Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord will preserve the righteous, so they have no need to fear.  But the wicked and those who harden their hearts against the words of God will be destroyed. A prophet would be raised up, like unto Moses, and whatever he would say would come to pass.  But those who will not hear him will be cut off.  1 Nephi 22:17-20 "Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire. Behold, my brethren, I say unto you, that these things must shortly come; yea, even blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke must come; and it must needs be upon the face of this earth; and it cometh unto men according to the flesh if it so be that they will harden their hearts against the Holy One of Israel. For behold, the righteous shall not perish; for the time surely must come that all they who fight against Zion shall be cut off. And the Lord will surely prepare a way for his people, unto the fulfilling of the words of Moses, which he spake, saying: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that all those who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among the people."

In the Old Testament we read that Moses would be allowed to see the promised land but then would die before being able to actually enter it.  This is because he had rebelled in the desert of Zin when he'd caused water to come forth out of a rock and had not given the credit to the Lord.  Numbers 27:12-14 "And the Lord said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.  And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.  For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we need to keep ourselves into subjection so that we make sure that after we have preached to others, we ourselves don't fall.  Faith should never be taken for granted.  Those who serve and those who preach also need to make sure that their personal relationship with Christ remains strong.  1 Corinthians 9:27 "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the children of Israel will be brought out of captivity and will be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance.  They will be brought out of darkness and will now that the Lord is their Savior. The great and abominable church will turn upon itself and they will war among themselves. Every nation which will war against the House of Israel will be turned against one another and be destroyed. Great will be their fall. The time will come when Satan will have no more power over the children of men and the proud and wicked will be turned.  The wrath of God will be poured out, for He will not allow the wicked to destroy the righteous. 1 Nephi 22:12-16 "Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel. And the blood of that great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood.  And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.  For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned. For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous."

In the Old Testament we read that when the Israelites were numbered, not a man of them was found who had been numbered 40 years earlier when Moses and Aaron had numbered them, except for Caleb and Joshua.  The Lord had foretold that all would die in the wilderness except for those two who did not bring back the discouraging reports when they went to spy out the land.  Numbers 26:63-65 "These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord is faithful and keeps the covenants He makes with us.  He is merciful to those who love Him and keep His commandments.  However, He will destroy those who hate Him. So we need to make sure we obey the commandments of the Lord.  Deuteronomy 7:9-11 "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them."

-----------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that even though Israel would be scattered, they will eventually be nursed by the gentiles after the Lord has raised up a mighty nation among them. The Lord will proceed to do a mighty work among the gentiles which will be of great worth to the children of Israel, which will be like them being nourished and carried in the arms of the gentiles. This will be of great worth to both the gentiles and the children of Israel. All the kindreds of the earth will be blessed.  The Lord will make bare His arm in the eyes of all nations and will fulfill His covenants which He made to the children of Israel. 1 Nephi 22:6-11 "Nevertheless, after they shall be nursed by the Gentiles, and the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all our brethren who are of the house of Israel. And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered.  And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.  And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.  And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations.  Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord commanded Moses to count all the males 20 years and older, all who were able to go forth to war.  Numbers 26:1-4 "And it came to pass after the plague, that the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel. And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the Lord commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt."

Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to do all that we do in the name of the Lord, giving thanks unto Gd.  We need to let the word of Christ dwell in us and teach and admonish one another.  If we do these things, the peace of God will rule in our hearts.  Colossians 3:15-17 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

-------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Nephi had read the words of Isaiah to his brothers, they asked him to explain the meaning of these things. He told them that these things were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit, and pertained to things both temporal and spiritual.  He said that the house of Israel would be scattered upon the face of the earth and among the nations. This is because they hardened their hearts. 1 Nephi 22:1-5 " And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had read these things which were engraven upon the plates of brass, my brethren came unto me and said unto me: What meaneth these things which ye have read? Behold, are they to be understood according to things which are spiritual, which shall come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh? And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh.  Wherefore, the things of which I have read are things pertaining to things both temporal and spiritual; for it appears that the house of Israel, sooner or later, will be scattered upon all the face of the earth, and also among all nations. And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away. And since they have been led away, these things have been prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those who shall hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of Israel; for against him will they harden their hearts; wherefore, they shall be scattered among all nations and shall be hated of all men."

