Daily Thoughts

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

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

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

Daily Thoughts

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

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

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

Daily Thoughts

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

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

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

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read about how glorious it will be when the Lord comes again.  All enmity between men and beasts will cease.  Anything that men ask for will be given unto them.  Satan will have no power to tempt any man.  There will be no sorrow or death.  All those who have suffered persecution for the gospel's sake or who have laid down their lives will partake of glory.  So we should not have any fear of death, but seek the face of the Lord always that we may have eternal life.  D&C 101:26-38 "And in that day the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts, yea, the enmity of all flesh, shall cease from before my face. And in that day whatsoever any man shall ask, it shall be given unto him. And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man. And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death. In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree; And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious. Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things— Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof— Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven. And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they partake of all this glory. Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.  And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."

In the Old Testament today we read some scriptures that tell us we cannot run away from the Lord.  Yesterday we read about how Jonah didn't want to cry repentance unto the city of Nineveh so he tried to run away by sailing in a ship.  But the Lord didn't allow him to get away with that!  He sent a huge storm which threatened to sink the ship and everyone in it.  They drew lots to find out who was causing all this evil to come on them and the lot fell on Jonah.  Even though the men aboard tried to row hard to bring the ship to shore, they realized their only hope was to cast Jonah into the sea, which immediately brought an end to the storm.  But that's not the end of the story.  The Lord had prepared a big fish to swallow Jonah up, for three days and three nights. 

In some verses with a thought booklet we're told to do everything we do, in word or deed, in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to God.  We should let the word of Christ dwell in us and teach and admonish others.  We should be thankful and have gratitude.  If we do all these things, we'll be able to have the peace of God rule in our hearts.  Colossians 3:15-17 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read about how the Lord's people will be gathered and comforted. All things that the prophets have prophesied will be fulfilled.  D&C 101 : 12-19 "And in that day all who are found upon the watch-tower, or in other words, all mine Israel, shall be saved. And they that have been scattered shall be gathered. And all they who have mourned shall be comforted.  And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.  Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.  They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion— And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled.

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord told Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and call the people to repentance.  But instead of obeying, Jonah tried to run away from the Lord by boarding a ship and sailing off. Do we sometimes act this way when we're asked to do something we'd rather not do?  When we're asked to go help clean the church building on a Saturday morning do we run off to the golf course instead?  Do we look the other way when it's announced in church that help is needed with a welfare assignment?  Do we make up excuses when the bishop asks us to serve in a calling that seems distasteful or frightening to us?  Maybe we stand in judgment of Jonah for running away when the Lord asked him to do something, but aren't we often guilty of doing the same thing?  Jonah 1:1-3 "Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet are familiar ones--reminding us that anyone who lacks wisdom can ask God and it will be given to him.  But he needs to ask with unwavering faith. How much faith do we demonstrate when we pray?  I remember hearing a story of a whole town who fasted for rain and had a meeting where they would all pray together, asking the Lord to send rain.  But only one little girl had enough faith to show up for the meeting carrying an umbrella.  That is faith!  James 1:5-8 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."
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Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the saints were chastised and afflicted because of their transgressions.  But we also read that the Lord chastens those He loves and He has great compassion and mercy towards us and will not utterly cast us off.  If we are slow to hearken to the voice of the Lord, He will be slow to hear our prayers. Sometimes when things are going well for us, we neglect to turn to the Lord and only when we experience tribulations that, of necessity, we feel after Him.  But in spite of our sins, He will listen to our prayers if we humbly repent and turn to Him.  D&C 101: 1-9 "Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance—  I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions; Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels. Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son. For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.  Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.  In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.  Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy."

