood of the prophets they had slain cried out against them. 3 Nephi 9:1-11 "And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land, crying: Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen! Behold, that great city Zarahemla have I burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof. And behold, that great city Moroni have I caused to be sunk in the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof to be drowned. And behold, that great city Moronihah have I covered with earth, and the inhabitants thereof, to hide their iniquities and their abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto me against them. And behold, the city of Gilgal have I caused to be sunk, and the inhabitants thereof to be buried up in the depths of the earth; Yea, and the city of Onihah and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Mocum and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Jerusalem and the inhabitants thereof; and waters have I caused to come up in the stead thereof, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come up any more unto me against them. And behold, the city of Gadiandi, and the city of Gadiomnah, and the city of Jacob, and the city of Gimgimno, all these have I caused to be sunk, and made hills and valleys in the places thereof; and the inhabitants thereof have I buried up in the depths of the earth, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up any more unto me against them. And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was inhabited by the people of king Jacob, have I caused to be burned with fire because of their sins and their wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of the whole earth, because of their secret murders and combinations; for it was they that did destroy the peace of my people and the government of the land; therefore I did cause them to be burned, to destroy them from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up unto me any more against them. And behold, the city of Laman, and the city of Josh, and the city of Gad, and the city of Kishkumen, have I caused to be burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof, because of their wickedness in casting out the prophets, and stoning those whom I did send to declare unto them concerning their wickedness and their abominations. And because they did cast them all out, that there were none righteous among them, I did send down fire and destroy them, that their wickedness and abominations might be hid from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints whom I sent among them might not cry unto me from the ground against them."
In the Old Testament we read that after Solomon built the House of the Lord, the Lord appeared to him and told him that if he would walk before Him with integrity of heart and uprightness, keeping His statutes and judgments, the Lord would pour great blessings upon him. However, if Israel was disobedient and served other gods, they would be cursed. 1 Kings 9:1-9 "And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do, That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and to this house? And they shall answer, Because they forsook the Lord their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the Lord brought upon them all this evil."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we keep the commandments and don't have a guilty conscience to condemn us, it gives us confidence and we can ask God for what we need, knowing we are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:21-22 "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
In the Old Testament we read that after Solomon built the House of the Lord, the Lord appeared to him and told him that if he would walk before Him with integrity of heart and uprightness, keeping His statutes and judgments, the Lord would pour great blessings upon him. However, if Israel was disobedient and served other gods, they would be cursed. 1 Kings 9:1-9 "And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do, That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and to this house? And they shall answer, Because they forsook the Lord their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the Lord brought upon them all this evil."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we keep the commandments and don't have a guilty conscience to condemn us, it gives us confidence and we can ask God for what we need, knowing we are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:21-22 "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Monday, February 13, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that after three hours of the terrible destruction that we read about yesterday, great mists of darkness fell upon the land for three days. And the people howled and wept and greatly mourned, lamenting that they had not repented of their wickedness and wishing they had not killed the prophets. 3 Nephi 8: 19-25 "And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease—for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; nevertheless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours—and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land. And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness; And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all; And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land. And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them. And in one place they were heard to cry, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that great city Zarahemla. And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our mothers and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah. And thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible."
In the Old Testament we read Solomon's prayers that if Israel sins and is punished for their sins with war or famine or pestilence, if they repent and cry unto the Lord, He will forgive them and give them answer to their prayers. 1 Kings 8:33-40 "When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers. When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them: Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance. If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that salvation is found in no one else but Christ and there is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved. Acts 4: 12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
In the Old Testament we read Solomon's prayers that if Israel sins and is punished for their sins with war or famine or pestilence, if they repent and cry unto the Lord, He will forgive them and give them answer to their prayers. 1 Kings 8:33-40 "When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers. When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them: Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance. If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that salvation is found in no one else but Christ and there is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved. Acts 4: 12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read about the tempests, earthquakes, fire, whirlwinds and upheavals that occurred on the American continent at the time of the crucifixion of Christ, just as was prophesied by Samuel the Lamanite. 3 Nephi 8:3-18 "And the people began to look with great earnestness for the sign which had been given by the prophet Samuel, the Lamanite, yea, for the time that there should be darkness for the space of three days over the face of the land. And there began to be great doubtings and disputations among the people, notwithstanding so many signs had been given. And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land. And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder. And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. And the city of Zarahemla did take fire. And the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned. And the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah, that in the place of the city there became a great mountain. And there was a great and terrible destruction in the land southward. But behold, there was a more great and terrible destruction in the land northward; for behold, the whole face of the land was changed, because of the tempest and the whirlwinds, and the thunderings and the lightnings, and the exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth; And the highways were broken up, and the level roads were spoiled, and many smooth places became rough. And many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left desolate. And there were some cities which remained; but the damage thereof was exceedingly great, and there were many in them who were slain. And there were some who were carried away in the whirlwind; and whither they went no man knoweth, save they know that they were carried away. And thus the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the quaking of the earth. And behold, the rocks were rent in twain; they were broken up upon the face of the whole earth, insomuch that they were found in broken fragments, and in seams and in cracks, upon all the face of the land."