In the Old Testament we read that even though Balak offered Balaam great wealth and power if he would curse Israel, Balaam refused to go against what the Lord commanded him to say and blessed them instead.  This made Balak very angry, but Balaam stood his ground.  Are we willing to stand firm in doing what's right, even though we may have to make gret sacrifices to do soor people may get upset with us?  Numbers 24:10-13 "And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.  Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour.  And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,  If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak?"

A verse with a thought booklet says that the Lord lifts up the humble and meek, but casts the wicked down to the ground.  Psalms 147: 6 "The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord will save His children and deliver the captives of the mighty and terrible. He will feed them who oppress His children with their own flesh and all will know that the Lord is the Savior, the Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 1 Nephi 21:24-26 "For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives delivered?  But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

In the Old Testament we read that the people murmured and complained (yet again!) and the Lord sent fiery serpents among them, killing many of the people.  The people then came to Moses admitting that they had sinned and asking him to pray to the Lord to take away the serpents.  The Lord then instructed Moses to make a serpent of brass and set it on a pole.  Any of the people who would look at it would be saved. Numbers 21:5-8 " And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.  And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."

Some verses with a thought booklet teach us who the very first keeper of the Sabbath Day was--it was the Lord.  Keeping the Sabbath Day holy was not something invented by man, it was first observed by God.  And it is a pattern we have been commanded to follow.  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."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that even though Zions might claim that the Lord has forgotten her and forsaken her, He has not.  A woman might forget the child that she has born, but the Lord will never forget the House of Israel. The Lord will lift up His hand to the Gentiles and set up His standard to the people.  Kings will by their nursing fathers and will lick up the dust from their feet.  All shall know that the Lord is God and those who wait for Him will not be ashamed.  1 Nephi 21:14-23 "But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not. For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.  Thy children shall make haste against thy destroyers; and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee. Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; all these gather themselves together, and they shall come to thee. And as I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on even as a bride. For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.  The children whom thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the first, shall again in thine ears say: The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell.  Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? And who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where have they been? Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.  And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their face towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me."

In the Old Testament we read that Moses requested of the king of Edom that his people be allowed to pass through their land peacefully, but he refused.  Numbers 20:14-21 "And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:  How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:  And when we cried unto the Lord, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:  Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.  And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.  And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet. And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.  Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that in the presence of the Lord we and our families should eat and rejoice in everything we have because the Lord has blessed us. The story is told of a boy who was born on the 4th of July who thought that that the fireworks each year were celebrating his birthday. It was only when he got only did he realize that the fireworks were not meant specifically for him.  But that didn't change his love of the fireworks.  It may be true that the beautiful mountains and lakes and birds and autumn leaves and flowers weren't put there specifically for us, but maybe they were.  Maybe the bird with the beautiful song who nests in the tree in our backyard is a blessing directly from God to us. He created all the wonders of the world to bless us and for our enjoyment.  Maybe they're also there for everybody else, but they're there for us specifically too.  Deuteronomy 12:7 "And there ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord wants to gather Israel and raise up the tribes to restore them. He is a Light to the gentiles also and brings salvation to all the ends of the earth.  Even though men despise Him and nations abhor Him, He is the Redeemer.  He has heard us and helped us and will preserve us.  He has mercy on us and will lead and guide us. The Lord comforts His people and has mercy upon the afflicted. 1 Nephi 21:5-13 "And now, saith the Lord—that formed me from the womb that I should be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him—though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength. And he said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth. Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nations abhorreth, to servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful.  Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; That thou mayest say to the prisoners: Go forth; to them that sit in darkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.  They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.  And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.  And then, O house of Israel, behold, these shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted."

In the Old Testament we read the miracle of how Moses was able to bring forth water out of a rock by striking it with his rod. Numbers 20:2-11 "And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?  And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we live in the Spirit, we can be guided by the Spirit.  If we live in such a way to have the Spirit n our lives, we'll be guided in the path we should walk.  Galatians 5:25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read quotations from Isaiah, telling the House of Israel listen. They have been driven out and scattered because of wickedness. Servants of the Lord are sent to speak to people, but sometimes they labor in vain because people refuse to hearken to what they say.  1 Nephi 21:1-4 "And again: Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are broken off and are driven out because of the wickedness of the pastors of my people; yea, all ye that are broken off, that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of Israel. Listen, O isles, unto me, and hearken ye people from far; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.  And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;  And said unto me: Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.  Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and in vain; surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God."