In the Old Testament that the Lord would send a famine to the land--not a famine of food or water but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.  People would wander, seeking the word of the Lord but would not be able to find it.  This is what happened for hundreds of years after the time of Christ but before the restoration of the gospel.  Prophets who spoke the word of God were not found on the earth at that time, and people wandered around lost as a result.  Amos 8:11-12 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:  And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when we reverence the Lord, that is the beginning of our wisdom, and that when we keep the commandments, we will gain a good understanding.  Psalms 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're given comfort in knowing that all things will work together for our good if we do uprightly.  D&C 100:15 "Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church."

A verse in the Old Testament tells us that the Lord doesn't do anything except He reveals His secret unto His servants, the prophets.  He won't bring punishment on us without first warning us through His prophets.  It is so important to listen and obey what the Lord's servants tell us to do.  Amos 3:7 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet are familiar--telling us that faith without works is dead and giving many examples.  We need to show our faith by our actions.  James 2:14-26 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.  Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read about how we can be given what to say in the very hour we need it and the Holy Ghost can bear witness that we we say is true.  D&C 100: 5-8 "Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say. But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things. And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord would pour out judgments against Judah and Israel for their unrighteousness.  The Lord had blessed them greatly--delivering them from bondage in Egypt and leading them in the wilderness.  He raised up prophets for them, but they told the prophets not to prophesy.  They transgressed against the Lord in many ways so the Lord would send fire and destruction upon them.  Amos 2:4-16 "Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem. Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes; That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name:  And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god. Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.  Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the Lord. But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not. Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves. Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself. And he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the Lord."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that we each have different gifts given to us by the grace of the Lord.  Whatever our gift is, we need to use it to bless the lives of other people.  If we're good at teaching, we need to teach; if we're good at ministering, we need to minister.  No one person has all the gifts of God.  We need each other, each doing what the Lord has assigned to us. And whatever our calling is, we need to do it with diligence and cheerfulness.  Romans 12: 5-8 "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're given instructions about forgiving those who trespass against us and our families.  If they repent, we are to forgive them, even multiple times.  And if they don't repent, we are still to forgive them three times.  However, if they trespass against us a fourth time and refuse to repent, the Lord will deliver them into our hands.  D&C 98:23-30, 38-48 "Now, I speak unto you concerning your families—if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you. And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred fold.  And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold; And these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy if he repent not, and shall not be blotted out. And now, verily I say unto you, if that enemy shall escape my vengeance, that he be not brought into judgment before me, then ye shall see to it that ye warn him in my name, that he come no more upon you, neither upon your family, even your children's children unto the third and fourth generation. And then, if he shall come upon you or your children, or your children's children unto the third and fourth generation, I have delivered thine enemy into thine hands; And then if thou wilt spare him, thou shalt be rewarded for thy righteousness; and also thy children and thy children's children unto the third and fourth generation.  Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, saith the Lord your God, for justification before me. And again, verily I say unto you, if after thine enemy has come upon thee the first time, he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou shalt forgive him, and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy— And so on unto the second and third time; and as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive him, until seventy times seven. And if he trespass against thee and repent not the first time, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him. And if he trespass against thee the second time, and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him. And if he trespass against thee the third time, and repent not, thou shalt also forgive him. But if he trespass against thee the fourth time thou shalt not forgive him, but shalt bring these testimonies before the Lord; and they shall not be blotted out until he repent and reward thee four-fold in all things wherewith he has trespassed against thee. And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart; and if he do not this, I, the Lord, will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold; And upon his children, and upon his children's children of all them that hate me, unto the third and fourth generation. But if the children shall repent, or the children's children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind, and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their fathers' fathers, then thine indignation shall be turned away;  And vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord thy God, and their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read that in the great and terrible day of the Lord there will be wonders in the heaven and the earth, with the sun turned into darkness and the moon into blood.  But those who call upon the Lord will be delivered.  No matter how scary the situation in the world is, the Lord will be there for us if we'll pray to Him. Joel 2:31-32 "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call."

