Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about the earthquakes and thunderings that would tumble mountains into pieces.  He saw cities sunk in the earth or burned with fire. Then he saw a vapor of darkness on the face of the earth, followed by the heavens opening and the Lamb of God descending out of heaven and showing Himself unto the people. He chose twelve apostles and ordained them to minister unto the people and judge them. 1 Nephi 12:4-10 "And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of the land of promise; and I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises; and I saw the earth and the rocks, that they rent; and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces; and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up; and I saw many cities that they were sunk; and I saw many that they were burned with fire; and I saw many that did tumble to the earth, because of the quaking thereof. And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth; and behold, I saw multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible judgments of the Lord. And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God descending out of heaven; and he came down and showed himself unto them.  And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others; and they were ordained of God, and chosen. And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the twelve disciples of the Lamb, who are chosen to minister unto thy seed. And he said unto me: Thou rememberest the twelve apostles of the Lamb? Behold they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them; for ye are of the house of Israel. And these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest shall judge thy seed. And, behold, they are righteous forever; for because of their faith in the Lamb of God their garments are made white in his blood."

In the Old Testament we read how the Lord commanded us to keep the Sabbath Day holy.  The Lord created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day and we too, should rest one day in seven.  Exodus 20:8-11 " Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:  But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:  For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that faith without works is dead.  Indeed,faith that doesn't show itself by good works is no faith at all.  The story is told of a woman who had a friend who was trying to recuperate from an illness while taking care of her two children by herself.  In a telephone conversation, she told her friend that she would pray for her.  But after she hung up, she realized that as important as prayer is, she needed action as well.  She got in her car, picked up dinner for her friend and her children, and drove to her home.  While they ate their dinner, she did laundry and tidied up.  Prayer is great, but sometimes we need to supplement our prayer for others with some helpfulness!  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."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read how Nephi was in vision his seed and the seed of his brothers, and also the lad of promise.  He saw multitudes of people as numerous as the sands of the sea. He saw great battles taking place among them, wars and contention. 1 Nephi 12:1-3 "And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Look, and behold thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren. And I looked and beheld the land of promise; and I beheld multitudes of people, yea, even as it were in number as many as the sand of the sea. And it came to pass that I beheld multitudes gathered together to battle, one against the other; and I beheld wars, and rumors of wars, and great slaughters with the sword among my people.  And it came to pass that I beheld many generations pass away, after the manner of wars and contentions in the land; and I beheld many cities, yea, even that I did not number them."

