Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read some of the words of Isaiah that Nephi quoted. Isaiah saw the latter-day temple, the gathering of Israel and the millennial judgment and peace.  2 Nephi 12:1-4 "The word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.  And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.  And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks—nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Philistines took Sampson, blinded him and bound him.  Then the Philistines gathered together to offer sacrifices to their god and rejoice that their god had delivered Sampson into their hands.  However, Sampson prayed for strength, knocked down the pillars that held up the building and killed more people in his death than he did while he ws alive.  Judges 16:21-30 "But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.  Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.  Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us.  And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.  And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.  Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport. And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.  And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life."

Some verses with a thought booklet teach us how to treat other people, even our enemies.  We are to love them, pray for them, do good to them, give to them without hope of anything in return, treat them the way we ourselves would like to be treated.  This is much easier to say than do, but if we are to follow the example of our Savior, this is the way we will live our lives.  Luke 6:27-36 "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.  Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Isaiah saw the Redeemer, even as Nephi saw Him and his brother Jacob saw Him. These three witnesses testify of Him and of the truth of His coming. Nephi's soul delighted in proving to the people that except for Christ, all men would perish.  There is indeed a God and a Christ.  We can liken the words of Isaiah unto ourselves.  2 Nephi 11:1-8 "And now, Jacob spake many more things to my people at that time; nevertheless only these things have I caused to be written, for the things which I have written sufficeth me.  And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.  And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words.  Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.  And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.  And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish. For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time. And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord delivered Sampson from the Philistines, giving him strength break the bands that bound him, and to slay a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass. This shows that if we have the Lord on our side, it doesn't matter how many are against us.  And after this Sampson was thirsty and prayed to the Lord.  The Lord answered his prayer by having water come out of a hollow place in the jaw. This shows that God answers our prayers. He will protect and guide us if we'll trust in Him.  Judges 15:14-19 "And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.  And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.  And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramath-lehi. And he was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?  But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof En-hakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day."

A verse with a thought booklet asks the question of what advantage it would be if we gain the whole world but lose ourselves and are cast out?  This is a good question to ask ourselves if we're tempted to do something less than honest in order to obtain worldly wealth or the esteem of men.  What good will it really do us in the eternal scheme of things if it causes us to lose our souls?  Luke 9:25 "For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that we are free to act for ourselves--to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life. We can choose to reconcile ourselves to the will of God or the will of the devil.  But it is only by the grace of God that we can be saved.  We can be raised from the dead through the power of the resurrection and we can also receive eternal life through the atonement of Christ.  2 Nephi 10:23-25 "

In the Old Testament we read about how Sampson killed a roaring lion with his bare hands after the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon us.  We might not have roaring lions attacking us, but we are sure to have powerful problems and trials beset us at times in our lives.  However, with the Lord's help we can deal with any difficulty that comes out way.  Judges 14:5-6 "Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.  And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done."

I think the Lord might be trying to tell me something because scriptures from two different thought booklets gave me the same message--to rejoice and be glad. One verse in particular tells us to rejoice in the Lord always.  Noe the word always.  It's easy to rejoice in the Lord when things are going well  But not so easy when we're going through trials and tribulations.  However, we don't need to wait for "better days" before we can be happy.  God wants us to be joyful today.  Right now.  In our present circumstances. Even during our most trying times, there is light if we look for it.  There are things to be grateful for.  If we wait until everything is going our way before we're happy, we might be in for a long, long wait.  But we can choose today to be joyful.  Birds start singing when it is still dark because they anticipate the coming dawn they know will come.  We, too, can look forward to brighter days ahead but we don't have to wait until they get here to sing our joyful song.  Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."  Psalms 100:1-2 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read Jacob's seed would be afflicted by the hand of the Gentiles, but their hearts would be softened and the Gentiles will be blessed and numbered among the House of Israel. This land will be a choice land to all who dwell here who will worship God. We need to lay aside our sins and the Lord will be merciful to us. He will remember those who have been broken off.   2 Nephi 10:18-22 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, thus saith our God: I will afflict thy seed by the hand of the Gentiles; nevertheless, I will soften the hearts of the Gentiles, that they shall be like unto a father to them; wherefore, the Gentiles shall be blessed and numbered among the house of Israel. Wherefore, I will consecrate this land unto thy seed, and them who shall be numbered among thy seed, forever, for the land of their inheritance; for it is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands, wherefore I will have all men that dwell thereon that they shall worship me, saith God.  And now, my beloved brethren, seeing that our merciful God has given us so great knowledge concerning these things, let us remember him, and lay aside our sins, and not hang down our heads, for we are not cast off; nevertheless, we have been driven out of the land of our inheritance; but we have been led to a better land, for the Lord has made the sea our path, and we are upon an isle of the sea.  But great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea; wherefore as it says isles, there must needs be more than this, and they are inhabited also by our brethren.  For behold, the Lord God has led away from time to time from the house of Israel, according to his will and pleasure. And now behold, the Lord remembereth all them who have been broken off, wherefore he remembereth us also."

