Daily Thoughts

In looking at my sent emails I don't think Friday's daily thoughts got delivered. So I'll send two today to make up for it.  Sorry.  If you ever don't get one on a particular day, please let me know. Thanks.

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Nephi had killed Laban, he took his clothes and dressed up as Laban and in a voice that sounded like Laban he commanded one of Laban's servants to get the plates out of the treasury. Laban's servant, thinking Nephi was Laban, got the plates and accompanied Nephi outside the city walls with them where Nephi's brothers were waiting for him.  1 Nephi 4:19-27 "And after I had smitten off his head with his own sword, I took the garments of Laban and put them upon mine own body; yea, even every whit; and I did gird on his armor about my loins. And after I had done this, I went forth unto the treasury of Laban. And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury. And I commanded him in the voice of Laban, that he should go with me into the treasury. And he supposed me to be his master, Laban, for he beheld the garments and also the sword girded about my loins.  And he spake unto me concerning the elders of the Jews, he knowing that his master, Laban, had been out by night among them.  And I spake unto him as if it had been Laban.  And I also spake unto him that I should carry the engravings, which were upon the plates of brass, to my elder brethren, who were without the walls.  And I also bade him that he should follow me.  And he, supposing that I spake of the brethren of the church, and that I was truly that Laban whom I had slain, wherefore he did follow me.  And he spake unto me many times concerning the elders of the Jews, as I went forth unto my brethren, who were without the walls."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord told Jacob to return to the land of his fathers, and that He would be with him.  Jacob had served Laban and had his wages changed ten times, but the Lord blessed him in spite of this.  If Laban told Jacob that his wages were the speckled or ringstraked cattle, then the cattle would bear speckled or ringstraked young.  So the Lord blessed Jacob in his circumstances.  But now He told him it was time for him to leave Laban and return home.  Genesis 31:3-13 "And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.  And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.  And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.  And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.  If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked. Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.  And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.  And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.  And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.  I am the God of Beth-el, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we should be devoted to one another in love, honoring one another above our own selves.  Love in an action word and is demonstrated by how we care for each other.  Romans 12: 10 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;" 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi pondered what he should do.  He remembered that the Lord had told him that his seed would need to keep the commandments if they were to be blessed, and they could not keep the commandments unless they knew about them.  The law was engrave upon the plates and he needed them to each his children and future generations.  So he did as the Lord commanded him and slew Laban.  1 Nephi 4:14-18 "And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise. Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law.  And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass.  And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his commandments.  Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword."

In the Old Testament we read about how Jacob went to his mother's brother Laban to escape Esau's wrath and there met and fell in love with Laban's daughter Rachel.  He agreed to serve Laban for seven years to be able to marry Rachel.  However, Laban tricked him into marrying his older daughter Leah instead.  Jacob was quite upset, but Laban told him he could have Rachel too and serve for another seven years.  Genesis 29:10-28 "And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.  And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.  And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father. And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.  And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be? And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.  And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.  And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.  And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?  And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.  Fulfill her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.  And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we rad about how Peter and other apostles were brought before the council and commanded that they should stop preaching about Jesus Christ.  Peter boldly told them that they would rather obey God than me and then bore a strong testimony of the Savior, who provided a way for us to repent and gain forgiveness for our sins.  When the people heard this they were cut to the heart and wanted to kill them.  It seems common for wicked people to want to kill prophets and others who testify against them and try to get them to repent of their sins.  But Gamaliel, a doctor of the law who had a reputation among the people spoke to the council and reminded them about other false preachers who had eventually come to naught and their followers scattered.  He told them to leave Peter and the apostles alone. If their teachings were false, they would eventually come to naught also.  But if what they said was from God, nothing they could do would be able to overthrow it.  This is wise advice, and we can see from history that it is true.  Ancient prophets were killed, but the work of God went forward.  Jesus was crucified, but it did not stop His work.  Even in more modern times, Joseph Smith was martyred, but look how the church has grown since that time.  Acts 5:27-39 "And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.  When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;  And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.  For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.  After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi found Laban, drunken with wine and the Lord commanded him to slay him with his own sword.  Nephi didn't want to shed his blood, but was told that the Lord had delivered Laban into his hands and that if was better that one man should perish than that an entire nation should perish in unbelief.  This demonstrates how important our scriptures are, which teach us the words of the Lord.  1 Nephi 4: 7-13 "Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine.  And when I came to him I found that it was Laban. And I beheld his sword, and I drew it forth from the sheath thereof; and the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most precious steel.  And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him.  And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property. And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands;   Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief."

