Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read that Adam served God and offered sacrifices unto Him, even though he didn't know why, only that it had been commanded. But an angel came and taught Adam that the sacrifices were in similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father. He taught him that he should repent of his sins and pray unto the Father in the name of the Son.  Moses 5:4-8 " And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence. And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me. And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore."

In the New Testament we read that many signs and miracles took place--too many to write in the Bible.  But those that were written were written for the purpose of causing us to believe, and through believing, we'll have life through the name of Jesus Christ. Indeed, studying the scriptures helps us to develop faith and it changes our lives!   John 20:30-31 "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we keep the commandments, we'll abide in the Lord's love and our joy will be full.  We're commanded to love one another, just as Jesus loves us.  He laid down His life for us, which showed He could have no greater love for us.  If we keep His commandments, we are His friends.  John 15:9-14 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read about how Adam blamed Eve for partaking of the forbidden fruit and Even in turn blamed the serpent.  How often do we try to blame other people or circumstances for our mistakes?  Do we take full responsibility for our own choices?  Moses 4:13-19 " And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they had been naked. And they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons.  And they heard the voice of the Lord God, as they were walking in the garden, in the cool of the day; and Adam and his wife went to hide themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.  And I, the Lord God, called unto Adam, and said unto him: Where goest thou? And he said: I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I beheld that I was naked, and I hid myself. And I, the Lord God, said unto Adam: Who told thee thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat, if so thou shouldst surely die?  And the man said: The woman thou gavest me, and commandest that she should remain with me, she gave me of the fruit of the tree and I did eat.  And I, the Lord God, said unto the woman: What is this thing which thou hast done? And the woman said: The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."

In the New Testament we read the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ--how His empty tomb was discovered, and His appearances to Mary Magdalene and His disciples.  John 20:1-21 "The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.   Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.  Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.  For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.  Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.  And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.  And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.  Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.  Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.  Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the time is NOW to cast off our works of darkness and put on the armor of light. The first step to righting a wrong is shining some light on it so we can clearly see what the problem is and take steps to correct it. Jesus exposed evil by shining the light of truth on it. He came to show the whole world the way out of darkness, and providing us with the armor we need to protect us from evil.  Romans 13:12 "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read about how the serpent beguiled Eve and persuaded her to eat of the forbidden fruit.  Moses 4:5-12 "And now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which I, the Lord God, had made.  And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world. And he said unto the woman: Yea, hath God said—Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (And he spake by the mouth of the serpent.)  And the woman said unto the serpent: We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden;  But of the fruit of the tree which thou beholdest in the midst of the garden, God hath said—Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.  And the serpent said unto the woman: Ye shall not surely die;  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it became pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make her wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and also gave unto her husband with her, and he did eat."

In the New Testament we read Jesus' prayer for His followers.  He had given them God's word, and the world had hated them because of it.  Jesus was not of the world and neither are those who choose to follow Him.  He prayed not that His disciples should be taken out of the world, but rather that they would be kept from the evil of the world.  In other words, we need to live in the world, but not be of the world.  Sometimes I think some people live so much of their lives in cyberspace that they are of the world, but not in the world!  In any case, we are to keep ourselves from the evils of worldly things while still living in the world and doing whatever we can to let our lights shine in a darkened world.  John 17:14-15 "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."

Speaking about light, a verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will be our everlasting Light and cause our mourning to end. What a wonderful message of hope, knowing that our grief can give way to the joy of God's everlasting Light.  Isaiah 60:20 "Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read about how Satan came to become the devil.  He sought to destroy the agency of men and wanted the honor that belonged to God, so he was cast down.  Moses 4:1-4 "And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.  But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.  Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice."