In the Old Testament we read about how the children of Israel repent and plead with the Lord for deliverance.  Judges 10:10-16 "And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?  The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.  Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.  And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that our souls do not need to be downcast when we can hope in God and praise Him.  Psalms 42:11 "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the day will come when Israel will be gathered from their long dispersion when they begin to believe in the Savior. The Gentiles will also be blessed upon the land and it will be a land of liberty to them, which no kings raised up. The Lord will fortify the nation against other nations and those who fight against Zion will perish. The promises of the Lord will be fulfilled.  2 Nephi 10:7- 17 "But behold, thus saith the Lord God: When the day cometh that they shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers that they shall be restored in the flesh, upon the earth, unto the lands of their inheritance.  And it shall come to pass that they shall be gathered in from their long dispersion, from the isles of the sea, and from the four parts of the earth; and the nations of the Gentiles shall be great in the eyes of me, saith God, in carrying them forth to the lands of their inheritance. Yea, the kings of the Gentiles shall be nursing fathers unto them, and their queens shall become nursing mothers; wherefore, the promises of the Lord are great unto the Gentiles, for he hath spoken it, and who can dispute?  But behold, this land, said God, shall be a land of thine inheritance, and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon the land.  And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles. And I will fortify this land against all other nations. And he that fighteth against Zion shall perish, saith God.  For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.  Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may be fulfilled which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh, I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, and of murders, and of abominations.  Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both Jew and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; for they are they who are the whore of all the earth; for they who are not for me are against me, saith our God.  For I will fulfil my promises which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh."

In the Old Testament we read that the children of Israel did not remember the Lord their God who had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies on every side. It's easy us to judge the Israelites harshly and wonder how they could possibly forget the Lord after all He had done for them. But sometimes we're likely forget all the blessings the Lord has poured out upon us.   When we feel like the Lord is not answering our prayers do we forget the times when He has unmistakably provided us with miracles? When things aren't going the way we want them to, do we forget how the Lord has helped us get through our difficult times in the past? Or when things are going well for us do we tend to forget about God and think we're fine on our own, neglecting our prayers, and forgetting to give Him thanks? Do we forget that we need to rely on the Lord? Before we point our fingers at the children of Israel, we need to examine our own lives and see how we need more faith and trust in the Lord at all times, good and bad. Judges 8:34 "And the children of Israel remembered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side:"

In some verses with a thought booklet we read the familiar story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. When we're faced with a situation when we are lacking in something we need, we need to remember to use what little we have, give thanks for it, and allow God to perform whatever miracle He sees fit.  If we'll have faith, He will provide for us.  This is not only true of physical things, but can also be true of knowledge and understanding.  If we're faced with a situation that we feel inadequate to deal with, we need be willing to do our best with what we have and rely on the Lord to help and guide us.  If we don't know how to accomplish a task, e can pray for help.  Even though our knowledge of how to proceed might be insufficient, the Lord can make up for the difference, just as He taught Nephi how to construct a ship.  The Lord can do all things, and if we have Him helping us, we can do all things that are necessary and expedient for us to accomplish.  Luke 9:12-17 "And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.  For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.  And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.  And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets." 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Christ would come among the Jews and be crucified by them. If He were to come among any other people and perform the miracles that He did, they would repent.  But those in Jerusalem would stiffen their necks against Him because of their iniquities. As punishment for their sins, they would summer famines, pestilences, and bloodshed, and they would be scattered among the nations. 2 Nephi 10:3-6 " Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name—should come among the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God.  For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God.  But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified.  Wherefore, because of their iniquities, destructions, famines, pestilences, and bloodshed shall come upon them; and they who shall not be destroyed shall be scattered among all nations."