In the Old Testament we read that Jacob covenanted to pay tithing, giving one tenth to the Lord.  The law of tithing is still in effect today.  Genesis 28:22 "And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to provoke one another unto love and good works.  What influence do we have on those around us?  Our influence can be for either good or bad, provoking people to anger and contention or to love and righteousness.  We need to think before we speak and act, making sure that our influence will be one for good.  Hebrews 10:24 " And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things that he should do.  If we're stilling to trust in the Lord, He can lead us and guide us and direct us in what we should do.   1 Nephi 4: 6 "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."

In the Old Testament we read the story of how Rebekah guided Jacob in obtaining the blessing from his father that Isaac intended for his other son Esau.  Esau was very angry when he found out what Jacob had done and decided that after their father died, he would kill Jacob.  Genesis 27:1-41 "And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.  And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death: Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;  And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.  And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the Lord before my death.  Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee. Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:  And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.  And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:  My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing. And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them. And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved. And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:  And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:  And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son? And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.  And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord thy God brought it to me. And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.  And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.  And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.  And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank. And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.  And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:  Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:  Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee. And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.  And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.  And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau.  And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed. And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.  And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?  And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.  And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;  And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount the story of how Moses was overwhelmed with the burden he carried in ministering unto all the people and pleaded with the Lord for help. He said the burden was too heavy for him and he could not do it.  The Lord answered his cry for help in allowing 70 elders of Israel to bear the burden with him and help him carry the load.  Sometimes we may feel that our burdens are too much for us and we cannot do it.  We, too, can turn to the Lord for help.  Sometimes the way he helps us is to send other people to help us carry our heavy loads--maybe even 70 other people, as in the case of Moses.  And sometimes he sends us to help others in bearing their burdens.  The Lord often answers prayers through sending other people to help.  Numbers 11:10-17 "Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?  Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?  Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.  I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Nephi had reminded his brothers that an angel had spoken to them and they should not doubt, they were angry with him and still continued to murmur, but they did follow him to the walls of Jerusalem.  1 Nephi 4: 3-4 "Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians.  Now when I had spoken these words, they were yet wroth, and did still continue to murmur; nevertheless they did follow me up until we came without the walls of Jerusalem."

In the New Testament we read about how Isaac took Rebekah to wife when he was 40 years old.  He prayed to the Lord because his wife was barren, and then she was able to conceive and bear twin boys.  The Lord told her that two nations would come out of her womb, and two manner of people. The elder son would serve the younger. One son, Esau, came out red and hairy. The other son was named Jacob.  Esau grew to be a cunning hunter and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.  Genesis 25:20-27 "And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.  And Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.  And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.  And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.  And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we truly believe in Jesus and love Him, we will keep the commandments, which are not grievous.  Indeed, if we truly love God and have faith in Him, we will want to keep His commandments.  1 John 5:1-3 "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read how Nephi tried to rally his brothers, saying that God is more powerful than all their enemies, and reminding them about how the Lord parted the Red Sea for Moses and all his enemies drowned in the Red Sea. When we have God on our side, it doesn't matter who is against us. 1 Nephi 4:1-2 "And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands? Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea."