In the Old Testament we read that Aaron and his sons were called to minister in the priest's office and the Levites were called to minister in the service of the tabernacle. They were given as a gift for the Lord.  Numbers 18:1-6 "And the Lord said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.  And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die. And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.  And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.  And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the Lord, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we'll keep God's commandments, we'll abide in His love and our joy will be full.  John 15:10-11 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read the Lord calls to come unto Him. He teaches us and leads us the way we should go. If we hearken to His commandments, we will find peace. We need to flee from Babylon, and depart from the wicked. The Lord lead His people through deserts and provided them water which flowed out of a rock. But in spite of everything He has done, there will be no peace to the wicked.  1 Nephi 20:16-22 "Come ye near unto me; I have not spoken in secret; from the beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me.  And thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it.  O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments—then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. Thy seed also had been as the sand; the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.  Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end of the earth; say ye: The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob. And they thirsted not; he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; he clave the rock also and the waters gushed out.  And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked."

In the Old Testament we read that as a test, a rod for each tribe is placed in the tabernacle. Only Aaron's rod buds and blossoms and brings forth almonds.  This is kept as a token against the rebels.  Numbers 17:1-10 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.  And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.  And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you. And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.  And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness. And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. And Moses brought out all the rods from before the Lord unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod. And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet instruct us to put off our former, evil selves and be renewed in spirit, putting on a new man of righteousness and holiness.  Indeed, when we accept Christ into our lives, we become new creatures in Him.  Ephesians 4:22-24 "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord won't suffer His name to be polluted, nor His glory to be given to others. He is the first and last. He laid the foundation of the earth. His word will be fulfilled.  1 Nephi 20:11-15 "For mine own sake, yea, for mine own sake will I do this, for I will not suffer my name to be polluted, and I will not give my glory unto another.  Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, for I am he; I am the first, and I am also the last.  Mine hand hath also laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens. I call unto them and they stand up together.  All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among them hath declared these things unto them? The Lord hath loved him; yea, and he will fulfil his word which he hath declared by them; and he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall come upon the Chaldeans.  Also, saith the Lord; I the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have called him to declare, I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous."

In the Old Testament we read yet another example of how people just don't seem to learn their lessons.  Yesterday we read about how the earth opened up and swallowed those who rebelled against the Lord.  Now today we read about how on the very next day the congregation murmured against Moses and Aaron, claiming they had killed "the people of the Lord."  Of course this made the Lord so angry again that He sent a plague to kill them.  Moses and Aaron tried to intervene but even so 14,700 more people perished before the plague was stayed.  Numbers 16:41-50 "But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the Lord. And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord appeared. And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.  And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.  And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that our flesh and our heart may fail, but God will be our strength forever.  Psalms 73:27 "For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that God showed things unto the people ahead of time so they wouldn't claim that their idols had done them. He declared hidden things to them that they did not know. But they refused to listen. Nevertheless, the Lord deferred His anger.  He chose them in the furnace of affliction, to refined them.   1 Nephi 20:5- 10 "And I have even from the beginning declared to thee; before it came to pass I showed them thee; and I showed them for fear lest thou shouldst say—Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath commanded them. Thou hast seen and heard all this; and will ye not declare them? And that I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.  They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them.  Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time thine ear was not opened; for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb. Nevertheless, for my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off. For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

In the Old Testament we read that Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and 250 leaders rebelled and sought priestly offices.  The earth swallowed up the three rebels and their families and fire rom the Lord consumed the 250 rebels.  Numbers 16:1-4, 31-35 "Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?  And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:  And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.  They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.  And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.  And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to give ear to the low of the Lord and incline our ears to the words of His mouth.  In order to hear the words of the Lord, we need to stay close to Him through prayer and scripture study, and then we need to obey what we hear.  Psalms 78:1 "Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord reveals His purposes to Israel.  They swear by the name of the Lord, but do not swear in righteousness or truth. They call themselves of the holy city but don't remain steadfast in His name. They were obstinate and stiff necked.  1 Nephi 20:1-4 "Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of baptism, who swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear not in truth nor in righteousness.  Nevertheless, they call themselves of the holy city, but they do not stay themselves upon the God of Israel, who is the Lord of Hosts; yea, the Lord of Hosts is his name. Behold, I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them. I did show them suddenly.  And I did it because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;"

In the Old Testament we read that there is a difference between someone who sins in ignorance and someone who knows the law but intentionally refuses to obey it.  A person who despises the word of the Lord will be utterly cut off.  Numbers 15:29-32 "Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.  Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the good of all.  We each have our own unique talents and abilities.  No one else had our smile, our voice, our love.  Just like no puzzle is finished without all the pieces and no melody is complete without all the notes, if we withhold our unique talents that are only ours to give, we create an incomplete harmony in the world.  1 Corinthians 12:7 " But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."

