Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the people had not learned to be obedient, but were full of all manner of evil and had refused to help the poor and afflicted among them.  They were not united.  Zion cannot be built up except upon principles of Celestial law.  So the people needed to be chastened until they could learn obedience, even if it needed to be by the things that they suffer.  Are we willing to keep the commandments and do the will of the Lord without having to be chastened first?  Are we willing to humble ourselves or do we need to be given circumstances that will compel us to be humble and turn to the Lord?  D&C 105:1-6 "Verily I say unto you who have assembled yourselves together that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people— Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now. But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them; And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;  And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself. And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer."

In the Old Testament we read that woe will come to the wicked who are filthy and polluted and obey not the voice of the Lord, nor receive His correction.  If we don't trust in the Lord nor draw near to Him, there will be consequences that we will suffer.  Zephaniah 3:1-2 "Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the eyes of all wait upon the Lord who gives them food at the proper time.  The Lord sees our needs.  The story is told of a woman who lost her job and her home.  She could only find part time work and barely had enough money to rent a small apartment.  She didn't have enough money for much food and spent weeks living on cereal and canned spaghetti.  One night there was a knock on her door and when she answered, no one was there but there was a bag of groceries left on her doorstep.  Much needed!  She didn't know who left it, but thanked the Lord for touching someone's heart to know that she was in need and supplying her with food.  We can trust in the Lord to help us when needed, and we need to also be in tune with His Spirit enough to receive promptings on how we might help someone else.  Psalms 145:15 "The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season."