In the Old Testament we read that Moses was sitting from morning until night with people lined up to get his counsel.  When his father in law saw this, he told him it was not good to try to bear this heavy burden alone and that if he kept it up, he would wear himself away. He instructed Moses to delegate some of this responsibility to others--assigning good and wise men to handle some of the easier matters and only bringing the more difficult cases to him. We, too, need to learn to delegate instead of trying to do everything alone.  Otherwise, we're liable to burn ourselves out. We all need to work together.  Exodus 18:13-26 "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:  When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.  And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.  Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.  Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.  If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.  So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.  And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.  And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches.  Just as branches not connected to the vine will shrivel and die, so we to need the nourishment of the Savior.  If we're cut off from him or disconnected, we won't be able to do anything.  The story is told of a girl who was fixing a grilled cheese sandwich for her new boyfriend and was so preoccupied that she grilled the bread but forgot to put the cheese inside!  If we don't have Christ as the center of our lives, we'll be just as empty as that sandwich.  Just as the cheese gives substance to the sandwich, Christ gives substance to our lives.  We need to put Him at the center of our day, every day.  Taking time to pray and study our scriptures every day gives us the spiritual nourishment we need to survive.  A day without God is an empty as a sandwich with nothing in it!  John 15:4-5 " Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the large and spacious building that Lehi had seen represented the world and worldly wisdom with their pride. Nephi then saw the fall of it and told that destruction would come to all those who fight against the apostles of the Lamb.  1 Nephi 11:35-36 "And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord sent manna from heaven to feed the children of Israel.  Every day they gathered up what they needed, but on the day before the Sabbath they were to gather up twice as much so that they could rest on the Sabbath Day as the Lord commanded.  Some people still tried to go out on the Sabbath to gather, but they found none.  This did not please the Lord, who asked how long the people would refuse to keep His commandments and laws. We're still commanded to keep the Sabbath Day holy in our day.  How well do we obey?   Exodus 16:14-29 "And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.  And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.  And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.  And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted. And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.  And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.  And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.  And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field.  Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.  Sometimes we tend to focus only on what is bad in our lives.  When we focus on what we fear, it only makes us feel worse.  But when we allow our thoughts to focus on goodness, we find the peace of God.  Whether we choose to focus on the good or the bad will have a direct impact on the quality of our lives.  Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read more of what Nephi was shown.  He saw Jesus ministering among the people, being baptized by John the Baptist, healing the sick, and calling apostles. Then He was taken by the people and hung on a cross, slain for the sins of the world. Then the wicked people fought against His apostles.  1 Nephi 11:26-34 "And the angel said unto me again: Look and behold the condescension of God! And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove. And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him; and I beheld that they cast him out from among them.  And I also beheld twelve others following him. And it came to pass that they were carried away in the Spirit from before my face, and I saw them not. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men; and they did minister unto them.  And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out.  And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.  And after he was slain I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb; for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord."

In the Old Testament we read that when the children of Israel saw the Egyptians pursuing them, they greatly feared.  They asked Moses why he had brought them out into the wilderness to die. But Moses told them not to be afraid because they would see the salvation of the Lord.  The Lord instructed Moses to lift up his rod and divide the sea so that the children of Israel could walk across on dry ground, with walls of water on either side of them. The Egyptians followed them.  But then when the Israelites had safely crossed, with the Egyptians and their chariots behind them, the Lord told Moses to stretch forth his hands and the waters returned to the place and drowned the Egyptians.  Everyone could see the great work that the Lord did in preserving the children of Israel. Exodus 14:11-31 "And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?  Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.  And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.  And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.  And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.  And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.  And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,  And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.  And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.  But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to leave the presence of a foolish man, when we don't perceive knowledge coming from his lips. Proverbs 14:7 "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi saw Jesus going forth among men and teaching them.  He hen saw that the rod of iron represented the word of God which leads to the tree of life, which represents the love of God.  1 Nephi 11:23-25 "And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul. And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him. And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God."