In the New Testament we read that even though in the world we may have tribulation, we can be of good cheer because Jesus has overcome the world.  Knowing this brings us peace.  John 16:33 " These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Some familiar verses with a thought booklet remind us that instead of leaning on our own understanding, we need to trust in the Lord with all our hearts.  He will direct our paths.  A woman who lost her job after 22 years of loyal service was feeling lost and wondering why God would allow this to happen to her.  But then she felt the Lord directing her to a new career path that turned out so much better than she could have imagined. A woman with a terrible disease that kept her from working or doing the things she wanted to do, acknowledged that her illness had allowed her the time she needed to study scriptures and draw close to God in prayer--something she never would have done had she been busy working. Her illness taught her to turn to the Lord and rely on Him in ways that would not have been possible if she'd enjoyed good health.  She said she wouldn't have traded her relationship with the Lord for anything. Things don't always turn out the way we want or expect, but we need to put our trust in the Lord and realize that the experiences we go through are for our best good and He will strengthen us and help us get through any trial that comes our way.  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
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Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read that it is not good for man to be alone so God made a helpmeet for Adam.  A man should leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh.  Moses 3:18, 21-24 "And I, the Lord God, said unto mine Only Begotten, that it was not good that the man should be alone; wherefore, I will make an help meet for him. And I, the Lord God, caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and he slept, and I took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh in the stead thereof;  And the rib which I, the Lord God, had taken from man, made I a woman, and brought her unto the man.  And Adam said: This I know now is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.

In the New Testament we read that the world hates and fights true religion and persecutes the followers of Christ, just like they persecuted Him. Those who hate Christ hate the Father also, and hate those who follow them.  John 15:18-25 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.  But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.  He that hateth me hateth my Father also.  If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.  But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and continued to pray to God all night long.  We learn several things from this short verse.  First, we see that if Jesus felt the need to pray, how much more do we need to pray to God.  Second, we see that He went some place where he could have peace and solitude to say His prayers.  We can concentrate better on our prayers if we're not distracted by noise and interference.  And third, we see that He prayed all night long.  How much time do we spend in prayer?  Do we really pour our hearts out to God, or do we say a few routine words out of habit without really even thinking about what we're saying?  If we follow the example of Jesus, we'll make the time to pray and find a place where we can be undisturbed.  If this was important for Jesus, it is important for us.  Luke 6:12 "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read that God created all things spiritually before they were naturally upon the earth.  Moses 3:5-7 " And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air; But I, the Lord God, spake, and there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.  And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus commanded us to love one another, as He loved us.  This is how we can tell a true disciple of Christ--he will show love for others.  So if we question whether someone is a true Christian or not, this is how we can tell.  How loving are they toward their fellowman?  How do we measure up?  Are we sufficiently loving so that someone would be able to tell we're followers of Jesus Christ by the way we treat other people?  John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Some verses with a thought booklet relate how various people came to Christ and asked Him what they were to do.  He knew what each individual was lacking and gave them advice accordingly.  To some he said that if they had two coats and know someone who had none, they should give to them, and likewise with food.  He told the publicans to not require others to pay more than what was due.  He told the soldiers to avoid violence and not accuse others falsely.  He also told them to be content with their wages.  If we were to ask Christ today what we should do, what would He tell us? These verses give us clues, as well as the verses we read in the paragraph above.  We need to show love for others and treat others with kindness, generosity, and respect.  Luke 3:10-14 "And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?  He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?  And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.  And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read that on the seventh day of creation, after God had finished all His work and pronounced it very good, He rested from all His labors and blessed and sanctified the seventh day as the Sabbath Day.  Moses 3:1-3 "Thus the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.  And on the seventh day I, God, ended my work, and all things which I had made; and I rested on the seventh day from all my work, and all things which I had made were finished, and I, God, saw that they were good; And I, God, blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it I had rested from all my work which I, God, had created and made."

In the New Testament we read that many of the chief rulers believed in Jesus, but they would not confess Him for fear of being put out of the synagogues.  In other words, they loved the praise of men more than they loved the praise of God. Are we willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of the opposition of the world?  Which do we care more about--what other people think of us or what God thinks of us?  John 12:42-43 "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God"

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we each have our own grace-given gifts that the Lord has blessed us with, and we can use these gifts and talents to bless others.  Some of us can prophesy, others are good at ministering, others are better at teaching or exhorting. We can each serve in different ways. Maybe we can't play the organ for church services, but we can take a casserole to someone who just came home from the hospital, type up the church bulletin,  or help out with the children in the nursary. Each can contribute to the whole with their own special skills, and each is needed. Just before Christmas I had the privilege of attending a performance of a hand bell choir at the local library. They were amazing to watch.  The bell ringers stood behind a table containing their music and the various sizes of bells--some were tiny and others were as big as stockpots. Each bell ringer was assigned to ring specific bells at specific times and they all came together to make beautiful music.  This is the way it is with our church assignments.  We all have specific tasks to complete and when we all work together, we create a beautiful harmony!  Romans 12:3-8 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  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 P of GP we read about the sixth day of creation in which God created living creatures to dwell on the earth--cattle, creeping things, and beasts of every kind.  Then He created man in His own image and gave him dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, and every living creature and moves upon the earth.  He commanded them to multiply after their kind.  God saw everything that He had made and said that it was very good.  Moses 2:24-31 "And I, God, said: Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their kind, and it was so; And I, God, made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything which creepeth upon the earth after his kind; and I, God, saw that all these things were good. And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so. And I, God, said: Let them have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them.  And I, God, blessed them, and said unto them: Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And I, God, said unto man: Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in the which shall be the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.  And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein I grant life, there shall be given every clean herb for meat; and it was so, even as I spake.  And I, God, saw everything that I had made, and, behold, all things which I had made were very good; and the evening and the morning were the sixth day."