In the Old Testament we read about how Abraham's servant departed to go find a wife for Isaac.  He came to a well of water and prayed, asking the Lord to help him know which young woman to choose. He prayed that when he asked a woman for water to drink, she would also offer water for his camels and by this he would know that this was the right woman to choose. When he asked Rebekah for a drink, she offered water to his camels also. The servant's prayers were answered! When we're faced with a difficult problem or a decision we need to make, we can likewise pray and the Lord will help us as well.   Genesis 24:10-20 "And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.  Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.  And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.  And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.  And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.  And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it is good for us to draw near to God and to put our trust in Him. Psalms 73: 28 " But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi and his brothers hid in a cavity of a rock after escaping from Laban. Laman and Lemuel because angry with Nephi and beat him with a rod.  However, an angel came and chastised them and said that Nephi would be a ruler over them because of their iniquities. After the angel left, they continued to murmur, saying Laban was a powerful man and they'd never get the plates from him. From this we see how people with hard hearts return quickly to their evil thoughts and murmuring, even after they've had spiritual manifestations.   1 Nephi 3:27-31 "And it came to pass that we fled into the wilderness, and the servants of Laban did not overtake us, and we hid ourselves in the cavity of a rock. And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me, and also with my father; and also was Lemuel, for he hearkened unto the words of Laman. Wherefore Laman and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their younger brothers, and they did smite us even with a rod.  And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands.  And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.  And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?"

In the Old Testament we read that Abraham did not want his son marrying one of the daughters of the Canaanites among whom they lived, but sent his servant back to his country to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. Who we marry is very important and we need to make sure that we make the right decision in this.  Genesis 24:1-4 "And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:  And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to set our affection on things above rather than worldly things.  Where do we place our priorities--on loving and serving the Lord and our fellowmen or on acquiring wealth and power?  What is really important to us?  What have we really set our hearts on? Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi devised a plan to get the plates in that they would return to their home and gather up the riches they had left there and offer them to Laban in exchange for the plates. When Laban saw their gold and silver and precious things, he wanted them, but still was unwilling to give them the plates.  So he took their things and then tried to kill them.  They ran out from his presence, escaping with their lives.   1 Nephi 3:22-26 "And it came to pass that we went down to the land of our inheritance, and we did gather together our gold, and our silver, and our precious things.  And after we had gathered these things together, we went up again unto the house of Laban. And it came to pass that we went in unto Laban, and desired him that he would give unto us the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, for which we would give unto him our gold, and our silver, and all our precious things.  And it came to pass that when Laban saw our property, and that it was exceedingly great, he did lust after it, insomuch that he thrust us out, and sent his servants to slay us, that he might obtain our property.  And it came to pass that we did flee before the servants of Laban, and we were obliged to leave behind our property, and it fell into the hands of Laban."

In the Old Testament we read the story of how the Lord commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.  Not only was Abraham willing to sacrifice his son that he loved so much, but he rose up early in the morning to do it--he didn't procrastinate.  Of course the Lord did not require this sacrifice from him, at the last minute He told him that he did not need to do it and then He provided Abraham with a ram caught in a thicket as a sacrifice instead.  But because Abraham was willing to obey, he was promises great blessings.   Genesis 22:1-13, 15-18 "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.  And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.  Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?  And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.  And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.  And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.  And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,  And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:  That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;  And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."

A verse with a thought booklet gives us guidance as to how to correct someone who is overtaken in a fault.  We need to do so in a spirit of meekness, or we also might fall into temptations.  When you're doing something wrong, who are you more likely to respond to--someone who loudly and harshly criticizes you in a way to belittle you and make you feel like they are so much better than you are, or someone who is meek and gentle and loving and who you can tell sincerely wants to help you do better?  Galatians 6:1 " Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi encouraged his brothers to continue to try to get the plates.  He said the plates contained the words of the prophets and things that were vital for their children to know and they needed to take them with them.  They'd been commanded to obtain the plates and Nephi refused to return to their father without them   1 Nephi 3: 15-21 "But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.  Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; therefore let us go down to the land of our father's inheritance, for behold he left gold and silver, and all manner of riches. And all this he hath done because of the commandments of the Lord.  For he knew that Jerusalem must be destroyed, because of the wickedness of the people.  For behold, they have rejected the words of the prophets. Wherefore, if my father should dwell in the land after he hath been commanded to flee out of the land, behold, he would also perish. Wherefore, it must needs be that he flee out of the land.  And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers; And also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even down unto this present time.  And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the commandments of God."