----------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi tried to teach his brethren the things of the Lord, reading to them from the engravings on the plates. He wanted to show them the doings of the Lord and wanted to persuade them to believe in the Lord. He tried to liken the scriptures unto them, for their profit and learning.  1 Nephi 19:22-24 "Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old. And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.  Wherefore I spake unto them, saying: Hear ye the words of the prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of Israel, a branch who have been broken off; hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye may have hope as well as your brethren from whom ye have been broken off; for after this manner has the prophet written."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord was so displeased by the murmuring caused by the dire reports of the spies that he told the children of Israel that they would need to wander in the wilderness for 40 years before they'd be allowed to enter into the land.  This would be time for the murmurers to die in the wilderness and for their children to be the ones to enter into the promised land.  Only Caleb and Joshua, who had insisted that the Lord would help them prevail and they should enter the land now would be allowed enter in 40 years.  The Lord is not pleased with murmurers and complainers!   Numbers 14:26-39 "And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,  How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:  Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,  Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.  But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.  But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness.  And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.  I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.  And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,  Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord.  But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still. And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that God is our refuge and our strength.  No matter what may be going on around us, we have no need to fear. We can be still and know that He is God. It's good to be busily engaged in doing good, but sometimes we need to take time to be still and commune with the Lord.  He is our comfort and mighty fortress and will help us through whatever we're facing, if we place our trust in Him.  Psalms 46:1-11 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;  Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.  There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.  He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.   The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

-------------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when the day comes that the people will no longer turn aside their hearts against God, H will remember the covenants He has made with their fathers. He will gather the and every nation will be blessed. Nephi wrote of these prophesies hoping that they would persuade the people to remember the Lord their Redeemer. He was grateful that the Lord warned his family to flee Jerusalem so they would not perish. He testified that prophets all down through the ages were shown concerning these things, and they were written on the plates of brass.   1 Nephi 19:15-21 "Nevertheless, when that day cometh, saith the prophet, that they no more turn aside their hearts against the Holy One of Israel, then will he remember the covenants which he made to their fathers. Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea, and all the people who are of the house of Israel, will I gather in, saith the Lord, according to the words of the prophet Zenos, from the four quarters of the earth. Yea, and all the earth shall see the salvation of the Lord, saith the prophet; every nation, kindred, tongue and people shall be blessed. And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer.  Wherefore, I speak unto all the house of Israel, if it so be that they should obtain these things.  For behold, I have workings in the spirit, which doth weary me even that all my joints are weak, for those who are at Jerusalem; for had not the Lord been merciful, to show unto me concerning them, even as he had prophets of old, I should have perished also.  And he surely did show unto the prophets of old all things concerning them; and also he did show unto many concerning us; wherefore, it must needs be that we know concerning them for they are written upon the plates of brass."

In the Old Testament we read that Moses sent twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan to tell whether the inhabitants were strong or weak, few or many and to tell what the land was like. They came back after 40 days reporting that it was a land of milk and honey and bringing back great fruit. But they brought back a very discouraging report about the strength of the people and how their cities were walled. They said the men were as big as giants and that they were grasshoppers by comparison.  Caleb tried to convince the people that they should go up to fight against them because they would be able to overcome the people and possess the land, but the fear generated by the discouraging reports made the people afraid to listen to him. When obstacles seem insurmountable in our lives, we need to remember that with the Lord help, we can do anything He commands us.  We should not let our fears rule us.  Numbers 13:17-33 "And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:  And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;  And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;  And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes. So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.  And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)  And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.  And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.  Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.  And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.  And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." 

