Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Alma desired to cry repentance with angelic zeal and glories in the Lord's work and in the success of Ammon and his brethren.  Alma 29:1-17 "O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!  Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.  I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.  Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience. Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?  Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth?  For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.  I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.  And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.  Yea, and I also remember the captivity of my fathers; for I surely do know that the Lord did deliver them out of bondage, and by this did establish his church; yea, the Lord God, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, did deliver them out of bondage.  Yea, I have always remembered the captivity of my fathers; and that same God who delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians did deliver them out of bondage.  Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full. But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.  Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!  Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy.  And now may God grant unto these, my brethren, that they may sit down in the kingdom of God; yea, and also all those who are the fruit of their labors that they may go no more out, but that they may praise him forever. And may God grant that it may be done according to my words, even as I have spoken. Amen."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus tried to tell His disciples what was going to happen to Him--that he was going to suffer many things and be killed but that on the third day He would be raised from the dead.  Peter didn't want to hear this.  He tried to assure Jesus that this wasn't going to happen to Him.  But Jesus chastised Peter, telling him that he was not thinking God's thoughts, but human ones.  Matthew 16:21-23 "From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to keep our thoughts on good things--things that are honest, true, virtuous, worthy to be praised. If we keep our thoughts in the right place, our actions will follow.  Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that this is the account of Ammon and his brethren--their joys and sorrows, and the wars and contentions that existed between the Nephites and Lamanites. Many thousands were killed.  The sicked were consigned to a state of endless woe and the righteous attained a never-ending happiness. Alma 28:8-14 "And this is the account of Ammon and his brethren, their journeyings in the land of Nephi, their sufferings in the land, their sorrows, and their afflictions, and their incomprehensible joy, and the reception and safety of the brethren in the land of Jershon. And now may the Lord, the Redeemer of all men, bless their souls forever. And this is the account of the wars and contentions among the Nephites, and also the wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites; and the fifteenth year of the reign of the judges is ended.  And from the first year to the fifteenth has brought to pass the destruction of many thousand lives; yea, it has brought to pass an awful scene of bloodshed.  And the bodies of many thousands are laid low in the earth, while the bodies of many thousands are moldering in heaps upon the face of the earth; yea, and many thousands are mourning for the loss of their kindred, because they have reason to fear, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are consigned to a state of endless wo. While many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness. And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.  And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life."

In the New Testament we read the story of how 5,000 people were fed with five loaves of bread and two fish.  I've seen similar miracles occur in modern times--times when people did not have sufficient for their needs but they turned to the Lord and He made what they have ample for them.  If we find ourselves lacking, we can turn to the Lord to help.  Matthew 14:13-21 "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.  But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.  And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.  He said, Bring them hither to me.  And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.  And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is our keeper.  What better guardian can we have? Psalms 121:5 "The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that there was a tremendous battle in which tens of thousands were slain and many people mourned. It was a time of fasting and prayer.   Alma 28:1-7 "And now it came to pass that after the people of Ammon were established in the land of Jershon, and a church also established in the land of Jershon, and the armies of the Nephites were set round about the land of Jershon, yea, in all the borders round about the land of Zarahemla; behold the armies of the Lamanites had followed their brethren into the wilderness.  And thus there was a tremendous battle; yea, even such an one as never had been known among all the people in the land from the time Lehi left Jerusalem; yea, and tens of thousands of the Lamanites were slain and scattered abroad.  Yea, and also there was a tremendous slaughter among the people of Nephi; nevertheless, the Lamanites were driven and scattered, and the people of Nephi returned again to their land. And now this was a time that there was a great mourning and lamentation heard throughout all the land, among all the people of Nephi— Yea, the cry of widows mourning for their husbands, and also of fathers mourning for their sons, and the daughter for the brother, yea, the brother for the father; and thus the cry of mourning was heard among all of them, mourning for their kindred who had been slain.  And now surely this was a sorrowful day; yea, a time of solemnity, and a time of much fasting and prayer.  And thus endeth the fifteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi;"