And going right along with this, some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the godly can pray unto the Lord and the flood waters won't come near them.  The Lord will preserve them in times of trouble and instruct them and teach them the way to go.  Many sorrows will come to the wicked, but mercy will surround those who put their trust in the Lord.  So the righteous can rejoice and be glad, and shout for joy! One summer day a neighborhood full of children decided to have a bike contest.  They took a long board about 7 inches wide and placed bricks under each end, then tried to ride their bikes across it.  No one succeeded in staying on the board as they tried to ride their bikes across, until one boy made it without incident.  The other children wanted to know how he did it.  He told them that he just looked at a tree and rode toward it.  The other children had been focusing on the wheels of their bikes and the board.  When they took the boy's suggestion and aimed for the tree in the distance, they all were able to stay on the board. When troubles surround us, what do we focus on?  The problems and difficulties, or the Lord?  If we stay focused on our Savior and pray for help, we can get through anything. Psalms 32:6-11 "For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C the Lord tells us that if we observe to do whatever He commands us, His wrath will be turned away from us and the gates of hell will not prevail against us.  D&C 98:22 "And again I say unto you, if ye observe to do whatsoever I command you, I, the Lord, will turn away all wrath and indignation from you, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you."

In the Old Testament we read that the day of the Lord will be great and terrible.  The earth will quake and the heavens will tremble, and the sun and moon will be dark and the stars will stop shining. Who will be able to abide this day?  Those who repent with all their hearts and turn unto the Lord.  He is gracious, merciful, and kind.  Joel 2:10-13 "The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:  And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we need to guard our hearts with all diligence because everything else flows from it.  As we think, so are we.  Proverbs 4: 23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're told to forsake all evil and cleave unto that which is good, living by every word that comes forth out of the mouth of God.  D&C 98:11 "And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God."

In the Old Testament we read a cry for repentance, for Israel to return to the Lord and call upon Him to take away their iniquity and receive them graciously, heal their backsliding and love them freely. Indeed, this is the case for all of us.  If we'll wholeheartedly repent and turn to the Lord, He will forgive us and love us abundantly.  Hosea 14:1-4 "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.  Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.  Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how this forgiveness takes place.  We're able to be forgiven because Jesus Christ suffered for our sins.  Even though He Himself knew no sin, He took upon Himself our sins so that we could be reconciled to God.  We can become new creatures through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  2 Corinthians 5:17-21 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read why we must be careful who we vote for and make sure we vote for honest and wise people. I just wish there were more honest and wise people running for office!  D&C 98:9-10 "Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil."

In the Old Testament we read that we reap what we sow.  I we sow righteousness and seek the Lord, we'll reap mercy. If we plow wickedness and trust in ourselves and mighty men instead of the Lord, we'll reap iniquity.  How we live our lives has consequences.  Hosea 10:12-13 "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that even if our faith is as small as a mustard seed, mountains can be moved and nothing will be impossible to us.  With God, all things are possible.  Matthew 17:20 "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're told that we should obey the constitutional laws of the land.  D&C 98:4-6 "And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them. And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;"

In the Old Testament we read about how the foolish people flee from the Lord to their own destruction.  Even though He redeemed them, they transgressed and spoke lies against Him.  When in their distress they howled upon their beds, they did not cry out to the Lord, but rebelled against Him.  Are we sometimes foolish like these people?  Do we cry out in anguish because of our troubles, but refrain from praying to our Heavenly Father who can help and comfort us?  Hosea 7:11-14 "Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.  When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard.  Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.  And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me."

Going right along with this, some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we can praise God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ because of the great comfort they give us.  No matter what our troubles or tribulation, we can receive comfort from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that we should rejoice and not fear, but allow our hearts to be comforted.  We can rejoice evermore as we give things in all things.  The Lord will answer our prayers if we wait patiently, for all our prayers are recorded in heaven and will be fulfilled.  Everything that we're afflicted with will work together for our good.  D&C 98:1-3 "Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;  Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."