In the Old Testament we read that there were 22,000 men to fight for Israel, but the Lord did not want them to win the battle with that many men because then they would vaunt themselves and think they had defeated the Midianites by their own power.  So the Lord gave instructions to reduce the army to 300 men so they would know that it was only through the power of God they were able to prevail.  Judges 7:2-8 "And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.  Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.  So he brought down the people unto the water: and the Lord said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.  And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we listen to the Lord, we'll dwell safely and will be secure without fear of evil.  We can get rid of our worries and fears by trusting in the Lord and obeying His commandments. Proverbs 1:33 "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Jacob prophesied that many of his descendants would perish because of unbelief, but He would be merciful unto those who would come to a knowledge of their Redeemer.  2 Nephi 10:1-2 "And now I, Jacob, speak unto you again, my beloved brethren, concerning this righteous branch of which I have spoken. For behold, the promises which we have obtained are promises unto us according to the flesh; wherefore, as it has been shown unto me that many of our children shall perish in the flesh because of unbelief, nevertheless, God will be merciful unto many; and our children shall be restored, that they may come to that which will give them the true knowledge of their Redeemer."

Yesterday in the Old Testament we read about how the Lord called Gideon to deliver Israel.  But Gideon needed convincing so he insisted on the Lord showing him signs.  First he put a fleece of wool in the floor and wanted the Lord to be dew on the fleece only but it to be dry on the ground around it.  That happened, but Gideon still was not convinced so he then wanted dew on the ground but dry on the fleece.  So the Lord did that too. We might think Gideon was pretty silly for insisting on signs when he'd already been visited by an angel of the Lord.  But sometimes we're told by God to do something but then we start convincing ourselves that maybe it was our imagination. We start doubting what we already know.  We need to show more faith in the Lord.  Judges 6:36-40 "And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,  Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.  And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.  And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.  And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground." 

In contrast to this, some verses with a thought booklet show that when Jesus called Peter and Andrew to come follow Him, they immediately left their nets and followed Him. Likewise James and John who were with their father mending their nets left their father and the nets when they were called and followed Jesus. They did not ask for signs first. This gives us a good example of how to need to answer a call.  Matthew 4:18-22 "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.  And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." 

Fwd: Daily Thoughts

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Debbie <debbie12201953@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Nov 23, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Subject: Daily Thoughts
To:

In the Book of Mormon we read that it is expedient that we should awake to the awful reality of our need for repentance and the consequences of our sins. Instead of spending our money for things of no worth and laboring for things which cannot satisfy, we need to hearken to the words of the Lord and feast upon those things which perish not. We need to pray continually day and night and let our hearts rejoice. The mercy and grace of the Lord are great and He will keep His covenants with us.   2 Nephi 9:47-54 "But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should awake you to an awful reality of these things? Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the plainness of the truth if ye were freed from sin?  Behold, if ye were holy I would speak unto you of holiness; but as ye are not holy, and ye look upon me as a teacher, it must needs be expedient that I teach you the consequences of sin. Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God.  Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.  Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.  And behold how great the covenants of the Lord, and how great his condescensions unto the children of men; and because of his greatness, and his grace and mercy, he has promised unto us that our seed shall not utterly be destroyed, according to the flesh, but that he would preserve them; and in future generations they shall become a righteous branch unto the house of Israel.  And now, my brethren, I would speak unto you more; but on the morrow I will declare unto you the remainder of my words. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read that an angel appeared to Gideon and calls him to deliver Israel, telling him the Lord will be with him. Gideon was from a poor family and he was the least in his father's house, but he is the one the Lord called.  It doesn't matter who we are, if the Lord calls us to do something, He will prepare the way for us to accomplish it. And if the Lord is with us, it doesn't matter who is against us.  Judges 6:11-16 "And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.   And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.  And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that someday violence and destruction will end.  What a joyous thing that will be, and something to give us hope.  Isaiah 60:18 "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise."