In the New Testament we read the parable of the soils.  Seeds planted on different types of ground yield different increases.  And this is likened to those who hear the Word of God.  Just like seed that falls on the path is eaten by birds, so when people hear the Word of the Lord and don't understand it, the wicked one comes and snatches it away before it can take root. Seed planted on rocky ground sprouts quickly but then because its rots are shallow, it withers in the sun.  This is like a person who hears the Word of God and receives it joyfully but i doesn't really take root in their hears.  So when persecution or distress comes, they don't endure but fall away.  Seeds that fall among thorny plants that choke them is like a person who hears the Word but the worries of this life or the false appeal of wealth choke the Word and it bears no fruit.  But just like the seed that falls on good ground yields fruit to different degrees, so the person who hears and understands the Word of God and allows it to take root deep in their heart will yield good fruit, some 30, 60, or a hundred fold.  Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 "And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;  And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:  And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:  But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.  Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that if we want a long life full of peace, we need to keep the commandments of the Lord.  Proverbs 3:1-2 "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:  For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Ammon returned to the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi with the great news that they would be given the land of Jershon where they would be protected, in exchange for giving the Nephites a portion of their substance to maintain their armies.  This made the people very happy.  They were honest and upright and firm in their faith in Christ. They would rather suffer death than take the life of another person. Alma 27:24-30 "And now behold, this will we do unto our brethren, that they may inherit the land Jershon; and we will guard them from their enemies with our armies, on condition that they will give us a portion of their substance to assist us that we may maintain our armies.  Now, it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he returned to the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, and also Alma with him, into the wilderness, where they had pitched their tents, and made known unto them all these things. And Alma also related unto them his conversion, with Ammon and Aaron, and his brethren.  And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among them. And they went down into the land of Jershon, and took possession of the land of Jershon; and they were called by the Nephites the people of Ammon; therefore they were distinguished by that name ever after.  And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.  And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.  Therefore, they would suffer death in the most aggravating and distressing manner which could be inflicted by their brethren, before they would take the sword or cimeter to smite them.  And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord."

In the New Testament we read that men are known by their fruits, or what they produce.  Good deeds come from good people and bad deeds come from evil people. On judgment day we'll have to answer for every useless word we speak.  We'll be judged innocent or condemned guilty by the words we say.  Matthew 12:33-37 "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that just as the Lord keep His covenant with the children of Israel and delivered them out of Egypt, so will His Spirit remain among us and we don't need to fear.  Haggai 2:5 "According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Ammon and his brethren had a joyous meeting with Alma, who took them to his own house.  They recounted to the chief judge everything that had happened with the Lamanites and explained the situation with the Anti-Nephi-Lehis. The people tok a vote about what to do with them and it was decided that they should be allowed to dwell in the land of Jershon, and that their armies would protect them, since they did not want to take up arms because of their sore repentance. Alma 27:15-23 "And it came to pass that Ammon said unto them: Behold, I and my brethren will go forth into the land of Zarahemla, and ye shall remain here until we return; and we will try the hearts of our brethren, whether they will that ye shall come into their land.  And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.  Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.  Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.  Now the joy of Alma in meeting his brethren was truly great, and also the joy of Aaron, of Omner, and Himni; but behold their joy was not that to exceed their strength.  And now it came to pass that Alma conducted his brethren back to the land of Zarahemla; even to his own house. And they went and told the chief judge all the things that had happened unto them in the land of Nephi, among their brethren, the Lamanites.  And it came to pass that the chief judge sent a proclamation throughout all the land, desiring the voice of the people concerning the admitting their brethren, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.  And it came to pass that the voice of the people came, saying: Behold, we will give up the land of Jershon, which is on the east by the sea, which joins the land Bountiful, which is on the south of the land Bountiful; and this land Jershon is the land which we will give unto our brethren for an inheritance. And behold, we will set our armies between the land Jershon and the land Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the land Jershon; and this we do for our brethren, on account of their fear to take up arms against their brethren lest they should commit sin; and this their great fear came because of their sore repentance which they had, on account of their many murders and their awful wickedness."

In the New Testament, Jesus beckons us to come unto Him.  If we are struggling and carrying heavy loads, He will give us rest.  We need to put on His yoke and learn of Him.  He is gentle and humble and His yoke is easy to bear. Matthew 11:25-30 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.  All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God.  Romans 8:35, 38-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when the Lamanites who had gone to war against the Nephites saw that it was in vain to see their destruction, they returned to the land of Nephi. When the hard hearted Amalekites saw that they couldn't seek revenge against the Nephites, they turned their anger toward the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. But the Anti-Nephi-Lehis refused to take up arms to defend themselves. Ammon and his brethren were moved to compassion when they saw this. When Ammon inquired of the Lord, the Lord told him to get the people out of the land to preserve them.  Alma 27:1-14 "Now it came to pass that when those Lamanites who had gone to war against the Nephites had found, after their many struggles to destroy them, that it was in vain to seek their destruction, they returned again to the land of Nephi. And it came to pass that the Amalekites, because of their loss, were exceedingly angry. And when they saw that they could not seek revenge from the Nephites, they began to stir up the people in anger against their brethren, the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi; therefore they began again to destroy them. Now this people again refused to take their arms, and they suffered themselves to be slain according to the desires of their enemies. Now when Ammon and his brethren saw this work of destruction among those whom they so dearly beloved, and among those who had so dearly beloved them—for they were treated as though they were angels sent from God to save them from everlasting destruction—therefore, when Ammon and his brethren saw this great work of destruction, they were moved with compassion, and they said unto the king:  Let us gather together this people of the Lord, and let us go down to the land of Zarahemla to our brethren the Nephites, and flee out of the hands of our enemies, that we be not destroyed. But the king said unto them: Behold, the Nephites will destroy us, because of the many murders and sins we have committed against them.  And Ammon said: I will go and inquire of the Lord, and if he say unto us, go down unto our brethren, will ye go?  And the king said unto him: Yea, if the Lord saith unto us go, we will go down unto our brethren, and we will be their slaves until we repair unto them the many murders and sins which we have committed against them. But Ammon said unto him: It is against the law of our brethren, which was established by my father, that there should be any slaves among them; therefore let us go down and rely upon the mercies of our brethren.  But the king said unto him: Inquire of the Lord, and if he saith unto us go, we will go; otherwise we will perish in the land.  And it came to pass that Ammon went and inquired of the Lord, and the Lord said unto him:  Get this people out of this land, that they perish not; for Satan has great hold on the hearts of the Amalekites, who do stir up the Lamanites to anger against their brethren to slay them; therefore get thee out of this land; and blessed are this people in this generation, for I will preserve them.  And now it came to pass that Ammon went and told the king all the words which the Lord had said unto him.  And they gathered together all their people, yea, all the people of the Lord, and did gather together all their flocks and herds, and departed out of the land, and came into the wilderness which divided the land of Nephi from the land of Zarahemla, and came over near the borders of the land."