A verse with a thought booklet tell us that it is better to be righteous ad have little in the way or worldly goods than to have great amounts of money without righteousness.  Proverbs 16: 8 "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi prophesied that 600 years after they had left Jerusalem, sicked people would judge the Savior as a thing of naught.  They would scourge Him, smite Him, and spit upon Him  and He would suffer it because of His loving kindness and long-suffering. And the God of Israel who had lead them forth out of Egypt and preserved them, would be lifted up and crucified by the very people He had preserved.  They would bury Him in a sepulchre, and three days of darkness would be a sign of His death t those on the other side of the world. At this time, the righteous would hear His voice and others would be visited with thunderings, lightnings, fire, smoke, vapors of darkness, and the opening up of the earth. Mountains would be carried p, rocks would rend, and the earth would groan. The people in Jerusalem would scourge and crucify the God of Israel and turn their hearts aside, rejecting the signs and wonders, and despising the Holy One of Israel.  1 Nephi 19:8-14 " And behold he cometh, according to the words of the angel, in six hundred years from the time my father left Jerusalem.  And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.  And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.  For thus spake the prophet: The Lord God surely shall visit all the house of Israel at that day, some with his voice, because of their righteousness, unto their great joy and salvation, and others with the thunderings and the lightnings of his power, by tempest, by fire, and by smoke, and vapor of darkness, and by the opening of the earth, and by mountains which shall be carried up.  And all these things must surely come, saith the prophet Zenos. And the rocks of the earth must rend; and because of the groanings of the earth, many of the kings of the isles of the sea shall be wrought upon by the Spirit of God, to exclaim: The God of nature suffers.  And as for those who are at Jerusalem, saith the prophet, they shall be scourged by all people, because they crucify the God of Israel, and turn their hearts aside, rejecting signs and wonders, and the power and glory of the God of Israel.  And because they turn their hearts aside, saith the prophet, and have despised the Holy One of Israel, they shall wander in the flesh, and perish, and become a hiss and a byword, and be hated among all nations."

In the Old Testament we read about how the people complained that the manner the Lord sent was not good enough--they wanted flesh to eat like they had in Egypt. This is an example of being careful what you pray for because you just might get it. The Lord sent quail in great numbers and they had plenty of meat to eat, so much that it was coming out of their nostrils and became loathsome to them. The wrath of God was kindled against them and He sent a great plague against those who lusted. They were buried in Kibroth-hattaavah. Numbers 11:18-20, 31-34 "And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the Lord, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the Lord will give you flesh, and ye shall eat. Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days;  But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the Lord which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt? And there went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.  And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.  And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague. And he called the name of that place Kibroth-hattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted."

Some verses with a thought booklet give us the joyous news the after the resurrection of Christ, many others were resurrected as well.  Their graves were open and the bodies of those who had slept arose.  This scene will be repeated when Christ comes again.  Imagine the graves of all your loved ones opening and them arising from the dead!  What a glorious day that will be.  Matthew 27:52-53 "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read Nephi was commanded to make plates and write on them things to instruct the people. On other plates he gave an account of the wars and contentions in the land, and gave instructions that the plates be handed down from one generation to another. On the plates he wrote those things which were most sacred, to be kept for the knowledge of his people. He acknowledged his own weaknesses and imperfections.  But he also said that some people trample under their feet things which others esteem to be of great worth.  In fact, some people trample the God of Israel under their feet. In other words, they set Him at naught and refuse to hearken to His counsels.  1 Nephi 19:3-7 "And after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did make a record upon the other plates, which gives an account, or which gives a greater account of the wars and contentions and destructions of my people. And this have I done, and commanded my people what they should do after I was gone; and that these plates should be handed down from one generation to another, or from one prophet to another, until further commandments of the Lord.  And an account of my making these plates shall be given hereafter; and then, behold, I proceed according to that which I have spoken; and this I do that the more sacred things may be kept for the knowledge of my people.  Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself.  For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord was displeased when the people complained and in His anger, the fire of the Lord burnt and consumed the rebels in Israel. Obviously, the Lord doesn't appreciate whiners and complainers, so this is something we should avoid!. Numbers 11:1 "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."   

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us bout how Nehemiah prayed before God, confessing his sins and praying for mercy.  When we have done wrong and not kept the commandments of God, we can turn to Him and repent, and He will be merciful to us. Nehemiah 1:4-11 "And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,  And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:  Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned. We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.  Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.  O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer."

