Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that gifts of the spirit are given for the benefit of those who love the Lord and keep His commandments.  There are many different types of spiritual gifts, but all are given for the benefit of the children of God.  D&C 46: 9-26 "For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts. And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church. For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful. And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men. And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal. And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom. To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge. And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed; And to others it is given to have faith to heal. And again, to some is given the working of miracles; And to others it is given to prophesy; And to others the discerning of spirits.  And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues; And to another is given the interpretation of tongues. And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God."

In the Old Testament we read that when people are chastened by the Lord, they pour our their prayers in their times of trouble.  Do we call upon God only when our lives are in dire circumstances?  Isaiah 26:16 " Lord, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that no prophecy in scripture is of private interpretation. It didn't come about through the will of man, but came from inspiration of the Holy Ghost.  So it makes sense that the only way to understand scripture is likewise through inspiration of the Holy Ghost.  I never attempt to read scriptures without first praying for the Lord to help me understand what I'm reading.  I still struggle to try to understand, but I know that without the Lord's help I wouldn't be able to grasp what I do.  If something was written by inspiration from the Spirit, it needs to be understood the same way.  2 Peter 1:20-21 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."