Daily Thoughts

Some verses in the Book of Mormon tell us that all those who die in their sins will need to face God while remaining in their sins and they will be thrust down to hell.  The result of yielding to the enticings of the devil is death. But to be spiritually minded is life eternal. 2 Nephi 9:35-39 "Wo unto the murderer who deliberately killeth, for he shall die.  Wo unto them who commit whoredoms, for they shall be thrust down to hell.  Yea, wo unto those that worship idols, for the devil of all devils delighteth in them.  And, in fine, wo unto all those who die in their sins; for they shall return to God, and behold his face, and remain in their sins.  O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal."

In the Old Testament we read that to those who love the Lord, when they go out at night it will be like the sun going before them, and their enemies will perish. Judges 5:31 "So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read that Lord lead the children of Israel with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to give them light. He guided and watched over them both day and night. Wouldn't it be nice if we had this kind of guidance and protection today?  We do!  In the New Testament Jesus promises that if we keep His commandments, He will be with us to the end of the world. And He says He'll send us the Holy Ghost to teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance.  That means if we keep ourselves in tune with the Spirit we can be guided in our lives today just as surely as the Israelites were when they had the pillars of cloud and fire.  Exodus 13:21-22 "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people."

Daily Thoughts

A verse in the Book of Mormon is one that needs to be taken to heart as to the seriousness of telling lies.  It's an easy verse to memorize and repeat to yourself when you're tempted to fudge on the truth.  2 Nephi 9:34 "Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord avenged Israel when the people willingly offered themselves.  Judges 5:2 "Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves."

And speaking about willing offerings, a verse with a thought booklet tells us about how the children of Israel brought willing offerings to the Lord.  The Lord is pleased with the willing sacrifices we make. An 80 year old woman discontinued her lawn service and mowed her own lawn, plus disconnected her cable television so she would have more money to contribute to her church.  How willing are we to make sacrifices for the Lord?  Exodus 35:29 "The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that woe will come to the deaf who will not hear and the blind who will not see, and the uncircumcised of heart will come to a knowledge of their iniquities which shall smite them at the last day. 2 Nephi 9:31-33 "And wo unto the deaf that will not hear; for they shall perish.  Wo unto the blind that will not see; for they shall perish also.  Wo unto the uncircumcised of heart, for a knowledge of their iniquities shall smite them at the last day."

In the Old Testament we read that the children of Isael did evil in the sight of the Lord and served other gods.  This provoked the Lord to anger and He delivered them into the hands of the enemeies so that they could no longer stand against their enemies and they were greatly distressed.  If we refuse to obey the Lord's commandments, we forfeit the Lord's blessings and protection.  Judges 2:11-15 "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim:  And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger.  And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.  Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of the widow who gave two small coins, which were all that she had. Others who were rich gave much more, but in proportion to what they had, it was a much smaller percentage than what the widow gave. Jesus commended her for her generosity.  Perhaps we don't think we have much to contribute, moneywise or talentwise. Maybe we read in the newspaper about people starving in other parts of the world and think that we'd need $10 million to even make a dent in the problem.  And we don't have $10 million. So we feel hopeless and feel like it's no use trying to do anything. But that is not true.  We can all do something, even if it's small.  Maybe we can make a donation to the Humanitarian Fund of the church, which combined with all the people who likewise make small donations, will make a difference in the world.  Maybe we can give of our time to help someone in need or cheer someone who is grieving. Just by smiling at the people we see, we are making a difference in the world.  We don't have to do something huge to make other people's lives better--small acts and small contributions are noticed by God and He is pleased with our efforts. Luke 21:1-3 "And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.  And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that those who are rich in worldly things and lay their hearts upon their treasures, even to the point that they make it their god and they despise the poor, will end up losing everything.  Their treasures will perish with them.  2 Nephi 9:30 "But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also."

