Daily Thoughts

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

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

Some verses with a thought booklet go right along with this and help us to put money and worldly wealth into perspective.  A man was concerned because his brother didn't want to divide their inheritance with him.  Jesus told the man to beware of covetousness and reminded him that a man's life didn't consist of the abundance of the things he possessed, but rather in being rich toward God.  We can have great stores of wealth accumulated, but when we die we won't be able to take it with us and it will be of no value to us in the next life.  Luke 12:13-21 "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."