In the Old Testament we read, not surprisingly, that after the children of Israel had departed, Pharaoh had second thoughts and regretted letting them go.  He then pursued them with 600 chariots. Time and time again Pharaoh was humbled by the signs from the Lord, but after some time had passed, he again hardened his heart. How soon he forgot. Nothing seemed to make a lasting impact on him. How quick are we to turn to the Lord in times of trouble, but then forget about him after the crisis has passed?  Exodus 14:5-7 "And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?  And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:  And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how to withstand Satan's temptations.  We do it by being strong in the Lord and putting on His whole armor.  If we allow the Lord to help us, we will not fall.  Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read more of the angel conversing with Nephi, teaching him that the tree in his father's dream represents the love of God which is most joyous to the soul.  1 Nephi 11:21-22 "And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?  And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord commanded Moses to tell the people to kill lambs and put the blood from them on the lintels and side posts of their doors.  Then the Lord would pass over those doors and not destroy the firstborn inside. But all the firstborn of the Egyptians would be killed. Indeed, after the firstborn of both man and beast of the Egyptians were killed, Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron to come and told  them to leave, taking all their flocks and hrs with them. Just as the Israelites were saved by having the blood of the lamps on their doors, so we too are saved by the blood of the Lamb of God.   Exodus 12:21-23, 28-32 "Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.  And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.  And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said.  Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about how the Lord called Samuel, attempting to speak to him, but he kept thinking it was Eli calling him.  So he kept getting up and waking Eli who told him he had not called.  Finally, Eli realized the Lord was speaking to Samuel and instructed him to say, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth."  Samuel had not yet learned the voice of the Lord and did not yet know God.  When someone hears God's voice calling them, they are willing to make great sacrifices to obey. But hearing God's voice is something that we must learn, something we need to listen for. The more we come to know God, the easier this will be.   1 Samuel 3:3-10 "And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.  And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.  And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.  And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.  Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we continue to read about the marvelous things that Nephi was shown.  He saw a beautiful virgin who would give birth to the Son of God.  1 Nephi 11:12-20 "And it came to pass that he said unto me: Look! And I looked as if to look upon him, and I saw him not; for he had gone from before my presence. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.  And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou? And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins. And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?  And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!  And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord was going to smite the firstborn of all people and animals in Egypt, but would pass over and spare the firstborn of the Israelites.  Exodus 11:4-7 "And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:  And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.  And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.  But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord is our refuge and fortress and we can safely trust in Him.  He will shield and protect us, the way a mother bird stretches out her wings to protect her babies under her feathers.  Day or night, we do not need to be afraid. This world is filled with uncertainty, in yet there is a place of safety. We can be faced with all kinds of trials and tribulations, but still be in a safe place with God. He can be our safety net and our shelter. We can have security and peace with Him regardless of what we experience in life.  Psalms 91:2-5 " I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Nephi was shown the tree of life that his father had seen, he conversed with the Spirit of the Lord and told him that he wanted to know the interpretation of what he had seen.  1 Nephi 11:9-11 "And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the Spirit: I behold thou hast shown unto me the tree which is precious above all.  And he said unto me: What desirest thou?  And I said unto him: To know the interpretation thereof—for I spake unto him as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another."

In the Old Testament we read another example of the Lord sending signs to Pharaoh through Moses, this time in the form of a very grievous hail storm.  Moses warned that this hail would come the next day and everyone who feared the Lord stayed indoors, but those who didn't believe were killed when they were hit by the hail stones and fire.  It killed men, animals, and crops. Again,  Pharaoh was humbled by all this and begged Moses to entreat the Lord to stop the hail.  He said he realized he had sinned and acted like he wanted to repent and let the Israelites go.  But once again, after the crisis was over and the hail had ceased, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the people go.  Exodus 9:18-35 "Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die. He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: And he that regarded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.  And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt.  So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.  And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.  Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail. And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.  Entreat the Lord (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.  And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the Lord's.  But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the Lord God. And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled. But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.  And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the Lord: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.  And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.  And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the Lord had spoken by Moses."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to not to be afraid or dismayed because the Lord will be with us wherever we may go. No matter what trials we're going through, we don't need to go through them alone.  If we'll turn to the Lord, He will help us through anything.  Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Nephi had desired to see the things his father had seen, he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord and asked what he desired.  When he said he desired to see the things his father had and expressed faith in what he had heard, the Spirit told Nephi that he was blessed and that he would be shown the things that he desired. He was able to see the tree of life that his father had seen. 1 Nephi 11:1-8 "For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot. And the Spirit said unto me: Behold, what desirest thou? And I said: I desire to behold the things which my father saw.  And the Spirit said unto me: Believest thou that thy father saw the tree of which he hath spoken?  And I said: Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father. And when I had spoken these words, the Spirit cried with a loud voice, saying: Hosanna to the Lord, the most high God; for he is God over all the earth, yea, even above all. And blessed art thou, Nephi, because thou believest in the Son of the most high God; wherefore, thou shalt behold the things which thou hast desired.  And behold this thing shall be given unto thee for a sign, that after thou hast beheld the tree which bore the fruit which thy father tasted, thou shalt also behold a man descending out of heaven, and him shall ye witness; and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God.   And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me: Look! And I looked and beheld a tree; and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty; and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow."