In the Old Testament we read about how an angel rebuked Israel for not serving the Lord.  He reminded them about how the Lord had brought them up out of Egypt and made a covenant with that that He would not brake.  But the Lord had commanded Israel to break down the altars of the false gods of the other nations and not make league with the inhabitants of the land.  They had disobeyed this.  So now the Lord would not be with Israel to drive the other nations from before them and their gods would become a snare to Israel.  When we obey the Lord, we are given promised blessings.  But when we do not do what the Lord tells us to do, we suffer the consequences.  Judges 2:1-3 "And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.  And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?  Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we trust in man and the arm of flesh, we will be cursed. We'll be like a plant trying to survive in a salty wasteland with no access to fresh water.  But if we trust in the Lord and put our hope in Him, we will receive rich blessings. We'll be like a tree with deep roots which can survive even when there is a drought.  Jeremiah 17:7-8 "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about the foolishness of men who think they are wise because they are learned, but they refuse to hearken to the counsel of God. They think they know better, but their wisdom is foolishness. They will perish.  But to be learned is good if we'll hearken to the counsels of God.  2 Nephi 9:28-29 "O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.  But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God."

In the Old Testament we read the words of Joshua as he asked the children of Israel who they will serve--the gods of the land or the true Lord?  He says that as for he and his house, he will serve the Lord. The people answer that they, too, will serve the Lord, and they covenant that they would put away the other gods. We all have this same choice to make.  Will we serve the Lord with all our hearts and put Him No. 1 in our lives?  Or will we place more importance on money or recreation or possessions, which will become as other gods to us? Where do we place our priorities and how do we show this by the things we do?  Joshua 24:15-25 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;  For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.  If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord.  And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel. And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.  So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem."

A verse with a thought booklet admonishes us to no longer pass judgment on one another.  Sometimes it's easy to find fault with each other without really understand what the other person is going through or where they're coming from.  Only God can judge another person, for only He knows all the circumstances and all the facts.  It's our job to love one another, not judge each other.  Romans 14:13 "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that all laws given have punishments attached if they are disobeyed. But the atonement satisfies the demands of justice and can restore us to the God who gave us breath. But woe unto those of us who waste the days of our probation by transgressing the laws of God. 2 Nephi 9:25-27 "Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation; and where there is no condemnation the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him.  For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them, that they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel.  But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!"

In the Old Testament we read Joshua's exhortations unto the children of Israel that they should be of good courage and hearken to the commandments of the Lord. They should not serve other gods, but cleave unto the Lord and love Him.  Joshua 23:6-8, 11 "Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;  That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:  But cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day. Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God."

A verse with a thought booklet promises us that God will not forget our work and labor of love which we show by ministering to others. Even if we sometimes feel that our service to others is not appreciated by them or they take us for granted, we can know that everything we do to love and serve others is noticed and remembered by God. Hebrews 6:10 "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Savior came into the world to save all men if they wold hearken unto His voice. He suffered for all.  He commanded all men to repent and be baptized in His name. But if they refuse, or don't endure to the end, they must be damned.  2 Nephi 9:21-24 "And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam. And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day. And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they must be damned; for the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it."

In the Old Testament we read that when Joshua was old he called everyone together to speak to them.  He reminded them of what the Lord had done for them and the battles He had fought for them.  Joshua 23:2-3 "And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age: And ye have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the Lord your God is he that hath fought for you."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that God is well pleased when we sacrifice to do good in our actions and words. We must never forget to reach out to others in need or serve them in any way we can.  And it's not enough to merely offer condolences, we need to do what we can to reach out to hurting people with a helping hand and caring heart.  Hebrews 13:16 "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about how all the dead will be delivered from their graves, their spirits being restored to their bodies. The wicked will have a perfect knowledge of all their guilt and uncleanness and the righteous will have a perfect knowledge of their purity. All men, good and evil, will appear before God for judgment. Those who have been evil will go away into everlasting fire, but those who lived righteously shall inherit the Kingdom of God and their joy will be full forever.  2 Nephi 9:13-20 "O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect.  Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness. And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-seat of the Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the judgment, and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God.  And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end.  O the greatness and the justice of our God! For he executeth all his words, and they have gone forth out of his mouth, and his law must be fulfilled. But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever. O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment. 

O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it."