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus traveled among all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, announcing the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.  When He saw the crowds of people, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36 "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that help comes from the Lord.  He made heaven and earth and never slumbers nor sleeps.  He will provide us with what we need and will preserve our souls.  When we need help, we need to look up to Him. Although we may encounter problems and challenges in our lives, we can gain great comfort knowing that God is our keeper and will be there for us through it all.  Psalms 121:1-8 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.  The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Ammon's joy caused him to boast in his God and praise Him with thanksgiving forever.  Alma 26: 35-37 "Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.  Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.  Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen." 

In the New Testament we read accounts of Jesus healing many people, which was a fulfillment of prophesies by Isaiah hundreds of years earlier.  Matthew 8:14-17 "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that rather that glory in wisdom, might and riches, we should glory in he Lord who exercises loving kindness and righteousness. Jeremiah 9:23-24 "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Ammon recounted how when he'd been discouraged and wanted to give up, the Lord had strengthened him and helped him bear his afflictions with patience. They had gone forth to preach to the Lamanites, in spite of being persecuted and suffering all manner of afflictions, because they wanted to be the means of saving some soul. And now they could look upon the fruits of their labors and see how the people who had been converted loved others and would rather be slain than take the life of someone else.  Alma 26: 27-34 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.  And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.  And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some. Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us. For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than even to take the life of their enemy; and they have buried their weapons of war deep in the earth, because of their love towards their brethren.  And now behold I say unto you, has there been so great love in all the land? Behold, I say unto you, Nay, there has not, even among the Nephites. For behold, they would take up arms against their brethren; they would not suffer themselves to be slain. But behold how many of these have laid down their lives; and we know that they have gone to their God, because of their love and of their hatred to sin."

In the New Testament we read that it's not enough to love our neighbor but hate our enemy.  We need to also love our enemies and do good to those who treat us unkindly. Matthew 5:43-48 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive and we should labor to support the weak.  Acts 20:35 "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read how when Ammon and his brethren had told those in Zarahemla that they were going to preach to the Lamanites, they had laughed them to scorn. They had pointed out how stiffnecked the people were and about the gross iniquities they were guilty of. They suggested it would be better to destroy them.  But Ammon did not want to destroy them, he wanted to try to save their souls.   Alma 26: 23-26 "Now do ye remember, my brethren, that we said unto our brethren in the land of Zarahemla, we go up to the land of Nephi, to preach unto our brethren, the Lamanites, and they laughed us to scorn?  For they said unto us: Do ye suppose that ye can bring the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth? Do ye suppose that ye can convince the Lamanites of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers, as stiffnecked a people as they are; whose hearts delight in the shedding of blood; whose days have been spent in the grossest iniquity; whose ways have been the ways of a transgressor from the beginning? Now my brethren, ye remember that this was their language. And moreover they did say: Let us take up arms against them, that we destroy them and their iniquity out of the land, lest they overrun us and destroy us. But behold, my beloved brethren, we came into the wilderness not with the intent to destroy our brethren, but with the intent that perhaps we might save some few of their souls."

In the New Testament we read that it's not enough to merely not be guilty of murder.  We also need to avoid becoming angry with others, or calling them names.  Matthew 5:21-22 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." 

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us to lay not up for ourselves the treasures of the earth which do not last, but rather lay up treasures in heaven which thieves cannot steal and which will not rust or deteriorate. The story is told of a little boy who saw hail for the first time. Since he had no experience with hail, he didn't know what it was.  He thought it was diamonds falling from the sky.  So he gathered a lot of it up into a pile and then went running to his brothers and sisters to tell they they were rich!  But when he went back to the pile of "diamonds" he had gathered they found only a melted puddle.  He was very disappointed.  So will we be disappointed if we place our trust in the wealth of this world which will fade away just like that little boy's "diamonds" did.  Matthew 6:19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read how Ammon recounted how they had got about trying to destroy the church, but the Lord in His mercy had brought salvation to their souls.  Toe who repent, exercise faith, pray, and have good works will have the mysteries of God revealed to them.  Alma 26: 18-22 "Behold, we went forth even in wrath, with mighty threatenings to destroy his church.  Oh then, why did he not consign us to an awful destruction, yea, why did he not let the sword of his justice fall upon us, and doom us to eternal despair? Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.  And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent.  Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance."