In the Old Testament we read about more plagues that came upon the Egyptians because Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go.  The Lord sent a plague of frogs to infest the land.  This humbled Pharaoh to the point that he begged Moses and Aaron to take the frogs away, which they asked the Lord to do.  However, after the frogs were gone, Pharaoh again hardened his heart and refused to let the people go. Are we sometimes like this?  We'r going through a difficult time and plead with the Lord to help us, promising that we'll live our lives better than we have.  And then the Lord answers our prayer and things improve for us, but as soon as the crisis is over, we tend to forget the Lord and go back to our old ways.  Exodus 8:1-15 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me.  And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs:  And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.  And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.  And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Entreat the Lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord.  And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I entreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?  And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.  And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only.  And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the Lord because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh.  And the Lord did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields.  And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank.  But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read that when we do good deeds or say prayers, we should not do so with the intent to be seen by other people. What is in our hearts?  Do we give to others out of love for God and love for those we want to help?  Or because we want other people to think how good we are for giving?  Do we pray because we want to commune with the Lord or because we want other people to be impressed with our wordy prayers? Prayer isn't about beautiful words, it's about pouring our hearts out to God.  When we do the right things in secret, the Lord still sees them and will reward us openly. Matthew 6:1-7 "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read we will be judged by all our doings. If we have spent the days of our probation seeking to do wickedly, we'll be found unclean before the judgment seat of God because no unclean thing can dwell with God. So we'll be cast off forever.  1 Nephi 10: 20-22 "Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment. Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever. And the Holy Ghost giveth authority that I should speak these things, and deny them not."

In the Old Testament we read about how Moses and Aaron were commanded to go to Pharaoh and show signs to him, such as making a rod turn into a serpent and turning the river into blood.  But each time, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to et the people go.  Exodus 7:10-25 "And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said. And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.  Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.  And thou shalt say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.  Thus saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.  And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.  And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.  And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the Lord had said.  And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.  And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.  And seven days were fulfilled, after that the Lord had smitten the river."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is our strength and our redeemer and we need to make sure both the words that we speak and the thoughts that we think and allow ourselves of meditate upon are acceptable in His sight.  Psalms 19:14 " Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Nephi heard the vision of his father and about all the prophecies his father made, he desired to know these things by the power of the Holy Ghost as well. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and the way has been prepared, from the foundation of the world, that man can repent and come unto God. Throughout all the ages, men who would diligently seek could find, and the mysteries of God would be unfolded unto them.  1 Nephi 10: 17-19 "And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

In the Old Testament we read how Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and asked that the children of Israel be allowed to hold a feast in the wilderness.  But he not only refuses to allow them to go, but he places greater burdens on them than every before.  Sometimes we pray to the Lord for relief from our problems and it seems, for a time, that our problems only get worse.  But we should not give up hope and lose our faith.  Sometimes things do get worse before they get better, but in the end it will be okay.  And we can know that if it's not okay, it's not the end.  Exodus 5:1-19 "And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,  Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.  Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.  Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.  And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.  And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?  There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.  But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the Lord.  Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.  And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task."