In the Old Testament we read about how the people built an altar of testimony by Jordan to show they were the Lord's people.  It as not an altar for sacrifices or burnt offerings, but was to be a witness. Joshua 22:26-28 "Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the Lord before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the Lord. Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the Lord, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that pure and undefiled religion does more than must preach sermons--it looks after widows and orphans in their distress. It doesn't just talk the talk, but it walks the walks and actually does something to serve others and show them love.  James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that even though we will die in the flesh, we'll be resurrected and in our bodies we will see God. The Savior would subject Himself unto men and die, providing an atonement which would ransom men from the fall of Adam and allow them t be forgiven for their sins.  He would provide the way for all men to be resurrected from the dead. This came about because of the mercy and grace of God and prepares the way for us to escape from the awful grasp of death and hell.  2 Nephi 9:4-12 "For I know that ye have searched much, many of you, to know of things to come; wherefore I know that ye know that our flesh must waste away and die; nevertheless, in our bodies we shall see God. Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.  For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord. Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.  O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more. And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.  O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit.  And because of the way of deliverance of our God, the Holy One of Israel, this death, of which I have spoken, which is the temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave. And this death of which I have spoken, which is the spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual death is hell; wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel."

In the Old Testament we read how Joshua blessed the people and admonished them to keep the commandments and to love the Lord and serve Him with all their heart and soul. This is something we also need to do--love the Lord, serve Him, and keep His commandments.  Joshua 22:5-6 "But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.  So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents."  

A verse with a thought booklet says that we are ambassadors for Christ and we need to bring the message to people that He would bring, that we can be reconciled to God. How would we conduct our lives differently if we truly remembered that we are representing Christ to the people of the world and need to act as His ambassadors? Do we spread the message of the gospel in both our words and deeds?   2 Corinthians 5:20 "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read a reminder of the covenants tat the Lord made with Israel. The Lord has spoken to them through His prophets all down through the ages and would continue to do. They would be restored to the true church and gathered home to the lands of their inheritance. They could life up their heads and rejoice because of the great blessings that the Lord would bestow upon them and their children.  2 Nephi 9:1-3 "And now, my beloved brethren, I have read these things that ye might know concerning the covenants of the Lord that he has covenanted with all the house of Israel— That he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of his holy prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to generation, until the time comes that they shall be restored to the true church and fold of God; when they shall be gathered home to the lands of their inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promise.  Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children."

In the Old Testament we read that every good thing that the Lord had promised the house of Israel came to pass.  When the Lord tells us He's going to do something, we can absolutely count on it!  He keeps His word.  Joshua 21:45 "There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that when iniquity abounds, love often waxes cold.  A wicked person is often lacking in love, both love for other people and love for God. The greatest commandment is to love God and our fellowmen.  Matthew 24:12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Jerusalem needs to awake and stand up. The fury and rebuke of the Lord would come upon them and they would be afflicted. But the Lord would plead the cause of His people. Jerusalem should shake itself from the dust and arise, and loose itself from the bands around its neck.  2 Nephi 8:17-25 "Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury—thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling wrung out— And none to guide her among all the sons she hath brought forth; neither that taketh her by the hand, of all the sons she hath brought up.  These two sons are come unto thee, who shall be sorry for thee—thy desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword—and by whom shall I comfort thee? Thy sons have fainted, save these two; they lie at the head of all the streets; as a wild bull in a net, they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God. Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, and not with wine: Thus saith thy Lord, the Lord and thy God pleadeth the cause of his people; behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again. But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; who have said to thy soul: Bow down, that we may go over—and thou hast laid thy body as the ground and as the street to them that went over.  Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord told Joshua not to be afraid because He would deliver his enemies up to him.  When we have the Lord on our side, it doesn't matter who is against us, and we have no need to fear.  Joshua 11:6-8 "And the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.  So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them.  And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephoth-maim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that in the last days we'll see great signs that the Second Coming of Christ is near.  We'll see signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and in the earth being in distress and the sea roaring, and the powers of heaven being shaken.  Men's hearts will fail them with all these scary things going on.  But we don't need to fear.  Just like we can tell the seasons by looking at the fig tree and knowing when summer will come, we can look at these signs and know that the coming of the Lord is near at hand.  Luke 21:25-31 "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.  So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that we should not fear what people can do to us, nor be afraid of their reproach or revilings. They will not last.  But the righteousness of the Lord will last forever and His salvation will be from generation to generation. We need to awake and rely on the strength of the arm of the Lord. He is the one who dried up the Red Sea so the Israelites could pass over. The redeemed will come to Zion with singing and everlasting joy. Their mourning will flee away. We have no reason to fear man who will die, for the Lord will comfort us. And the Lord is mighty, having stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth. Zion is His people.  2 Nephi 8:7-16 "Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart I have written my law, fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool. But my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation. Awake, awake! Put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake as in the ancient days. Art thou not he that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? Art thou not he who hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?  Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads; and they shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and mourning shall flee away.  I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto grass? And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth, and hast feared continually every day, because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor?  The captive exile hasteneth, that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.  But I am the Lord thy God, whose waves roared; the Lord of Hosts is my name. And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion: Behold, thou art my people."