In the Old Testament we read about how the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 1 Kings 8:10-11 "And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that everyone has sinned and anyone who says they haven't is a liar, but if we confess our sins and allow the blood of Christ to cleanse us, we will be forgiven. 1 John 1:5-10 "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
In the Old Testament we read about how the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 1 Kings 8:10-11 "And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that everyone has sinned and anyone who says they haven't is a liar, but if we confess our sins and allow the blood of Christ to cleanse us, we will be forgiven. 1 John 1:5-10 "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read about how Nephi was greatly grieved because of the wickedness of the people and their hardness of heart. He testified to them with great power and performed mighty miracles which cold not be denied. But instead of being converted, the people were angry with him! This shows the futility of people claiming that they'll believe if only they are shown a sign. People with hard hearts aren't converted because of miracles. In fact, seeing evidence of the truth might only make them angry. 3 Nephi 7: 15-20 "And it came to pass that Nephi—having been visited by angels and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he might know concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being eye-witness to their quick return from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations; Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds—went forth among them in that same year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority. And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily. And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people. And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus."
In the Old Testament we read about how Solomon proceeded with the building of the house of the Lord. Included in it was something that must have looked similar to what baptismal fonts in our modern temples look like. 1 Kings 7:23-25 "And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about. And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast. It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus is the Bread of Life and whoever believes in Him will receive everlasting life. Food is necessary to sustain life, and we all need to eat to satisfy our physical hunger. But our spiritual hunger can be even more severe than physical hunger. And the only way to find true food for our souls in through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who feed on physical bread will eventually die, but those who eat from the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, will live forever. John 6:47-51 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
In the Old Testament we read about how Solomon proceeded with the building of the house of the Lord. Included in it was something that must have looked similar to what baptismal fonts in our modern temples look like. 1 Kings 7:23-25 "And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about. And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast. It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus is the Bread of Life and whoever believes in Him will receive everlasting life. Food is necessary to sustain life, and we all need to eat to satisfy our physical hunger. But our spiritual hunger can be even more severe than physical hunger. And the only way to find true food for our souls in through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who feed on physical bread will eventually die, but those who eat from the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, will live forever. John 6:47-51 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Friday, February 10, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that most of the people became wicked, turning from their righteousness like a dog turning to his vomit or a pig wallowing in the mire. 3 Nephi 7:7-8 "And they did cause a great contention in the land, insomuch that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked; yea, there were but few righteous men among them. And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire."
In the Old Testament we read that Solomon finished building the temple and the Lord told him that if he would keep all His commandments and walk in His statutes, He would dwell among the children of Israel and not forsake His people. 1 Kings 6:11-14 "And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying, Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. So Solomon built the house, and finished it."
Some verses with a thought booklet recount the Golden Rule--that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. It's not enough to be kind and giving to those who are kind and giving to us--even a sinner will do that. We need to be kind and giving to everyone. The Lord will richly bless us as we do our best to richly bless the lives of those around us. Luke 6:31-38 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
In the Old Testament we read that Solomon finished building the temple and the Lord told him that if he would keep all His commandments and walk in His statutes, He would dwell among the children of Israel and not forsake His people. 1 Kings 6:11-14 "And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying, Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. So Solomon built the house, and finished it."
