Daily Thoughts

In the P or GP we read about how wicked the children of men became and how their hearts were turned to war and bloodshed.  Moses 6:15 "And the children of men were numerous upon all the face of the land. And in those days Satan had great dominion among men, and raged in their hearts; and from thenceforth came wars and bloodshed; and a man's hand was against his own brother, in administering death, because of secret works, seeking for power."

In the New Testament we read about how the apostles were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke the word of God with boldness and power.  They witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  As a result, the multitude that believed were of one heart and one soul and had all things common.  If anyone lacked among them, those who had more than enough supplied what was needed.  Wealthy people would sell their lands and their surplus and lay it at the apostles' feet for distribution to be made to those in need.  We can learn much from the example of these early saints.  Acts 4:31-37 "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,  Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that faith without works is dead.  If we say we believe but don't keep the commandments, we're not demonstrating our faith with our actions.  Just like it would do no good to tell a hungry person to go in peace and be well fed, but not give them anything to eat, so is our faith dead if we proclaim it verbally but don't back it up by the lives we live.  James 2:14-18 "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."