In the Old Testament we read that Joshua smote all the kings and took their land, even as the Lord commanded him.  He destroyed all that breathed and left none remaining.  The Lord fought for Israel.  Joshua 10: 39-42 "And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king. So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the Lord God of Israel commanded. And Joshua smote them from Kadesh-barnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon.  And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that a man will be blessed who refuses to take counsel from the ungodly but who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates upon it day and night.  Psalms 1:1-2 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we continue to read the words of Isaiah. The law proceeds forth from the Lord and His judgment will be a light for the people. They can trust on the arm of the Lord. The earth may wax old and vanish away like smoke, but the salvation of the Lord will be forever and His righteousness will not be abolished.   2 Nephi 8:4-6 "Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people. My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arm shall judge the people. The isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.  Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner. But my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord told Joshua not to fear their enemies for He had delivered them into his hands.  When we trust in the Lord, we have nothing to fear.  He will take care of us.  Joshua 10:8 "And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord loves a cheerful giver.  So we need to give with the right purpose in our hearts, not because we're forced to or with a grudging attitude.  2 Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read more of Isaiah's words. We should follow after righteousness and look unto Abraham and Sarah. The Lord will comfort Zion and bring joy and gladness.  2 Nephi 8:1-3 "Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness. Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence ye are digged.  Look unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah, she that bare you; for I called him alone, and blessed him. For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody."

In the Old Testament we read that Joshua read all the words of the law, both blessings and cursings, to the people.  He read all the words that Moses had commanded.  Joshua 8:34-35 "And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.  There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about how during a drought the Lord told Elijah to go ahnd hide himself by the brook Cherith where he could drink from the brook and the Lord would send ravens to him morning and evening to bring him bread and meat to eat.  The Lord took care of Him, and He will take care of us as we trust in Him.  And sometimes He sends us to be the ravens for other people in their time of need.  1 Kings 17:2-6 "And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.  And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.  So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.  And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read more of the words of Isaiah in which he prophesies that the Messiah will give His back to the smiters and would be spit upon. But He shall not be confounded.  2 Nephi 7:6-11 "I gave my back to the smiter, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting.  For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.  And the Lord is near, and he justifieth me. Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me, and I will smite him with the strength of my mouth.  For the Lord God will help me. And all they who shall condemn me, behold, all they shall wax old as a garment, and the moth shall eat them up.  Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?  Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow."