In the Old Testament we read the fulfillment of what the Lord promised to Abraham--Sarah bore him a son in his old age, a think which had seemed impossible to come to pass.  But it did!  When the Lord tells us something is going to happen, no matter how unlikely it seems, we can trust in Him that it will indeed happen.  Genesis 21:1-7 "And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.  For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.  And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.  And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Look at the beautiful world around you--the mountains, the rivers, the flowers, the wildlife.  Then ask yourself this question--if God made all of this, how can I possibly doubt that He is powerful enough to help me with whatever problems I may be facing?  Psalms 121:2 "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the brothers went to Jerusalem to obtain the plates. They cast lots to determine who would go to get the plates.  The lot fell on Laman who went and asked Laban for the plates.  This made Laban angry and he threw him out and threatened to kill him. He fled out of the presence of Laban and returned to his brothers, so discouraged that he wanted to give up and return to his father without the plates.  1 Nephi 3:9-14 "And I, Nephi, and my brethren took our journey in the wilderness, with our tents, to go up to the land of Jerusalem.  And it came to pass that when we had gone up to the land of Jerusalem, I and my brethren did consult one with another.  And we cast lots—who of us should go in unto the house of Laban. And it came to pass that the lot fell upon Laman; and Laman went in unto the house of Laban, and he talked with him as he sat in his house.  And he desired of Laban the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, which contained the genealogy of my father.  And behold, it came to pass that Laban was angry, and thrust him out from his presence; and he would not that he should have the records. Wherefore, he said unto him: Behold thou art a robber, and I will slay thee.  But Laman fled out of his presence, and told the things which Laban had done, unto us. And we began to be exceedingly sorrowful, and my brethren were about to return unto my father in the wilderness."

In the New Testament we read that apparently the Lord could not find ten righteous men in Sodom so He destroyed it, but He sent messengers to Lot to warn him to get out.  Lot, his wife, and his daughters fled out of the city before the Lord rained fire and brimstone upon it.  They were warned not to look back.  Lot's wife disobeyed this warning and was turned into a pillar of salt.  We need to obey the Lord to flee from wickedness and not look back!  Genesis 19:12-26 "And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we must continually offer up the sacrifice of giving praise to God and giving thanks to His name.  We need to do good and not forget to communicate, for this will please God.  Hebrews 13:15-16 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read of Nephi's willingness to go get the brass plates, saying he knew that if the Lord commands us to do something, He'll prepare the way that we might accomplish it.  However, Lama and Lemuel murmured and complained, saying it was a hard thing they'd been asked to do. Nephi made his father happy.   1 Nephi 3:5-8 "And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord.  Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured.  And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.  And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord told Abraham that He was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their grievous sins.  Abraham asked the Lord if He was willing to destroy the righteous with the wicked and would He spare the city if 50 righteous could be found there.  The Lord said he'd spare the city for the sake f the 50 righteous.  Then Abraham asked him what he'd do for 40, 30, 20 and even 10 righteous, and the Lord likewise said he would spare the city for their sakes.  Genesis 18:20-32 "And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.  And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord. And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.  And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake. And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there. And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake. And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we're all going to eventually die.  The days of our lives are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Once a day in our life is over, it's gone.  How are we going to spend our precious time on this earth?  Are we going to spend it loving and serving others (like we read yesterday) and trying to make a difference in other people's lives, or are we going to waste it watching TV or playing video games?  The choice is ours, but once a precious minute of our lives is gone, we won't be able to retrieve it, any more than we can gather up water we've spilled on the ground. 2 Samuel 14:14 "For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Lei was told by God in a dream that he should send his sons to get the brass plates from Laban.  1 Nephi 3:1-4 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the Lord, to the tent of my father.  And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying: Behold I have dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem.  For behold, Laban hath the record of the Jews and also a genealogy of my forefathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass. Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brothers should go unto the house of Laban, and seek the records, and bring them down hither into the wilderness."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord told Abraham that even though he and Sarah were quite old, she would be able to bear him a son.  Sarah listened at the tent door and this seemed so absurd to her that she laughed.  But the Lord reminded them that nothing is too hard for Him.  With God, all things are possible!  Genesis 18:10-14 "And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.  Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?  And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we should use our liberty to choose to love and serve one another.  We need to love our neighbor as ourselves, which fulfills all the law. Are we willing to put aside our own selfishness to think of the needs o others and do what we can to bless their lives? Do we look for ways to serve them?  Galatians 5:13-14 " For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi prayed for and tried to talk to his brothers.  His brother Sam listened o him and believed, but Laman and Lemuel did not.  The Lord told Nephi that he would be blessed for his faith and obedience, but Laman and Lemuel would be cursed, and that Nephi would be made a ruler and teacher over his brethren because of their rebellion. Those who keep the commandments will prosper and those who don't will be cut off.  1 Nephi 2: 17-24 "And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy Spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words. But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart.  And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.  And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.  And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my commandments, thou shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over thy brethren.  For behold, in that day that they shall rebel against me, I will curse them even with a sore curse, and they shall have no power over thy seed except they shall rebel against me also.  And if it so be that they rebel against me, they shall be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in the ways of remembrance."