Some verses with a thought booklet recount the Golden Rule--that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. It's not enough to be kind and giving to those who are kind and giving to us--even a sinner will do that. We need to be kind and giving to everyone. The Lord will richly bless us as we do our best to richly bless the lives of those around us. Luke 6:31-38 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that some people began to be prideful because of their wealth or their education, while others were humble and submission even though they received all kinds of persecution and afflictions. 3 Nephi 6:12-13 "And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches. Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God."
In the Old Testament we read that David was not able to build a House to the Lord because of all the wars he'd been involved in. However the Lord had given peace to Solomon on every side so now he was prepared to build a House of God. 1 Kings 5:2-5 "And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent. And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about the Lord changing our hearts and making us new people. He removes our stony heart and replaces it with a heart of flesh. If we're willing to repent of our sins and allow the Lord to change us, we can become new creatures in Him. Ezekiel 11: 19-20 "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God."
In the Old Testament we read that David was not able to build a House to the Lord because of all the wars he'd been involved in. However the Lord had given peace to Solomon on every side so now he was prepared to build a House of God. 1 Kings 5:2-5 "And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent. And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about the Lord changing our hearts and making us new people. He removes our stony heart and replaces it with a heart of flesh. If we're willing to repent of our sins and allow the Lord to change us, we can become new creatures in Him. Ezekiel 11: 19-20 "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God."
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites repented of their sins and believed all the words of the prophets concerning Jesus Christ. They served God with all diligence, day and night. 3 Nephi 5:1-3 "And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled. And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come, because of the many signs which had been given, according to the words of the prophets; and because of the things which had come to pass already they knew that it must needs be that all things should come to pass according to that which had been spoken. Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night."
In the Old Testament we read yesterday about how Solomon requested wisdom from the Lord so he could judge his people with an understanding heart. Today we read an example of this in how Solomon was able to settle a question of maternity between two women, both of whom claimed to be the mother of a living child. 1 Kings 3: 16-28 "Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it. And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear. And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king. Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living. And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof. And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the story of Jesus stilling the storm and calming the troubled sea. When the storms of life beat down upon us, we can turn to our Savior and if we have faith, we have no reason to fear. Imagine Him saying "Peace, be still" to our troubled hearts. Mark 4:37-40 "And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
In the Old Testament we read yesterday about how Solomon requested wisdom from the Lord so he could judge his people with an understanding heart. Today we read an example of this in how Solomon was able to settle a question of maternity between two women, both of whom claimed to be the mother of a living child. 1 Kings 3: 16-28 "Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it. And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear. And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king. Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living. And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof. And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the story of Jesus stilling the storm and calming the troubled sea. When the storms of life beat down upon us, we can turn to our Savior and if we have faith, we have no reason to fear. Imagine Him saying "Peace, be still" to our troubled hearts. Mark 4:37-40 "And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read about how the people greatly rejoiced in the Lord and thanked and praised Him because He had delivered them from their enemies. They knew that it was because of their repentance and humility that He had answered their prayers. 3 Nephi 4:30-33 "And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection. And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies. Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry: Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God. And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction."
In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord asked Solomon what he would like. Instead of asking for riches or power, Solomon asked for wisdom so that he could judge his people with understanding. The Lord was pleased that Solomon would ask for something so unselfish. So in addition to giving Solomon the wisdom he asked for, the Lord also blessed him with the riches and honor he had not asked for. And the Lord told Solomon that if he would obey the commandments, He would lengthen out his days. Likewise, I think the Lord often blesses us in abundance when we're unselfish in our requests to Him. 1 Kings 3:5-14 "In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus is the door and we need to enter to be saved and find pasture. John 10: 9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord asked Solomon what he would like. Instead of asking for riches or power, Solomon asked for wisdom so that he could judge his people with understanding. The Lord was pleased that Solomon would ask for something so unselfish. So in addition to giving Solomon the wisdom he asked for, the Lord also blessed him with the riches and honor he had not asked for. And the Lord told Solomon that if he would obey the commandments, He would lengthen out his days. Likewise, I think the Lord often blesses us in abundance when we're unselfish in our requests to Him. 1 Kings 3:5-14 "In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus is the door and we need to enter to be saved and find pasture. John 10: 9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
Monday, February 6, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that the armies of the Nephites, when they saw the army of Giddianhi, fell to the earth in prayer and supplication to the Lord. Giddianhi thought they had fallen because of fear of him, but he was sadly mistaken. They were praying to the Lord for protection, which He gave them. A great battle ensued and the Nephites were able to beat Giddianhi, in spite of his bold threatenings. When we're faced with fierce enemies or any kind, we can pray to the Lord for help and guidance. 3 Nephi 4:8-12 "And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites, when they saw the appearance of the army of Giddianhi, had all fallen to the earth, and did lift their cries to the Lord their God, that he would spare them and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies. And it came to pass that when the armies of Giddianhi saw this they began to shout with a loud voice, because of their joy, for they had supposed that the Nephites had fallen with fear because of the terror of their armies. But in this thing they were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection; therefore, when the armies of Giddianhi did rush upon them they were prepared to meet them; yea, in the strength of the Lord they did receive them. And the battle commenced in this the sixth month; and great and terrible was the battle thereof, yea, great and terrible was the slaughter thereof, insomuch that there never was known so great a slaughter among all the people of Lehi since he left Jerusalem. And notwithstanding the threatenings and the oaths which Giddianhi had made, behold, the Nephites did beat them, insomuch that they did fall back from before them."