In the Old Testament we read about how the walls of Jericho fell down when the people shouted and the priests blew their trumpets so the children of Israel were able to take the city.  Joshua 6:20 "So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet instruct us about what to do if someone trespasses against us.  First we should talk to that person privately to see if we can work things out just between the two of us.  If that doesn't work then we need to ask two or three people to be witnesses, or go to the church for help.  But before involving other people, we need to seek to work out our differences with the other person involved.  I've seen cases where someone was upset with their friend and went around to everyone who would listen, recounting their friend's wrongdoings.  But they hadn't bothered trying to work things out with the person involved.  Sometimes there can be a simple misunderstanding that is easily resolved if we'll just talk to the person we're upset with.  Don't involve other people in your disputes until you've at least tried to work things out with the person you're having the problem with.  Matthew 18:15-17 "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read prophesies of Isaiah, speaking Messianically. The Messiah will have the tongue of the learned. He has great power to save, and to do mighty works.  2 Nephi 7:1-5 "Yea, for thus saith the Lord: Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off forever? For thus saith the Lord: Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement? To whom have I put thee away, or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.  Wherefore, when I came, there was no man; when I called, yea, there was none to answer. O house of Israel, is my hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem, or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make their rivers a wilderness and their fish to stink because the waters are dried up, and they die because of thirst.  I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.  The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season unto thee, O house of Israel. When ye are weary he waketh morning by morning. He waketh mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back."

In the Old Testament we read that once the children of Israel entered the promised land, they ate the fruit of the land and the manna which the Lord had sent to feed them for 40 years in the wilderness ceased.  When they had had nothing else to eat, the Lord provided for them miraculously.  But once they entered Canaan where food was available, the manna as stopped.  The Lord will provide for us, in miraculous ways if necessary.  But if we can obtain what we need by our own labors, we need to do so.  Joshua 5:12 "And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to throw off everything that hinders us and the sins that so easily entangle us and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Out attitude makes all the difference.  Do we concentrate on the things that are going wrong in our lives and let that discourage us?  Or do we put all the negatives aside and move forward with faith?  The story is told of a group that went deep sea fishing.  One woman in the group got sea sick and wanted to go back home.  But the boat wasn't schedule to go ashore for another six hours.  Her husband told her to go lie down and rest, which she did.  Then after a few hours she got up, baited her hook and tried to fish.  She caught her limit of salmon when nobody else on the boat caught a thing that day.  As she got off the boat she said she wanted to sign up for another trip!  What made the difference?  Attitude.  Hebrews 2:1 "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that if the Gentiles repent and don't fight against Zion, they will be saved. The people of the Lord are those who wait for Him.None will be destroyed who believe in Him. However, those who don't believe in Him will suffer fire, tempest, earthquakes, bloodshed, famines, and other awful things, and they will come to know that the Lord is God. God will deliver His covenant people and bring punishment upon those who afflict them.  2 Nephi 6:12-18 " And blessed are the Gentiles, they of whom the prophet has written; for behold, if it so be that they shall repent and fight not against Zion, and do not unite themselves to that great and abominable church, they shall be saved; for the Lord God will fulfil his covenants which he has made unto his children; and for this cause the prophet has written these things. Wherefore, they that fight against Zion and the covenant people of the Lord shall lick up the dust of their feet; and the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed. For the people of the Lord are they who wait for him; for they still wait for the coming of the Messiah.  And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover them; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory, unto the destruction of their enemies, when that day cometh when they shall believe in him; and none will he destroy that believe in him. And they that believe not in him shall be destroyed, both by fire, and by tempest, and by earthquakes, and by bloodsheds, and by pestilence, and by famine. And they shall know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel.  For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive 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 the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee— And I will feed them that oppress thee, with their own flesh; and 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 in order for the Lord to show the Israelites that He was with them and would give them the land He had promised, He told Joshua to have the priests that bore the ark of the covenant to start walking out into the Jordan River.  After the soles of their feet touched the water, the water stopped and piled up so they could walk across the river on dry ground.  It was a miracle similar to the one where the Lord had parted the Red Sea so that Moses and the children of Israel could escape from the Egyptians who were chasing them. Notice that the Lord didn't part the Jordan River FIRST so that they could see dry ground before they started to walk across.  They were told to get their feet wet and THEN the miracle would take place.  Sometimes we can't see clearly the way before us and we need to talk forth in faith before the miracle will happen. It takes much more faith to start walking out into the raging river before it's parted than it would to have it parted before we get our feet wet.  But sometimes we need to demonstrate our faith before the Lord will act in our behalf.  Joshua 3:6-17 "And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.  And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God. And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.  And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people; And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)  That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.  And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it is good and pleasant when brothers can live together in unity. How true! When we can cooperate with each other and get along without contention and strife, it certainly makes life more joyful.  Psalms 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"