In the Old Testament we read about the wickedness of the children of Israel and their many sins.  Because of this, the land would mourn and the people would languish.  There are consequences to living unrighteous lives. Hosea 4:1-3 "Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.  By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.  Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that if we are righteous and keep the law of the Lord in our hearts, we have nothing to fear from the reproach of men and their revilings.  Instead, they will experience joy and rejoicing and all their sorrow and mourning will flee away.  The Lord will comfort them.  Why should we worry about what puny men shall do, when they will die like grass, when we have the Lord on our side, who created the heavens and the earth and who has all power. This knowledge should give us courage in the face of the fearful situations that come into our lives.  Isaiah 51: 7, 11-16 "Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.  I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;  And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?  The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.  But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is his name. And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the wicked will be punished and receive the indignation and vengeance of God, whereas the righteous and the pure in heart will be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings.  Each will receive according to all their works.  D&C 97:21-28 "Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—the pure in heart; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn. For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it? The Lord's scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come; For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works. Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her. But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire.  Nevertheless, let it be read this once to her ears, that I, the Lord, have accepted of her offering; and if she sin no more none of these things shall come upon her;  And I will bless her with blessings, and multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon her, and upon her generations forever and ever, saith the Lord your God. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read about the great judgmentments that would befall Israel because of their wickedness and worshiping false gods.  Even though the Lord had blessed them with corn and wine and oil and silver and gold, they prepared it for Baal. Hosea 2:8-13 "For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.  And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand. I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts. And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them. And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we'll submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, the devil will flee from us.  Another verse tells us what will happen if we don't resist the devil and his temptations.  We'll be like a bird darting into a snare, not realizing that it's going to cost him his life.  The choice is ours--resist the devil and have him flee away from us, or give in to temptation and be entrapped and enslaved by sin, eventually paying the price of losing our eternal lives. James 4: 7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Proverbs 7:23 "Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're told that the House of the Lord is a sacred place and no unclean thing which would defile it should enter therein.  But the pure in heart who come to the Temple will feel the presence of the Lord.  D&C 97:15-17 "And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it; Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God. But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there; for I will not come into unholy temples."

In the Old Testament we read that when the righteous are resurrected, they will awake to everlasting life.  But the wicked will be arise to shame.  Those who are wise will shine with brightness.  How we have lived our lives will determine what our state will be when we're resurrected. "When compared to the eternities, this earth life is such a short time of probation.  How very important it is that we choose righteously now so that we can have joy and happiness forever in the life to come. Daniel 12:2-3 "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Word of the Lord is right, He loves righteousness, and the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.  Psalms 33:4-5 "For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.  He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that those who don't bring forth good fruit will be hewn down and cast into the fire.  However, those who are humble and honest and willing sacrifice and to observe the covenants they have made will be accepted by the Lord.  And the Lord will cause them to produce precious fruit.  D&C 97:7-9 "The ax is laid at the root of the trees; and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire. I, the Lord, have spoken it. Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me. For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit."

In the Old Testament we read that even though the Lord brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, they sinned against Him, did not pray to Him, and did not obey His voice.  As a result, evil came upon them.  Daniel 9:13-15 "As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.  And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.  We are His sheep.  He knows each of us, and we can safely trust in Him.  John 10:14-15 "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that if we don't keep the commandments, the love of the Father won't continue with us and we will walk in darkness.  D&C 95:12 "If you keep not my commandments, the love of the Father shall not continue with you, therefore you shall walk in darkness."

In the Old Testament we read about how Daniel fasted, prayed, and confessed the sins of Israel--how they had now kept the commandments of the Lord and had rebelled, done wickedly, and had not hearkened to the prophets.  Daniel 9:3-6 "And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that there is a fulness of joy found in the Lord's presence, and He will show us the path to follow to achieve that.  Psalms 16:11 "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the Lord needed to chastise the brethren who were in the school of the prophets because of the contentions that arose among them, which was a very grievous sin.  When we fight and content with one another, the Spirit withdraws, and we are in great need of repentance.  The Lord is not pleased when we are out of harmony with each other.  D&C 95:10 "Nevertheless, my servants sinned a very grievous sin; and contentions arose in the school of the prophets; which was very grievous unto me, saith your Lord; therefore I sent them forth to be chastened."