In the New Testament we read a verse that tells us that if we are to serve Jesus, we must follow Him.  And whoever serves Him, the Father will honor.  John 12:26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us to teach our children to obey the commandments of the Lord and pass down to them stories of how the Lord has blessed and helped us.  Stories of faith and inspiration need to be told to future generations.  Teach your children about God's law, who He is, and what He has done for you.  He is a personal God--not just to people as a whole but to everyone individually.  Tell your children about answered prayers, miracles in your life, inspiration that guided you, or how the Lord comforted and strengthened you in difficult circumstances.  Those stories are too good not to share!  Deuteronomy 6:20-25 "And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord our God hath commanded you?  Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:  And the Lord shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.  And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.  And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read about the fifth day of creation in which God made creations to dwell in the waters and to fly above the earth--all kinds of fish and winged fowl.  Moses 2:20-23 "And I, God, said: Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl which may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.  And I, God, created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind; and I, God, saw that all things which I had created were good.  And I, God, blessed them, saying: Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the sea; and let fowl multiply in the earth; And the evening and the morning were the fifth day."

In the New Testament we read the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. He could have come sooner and healed Lazarus before he died, but by waiting until he was dead and raising him from the dead, it showed forth the glory of God and caused more people to believe.  John 11:17-45 "Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:  And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.  Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.  Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.  Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?  She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.  And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.  As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.  Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.  Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.  Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!  And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?  Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.  Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.  And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.  Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet are a prophesy about the birth of Jesus and how He would bring great light into a darkened world.  Isaiah 9:1-2 " Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."    

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read about the fourth day of creation in which God made the sun, moon an stars to rule over the day and night.  Moses 2:14-19 " And I, God, said: Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven, to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and for years; And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth; and it was so.  And I, God, made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night, and the greater light was the sun, and the lesser light was the moon; and the stars also were made even according to my word.  And I, God, set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And the sun to rule over the day, and the moon to rule over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness; and I, God, saw that all things which I had made were good; And the evening and the morning were the fourth day."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus spoke the words of the Father which were words of truth, but the people refused to believe. He that is of God will hear God's words, but those who are not of God will reject them.  John 8:45-47 "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.  Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?  He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."

A verse with a thought booklet is a good one to remember when troubling situations in our life cause us to worry and fear.  The Lord is our light and our salvation, so what do we need to be afraid of?  He is our strength, so why do we need to fear?  Psalms 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read about the third day of creation in which God gathered the waters together into one place and made dry land appear.  Then he created plant life, including fruit trees bearing fruit, grass, and herbs bearing seeds.  Moses 2:9-13 "And I, God, said: Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and it was so; and I, God, said: Let there be dry land; and it was so. And I, God, called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters, called I the Sea; and I, God, saw that all things which I had made were good. And I, God, said: Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, the fruit tree yielding fruit, after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed should be in itself upon the earth, and it was so even as I spake. And the earth brought forth grass, every herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed should be in itself, after his kind; and I, God, saw that all things which I had made were good;  And the evening and the morning were the third day."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus is the Light of the world and if we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness but have the Light of Life.  John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.  King Nebuchadnezzar insisted that everyone worship the golden image that he had set up, and made a decree that anyone refusing to do so should be burned in the fiery furnace.  However, the three faithful servants of the Lord, when confronted about not complying with this decree, replied that if the God they served should choose to deliver them from the fiery furnace, that would be well; but if not, they would still refuse to serve Nebuchadnezzar's gods or worship the golden image he had set up.  In other words, they would serve the Lord their God no matter what the consequences!  I remember a talk in general conference several years ago that dealt with this very subject, the subject of "But if not." http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/but-if-not?lang=eng We need to be willing to serve the Lord under ideal circumstances, BUT IF NOT, we need to be willing to serve Him anyway.  Even when we're going through trying times and things don't work out the way we'd plan, we still need to trust in the Lord. Can God deliver us from our trials?  Of course!  But even if He doesn't, we can still place our trust in Him.  Daniel 3:13-18 "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."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read about the second day of creation in which God divided the waters from under the firmament from the waters above it.  Moses 2:6-8 "And again, I, God, said: Let there be a firmament in the midst of the water, and it was so, even as I spake; and I said: Let it divide the waters from the waters; and it was done;  And I, God, made the firmament and divided the waters, yea, the great waters under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament, and it was so even as I spake.  And I, God, called the firmament Heaven; and the evening and the morning were the second day."