In the Old Testament we read about how when David was old and about to die, he charged his son Solomon to keep the commandments and walk in the way of the Lord. 1 Kings 2:1-3 "Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Christ is the true Light of the World that enlightens and sanctifies us. If we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
In the Old Testament we read about how when David was old and about to die, he charged his son Solomon to keep the commandments and walk in the way of the Lord. 1 Kings 2:1-3 "Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:"
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Christ is the true Light of the World that enlightens and sanctifies us. If we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read that Lachoneus told the people that unless they repented of their iniquities, the Lord would not deliver them out of the hands of the Gadianton robbers. The people feared the words of Lachoneus and did repent of their sins, praying unto God to deliver them from their enemies. And they also fortified themselves against their enemies. If we want God to answer our prayers we need to be righteous and we also need to do whatever is within our own power to help what we're asking for to come to pass. In other words, it's fine to ask the Lord to help us do well on a test, but we also need to study! 3 Nephi 3:15, 25 "Yea, he said unto them: As the Lord liveth, except ye repent of all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, ye will in nowise be delivered out of the hands of those Gadianton robbers. And they did fortify themselves against their enemies; and they did dwell in one land, and in one body, and they did fear the words which had been spoken by Lachoneus, insomuch that they did repent of all their sins; and they did put up their prayers unto the Lord their God, that he would deliver them in the time that their enemies should come down against them to battle."
Yesterday we read about David sinning in having his people numbered. Today we read that as punishment for this, the Lord gave him three choices--seven years of famine, three months of fleeing before his enemies, or three days of pestilence. The Lord sent the pestilence and destroyed 70,000 men. This demonstrated the futility of David counting his soldiers, when the Lord could so easily take them away by the thousands, in just a few days. Much better to trust in the Lord than rely on the hand of man. 2 Samuel 24:11-15 "For when David was up in the morning, the word of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, Go and say unto David, Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee. So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me. And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man. So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer-sheba seventy thousand men."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus is the Bread of Life and if we believe in Him, we will receive everlasting life. We all need physical bread to live, and it will satisfy our physical hunger, at least temporarily. But even if we eat bread every day, we'll eventually die. However, if we eat of the Bread of Life, it will satisfy our spiritual hunger and we will live forever. John 6: 47-51 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Yesterday we read about David sinning in having his people numbered. Today we read that as punishment for this, the Lord gave him three choices--seven years of famine, three months of fleeing before his enemies, or three days of pestilence. The Lord sent the pestilence and destroyed 70,000 men. This demonstrated the futility of David counting his soldiers, when the Lord could so easily take them away by the thousands, in just a few days. Much better to trust in the Lord than rely on the hand of man. 2 Samuel 24:11-15 "For when David was up in the morning, the word of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, Go and say unto David, Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee. So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me. And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man. So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer-sheba seventy thousand men."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus is the Bread of Life and if we believe in Him, we will receive everlasting life. We all need physical bread to live, and it will satisfy our physical hunger, at least temporarily. But even if we eat bread every day, we'll eventually die. However, if we eat of the Bread of Life, it will satisfy our spiritual hunger and we will live forever. John 6: 47-51 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how the people began to disbelieve and wickedness and abominations increased. It's hard to understand how quickly people can forget the things of the Lord and be lead into wickedness! 3 Nephi 2:1-3 "And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen— Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing. And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong in wickedness and abominations; and they did not believe that there should be any more signs or wonders given; and Satan did go about, leading away the hearts of the people, tempting them and causing them that they should do great wickedness in the land."