Some verses with a thought booklet teach us about the law of the fast and tell us of the great blessings that will come from observing it.  When we pray to the Lord, He will hear us and answer us.  When we help the poor and hungry, our own needs will be fulfilled. The Lord will lead and guide us and satisfy our souls.  Isaiah 58:5-11 "Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?  Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?  Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.  Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;  And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:  And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after the Messiah had preached the gospel to the Jews, they would crucify Him because of their unbelief, but He would rise from the dead and would make Himself manifest to the Gentile by the Holy Ghost. Israel would be scattered upon all the face of the earth, but then they would be gathered again. The Gentiles who received the fullness of the gospel and come to knowledge of the true Messiah would be grafted into the House of Israel.  1 Nephi 10: 11-14 "And it came to pass after my father had spoken these words he spake unto my brethren concerning the gospel which should be preached among the Jews, and also concerning the dwindling of the Jews in unbelief. And after they had slain the Messiah, who should come, and after he had been slain he should rise from the dead, and should make himself manifest, by the Holy Ghost, unto the Gentiles. Yea, even my father spake much concerning the Gentiles, and also concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto an olive tree, whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered upon all the face of the earth.  Wherefore, he said it must needs be that we should be led with one accord into the land of promise, unto the fulfilling of the word of the Lord, that we should be scattered upon all the face of the earth. And after the house of Israel should be scattered they should be gathered together again; or, in fine, after the Gentiles had received the fulness of the Gospel, the natural branches of the olive tree, or the remnants of the house of Israel, should be grafted in, or come to the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord gave signs to Moses to prove to Pharaoh that the Lord had sent him.  Exodus 4:1-9 "And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee. And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.  And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.  And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:  That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.  And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we face trials of any kind we should consider it nothing but joy because we know that the testing of our faith produces endurance.  The experiences we go through strengthen us and help to make us the people the Lord wants us to become.  We can learn from our trials and gain new ways of understanding.  James 1:2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Daily thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that 600 years after Lehi left Jerusalem, a Messiah or Savior of the world would be raised up among the Jews. Except for this Redeemer, all mankind would have remained in a lost and fallen state. Also, John the Baptist would come before the Messiah to prepare the way for Him. He would baptize with water, and baptize the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. 1 Nephi 10: 4-10 "Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.  And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things, concerning this Messiah, of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world.  Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer. And he spake also concerning a prophet who should come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord—  Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for there standeth one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning this thing. And my father said he should baptize in Bethabara, beyond Jordan; and he also said he should baptize with water; even that he should baptize the Messiah with water. And after he had baptized the Messiah with water, he should behold and bear record that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord heard the cries of the children of Israel and called Moses go to Pharaoh and to bring the people forth out of Egypt to a land of promise. The Lord does hear and answer our prayers, and sometimes sends other people to help us.  Exodus 3:7-10 "And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;  And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.  Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about how while oxen were carrying the ark of God on a cart, the oxen shook it and Uzzah stretched forth his hand to steady the ark.  He was not authorized to touch the ark and the Lord smote him because of his error. This may seem like a pretty harsh punishment for someone who was just trying to be helpful in steadying the ark. But we need to be very careful that we don't overstep our bounds in trying to do things that the Lord has not authorized us to do.  2 Samuel 6:3, 6-7 "And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.  And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon w read about Lehi prophesying about the Babylonian captivity of the Jews, and how in the Lord's own due time they would be brought back out of captivity and again possess the land of their inheritance. 1 Nephi 10:2-3 "For behold, it came to pass after my father had made an end of speaking the words of his dream, and also of exhorting them to all diligence, he spake unto them concerning the Jews— That after they should be destroyed, even that great city Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should return again, yea, even be brought back out of captivity; and after they should be brought back out of captivity they should possess again the land of their inheritance."

In the Old Testament we read that the children of Israel cried out unto God because of the bondage that they suffered.  God heard them, had respect for them, and remembered the covenants that He had made to their fathers.  Exodus 2:23-25 "And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.  And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell about Jesus reading from Isaiah, prophecies about preaching the gospel to the poor, healing the broken hearted, restoring sight to the blind, and setting at liberty those who are bruised.  Then Jesus closed the book and said that this day these scriptures were fulfilled.  Prophets all down through the ages prophesied of Christ and He was the fulfillment of those prophecies.  Luke 4:16-21 "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.  And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi is instructed to make two sets of records, the larger plates containing a secular history and the smaller ones dealing primarily with sacred things.  We don't always know why the Lord asks us to do things, but we need to trust in Him that it's for a wise purpose and we can know that He has power to help us accomplish whatever He asks. 1 Nephi 9:2-6 "And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates of Nephi, after mine own name; and these plates also are called the plates of Nephi.  Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people.  Upon the other plates should be engraven an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people; wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry; and the other plates are for the more part of the reign of the kings and the wars and contentions of my people.  Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read about how after Jacob died, Joseph's brothers were afraid that he would be angry with them for selling him into slavery and might take vengeance against him.  They fell down before his face and begged him to have mercy on them.  Joseph assured them that he forgave them and the had nothing to fear.  He spoke kindly to them and told them he would nourish them and their little ones.  What a great example of how to forgive--something we should all follow.  Genesis 50:15-21 "And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,  So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.  And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.  And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.  Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them."