Daily Thoughts Saturday

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord commanded Nephi to make plates of ore and engrave upon them a record of their travels, their genealogy,  and the prophecies of him and his father.  1 Nephi 19:1-2 " And it came to pass that the Lord commanded me, wherefore I did make plates of ore that I might engraven upon them the record of my people. And upon the plates which I made I did engraven the record of my father, and also our journeyings in the wilderness, and the prophecies of my father; and also many of mine own prophecies have I engraven upon them.  And I knew not at the time when I made them that I should be commanded of the Lord to make these plates; wherefore, the record of my father, and the genealogy of his fathers, and the more part of all our proceedings in the wilderness are engraven upon those first plates of which I have spoken; wherefore, the things which transpired before I made these plates are, of a truth, more particularly made mention upon the first plates."

In the Old Testament we read that a cloud rested upon the tabernacle day and night, plus a fire by night.  When the cloud rested over the tabernacle, the people camped and remained where they were.  When the cloud traveled, the people followed.  By this means, the Lord was able to give them direction on what they should do.  Numbers 9:15-23 "And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.  So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.  And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.  At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.  And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not.  And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the Lord they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed.  And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.  Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it makes no difference to God whether we're Jew or Greek or whatever, for He will hear the prayers of all who call upon Him. He loves all His children no matter what their race or nationality.  Romans 10:12 "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."

Daily Thoughts Friday

In the Book of Mormon we read that they finally arrived safely in the promised land and began to till the earth and plant seeds. The Lord blessed them with abundance.  1 Nephi 18: 23-25 " And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land.  And it came to pass that we did begin to till the earth, and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our seeds into the earth, which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow exceedingly; wherefore, we were blessed in abundance. And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were beasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the ass and the horse, and the goat and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use of men. And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold, and of silver, and of copper."

In the Old Testament we read that the Levites were consecrated and set apart by the laying on of hands to execute the service of the Lord.  Numbers 8:9-11 "And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together:  And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites:  And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the Lord."

A couple of verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord has done great things for us, so we can be glad, and that we should rejoice evermore. Even when we'e going through difficult times, we have much to be grateful for.  And by giving thanks and dwelling on the positive, it gives us reason to rejoice evermore.  Psalms 126:3 "The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." 1 Thessalonians 5:16 "Rejoice evermore."  

Daily Thoughts Thursday

In the Book of Mormon we read only the power of God which threatened them with destruction convinced Nephi's brothers to finally untie him. They refused to soften their hearts until they were faced with certain destruction unless they repented. After they finally untied Nephi, the compass began to work again and the storm calmed down. Nephi was able to guide the ship and they again headed toward the promised land. 1 Nephi 18:20-22 "And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me.  And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.  And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord spoke to Moses from the mercy seat, between the cherubim, upon the ark. All down through the ages, the Lord has spoken to His prophets.  Numbers 7:89 "And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that Amos didn't start out as a prophet, nor was he a prophet's son.  He was a herdsman and gathered fruit from the sycamore tree.  But God had other ideas for his life.  He took Amos from among his flock and told him to go and prophesy unto the people of Israel.  When God calls, we need to listen.  We may not plan to be a prophet, or a missionary, or a bishop, or a primary teacher, but whatever the Lord has in mind for us to do, we need to be willing to obey.  God's plans are not always our plans, but as we follow where He leads us, we'll find that His plans are greater than our own.  Amos 7:14-15 "Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel." 

Daily Thoughts Wednesday

In the Book of Mormon we read that after they had sailed for many days, some of them began to forget by what power they had been brought there, and they began to make merry and speak with rudeness. Nephi began to fear that the Lord would be displeased with them and smite them, so he tried to admonish them.  They became angry with him and refused to listen to him. They tied him up and were quite harsh with him. After they did this, the compass stopped working and they no longer knew how to steer the ship. Then a great storm arose and they became frightened. But they still refused to untie Nephi. Finally after four days the tempest grew worse and it became apparent that the judgments of God were upon them and they needed to untie Nephi or they would be swallowed up in the depths of the sea.  Nephi's wrists and ankles were swollen and sore because of being bound.  But instead of being angry, Nephi praised God and did not murmur because of his afflictions.  What a great example he was to all of us! Nephi's parents pleaded with those who had bound Nephi, begging them to untie him before they were all swallowed up in the depths of the ocean. But all the prayers and tears did not soften the hearts of Nephi's wicked brethren and convince them to unloose him.   1 Nephi 18:9-19 "And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.  And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us.  And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked. And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work.  Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me. And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore. And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.  Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions. Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds. Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their grey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave. And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me."

In the Old Testament we read the beautiful blessing that the Lord told Moses to have Aaron and his sons speak to the children of Israel. Numbers 6:22-27 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:  The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:  The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.  And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." 