In the New Testament we read that the doctrines that Jesus taught were not His, but His that sent Him--our Heavenly Father. If we want to know whether the doctrines of the gospel are true and of God or not, we need to live them.   It is only by living them that we gain a testimony of their truthfulness. John 7:16-17 "Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."

A verse with a thought booklet gives a prophesy of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son and named Him Immanuel.  Immanuel means "God with us."  Not only was this prophesy fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ being born of a virgin, but it also demonstrates hope for the world--that the Son of God came to live among us and we could trust in His presence always, even during difficult times.  He will ever be with us.  Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read about the first day of the creation of the heavens and the earth.  In that first day, God created light.  He divided the darkness from the light and created day and night.  Moses 2:1-5 "And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I reveal unto you concerning this heaven, and this earth; write the words which I speak. I am the Beginning and the End, the Almighty God; by mine Only Begotten I created these things; yea, in the beginning I created the heaven, and the earth upon which thou standest. And the earth was without form, and void; and I caused darkness to come up upon the face of the deep; and my Spirit moved upon the face of the water; for I am God.  And I, God, said: Let there be light; and there was light.  And I, God, saw the light; and that light was good. And I, God, divided the light from the darkness. And I, God, called the light Day; and the darkness, I called Night; and this I did by the word of my power, and it was done as I spake; and the evening and the morning were the first day."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus is the bread of life and those who believe in Him will have everlasting life.  John 6:47-48 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.  I am that bread of life."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we're told that Jesus, a great high priest and Son of God, was in all points tempted like we are, but remained without sin. He offers us mercy and grace in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read that the work and glory of God is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  We, the children of God, are of great value and importance to Him.  Moses 1:39 "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

In the New Testament we read that we should search the scriptures for they testify of Christ and in them we'll gain the faith to have eternal life.  John 5:39 "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

A verse with a thought booklet says that we can devise many plans in our hearts, but we need to counsel with the Lord and let His will stand.  It's fine to make plans, but sometimes the Lord has other ideas.  Maybe we've planned a day of running errands and getting some shopping done.  Then we get a phone call from a sick friend who needs us to take them to the doctor. All our well laid plans have to be put on the back burner while we take care of emergency needs.  Or perhaps we plan for enjoyable retirement years where we can travel with our spouse and have fun. Then we receive a call to serve a mission and our retirement years take on a whole new purpose as we serve the Lord.  Or perhaps our spouse becomes ill and needs our constant care, or they die and leave us alone.  We can make plans all we want, but we never know what turns our lives will take and we always need to be open to whatever the Lord has in store for us.  Proverbs 19:21 "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand."

Daily Thoughts

In the P of GP we read that God created many worlds, innumerable unto men but they are all numbered to God for they are His and He knows them. The earth we live on is but a small part of the creations of God.  Moses 1:35 "But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them."

In the New Testament we read that the gospel will be preached to all those who have died, and those who hearken will live.  This is why performing baptisms and other ordinances for the dead is so important.  If they accept the gospel in the next life they'll have the opportunity of accepting the baptisms that are performed in their behalf and they'll have the same opportunity of receiving everlasting life.  John 5:25 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we don't need to fear or be dismayed for the Lord will go before us and be with us.  He will not fail us.  A person on a plane flight traveling through thick fog wondered how the pilot was able to fly without being able to see anything, so asked the pilot.  He said, "You need to trust your instruments." When we're traveling through life we sometimes find ourselves going through foggy situations where our path is not clear. But if we trust in the Lord, He can guide and direct us.  He will not forsake us!  Deuteronomy 31:8 "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."