In the Old Testament we read the familiar story of Daniel in the lion's den.  Even though the king had established a decree saying that anyone asking a petition of anyone but him for 30 days would be cast into a den of lions, Daniel did not hesitate to continue praying unto the Lord several times a day.  As a result, he was cast into a den of lions, but the Lord sent an angel to shut up their mouths so that no harm came to him.  Daniel 6:10-23 "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.  Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.  My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we can know that the Lord loves us because He laid down His life for us.  And we likewise need to love our brothers.  If we are blessed with worldly goods and see that our brother is in need but refrain from helping him, the love of God does not dwell in us.  We need to love others not just in word, but with our actions as well.  1 John 3:16-18 "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that many are called but few are chosen.  The reason they are not chosen is because they sin grievous sins, walking in darkness at noon-day.  D&C 95:5-6 "But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen. They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day."

In the Old Testament we read about how Belshazzar the king and his revelers drink from the vessels of the temple and praise their idols.  Writing appears on the wall and Daniel is able to interpret it to say that the king is weighed in the balance and is found wanting and his days are numbered in his kingdom.  His kingdom will be divied and given to the Medes and Persians. When we disobey the Lord, we suffer consequences.  Daniel 5:1-6, 24-28 " Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.  Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.  Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.  TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that a fool gives full vent to his anger and speaks whatever comes to his mind, but a wise man keeps himself under control.  Proverbs 29:11 "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the Lord chastens and rebukes those He loves, preparing the way for them to be delivered out of temptation.  D&C 95:1-2 "Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you— Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face;"

In the Old Testament we read how Daniel tried to call Nebuchadnezzar to repentance--telling him to break off his sins by living righteously and getting rid of his iniquity by showing mercy to the poor. We could all benefit by taking this advice.  Daniel 4:27 "Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the man who came to Jesus wanting his son healed and Jesus told him that all things are possible to those who believe.  The man answers that he believes, and then asked Jesus to help his unbelief. I think we can all relate to this man at times.  We do believe, but sometimes our faith just doesn't seem strong enough.  It's times like this that we, too, can pray and ask the Lord to help our unbelief.  Because with faith, nothing is impossible!  Mark 9:23-24 "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're commanded to pray always, to prevent the wicked one from having power over us and removing us out of our place.  D&C 93:49 " What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place."

In the Old Testament we read that Nebuchadnezzar created a golden image and all men were commanded to worship it.  However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had the courage to refuse.  When we faced with strong peer pressure to do something wrong, how do we react?  Do we bravely stand up for what we know is right, in spite of the consequences?  The consequences for these three courageous men was being cast into a fiery furnace.  In fact, the angry Nebuchadnezzar made the furnace seven times hotter than normal--so hot it burned up the men who threw the three into it. However, because they trusted in the Lord, He sent an angel to deliver them and the fire had no harmful effect upon them.  They came out of the furnace unhurt, without even the smell of smoke on their clothing. Daniel 3:1, 4-28 "Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.  And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God."

A verse with a thought booklet also tells us that angels are ministering spirits sent to those who inherit salvation.  We may not be thrown into a fiery furnace we need to be rescued from, but we may find ourselves in the midst of fiery afflictions and troubles from which God will deliver us if we seek His help.  And sometimes that helps might come in the form of angels, either heavenly or earthly.  Hebrews 1:14 "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
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Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that truth is the knowledge of things past, present and future.  Anything more of less than that is of the spirit of the wicked one who is a liar from the beginning.  The Spirit of truth comes from God and in order to receive light and truth, we need to keep the commandments. D&C 93:24-27 "And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning. The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments."