In the New Testament we read that the Lord promised Abraham seed as numerous as the stars in the heavens, even though at that time he was childless.  Abraham believed Him and it was counted to him for righteousness.  Do we have the faith the believe the promises the Lord makes to us, even though they might seem impossible to come true?  Genesis 15:2-6 "And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?  And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.  And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

In a verse with a thought booklet we're told that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It will show us the way we should go.  The story is told of a woman who got hopelessly lost with a GPS in her car. The problem was that she had just purchased the GPS and she had not taken the time to set it up and program it.  It did her about as much good as the scriptures do us if we just let them sit gathering dust and never pick them up and read them. Likewise, if the woman did set up her GPS but then refused to listen to what it said, she would still be lost.  And we also need to not only read our scriptures, but actually listen to what they say so that we can stay on the right path and not lose our way.  Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that unlike his brothers, Nephi turned to the Lord in prayer to know the mysteries of God and asked Him to soften his heart that he would believe the words of his father.  The Lord will likewise soften our hearts if we'l have the faith to ask Him.   1 Nephi 2:16 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers."

In the Old Testament we read more of the promises of the Lord to Abraham.  The Lord said He would give Abraham and hi seed all the land that he could see, and that Abraham's seed would be as numerous as the dust of the earth--so numerous that man could not count them.  Genesis 13:14-17 "And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:  For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.  And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.  Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that even though two sparrows can be sold for a farthing, not one of them can fall to the ground without the Father knowing it.  Each creature is of value to Him.  So we have no need to fear because we are of more worth than many sparrows, and even the very hairs of our head are numbered to the Lord.  Matthew 10:28-30 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Laman and Lemuel murmured against their father because they did not understand the dealings of God. However, Lehi continued to speak with them by the power of the Spirit.  1 Nephi 2:12-14 "And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.  Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father. And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord told Abraham that He would make of him a great nation and bless him and make his name great.  The Lord appeared to Abraham and told him that unto his seed he would give the land.  These are wonderful promises!  As Abraham and his wife Sarah grew old and continued to have no children, do you think they wondered how God's promises would be fulfilled?  We'll read later how they were, in spite of the seeming impossibility,  but we need to remember that with God nothing is impossible.  And whatever He promises us, it will be fulfilled in His own due time.  Genesis 12:2-3, 7 "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.  And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to give thanks unto God always for all things.  That doesn't mean that we should only give thanks sometimes, when things are going well for us.  But we are to give thanks ALWAYS for ALL things.  It's not so easy to give thanks when we're going through trials and are having a difficult time.  But those very trials might be just what we need to draw us closer to God, and by relying on Him to get us through them, we are strengthened in ways we never could have been without them.  No matter what our circumstances are, we can find something to be thankful for.  Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read even though Laman and Lemuel called their father foolish because of his vision and did not listen to him, he still tried to encourage his sons, even naming rivers and valleys after them and saying he hoped they would be righteous, firm and steadfast in keeping the commandments.  It is difficult when we have beloved family who forsake the truth, but we need to continue to love and encourage them. 1 Nephi 2:8-11 " And it came to pass that he called the name of the river, Laman, and it emptied into the Red Sea; and the valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof. And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!  And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!  Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart."