Daily Thoughts

In the Pearl of Great Price we read that God spoke with Moses face to face, as one man talks to another, and showed unto him the entire earth and all its inhabitants.  Moses 1:27-31 "And it came to pass, as the voice was still speaking, Moses cast his eyes and beheld the earth, yea, even all of it; and there was not a particle of it which he did not behold, discerning it by the Spirit of God. And he beheld also the inhabitants thereof, and there was not a soul which he beheld not; and he discerned them by the Spirit of God; and their numbers were great, even numberless as the sand upon the sea shore.  And he beheld many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof. And it came to pass that Moses called upon God, saying: Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them? And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in the presence of God, and talked with him face to face. And the Lord God said unto Moses: For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me."

In the New Testament we read that if we believe in Jesus Christ we'll have everlasting life, but if we don't have faith in the Son, we'll suffer the wrath of God.  John 3:36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night and bring sudden destruction to those who are unprepared.  But to those who hearken to the Lord, that day will not overtake them.  They are children of light and of the day and there is no darkness in them.  No one would want to drive a car at night with no headlights.  No one would choose to stumble around in a dark basement if they could turn on a light.  So why would anyone choose to go through life in darkness when by turning to the Lord, they can receive all the Light they need to guide them on paths of safety.  1 Thessalonians 5:2-5 "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read about what would have happened to the church and its members had the practice of polygamy been stopped.  Wilford asked the question which would have been better--to have it stopped in that way or the way that it was, by the giving of the Manifesto.  But then he says that he would have let the temples go out of our hands and all the men sent to prison if he had not been commanded by the Lord to stop the practice of polygamy.  D&C Official Declaration 1 "The Lord showed me by vision and revelation exactly what would take place if we did not stop this practice. If we had not stopped it, you would have had no use for … any of the men in this temple at Logan; for all ordinances would be stopped throughout the land of Zion. Confusion would reign throughout Israel, and many men would be made prisoners. This trouble would have come upon the whole Church, and we should have been compelled to stop the practice. Now, the question is, whether it should be stopped in this manner, or in the way the Lord has manifested to us, and leave our Prophets and Apostles and fathers free men, and the temples in the hands of the people, so that the dead may be redeemed. A large number has already been delivered from the prison house in the spirit world by this people, and shall the work go on or stop? This is the question I lay before the Latter-day Saints. You have to judge for yourselves. I want you to answer it for yourselves. I shall not answer it; but I say to you that that is exactly the condition we as a people would have been in had we not taken the course we have.  I saw exactly what would come to pass if there was not something done. I have had this spirit upon me for a long time. But I want to say this: I should have let all the temples go out of our hands; I should have gone to prison myself, and let every other man go there, had not the God of heaven commanded me to do what I did do; and when the hour came that I was commanded to do that, it was all clear to me. I went before the Lord, and I wrote what the Lord told me to write. "

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus said destroy this tample and in three days I will raise it up.  He was actually prophesying that after He was crucified, He would rise again in three days.  But His disciples misunderstood what He said, taking Him literally and thinking he was claiming to be able to raise up the temple in three days which had taken 46 years to build.  It was only after His resurrection that His disciples realized what He'd been trying to say.  John 2:19-22 "Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?  But he spake of the temple of his body.  When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the word of the Lord is like a lamp unto our feet--it shows us the right path to follow.  We need to never forget the law of the Lord.  Even if the wicked lay snares to trap us, we need to obey the Lord's precepts and always perform His statutes, even unto the end.  Psalms 119:105-112 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.  I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.  My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.  Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.  I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the Lord will not permit the prophet or any other man to lead the church astray.  Anyone who is called to lead the church must do it by the inspiration of God or he cannot do it at all.  D&C Official Declaration 1 "The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty.  It matters not who lives or who dies, or who is called to lead this Church, they have got to lead it by the inspiration of Almighty God. If they do not do it that way, they cannot do it at all. "

In the New Testament we read that even though Jesus created the heavens and the earth, He was rejected by the people on the earth and they refused to know Him.  However, as many as would believe in Him and receive Him, He would give them power to become the sons of God. John 1:10-12 "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

A verse with a thought booklet is a simple one that we could easily memorize and repeat to ourselves whenever we're faced with a difficult or even seemingly impossible situation.  It reminds us that with Christ strengthening us, we can do anything!  Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."    