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus called some of His disciples.  They were busy with their everyday work--casting fishing nets into the sea or in a boat repairing nets.  Jesus called them to come follow Him.  They did not hesitate.  They left when that were doing and immediately followed Him.  How promptly and unhesitatingly do we do what the Lord calls us to do?  Are we willing to interrupt what we're doing and change our plans?  Notice when Jesus called His disciples, they weren't just sitting around doing nothing, waiting for something to occupy their time.  Calls to serve don't come at convenient times when we have nothing better to do.  The time to serve whenever we're called, whenever there is a need, whenever we receive a prompting.  Are we willing to follow the examples of Peter, Andrew, James and John and come follow Him straight way?  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."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the things that God has prepared for those who love Him are greater than we've ever seen, heard, or even imagined!  1 Corinthians 2:9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that if Ammon and his brethren had not come from the land of Zarahemla, the Lamanites they'd be able to help bring to the Lord would still have hated them and they would have remained strangers. Aaron rebuked Ammon, saying his joy was carrying him into boasting. Ammon told him he was not rejoicing in his own strength, but was rejoicing in the Lord.  Miracles had been wrought and thousands had been loosed from the pains of hell. This is reason to praise God forevermore. Who can glory too much in the Lord? Alma 26: 9-17 "For if we had not come up out of the land of Zarahemla, these our dearly beloved brethren, who have so dearly beloved us, would still have been racked with hatred against us, yea, and they would also have been strangers to God.  And it came to pass that when Ammon had said these words, his brother Aaron rebuked him, saying: Ammon, I fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto boasting.  But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever. Behold, how many thousands of our brethren has he loosed from the pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming love, and this because of the power of his word which is in us, therefore have we not great reason to rejoice?  Yea, we have reason to praise him forever, for he is the Most High God, and has loosed our brethren from the chains of hell. Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work.  Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.  Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state?"

In the New Testament we read about how Joseph was warned in a dream to take his wife Mary and the baby Jesus and flee into Egypt, thus escaping having the baby killed by the wicked Herod. Sometimes the Lord speaks to us by dreams, sometimes by a still small voice, sometimes by impressions that come into our minds.  But no matter how these promptings come, we need to listen and obey, just as Joseph did.  Matthew 2:13-15 "And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.  When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:  And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son." 

A verse with  thought booklet warns those who are rich in worldly wealth not be arrogant or proud, nor put their trust in their money which is uncertain, but to put their hope and trust in God. Worldly fortunes can be wiped out in an instant, so no matter how much money we accumulate, it cannot offer us the security we can have by trusting in the Lord. He can help us get through anything, and we can depend on Him. And remember:  on judgment day all your wealth and worldly possessions will be worth nothing--the only thing that will matter will be your relationship with the Lord.  1 Timothy 6:17 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;"

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the faithful are strengthened by the Lord and will not be beaten down by the storms of life. We need to give thanks and praise to God.  Alma 26: 5-8 "Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted. Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.  But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day.  Blessed be the name of our God; let us sing to his praise, yea, let us give thanks to his holy name, for he doth work righteousness forever."

In the Old Testament I read that at the Second Coming of Christ, the proud and wicked will be burned as stubble, but to those who reverence the Lord, He will arise with healing in His wings. We don't know when Christ will come again, but we need to be prepared by keeping His commandments and making sure we won't be among those who are burned. The time to repent is now.  Malachi 4:1-2 "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."

Some verses with a thought booklet might give some insight into why bad things sometimes happen to us.  They say that before I was afflicted, I went astray but now I obey Thy word.  And it was good that I was afflicted because it helped me learn Thy commandments. Sometimes it takes us going through trials and tribulations in order to humble us and get us to turn to the Lord. If all is going well in our lives, it can be easier to forget God and not be mindful how much we need Him in our lives.  But once things start going wrong, we are forced to turn to Him because we have no where else to go for help. God is always good and wants good for us. But sometimes by allowing us to suffer, He is able to correct us and refine us and prepare us so we can dwell with Him for eternity.  Psalms 119:67, 71 "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read how grateful Ammon was for the great blessings the Lord had bestowed on him and his brethren. The Lamanites had been in darkness, but now many of them had been converted and brought to the light of God.  And Ammon was grateful that he and his brethren had been able to be instruments in the hands of God to help bring this to pass.  Alma 26:1-4 "And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren, which say thus: My brothers and my brethren, behold I say unto you, how great reason have we to rejoice; for could we have supposed when we started from the land of Zarahemla that God would have granted unto us such great blessings?  And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye tell?  Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.  Behold, thousands of them do rejoice, and have been brought into the fold of God."