Some scriptures with  a thought booklet contrast the fate of the righteous with the wicked.  The upright man will find peace, salvation, and strength in time of trouble.  If he trusts in the Lord, he will be delivered from the wicked and be saved.  However, the transgressors will be destroyed and the wicked will be cut off.  Psalms 37:37-40 " Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.  But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.  But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about how Laman and Lemuel refused to partake of the fruit in Lehi's dream, which caused Lehi to be very concerned about them. He did everything he could to ty to get through to them, preaching and prophesying to them, and exhorting them with all the feeling of a tender parent, but they refused to hearken unto him. After doing all this, he then ceased speaking to them.  Sometimes after we've done all we can do to try to get through to someone who has fallen away, we just need to back off for a time and quit trying to preach to them. We never need to stop loving them or praying for them, but sometimes continuing to try to talk sense into them just drives them further away.  1 Nephi 8:35-38 "And Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father. And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord. And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them. And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them."

In the Old Testament we read that Jacob, at the end of his life, blessed and instructed his sons and asked them to bury him with his fathers in a cave in the land of Canaan.  When Jacob made an end of commanding his sons, he gave up the ghost and as gathered unto his people.  Genesis 49:28-33 "All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them. And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah. The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.  And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that there are many things to be thankful for.  A woman had car trouble and was stuck at the side of a highway.  She called her roadside assistance service and impatiently waiting for them to come and help her.  She was upset that this had happened and it seemed to take forever for them to arrive.  But while she waited she started thinking of things to be grateful for. Her cell phone worked so she could call for help.  It had happened right next to a mile marker so she could tell them exactly where to find her. She was in a safe area.  It was not at night.  There was a pretty flower growing next to her so she had something lovely to look at while she waited.  Forty-five minutes later help arrived and they quickly had her car running smoothly again.  But her attitude had changed from one of annoyance to one of gratitude, and that had made all the difference!  Every day we can find things to be thankful for if we'll but look.  Psalms 40:5 "Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read more of Lehi's dream and about the great and spacious building which multitudes find their way to and then from there they point their fingers in scorn upon those who partake of the fruit.  Those who listen to them lose their way, but Nephi and his parents refused to listen to them. 1 Nephi 8:31-34 "And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.  And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads. And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not. These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away."

In the Old Testament we read about how when Jacob was old and sick, Joseph took his two sons to see him, and Jacob told them abut hos the Lord had appeared to him and promised him that He would make him fruitful and multiply him, and give the land to his seed.  It's important that we share with our family members our experiences with the Lord and how He has blessed us, just as Jacob shared with his son and grandsons.  Genesis 48:1-4 "And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.  And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.  And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,  And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to wait on the Lord and be of good courage, and He will strengthen our hearts.  What does this mean, to wait on the Lord? There are actually two different ways that we can wait.  One way we think of waiting is like a person standing at a window waiting for someone to arrive.  They stand there motionless and doing nothing but watching for their expected guest.  Another way to wait is like a server in a busy restaurant.  They come to your table and say, "I'll be your server today," and they they busily wait on us--bringing us water and rolls, taking our order, clearing our plates, bringing us a dessert menu, etc."  We can likewise do both kinds of waiting on the Lord.  At times we'll sit quietly studying our scriptures or commune with God in prayer while we patiently wait for His answers or direction.  Other times we might say, "Lord, I will be your server today.  How may I help you?"  Then we get busy and wait on God in a very active way.  Whether we wait on Him in a quiet or a busy way, it's important that we wait on the Lord.  Psalms 27:14 "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that those who press forward holding on to the iron rod were able to partake of the fruit of the tree of live.  1 Nephi 8:30 "But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree."