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read Wilford Woodruff's statement that we are to submit to the laws of the land and not participate in the practice of polygamy.  He tells all Latter-day Saints to refrain from contracting any marriage forbidden by the law of the land.  D&C Official Declaration 1 "Inasmuch as laws have been enacted by Congress forbidding plural marriages, which laws have been pronounced constitutional by the court of last resort, I hereby declare my intention to submit to those laws, and to use my influence with the members of the Church over which I preside to have them do likewise. There is nothing in my teachings to the Church or in those of my associates, during the time specified, which can be reasonably construed to inculcate or encourage polygamy; and when any Elder of the Church has used language which appeared to convey any such teaching, he has been promptly reproved. And I now publicly declare that my advice to the Latter-day Saints is to refrain from contracting any marriage forbidden by the law of the land."

In the New Testament we read about how on the third day Jesus was resurrected and rose from the dead.  When people found the tomb empty and the stone rolled away they were perplexed.  But angels appeared who asked them why they searched for the living among the dead.  He is risen!  Before any of this happened, Jesus had told them that He would be crucified and the third day He would rise again.  Then they remembered the words He had spoken.  They had indeed come to pass.  Luke 24:1-8 "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.  And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:  And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words,"

Going right along with this, some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that when we lose loved ones, we don't need to grieve in the same way as do those who have no hope.  We can know that just as Jesus Christ was resurrected and rose from the dead, so will our loved ones be resurrected also.  And we can comfort one another by teaching these words. The resurrection of Jesus Christ really did take place.  It is reality.  So likewise will we all be resurrected from the dead.  We sorrow when we lose loved ones because we miss them, but we can know with surety that they will rise again, just as Jesus did. And there is no reason for us to grieve without hope.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that latter-day prophets who helped spread the gospel in our day will likewise be among those in the spirit world awaiting their eternal reward.  They were foreordained and chosen in the work they performed in laying the foundation of the great latter-day work.  Even before they were born, they were being prepared for the work they would do in laboring for the salvation of the souls of men.  After righteous men die, they continue to labor, preaching the gospel to those who did not have an opportunity to accept it during their earthly lives.  If the dead are willing to accept the gospel and repent of their sins, they can receive the ordinances of the house of God by proxy and be heirs of salvation.  D&C 138:53-60 "The Prophet Joseph Smith, and my father, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and other choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, Including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world.  I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God. Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.  I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead. The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,  And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation. Thus was the vision of the redemption of the dead revealed to me, and I bear record, and I know that this record is true, through the blessing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, even so. Amen."

In the New Testament we read about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and how He was hung on a cross between two malefactors.  In spite of the cruel way He was treated, He prayed that His Father would forgive those who crucified Him.  He finally commended His spirit unto God and gave up the ghost.  Luke 23:32-46 "And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.  And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, This Is the King of the Jews. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."