In the Old Testament we read some familiar verses about paying tithing.  If we don't pay it we are robbing God and will be cursed with a curse.  If we do pay it, the Lord will open the windows of heaven for it, that we'll receive so many blessings there won't be room enough to receive them.  I have found this to be so true in my ow life.  As long as I pay my tithing, I always seem to have enough money for what I need, and miracles seem to occur to make sure that I do.  Malachi 3:8-11 "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.  Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that unless the law of the Lord is our delight, we can perish in affliction. Did you know that it says nine times in the Book of Psalms that the word of the Lord is a delight? Do we think of it that way, and actually delight in it? Actually having faith in the Lord can bring us great joy and help us get through any difficulties that come our way. And that, indeed, is a delight!   Psalms 119:92 "Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that many Lamanites are converted and join the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.  They believe in Christ and keep the Law of Moses.   Alma 25: 13-17 " And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that they could not overpower the Nephites they returned again to their own land; and many of them came over to dwell in the land of Ishmael and the land of Nephi, and did join themselves to the people of God, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. And they did also bury their weapons of war, according as their brethren had, and they began to be a righteous people; and they did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe to keep his commandments and his statutes.  Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.  Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those things to come.  And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni, and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto them according to their prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto them in every particular."

In the Old Testament we read that if we will not give glory to the name of the Lord and we refuse to listen to Him or that His words to heart, we will be cursed instead of blessed. Malachi 2:2 "If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God.  1 Corinthians 3:19 "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."

from: Wilbur Little

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Lamanite aggressions spread and the seed of the priests of Noah were killed, just as Abinadi had prophesied. Many Lamanites were killed because of their belief.  Alma 25:1-12 "And behold, now it came to pass that those Lamanites were more angry because they had slain their brethren; therefore they swore vengeance upon the Nephites; and they did no more attempt to slay the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi at that time. But they took their armies and went over into the borders of the land of Zarahemla, and fell upon the people who were in the land of Ammonihah and destroyed them.  And after that, they had many battles with the Nephites, in the which they were driven and slain.  And among the Lamanites who were slain were almost all the seed of Amulon and his brethren, who were the priests of Noah, and they were slain by the hands of the Nephites;  And the remainder, having fled into the east wilderness, and having usurped the power and authority over the Lamanites, caused that many of the Lamanites should perish by fire because of their belief—  For many of them, after having suffered much loss and so many afflictions, began to be stirred up in remembrance of the words which Aaron and his brethren had preached to them in their land; therefore they began to disbelieve the traditions of their fathers, and to believe in the Lord, and that he gave great power unto the Nephites; and thus there were many of them converted in the wilderness.  And it came to pass that those rulers who were the remnant of the children of Amulon caused that they should be put to death, yea, all those that believed in these things.  Now this martyrdom caused that many of their brethren should be stirred up to anger; and there began to be contention in the wilderness; and the Lamanites began to hunt the seed of Amulon and his brethren and began to slay them; and they fled into the east wilderness.  And behold they are hunted at this day by the Lamanites. Thus the words of Abinadi were brought to pass, which he said concerning the seed of the priests who caused that he should suffer death by fire.  For he said unto them: What ye shall do unto me shall be a type of things to come.  And now Abinadi was the first that suffered death by fire because of his belief in God; now this is what he meant, that many should suffer death by fire, according as he had suffered. And he said unto the priests of Noah that their seed should cause many to be put to death, in the like manner as he was, and that they should be scattered abroad and slain, even as a sheep having no shepherd is driven and slain by wild beasts; and now behold, these words were verified, for they were driven by the Lamanites, and they were hunted, and they were smitten."

In the Old Testament we read that when Christ comes again, the Jews will ask Him what are the wounds in his hands. He'll tell them that He was wounded in the house of His friends.  Zechariah 13:6 "And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends."

A verse with a thought booklet warns us to avoid even the appearance of evil.  A couple's car was wrecked in an accident and they needed to find a replacement.  They were looking at cars in a parking lot to get an idea of what they wanted.  They looked through some of the windows to see what the seats and controls were like in the various vehicles.  Pretty soon a security guard confronted them, saying that several people had reported "suspicious activity" on their part. They weren't actually guilty of trying to steal any cars, but they sure looked like it. We need to be mindful that others may be watching our actions and we need to remain above reproach.  1 Thessalonians 5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when the Lamanites saw that their brethren would not flee from their swords, but prayed to God while they were being slain, their hearts were softened and they began to repent of what they had done. More people were converted than had been slain. However, none of the Amalekites or Amulonites were converted.  Those who had once been enlightened by the Spirit of God and had had great knowledge of things of the Spirit who had fallen away into sin and transgression became more hardened than those who had never known those things.   Alma 24:23-30 "Now when the Lamanites saw that their brethren would not flee from the sword, neither would they turn aside to the right hand or to the left, but that they would lie down and perish, and praised God even in the very act of perishing under the sword—  Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they repented of the things which they had done.  And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons of war, and they would not take them again, for they were stung for the murders which they had committed; and they came down even as their brethren, relying upon the mercies of those whose arms were lifted to slay them. And it came to pass that the people of God were joined that day by more than the number who had been slain; and those who had been slain were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what they were saved.  And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but there were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people.  Now the greatest number of those of the Lamanites who slew so many of their brethren were Amalekites and Amulonites, the greatest number of whom were after the order of the Nehors.  Now, among those who joined the people of the Lord, there were none who were Amalekites or Amulonites, or who were of the order of Nehor, but they were actual descendants of Laman and Lemuel.  And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things."