In the Old Testament we read about how the people wanted to build a great city with a tower that reached to heaven, but God confounded their language so they could not understand each other and they were scattered over all the earth.  Genesis 11:1-9 " And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.  And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.  And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar.  And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.  So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth."

Some verses with a thought booklet extol the greatness and majesty of God, who is good to all.  And we are told that one generation should commend the works of God to another as they tell of His mighty acts.  Are we shy about sharing with others what God has done for us?  Our stories of God's faithfulness an carry great power in influencing others and increasing their faith.  We can show others how God loved us even when we didn't do a very good job of serving Him, and how He helped us through the difficult times in our lives and was with us in our darkest hours.  We may not have a dramatic story to tell like some of the people in ancient scripture, but we can tell about a caring God who was there for us. Don't miss opportunities to teach others from your personal experiences.  And write them down.  Future generations may be inspired and strengthened by your words.  Psalms 145:1-7 "I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.  Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.  One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.  I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.  They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Lehi built an altar of stones, made offerings and gave thanks unto God.  1 Nephi 2:7 "And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God."

In the Old Testament we read that Noah was told that the Lord was going to destroy all flesh because of their wickedness but that he was to build an ark so that when the floods came, he, his family, and the animals on the ark would be saved.  When the Lord tells us to do something, we need to obey.  We may not be commanded to build an ark, but we may receive commandments that are just as important to our spiritual survival as Noah's building the ark was to his physical survival.  Genesis 6:10-22 "And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.  But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.  And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.  And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he."

In some verses with a thought booklet we're told to not walk as some other people do, with vanity of mind and having our understanding darkened because of the blindness of our hearts, giving ourselves over to uncleanness and greediness to the point that we are past feeling.  Ephesians 4:17-19 "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord commended Lehi for his faithfulness in preaching to the people, and told him that the people sought to take away his life. So the Lord commanded Lehi to take his family and flee into the wilderness. Lehi was obedient and did what the Lord told him to do, leaving his home and precious possessions behind and only taking with him his family, tents, and provisions. Would we be this obedient?  Would we be willing to forsake all our worldly wealth to go live in a tent in the wilderness if the Lord told us to do it? That is something to think about.  1 Nephi 2: 1-4 "For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.  And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him. And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."

In the Old Testament we read that in the sweat of our face we will eat bread until we return to the ground.  In other words, we are to work for what we eat.  It is not good to be idle or expect others to provide for us if we're not willing to do what we can for ourselves. Being able to work is a blessing.  Genesis 3:19 "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that this is the day the Lord has made and we are to rejoice and be glad in it.  Not all days may seem good.  Some days it might seem like everything is going wrong.  But EACH day comes from God and if we look for the good we can find reason to be thankful for it and rejoice.  I once knew a lady whose answering machine message was of her reading this verse, in her enthusiastic voice.  So if she wasn't home, you'd get to hear this scripture read to you.  It always reminded me to try to look for the good in each day.  This lady was in a wheelchair and had numerous health problems.  If she could find a reason to rejoice, what excuse did I have not to? Rather than just make the best of bad situations, we can take positive action to make every day a good day. God's joy is available in every circumstance, but we need to pursue it.  In difficult times, count your blessings and ask God to help you find joy.  Psalms 118:24 "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Lehi had this marvelous vision, he went forth among the people and preached repentance unto them, and taught them about the coming Messiah. However, because of their wickedness they refused to believe him and were angry with him.  They mocked him and sought to take away his life, just as they cast out and stoned prophets in previous times. However, the Lord is merciful to those He has chosen and because of their faith, He can make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.  1 Nephi 1: 18-20 "Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard.  And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world.  And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

In the Old Testament we read that after God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them, He rested on the seventh day, and blessed and sanctified that day.  This was the beginning of the Sabbath Day, and we are still commanded to rest from our labors on that day, and to use it as a day to draw closer to the Lord.  Genesis 2:1-3 "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.  And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."

Some verses with a thought booklet tel us not to take advantage of others, but to reverence God and keep His statures and judgments.  If we're buying or selling something, we need to be fair to the other person. Instead of thinking of our own selfish needs and how much money we can get for something we're selling, or how cheaply we can get something we're buying, we need to make sure that the other person doesn't get cheated in the process.  Leviticus 25:14, 17-18 "And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another: Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the Lord your God. Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety." 