Some verses with a thought booklet say that the Lord can increase the love that we have one toward another and make it abound. He can establish our hearts so they are unblameable in holiness before God.  If we don't have as much love for others as we should, or we know our hearts are not right before God, we can pray to Him to help.  He can change our hearts.  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:  To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that in the vision that Joseph F. Smith had, he saw many of the great prophets who had lived in ancient days assembled together in a vast congregation of the righteous, awaiting their resurrection and their eternal reward which is promised to all those who love the Lord.  D&C 138:38-52 "Among the great and mighty ones who were assembled in this vast congregation of the righteous were Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all,  And our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters who had lived through the ages and worshiped the true and living God. Abel, the first martyr, was there, and his brother Seth, one of the mighty ones, who was in the express image of his father, Adam. Noah, who gave warning of the flood; Shem, the great high priest; Abraham, the father of the faithful; Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, the great law-giver of Israel;  And Isaiah, who declared by prophecy that the Redeemer was anointed to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that were bound, were also there. Moreover, Ezekiel, who was shown in vision the great valley of dry bones, which were to be clothed upon with flesh, to come forth again in the resurrection of the dead, living souls; Daniel, who foresaw and foretold the establishment of the kingdom of God in the latter days, never again to be destroyed nor given to other people;  Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration;  And Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah—of whom also Moroni spake to the Prophet Joseph Smith, declaring that he should come before the ushering in of the great and dreadful day of the Lord—were also there.  The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers,  Foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in the dispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the sealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming.  All these and many more, even the prophets who dwelt among the Nephites and testified of the coming of the Son of God, mingled in the vast assembly and waited for their deliverance, For the dead had looked upon the long absence of their spirits from their bodies as a bondage. These the Lord taught, and gave them power to come forth, after his resurrection from the dead, to enter into his Father's kingdom, there to be crowned with immortality and eternal life,  And continue thenceforth their labor as had been promised by the Lord, and be partakers of all blessings which were held in reserve for them that love him."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus prayed to the Father that if He be willing, the bitter cup be removed from Him; but nevertheless, the Father's will be done.  An angel from heaven appeared to strengthen Him, but still he suffered agony, with great drops of blood falling down on the ground.  Sometimes we have bitter cups to swallow in life.  They are nothing like what the Savior went through, but they still may seem like more than we can bear.  We may cry out in prayer for these challenges to be removed, and sometimes they are.  But other times, we need to accept "Thy will be done" and allow the Lord to strengthen us to help us get through our trials and tribulations.  We can look to Jesus for the perfect example of this.  Luke 22:41-44 "And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will rescue those who love Him and protect those who trust in His name.  Have you ever seen a parent tossing a child into the air and catching them, while the child giggles in delight.  The child trusts that their parent isn't going to let them drop on the floor.  If we find ourselves falling in our difficult situations in life, do we trust the Lord to catch us? Do we have faith in Him not to allow us to crash to the ground?  Psalms 91:14 "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read about how Jesus, after His death, organized His forces and appointed messengers to carry the light of the gospel to those who had died, preaching the gospel to those who had died without a knowledge of the truth.  Through the ordinance of vicarious baptism, they would be able to qualify to be judged according to men in the flesh.  Redemption was made possible by the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross.  D&C 138:30-35 "But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.  And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel. Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,  And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.  And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross."

In the New Testament we're told about signs that will come in the last days.  There will be distress and perplexities, roaring waves and earthquakes, and men's hearts will fail them. And then the Son of Man will come in a cloud, with great power and glory. We can look to these signs and be glad, for they mean that our redemption is drawing near.  Just like watching a fig tree shoot forth shows us that summer is near, so can seeing these signs show us that the coming of the Lord is near.  Even though the heaven and the earth will pass away, the Lord's words will all be fulfilled.  We need to watch and pray so that we can be accounted worthy to escape all the things that will come to pass and be able to stand before the Son of Man.  We need to watch and pray so that the cares of this life won't cause that day to come upon us unawares.  Luke 21:25-36 "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;  When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.  So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.  Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.  And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

In some scriptures from a thought booklet we're told to avoid murmuring and disputing, that we might be found blameless and to be like shining lights in a darkened, sinful world.  Philippians 2:14-15 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that because of the great and wonderful love of the Father and the Son, the atoning sacrifice was made by our Redeemer which made it possible for us to be saved, if we are obedient to the principles of the gospel.  D&C 138:2-4 "And reflecting upon the great atoning sacrifice that was made by the Son of God, for the redemption of the world; And the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world; That through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, mankind might be saved."

In the New Testament we read about how a poor widow who contributed two small coins actually gave more than the rich who have abundantly because she gave all that she had. Even if we're not rich and cannot afford to donate large amounts, the little that we can give is of great value to the Lord.   Luke 21:1-4 "And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.  And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that because of the blood of Christ, we can have remission of our sins and the Lord will no longer remember our iniquities.  We can live in a new way and draw near to the Lord with a true heart and full assurance of faith, having been washed clean.  Hebrews 10:17-22 "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.  Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  And having an high priest over the house of God;  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that Joseph Smith had a vision in which it was revealed to him that those who did not have an opportunity to be baptized in this life, but who would have received it with all their hearts had they had that opportunity, will be heirs in the Kingdom of God.  This is made possible through the ordinance of baptism for the dead.  We can serve as proxies for those who have died without having had the opportunity to be baptized, and thus giving them the opportunity to either accept or reject this ordinance for themselves.  Also children who die before they reach the age of accountability (8 years old) will be saved in the Celestial Kingdom of heaven.  D&C 137:5-10 "I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept; And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins. Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;  Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.  And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven."