In some verses with a thought booklet we see that even though the city was surrounded by horses and chariots and a great host, there were unseen forces from heaven even more numerous protecting them. When a servant asked the prophet Elisha what they could do, Elisha told him to "fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with the."  He then prayed that the servant's eyes would be opened so that he, too, could see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. When we have the Lord on our side, it doesn't matter who else is against us.  All the horses and chariots in the world are no match for God. Instead of placing our focus on all the scary things in the world that threaten us, if we'll place our trust in the Lord, He will take care of us. There is no reason to fear.   2 Kings 6:14-17 "Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.  And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.  And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."

Daily Thoughts Tuesday

In the Book of Mormon we read that after the ship was built, Nephi's brothers could see what fine workmanship it was and they humbled themselves before the Lord. The Lord then commanded Lehi that they should get aboard the ship, taking provisions with them, and set sail for the promised land.  1 Nephi 18: 4-8 "And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship.  And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and our children.  And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder was called Jacob and the younger Joseph.  And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land."

In the Old Testament we read that sinners must confess their sins and make restitution for them.  Numbers 5:5-7 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty;  Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that each one of us should use whatever gift we've been given to serve others and to faithfully administer God's grace in its various forms.  We all have different talents and abilities and we can use them to work harmoniously together for the good of all.  1 Peter 4:10 "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Daily Thoughts Monday

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi's brothers helped him build the ship, according to how the Lord instructed him to build it.  He didn't build the ship after the learning of men, but prayed often for guidance from God to know what he should do. This shows us that if we're faced with accomplishing a difficult task, we too can inquire of the Lord for help and guidance.  1 Nephi 18:1-3 "And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.  Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.  And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things."

In the Old Testament we read that different families of the Levites each have their own assigned duties.  Aaron and his sons were to cover the holy things in the tabernacle before travel. Then the sons of Kohath would come and bear it, but not touch any holy things. Eleazar's assignment pertained to the oil for the light and the sweet incense for the daily meat offerings. Just as in ancient days, we have our own callings and assignments as well which we need to fulfill. Maybe we're to serve in the nursery or produce the ward newsletter or to be a home or visiting teacher instead of bearing the tabernacle, but whatever we've been called to do, we need to do it.  Numbers 4:15-16 "And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation. And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof."

In a verse with a thought booklet we're told that if we love God, all things will work together for our good.  That's ALL things, not just the things that are pleasant and good. So if we place our trust in God, even our trials, tribulations, and difficulties will work together to strengthen us and be for our good.  Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi admonished his brethren that they should no longer murmur against their father and should not withhold their labor from him, because he had been commanded by God to build a ship and they should help him. He reminded them that God was all powerful and could do anything, so why couldn't He help him build a ship? The power of God was with Nephi and he spoke with the spirit so strongly that his brothers were confounded and they were afraid to lay hands on him for fear that they would wither before him. But the Lord told Nephi to stretch forth his hand ad shock his brothers, so they would know that the Lord was their God. So Nephi id this, and instead of them withering before him, the Lord shook them so that they would know the Lord was with Nephi. They tried to worship Nephi, but he reminded them that they should only worship God.  1 Nephi 17: 49-55 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them that they should murmur no more against their father; neither should they withhold their labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should build a ship.  And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship? And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said many things unto my brethren, insomuch that they were confounded and could not contend against me; neither durst they lay their hands upon me nor touch me with their fingers, even for the space of many days. Now they durst not do this lest they should wither before me, so powerful was the Spirit of God; and thus it had wrought upon them. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thine hand again unto thy brethren, and they shall not wither before thee, but I will shock them, saith the Lord, and this will I do, that they may know that I am the Lord their God.  And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my brethren, and they did not wither before me; but the Lord did shake them, even according to the word which he had spoken. And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee."

In the Old Testament we read that Aaron and his sons would minister in the priest's office and the Levites were chosen to do service of the tabernacle.  They are the Lord's, replacing the firstborn of all the families of Israel who were spared in the passover.  Numbers 3:5-13 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.  And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle. And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.  And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.  And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;  Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the Lord."

In some verses with a thought booklet, Jesus quoted Isaiah saying that He had been sent to preach the gospel to the poor and heal the broken hearted, preaching deliverance to the captives and recovering the sight of the blind. These scriptures had been fulfilled in Him.  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."