In the Old Testament we read about how Pharaoh was able to obtain great wealth by selling grain to the Egyptians during the famine, thanks to Joseph's foresight in storing food during the 7 years of plenty. Pharaoh received all the people's cattle and lands.   Genesis 47:13-26 "And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.  And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.  And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth. And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.  When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands: Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate. And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's.  And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof. Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land.  And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.  And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants. And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh's."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.  Washing the feet of ones guests was not the job of a leader, but rather it was the chore of a servant.  In yet Jesus took on this task and then told His disciples that they should follow His example in serving each other.  He told them that if they did this, they would be happy.  Indeed, if we devote our lives to giving loving service to others, we will find joy.  John 13:12-17 "So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after some of the people partook of the fruit of the tree of life, other people mocked them and pointed their fingers at them, scoffing at them.  Some of the people caved in to this peer pressure and were ashamed, falling away into forbidden paths and becoming lost. While reading these verses, the words of a hymn came to me. We will heed not what the wicked may say, for the Lord alone we will obey.   1 Nephi 8:25-28 "And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.  And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.  And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost."

In the Old Testament we read about the wonderful reunion between Joseph and his father, Israel.  They embraced and wept together for a long time. You can just imagine how Israel must have felt to think that his beloved son was dead and then to find out that he indeed is still alive and be able to see him again!  Genesis 46: 29 "And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount a story that illustrates how if we want the Lord to forgive us, we need to forgive others--not just 7 times, but 70 times 7. The story is told of a servant who owed the king a large sum, but the king forgave him the debt.  However, then this same servant went out and demanded repayment of a debt that a fellow servant owed him--a much smaller amount.  He refused to show any mercy and insisted that if the debt was not repaid, he would cast him into prison. Of course when the king who had shown him mercy heard about how harsh he was with the fellow servant, he confronted him and punished him accordingly.  So likewise will the Lord deal with us if we don't forgive others. Sometimes forgiveness is easier said than done, but if we're having trouble forgiving, the Lord will help us if we turn to Him.  It may not happen overnight, but if we persist in trying to forgive, the Lord can soften our hearts. And I've found that it's difficult to stay angry at a person if we pray for them.   Matthew 18:21-35 "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.  The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.  But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.  So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.   So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Lehi saw a straight and narrow path leading to the tree of life, and a rod of iron along the path. Many people were pressing forward along the path, holding to the iron rod so they would not lose their way. Those who did not hold to the rod wandered off the path and were lost.  1 Nephi 8:19-24 "And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.  And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.  And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.  And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.  And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.  And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree."

In the Old Testament we read that Joseph finally made himself known to his brothers.  They were greatly troubled, knowing how they had sold him into slavery.  But he reassured them that God had used his situation for good, in providing a way for them to be fed during the famine.  He kissed and wept with his brothers and invited them to go get their father and other family members and come and dwell in Egypt with him so that he could nourish them and provide for them. What a happy reunion!  And what a great example Joseph was in forgiving, not holding grudges, and in seeing the good even in difficult situations.  Genesis 45: 1- 15 "Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.  And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.  And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.  Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.  Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:  And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:  And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.  And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.  And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.  And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.  Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet admonish us to have patience in our afflictions, just like the prophets of old did, including Job. Grumbling and complaining is not pleasing to God, nor to anyone around us. It sours our souls and pushes people away. Looking for the good and noticing our blessings helps us have patience.  The Lord has tender mercy toward us and if we endure well, we will find happiness.  James 5:10-11 " Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."