A verse in the New Testament tells us that Jesus came to seek after and save those who are lost.  He loves every one of us and we are all important to Him.  Luke 19: 10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that in the last days some people would be scoffers and not believe in the things that are prophesied.  They will say that the Lord is not going to come, but the world will just continue on as it always has.  But just like in the days of Noah when the wicked were overtaken by the flood, so likewise will fire destroy the wicked in the last day. Instead of thinking that the Lord is slack infulfilling His promises, we need to realize that a thousand years is like one day to the Lord.  But just because vast amounts of time to us seems like a short time to the Lord, that does not mean He won't fulfill everything He has promised to do. He is not in a hurry to destroy the wicked because He wants to give them every opportunity to repent. So he's not being slack, He's being patient.   2 Peter 3:2-10 "That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that the Spirit will enlighten the humble and contrite but condemn the ungodly.  D&C 136:33 "For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly."

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus healed ten lepers but only one of them returned to thank Him and give glory to God.  Are we sometimes like the nine who showed ingratitude for the many blessings the Lord has given us?  Do we pray for things we want but then neglect to the thank the Lord for what He gives us?  Luke 17:11-19 "And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.  And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:  And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.  And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,  And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.  And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.  And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that the Kingdom of God is like a small grain of mustard seed which starts out very tiny but grows large branches that the birds of the air can lodge in.  Great things can grow from small beginnings if they're nurtured.  Mark 4:30-32 "And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:  But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that we must be tried in all things so we'll be prepared to receive the glory that the Lord has prepared for us. If we're not willing to bear chastisement we're not worthy of the kingdom.  D&C 136:31 " My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom."

In the New Testament we read a verse that tells us that if someone is faithful in a small things, he will also be faithful in something of great importance.  Likewise, someone who is unfaithful in something small cannot be trusted in larger matters either.  This is why it's important to avoid "little white lies" and why if we receive even a few cents too much change in the store, it's important to return it.  Even in small things, we show the true nature of our character.  Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."

Some verses with a thought booklet describe how the light of the gospel shines on Christ's followers.  The gospel is not hidden to any honest seeker, but Satan desires to blind the minds of men so they won't believe.  The gospel is only hidden to those who are lost but those who have received the gospel try to preach it to those who will listen, telling them the truths of the gospel in an honest and forthright manner.  2 Corinthians 4:1-6 "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that if we're happy, we need to praise the Lord in prayer and music and thanksgiving.  And if we're sorrowful, we can call upon God in prayer and supplication so that we can find joy in our lives.  D&C 136:28-29 "If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.  If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful."

In the New Testament we read that if a person is going to built a tower, they calculate the costs first to make sure they have the money to finish before they even start.  Otherwise, people will laugh at them for having a partially completed tower they can't afford to finish.  If a king is going to make war, we first tries to figure out if he has the manpower and resources to win the battle.  Otherwise, if he has 10,000 soldiers and the enemy has 20,000, he may try to make peace instead.  Likewise, before we become disciples of Christ we need to count the cost and be willing to commit ourselves to forsaking all that we have.  It will not profit us if we partically commit to being a disciple, but when the going gets rough not be able to stay the course. We have to be willing to give our all.   Luke 14:28-33 " For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,  Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.  Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?  Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.  So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read about how the Lord is our shepherd and we shall not want.  We need fear no evil for He will walk with us, even though the valley of the shadow of death.  He will restore our souls and lead us on the paths we should go.  Goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and after our lives on this earth are through, we'll dwell in the House of the Lord forever.  What more could anyone ask for?  Psalms 23:1-6 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
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Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we're told to repay what we owe other people.  And if we can't. we need to go to that person and tell them right away.  D&C 136:25 "If thou borrowest of thy neighbor, thou shalt restore that which thou hast borrowed; and if thou canst not repay then go straightway and tell thy neighbor, lest he condemn thee."

In the New Testament we read that a ruler in the synagogue criticized Jesus for healing people on the Sabbath day, saying that there were six days to be healed and no work should be done on the Sabbath.  Jesus called this man a hypocrite.  He pointed out that they would lead their animals to water on the Sabbath, how much more should a suffering person be healed on the Sabbath.  Luke 13:14-16 "And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.  The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?  And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?'

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that remembering  our afflictions and misery will humble us.  But we can know that the Lord is merciful to us and His compassion will not fail.  His mercy and compassion are new every morning and His faithfulness is great.  Lamentations 3:19-23 "Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."