In the Old Testament we read that the king sought an interpretation to a dream he had, but his astrologers, magicians and soothsayers could not provide the answer.  However, Daniel was able to receive the interpretation through the gift and power of God.  When we seek wisdom, we need to look to the right source--the Lord.  We won't find true wisdom in horoscopes, fortune tellers, or other sources.  Daniel 2:25-30 "Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation. The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;  But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.  But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that we can call out to God when we are in distress and He will have mercy on us and hear our prayers. When we're having problems or are in trouble, who do we turn to first?  Our friends?  A family member?  Actually, the first one we should turn to is the Lord.  He will be there for us to help us with any problem.  But we need to ask.  Psalms 4:1 "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're given a wonderful promise that if we forsake our sins, come unto Christ, pray, and keep the commandments, we will see the Lord's face and know that He is.  This is a promise given to everyone! We just need to do our part.  D&C 93:1 "Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;"

In the Old Testament we read the story about how the king appointed to Daniel and his friends to eat his meat and drink his wine.  But Daniel knew in his heart that that if he ate the king's meat and drank his wine, it would mean defiling himself, so he requested that they be given vegetables and seeds with water to drink instead.  The prince of the eunuchs who had charge over them feared that if he honored Daniel's request, Daniel and his friends would not be as healthy as the others and he'd get blamed by the kind for it.  So Daniel asked him to put it to the test for ten days and see how things went.  At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his friends were fairer and fatter than the others.  And not only that, their knowledge and wisdom and understanding was greater.  When we obey the Lord's laws of health, which today means obeying the Word of Wisdom, we're not only healthier physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.  Daniel 1:5, 8-17 "And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.  Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.  And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that even though we might in times past have been alienated from God by our wicked works, we can again be reconciled to Him through the atonement of Jesus Christ who died for us.  However, we need to continue in the faith, grounded and settled and not moved away from the hope of the gospel.  Colossians 1:20-23 "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;"

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that we should search diligently, pray always, be believing, walk uprightly, and keep our covenants.  If we do this, all things will work together for our good.  D&C 90:24 "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another."

In the Old Testament we read that the sanctified priests of the sons of Zadok had kept the charge of the Lord and had not gone astray when the other children of Israel and Levites had gone astray.  The Lord makes note of people who stay true to Him, even when those around them are not obeying Him.  Ezekiel 48:11 "It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray."

Some verses with a thought booklet we're told to not to walk in step with the wicked nor hearken unto sinners and scornful people.  We often become like the companions we choose.  Instead, we need to delight in the commandments of God and meditate upon His law day and night.  What we choose to think about determines, in large measure, the kind of person we become. Those who trust in the Lord and delight in His law are like trees planted by streams that don't run dry.  Their leaves stay green and they bear the fruits of righteousness.   Psalms 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the day will come when every person will hear the gospel preached in his own tongue by those who are ordained of God. Everyone will have the opportunity to be taught the gospel.  D&C 90:11 "For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ."

In the Old Testament we read about sacrifices that were to be made--a lamb without blemish.  This was in similitude of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ would make when He atoned for the world.  He was without blemish.  Ezekiel 46: 13 "Thou shalt daily prepare a burnt offering unto the Lord of a lamb of the first year without blemish: thou shalt prepare it every morning."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read that whoever hears what te Lord says and obeys it is like a wise man who builds his house on a firm foundation.  When the storms come, he is not moved.  However, the man who hears the Word of the Lord and does not obey is like the foolish man who builds on a sandy foundation, and when the rains come his house is washed away.  I can't help but hear the little primary song in my head when I read these verses, "The wise man built his house upon the rock and the rains came tumbling down.  The rain came down and the floods came up, but the house on the rock stood still. The foolish man build his house upon the sand.  The rains came down and the floods came up, and the house on the sand washed away.  Luke 6:46-49 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read the great promises given to those who keep the Word of Wisdom and obey the Lord in things He has commanded us to eat and to refrain from eating.  We'll receive health in our navel and marrow to our bones, and we'll run and not be weary and walk and not faint. The destroying angel shall pass us by and not slay us.  But aside from the physical blessings of obeying the Lord's law of health, we'll additionally be given wisdom and great treasures of knowledge.  D&C 89:18-21 "And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read that the glory of the Lord filled the House of the Lord, the temple.  The Lord instructed that no strangers or uncircumcised in heart should enter into His sanctuary.  Ezekiel 44:4-9 "Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord: and I fell upon my face.  And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.  And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,  In that ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.  And ye have not kept the charge of mine holy things: but ye have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves. Thus saith the Lord God; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel."