In the Old Testament we read that we should all speak the truth to our neighbors, and we should execute the judgment of truth and peace and not allow evil in our hearts.  Zechariah 8:16-17 "These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is our strength and our might and we can trust in Him and not be afraid; He is our salvation.  Isaiah 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lamanites who had been converted were firm in their faith, being willing to suffer death rather than commit sin. When their enemies came upon them they went out to meet them. prostrated themselves to the earth, and called upon the Lord as they were being killed. A thousand and five of them were killed in this manner, without meeting any resistance.  Alma 24:19-22 "And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace.  And it came to pass that their brethren, the Lamanites, made preparations for war, and came up to the land of Nephi for the purpose of destroying the king, and to place another in his stead, and also of destroying the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi out of the land. Now when the people saw that they were coming against them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword.  And thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay a thousand and five of them; and we know that they are blessed, for they have gone to dwell with their God."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord, through His prophet Zechariah, commanded the people to show mercy and compassion on others, and to live godly lives.  But they didn't want to hear any of this.  They stuck their fingers in their ears so they wouldn't need to listen, and they hardened their hearts against he word of the Lord.  This brought on the wrath of the Lord and because they refused to listen to Him, H would not listen to them, and He scattered them and made their land desolate.  Zechariah 7:8-14 "And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:  And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts:  But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet go along with this, instructing us to preach the word of the Lord and exhort people with all long suffering, even though many of them will reject what we have to say, turn their ears away from the truth, and prefer to believe falsehoods.  But we need to endure these afflictions and fulfill our ministry.  2 Timothy 4:2-5 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that rather than stain their swords with the blood of their brethren, they chose to bury them in the earth. They would rather be slain than to kill those who fought against them, knowing that they would go to their God and be saved.  Alma 24:13-18 "Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords that they be not stained with the blood of our brethren; for perhaps, if we should stain our swords again they can no more be washed bright through the blood of the Son of our great God, which shall be shed for the atonement of our sins.  And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.  Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby.  And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall go to our God and shall be saved.  And now it came to pass that when the king had made an end of these sayings, and all the people were assembled together, they took their swords, and all the weapons which were used for the shedding of man's blood, and they did bury them up deep in the earth. And this they did, it being in their view a testimony to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of man's blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands."

In the Old Testament we read that we can sing and rejoice for the Lord will come and dwell in our midst.  Zechariah 2:10 "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet give a plea to the Lord to teach us His law and give us understanding and we will keep His commandments with all our hearts and delight in them. Do we actually delight in the commandments of God and want to keep them with all our hearts?  Do we pray for the Lord to give us understanding of them?  Psalms 119:33-35 "Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.  Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when Ammon and his brethren saw that the Lamanites were making preparations to destroy the people of God, they held a counsel with Lamoni and his brother about what they should do to defend themselves. However, none of the people who had been converted unto the Lord would take up arms to defend themselves. And they refused to make preparations for war.  They had become convinced of their sins and the many murders they had committed.  They had repented and been forgiven. And now that their stains had been taken away by the Lord, they refused to stain their swords again with the blood of their brethren.  Alma 24:5-12 "Now when Ammon and his brethren and all those who had come up with him saw the preparations of the Lamanites to destroy their brethren, they came forth to the land of Midian, and there Ammon met all his brethren; and from thence they came to the land of Ishmael that they might hold a council with Lamoni and also with his brother Anti-Nephi-Lehi, what they should do to defend themselves against the Lamanites. Now there was not one soul among all the people who had been converted unto the Lord that would take up arms against their brethren; nay, they would not even make any preparations for war; yea, and also their king commanded them that they should not.  Now, these are the words which he said unto the people concerning the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the traditions of our wicked fathers.  And behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his Spirit to soften our hearts, that we have opened a correspondence with these brethren, the Nephites.  And behold, I also thank my God, that by opening this correspondence we have been convinced of our sins, and of the many murders which we have committed.  And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins and murders which we have committed, and taken away the guilt from our hearts, through the merits of his Son.  And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to take them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain—  Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of our brethren."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord called Zechariah to preach repentance unto the people.  Even though their fathers had sinned to the point that the Lord was displeased with them, they were not to follow the example of their father, but rather they should turn away from their evil deeds and turn unto the Lord and hearken unto Him.  Zechariah 1:1-4 "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, The Lord hath been sore displeased with your fathers.  Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.  Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us tat sometimes when we've gone astray and are not keeping the commandments of God, it takes going through afflictions to humble us enough to turn to Him and turn our lives around so we're more obedient.  So sometimes going through trials and tribulations can be a blessing to us to help us get back on the right path.  Psalms 119:67, 71 "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that all those who had not been converted were stirred up to anger against their brethren.  In fact their hatred toward them became so great that they rose up in rebellion against their king and made preparations for war. The king died and his son became king.  Alma 24:1-4 "And it came to pass that the Amalekites and the Amulonites and the Lamanites who were in the land of Amulon, and also in the land of Helam, and who were in the land of Jerusalem, and in fine, in all the land round about, who had not been converted and had not taken upon them the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, were stirred up by the Amalekites and by the Amulonites to anger against their brethren. And their hatred became exceedingly sore against them, even insomuch that they began to rebel against their king, insomuch that they would not that he should be their king; therefore, they took up arms against the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.  Now the king conferred the kingdom upon his son, and he called his name Anti-Nephi-Lehi.  And the king died in that selfsame year that the Lamanites began to make preparations for war against the people of God."