In the Old Testament I read that David sinned in insisting that his people be numbered. I remember reading this years ago and wondering why it was such a sin to take a census of the people. But I think the answer lies in the fact that by numbering the people, David was not trusting in the Lord to take care of him. He was seeking security in finding out how many thousands of soldiers he had to fight his battles. But what does it matter how many warriors you have as long as you have the Lord on your side to fight your battles? The Lord and very few men are far better than thousands of men without the Lord's help. By numbering the people, David was showing a lack of faith that the Lord would take care of him. 2 Samuel 24:2-4, 9-10 "For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people. And Joab said unto the king, Now the Lord thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing? Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel. And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can receive grace and peace through our knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,"
In the Old Testament I read that David sinned in insisting that his people be numbered. I remember reading this years ago and wondering why it was such a sin to take a census of the people. But I think the answer lies in the fact that by numbering the people, David was not trusting in the Lord to take care of him. He was seeking security in finding out how many thousands of soldiers he had to fight his battles. But what does it matter how many warriors you have as long as you have the Lord on your side to fight your battles? The Lord and very few men are far better than thousands of men without the Lord's help. By numbering the people, David was showing a lack of faith that the Lord would take care of him. 2 Samuel 24:2-4, 9-10 "For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people. And Joab said unto the king, Now the Lord thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing? Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel. And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can receive grace and peace through our knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,"
Friday, February 3, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon we read about the fulfillment of the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite in that there was a day, a night, and a day with no darkness, signifying that Christ was born. 3 Nephi 1: 15-19 "And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came. And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand. And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth. For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief. And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given."
In the Old Testament we read a psalm of thanksgiving in which David praises the Lord and talks about how the Lord delivered him out of the hands of his enemies. In his distress, David was able to call upon the Lord for help, and his cries entered into the ears of the Lord. Likewise, when we're encircles about with trials and problems, we can turn to the Lord for help. 2 Samuel 22:1-7 "And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about how the Lord will guide us continually and satisfy our souls in drought, like a spring of water that does not fail. Isaiah 58:11 "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."
In the Old Testament we read a psalm of thanksgiving in which David praises the Lord and talks about how the Lord delivered him out of the hands of his enemies. In his distress, David was able to call upon the Lord for help, and his cries entered into the ears of the Lord. Likewise, when we're encircles about with trials and problems, we can turn to the Lord for help. 2 Samuel 22:1-7 "And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears."
A verse with a thought booklet talks about how the Lord will guide us continually and satisfy our souls in drought, like a spring of water that does not fail. Isaiah 58:11 "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that some people began to say that the time was passed that Samuel the Lamanite had spoken of, and the signs he said would be given when Christ was born were not going to happen. They set aside a day and said that if the sign wasn't given by then, all the believers would be killed. Nephi turned to the Lord in prayer and was told that the sign would be given that night and Christ would be born that very day! 3 Nephi 1:5-14 "But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite. And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain. And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass. But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain. Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet. Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful. And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers. And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying: Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given."
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord sent a famine to punish the people because Saul smote the Gibeonites, contrary to the oath of Israel. David went to the Gibeonites asking them what he would have him do to make this up to them. They said they wanted seven of Saul's sons delivered up to them, to be hanged, which David complied with. 2 Samuel 21:1-6 "Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.) Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the Lord? And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, whom the Lord did choose. And the king said, I will give them."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God's way is perfect and the Word of the Lord is tried. If we trust in Him, He will be a shield to us. Psalms 18: 30 "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
In the Old Testament we read that the Lord sent a famine to punish the people because Saul smote the Gibeonites, contrary to the oath of Israel. David went to the Gibeonites asking them what he would have him do to make this up to them. They said they wanted seven of Saul's sons delivered up to them, to be hanged, which David complied with. 2 Samuel 21:1-6 "Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.) Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the Lord? And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, whom the Lord did choose. And the king said, I will give them."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God's way is perfect and the Word of the Lord is tried. If we trust in Him, He will be a shield to us. Psalms 18: 30 "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
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