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Lehi prayed unto the Lord with all his heart in behalf of the people and received a vision from God. He was in vision that the people would be destroyed because of their wickedness. However, he knew that the Lord would be merciful unto anyone who would be willing to repent and come unto Him.  1 Nephi 1:5- 15 "Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people.  And it came to pass as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and he saw and heard much; and because of the things which he saw and heard he did quake and tremble exceedingly. And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem; and he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had seen. And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God. And it came to pass that he saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day. And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament. And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read.  And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.  And he read, saying: Wo, wo, unto Jerusalem, for I have seen thine abominations! Yea, and many things did my father read concerning Jerusalem—that it should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword, and many should be carried away captive into Babylon.  And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish! And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shown unto him."

In the New Testament we read that during the Millennium Satan will be bound so that he can no longer deceive the nations.  Revelation 20:1-3 "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,  And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet teach us that eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it even entered into the heart of man the wonderful things that God has prepared for those who love Him. We cannot even imagine the eternal reward that awaits us if we are faithful.  1 Corinthians 2:9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that many prophets came to Jerusalem prophesying that the people needed to repent of their sins or they would be destroyed.  1 Nephi 1: 4 "For it came to pass in the commencement of the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, (my father, Lehi, having dwelt at Jerusalem in all his days); and in that same year there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent, or the great city Jerusalem must be destroyed."

In the New Testament we read about how the great and mighty Babylon would be destroyed in one hour.  These verses talk about the vast wealth of the city and how people were made rich by trading with her.  But it was all gone in an hour.  The Lord avenged the city for the blood of the prophets and saints which had been slain.  These scriptures demonstrate how fleeting wealth and riches and worldly power really are.  They can al be taken away in an hour's time and then those who thought they had everything in the world will sadly realize that in fact they have nothing.  Revelation 18:10-24 "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.  And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:  The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,  And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves , and souls of men.  And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.  The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,  And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!  For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,  And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!  And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.  Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.  And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.  And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;  And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.  And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. "

A verse with a thought booklet talks about seeking for God like we would seek for water in a dry and thirsty land.  Do we long for God in our lives the way we would long for water if we were in a hot, dry desert?  Psalm 63:1 "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"

Daily Thoughts

In the first verse of the Book of Mormon we read some important insights.  Being born of goodly parents is a tremendous blessing.  They teach us and guide us.  But even righteous people can suffer many afflictions during the course of their days.  However, the Lord will still be with them and help them through whatever they need to go through.  It's important to record our experiences so that others may learn from them.  1 Nephi 1:1 "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days."

In the New Testament we read about the great sins and wickedness of Babylon and how the saints are called to come out of Babylon lest they partake of its iniquity.  Revelation 18:1-5 "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.  For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.  And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.:

A verse with a thought booklet gives us the last words Jesus said in mortality.  He told His Father that into His hands He commended His spirit.  He died with confidence in God, placing all His trust in Him.  We can live and die the same way if we'll have faith and trust in our Heavenly Father and be willing to place ourselves in His hands.  Luke 23:46 "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."

Daily Thoughts

In Articles of Faith 13 we read about the virtues we should possess--honesty, chastity, benevolence.  We need to do good to all men and seek after all that is virtuous and praiseworthy.  Articles of Faith 13 "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

In the New Testament we read that the righteous dead who die in the Lord will rest from their labors and their good works will follow them.  Great will be the rewards of the saints who in patience keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus Christ.  Revelation 14:12-13 "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how after Jesus was betrayed and his disciples saw what was going to happen to him, one of them took his sword and cut off the right ear of a servant of the high priest.  He was trying to defend Jesus.  But Jesus stretched forth his hand and touched the man's ear, healing him.  What an example of forgiveness and love.  Even when Jesus was being arrested and taken to a trial which would result in His crucifixion, he was not vengeful nor vindictive to those who were cruel to Him. Shouldn't we likewise be willing to forgive those who offend us, rather than trying to get even with them or cause them harm?  Luke 22:49-51 "When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him."