In the Old Testament we read a verse that simply tells us that we need to consider our ways.  This is something we should all do--take a good, hard look at our lives and see if we're doing what we should be doing.  Have you considered your ways today?  Haggai 1:7 "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways."

Some verses with a thought booklet describe how we can become new people in Christ--awaking out of sleep and casting off the works o darkness, putting on the armor of light and walking honestly in the day.  Romans 13:11-14 "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read the Amalekites and Amulonites hardened their hearts and would not accept the gospel, but the Lamanites in certain cities were converted and became friendly with the Nephites.  They no longer wanted to be called Lamanites and went by the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehies.  Alma 23: 14-18 "And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land wheresoever they dwelt, yea, and all their villages and all their cities.  Therefore, we have named all the cities of the Lamanites in which they did repent and come to the knowledge of the truth, and were converted.  And now it came to pass that the king and those who were converted were desirous that they might have a name, that thereby they might be distinguished from their brethren; therefore the king consulted with Aaron and many of their priests, concerning the name that they should take upon them, that they might be distinguished.  And it came to pass that they called their names Anti-Nephi-Lehies; and they were called by this name and were no more called Lamanites.  And they began to be a very industrious people; yea, and they were friendly with the Nephites; therefore, they did open a correspondence with them, and the curse of God did no more follow them."

In the Old Testament we read that the earth will be filled with knowledge about God and His glory, as the waters cover the sea.  Habakkuk 2:14 "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that the Word of the Lord will comfort us in our afflictions.  Psalms 119:50 "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Lamoni sent forth his proclamation, Aaron and his brothers went from city to city preaching the gospel and establishing churches. Thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord. Those who were converted never did fall away. They became a righteous people and lay down the weapons of their rebellion.   Alma 23:4-13  "And now it came to pass that when the king had sent forth this proclamation, that Aaron and his brethren went forth from city to city, and from one house of worship to another, establishing churches, and consecrating priests and teachers throughout the land among the Lamanites, to preach and to teach the word of God among them; and thus they began to have great success.  And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the present time.  And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.  For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren. Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord: The people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Ishmael;  And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Middoni;  And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the city of Nephi;  And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Shilom, and who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the city of Lemuel, and in the city of Shimnilom.  And these are the names of the cities of the Lamanites which were converted unto the Lord; and these are they that laid down the weapons of their rebellion, yea, all their weapons of war; and they were all Lamanites."

In the Old Testament we're told that if we look unto the Lord and wait for Him, He will hear us.  Micah 7:7 "Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that even though the Lord sometimes gives us adversity and affliction, He will teach us and instruct us about which way to go and what path o take.  We can learn and grow from the difficult experiences we are called upon to pass through. There are things we can learn only in the valleys of life, and that is the place where we can come to know God most intimately.  Isaiah 30:20-21 "And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that King Lamoni sent a proclamation throughout the land stating that Aaron and his brothers should be free to preach the gospel to the people without being harmed.   Alma 23:1-3 "Behold, now it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites sent a proclamation among all his people, that they should not lay their hands on Ammon, or Aaron, or Omner, or Himni, nor either of their brethren who should go forth preaching the word of God, in whatsoever place they should be, in any part of their land. Yea, he sent a decree among them, that they should not lay their hands on them to bind them, or to cast them into prison; neither should they spit upon them, nor smite them, nor cast them out of their synagogues, nor scourge them; neither should they cast stones at them, but that they should have free access to their houses, and also their temples, and their sanctuaries. And thus they might go forth and preach the word according to their desires, for the king had been converted unto the Lord, and all his household; therefore he sent his proclamation throughout the land unto his people, that the word of God might have no obstruction, but that it might go forth throughout all the land, that his people might be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their fathers, and that they might be convinced that they were all brethren, and that they ought not to murder, nor to plunder, nor to steal, nor to commit adultery, nor to commit any manner of wickedness."