Some verses with a thought booklet reiterate the great mercy and forgiveness of the Lord.  No matter what we've done in the past, if we will seek the Lord with all our heart and soul, and we will be obedient to His voice, He will not forsake us. We can turn to Him even in all our tribulations.  Deuteronomy 4:29-31 "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;  (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read about some of the foods that we should eat--herbs, fruit, grain, and meat to be used sparingly. All these things are to be used with thanksgiving unto God.  D&C 89: 10-14 "And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man— Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;"

In the Old Testament we read that the glory of God filled the temple.  Ezekiel 43:4-5 "And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house."

Some verses with a thought booklet are rather familiar.  Joshua tells the people that they have a choice to make and they need to choose this day.  Will they serve the false gods of the Amorites or the true and living God?  Joshua declares that as for he and his house, they will serve the Lord!  We likewise have a similar choice to make.  Will we serve to choose the false gods of our day--wealth, power, possessions, fashion, recreation?  Or will we choose to serve the Lord our God? It is our choice to make.  Joshua 24:15 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that alcohol and tobacco are not good for the body, nor are hot drinks, meaning tea and coffee.  What a blessing to receive instructions from the Lord on substances to avoid in order to live healthier lives.  D&C 89:5, 7-9 "That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill. And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly."

In the Old Testament we read about how Ezekiel is shown the exact measurements of the temple and is told that is a most holy place.  Ezekiel 41:1-4 " Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle. And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits. Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits. So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me, This is the most holy place."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read about how Solomon married foreign wives who worshiped false gods.  In fact, he married 700 of these women, plus 300 concubines.  And they turned his heart away from the true and living God so that he, too, worshiped idols and built high places to them.  We need to be careful in the companions we choose.  Do they uplift us and encourage us to live righteously?  Or do they drag us down?  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."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that we should love one another, not be covetous, generously give to one another, stop being idle, unclean, and fault finding.  We should go to bed early and get up early.  We should pray always and clothe ourselves with the bond of charity.  There is a lot of great advice packed into these few verses--things we all could stand to improve on.  D&C 88:123-126 "See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.  Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.  Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen."


In the Old Testament we're told that the reason the Lord allowed the children of Israel to be taken into captivity was because they had trespassed against Him.  So He hid His face from them and they fell by the sword.  It was all according to their uncleanness and transgressions that He had hid His face from them.  When we sin, we distance ourselves from God and suffer the consequences of our actions.  Ezekiel 39:22-23 "So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward. And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword."

In some verses with a thought booklet, Joshua reminds the people that they need to be courageous, cleave unto the Lord, and serve Him. With the Lord on their side, one of their men could chase away a thousand of their enemies.  With the Lord fighting their battles, they cannot fail.  But they need to love the Lord their God and not worship the false gods of their enemies.  Likewise we need to hold fast to the true God and keep His commandments, putting Him first in our lives.  If we do this, He will help us through all our trials and struggles.  When we have the Lord and all His power and strength fighting our battles for us, how can we fail?  Joshua 23:6-11 "Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:  But cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day. For the Lord hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you. Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God."