In the Old Testament we read that in spite of all His goodness to them, the people have not served the Lord in spirit and in truth.  They must act righteously, love mercy, and walk humbly before Him.  Micah 6:3-8 "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.  For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.  O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Some verses with a thought booklet say that cursed will be a person who departs from the Lord and who trusts in other men and the arm of flesh. He will be like a health in the desert, in a parched place in the wilderness.  However, blessed will be a person who trusts in the Lord and hopes in Him.  He is likened to a tree with deep roots planted by the waters of a river, who yields fruit even in times of drought. If our roots run deep in Christ, we don't need to fear the trials and tribulations that will come our way.  If we trust in Him, our lives will still bear fruit and we'll be able to survive and thrive.  Jeremiah 17:5-8 "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.  For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.  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 an explanation of the lands where the Lamanites and the Nephites lived.  Alma 22: 28-35 "Now, the more idle part of the Lamanites lived in the wilderness, and dwelt in tents; and they were spread through the wilderness on the west, in the land of Nephi; yea, and also on the west of the land of Zarahemla, in the borders by the seashore, and on the west in the land of Nephi, in the place of their fathers' first inheritance, and thus bordering along by the seashore. And also there were many Lamanites on the east by the seashore, whither the Nephites had driven them. And thus the Nephites were nearly surrounded by the Lamanites; nevertheless the Nephites had taken possession of all the northern parts of the land bordering on the wilderness, at the head of the river Sidon, from the east to the west, round about on the wilderness side; on the north, even until they came to the land which they called Bountiful.  And it bordered upon the land which they called Desolation, it being so far northward that it came into the land which had been peopled and been destroyed, of whose bones we have spoken, which was discovered by the people of Zarahemla, it being the place of their first landing.  And they came from there up into the south wilderness. Thus the land on the northward was called Desolation, and the land on the southward was called Bountiful, it being the wilderness which is filled with all manner of wild animals of every kind, a part of which had come from the land northward for food. And now, it was only the distance of a day and a half's journey for a Nephite, on the line Bountiful and the land Desolation, from the east to the west sea; and thus the land of Nephi and the land of Zarahemla were nearly surrounded by water, there being a small neck of land between the land northward and the land southward.  And it came to pass that the Nephites had inhabited the land Bountiful, even from the east unto the west sea, and thus the Nephites in their wisdom, with their guards and their armies, had hemmed in the Lamanites on the south, that thereby they should have no more possession on the north, that they might not overrun the land northward.  Therefore the Lamanites could have no more possessions only in the land of Nephi, and the wilderness round about. Now this was wisdom in the Nephites—as the Lamanites were an enemy to them, they would not suffer their afflictions on every hand, and also that they might have a country whither they might flee, according to their desires.  And now I, after having said this, return again to the account of Ammon and Aaron, Omner and Himni, and their brethren."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord will not hear the cries of those who have behaved themselves ill in their doings, and He will hide His face from them.  If we want the Lord to hear our prayers, we need to keep His commandments.  Micah 3:4 "Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount how the Lord tested the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years.  He took care of them with manna to eat and kept their clothing from wearing out.  He provided for their needs and lead them to the promised land.  Then needed to remember Him and all He'd done for them, and keep His commandments.  Deuteronomy 8:1-10 "All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers.  And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee.  Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.  For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;  A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;  A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.  When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the king's entire household was converted to the Lord. The king was able to pacify the multitudes toward Aaron and his brothers which allowed them to be taught.  Alma 22:23- 27 "Now this was done in the presence of the queen and many of the servants. And when they saw it they greatly marveled, and began to fear. And the king stood forth, and began to minister unto them. And he did minister unto them, insomuch that his whole household were converted unto the Lord.  Now there was a multitude gathered together because of the commandment of the queen, and there began to be great murmurings among them because of Aaron and his brethren. But the king stood forth among them and administered unto them. And they were pacified towards Aaron and those who were with him.  And it came to pass that when the king saw that the people were pacified, he caused that Aaron and his brethren should stand forth in the midst of the multitude, and that they should preach the word unto them.  And it came to pass that the king sent a proclamation throughout all the land, amongst all his people who were in all his land, who were in all the regions round about, which was bordering even to the sea, on the east and on the west, and which was divided from the land of Zarahemla by a narrow strip of wilderness, which ran from the sea east even to the sea west, and round about on the borders of the seashore, and the borders of the wilderness which was on the north by the land of Zarahemla, through the borders of Manti, by the head of the river Sidon, running from the east towards the west—and thus were the Lamanites and the Nephites divided."

In the Old Testament we read that after Jonah came forth from the belly of the fish, he did go and preach to the people of Nineveh and they repented as a result.  Jonah 3:1-10 "And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,  Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.  And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.  For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.  And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.  Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we are willing to both work and suffer reproach because we rust in the Lord, who is our Savior.  1 Timothy 4:10 "For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe."