Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord gives us what we need line upon line, precept on precept. Those who hearken to His precepts will be blessed and those who receive what has been given to them will be given more. We need to place our trust in God, not in man. Woe will come to those who trust in the arm of flesh or listen to the precepts of men, or who deny the Lord God.  However, the Lord will be merciful unto all those who are willing to repent.  2 Nephi 28:30-32 "For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.  Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost. Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts."

In the Old Testament we read about how the mantle of Elijah fell on Elisha who was able to divide the waters of the Jordan the same way that Elijah had.  When one prophet dies, another takes his place.  2 Kings 2:8-15 "And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.  And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.  And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.  He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;  And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.  And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells about how Christ told the storm "Peace be still" and the winds ceased and there was calm.  So, too, when we're going through the storms of life, if we turn to the Lord, He can send us peace in spite of what we're going through.  Mark 4:39 "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that those who are willing to repent of their wickedness and abominations will not be destroyed. But if those who belong to the kingdom of the devil do not repent, they will fall. The devil tries to stir up some people to anger against that which is good, and if he succeeds, he will grasp them with his everlasting chains. With other people, the devil tries to pacify them and lull them away thinking all is well in Zion, leading us carefully away to hell. And with still other people the devil uses flattery and tells them that there is no hell and there is no devil. He'll tell other people that we don't need any more of the word of God because we already have enough. In other words, the devil has different tactics with different people, and uses any means he can to deceive and destroy.  Woe unto all who fall prey to hi traps.  2 Nephi 28:17-29 "But behold, if the inhabitants of the earth shall repent of their wickedness and abominations they shall not be destroyed, saith the Lord of Hosts.  But behold, that great and abominable church, the whore of all the earth, must tumble to the earth, and great must be the fall thereof. For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish; For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.  And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.  And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment. Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!  Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well! Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!  Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more!  And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.  Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!"

In the Old Testament we read about how Ahaziah turned to Baalzebub to inquire about whether he would live.  Elijah prophised of his death.  We need to seek the Lord for true information, not false gods which in our day may include things like fortune tellers or horoscopes.  2 Kings 1:1-6 "Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.  And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?  Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned back?  And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. If we humble ourselves before God, He will exalt us in due time.  1 Peter 5:5-6 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that because of pride and stiff necks, the people would go astray. They would be taught by the precepts of men instead of being humble followers of Christ. Woe unto the rich and learned who are puffed up with pride because of their riches or because they think they know it all. The day will come when they will become ripe in iniquity and they will be thrust down to hell.   2 Nephi 28:14-16 "They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men. O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell! Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good, and say that it is of no worth! For the day shall come that the Lord God will speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth; and in that day that they are fully ripe in iniquity they shall perish."

Yesterday in the Old Testament we read that Elijah prophesied to Ahab that he would die and the dogs would lick up his blood. Today we read the fulfillment of this.  1 Kings 22:37-40 "So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria.  And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the Lord which he spake. Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?  So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus Christ was wounded for our transgressions.  We all have gone astray, but our Savior paid the price for our sins.  And not only did he suffer for our sins, but also bore our griefs and sorrows.  Isaiah 53:4-7 "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that in the lst days many false churches will be built which will teach false and vain and foolish doctrines. Apostasy will abound because of the false teachers. Many will be puffed up with pride and persecute the meek. 2 Nephi 28:1-13 "And now, behold, my brethren, I have spoken unto you, according as the Spirit hath constrained me; wherefore, I know that they must surely come to pass. 2 And the things which shall be written out of the book shall be of great worth unto the children of men, and especially unto our seed, which is a remnant of the house of Israel. For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the Lord's; and the others shall say: I, I am the Lord's; and thus shall every one say that hath built up churches, and not unto the Lord— And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall contend one with another, and they shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance. And they deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel; and they say unto the people: Hearken unto us, and hear ye our precept; for behold there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath given his power unto men;  Behold, hearken ye unto my precept; if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work.  Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us. And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.  Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark. And the blood of the saints shall cry from the ground against them.  Yea, they have all gone out of the way; they have become corrupted.  Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up.  They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up."

Yesterday in the Old Testament we read about how Ahad wickedly obtained a vineyard he wanted by having the owner of the vineyard killed.  Today we read that the Lord sent Elijah the prophet to Ahab to tell him that he would die and the dogs would lick up his blood in the same place where the dogs had licked up the blood of Naboth, the man he had had killed. There are consequences to our actions.  1 Kings 21:17-19 "And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,  Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.  And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine."

A verse with a thought booklet is one I think we're all familiar with, but I think it's one that we'd all do good to memorize.  If we would truly learn to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and stop leaning on our own understanding, our lives would go in the direction that the Lord wants them to go.  He knows what is best for us. If we pray for something we don't seem to be receiving, can we say "Thy will be done" and realize that even though we can't see it, there is a reason the Lord isn't answering our prayers the way we want.  I knew someone who once prayed for something and said in their prayer "I don't care if it's for my best good or not.  I want it and I want it RIGHT NOW!"  They got it.  And it turned out disastrously.   They were still suffering the consequences decades later. We need to be careful what we pray for, and no matter what the answer we receive is, we need to trust in the Lord that it's the best answer for us. Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord is a God of miracles and works among the children of men according to their faith.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. During a time when men draw near t the Lord with their mouths but their hearts are far from Him, the Lord will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder among them. And then the deaf will hear and the blind will see and the poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Those who do iniquity will be cut off. Those who erred in spirit will come to understanding and those who murmured will learn doctrine.  2 Nephi 27:23-35 "For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.  And again it shall come to pass that the Lord shall say unto him that shall read the words that shall be delivered him:  Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men—  Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid.  And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord! And their works are in the dark; and they say: Who seeth us, and who knoweth us? And they also say: Surely, your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay. But behold, I will show unto them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I know all their works. For shall the work say of him that made it, he made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, he had no understanding?  But behold, saith the Lord of Hosts: I will show unto the children of men that it is yet a very little while and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field; and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest.  And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. And the meek also shall increase, and their joy shall be in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For assuredly as the Lord liveth they shall see that the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off; And they that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught. Therefore, thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.  But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."

In the Old Testament we read the story of how Ahab wanted a vineyard which belonged to Naboth, but Naboth refused to sell it to him.  This made Ahab sad and he complained to his wife Jezebel about it.  Jezebel arranged to have evil men falsely witness against Naboth and have him stoned, so that Ahab could then take possession of the vineyard he wanted.  1 Kings 21:1-16 "And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard. And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.  So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.  And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:  And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead. And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.  And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it."

Some verses with a thought booklet teach us that Light is come into the world, but those who are evil hate the light and choose darkness instead.  When we commit sin, we are choosing darkness over light. Isn't it puzzling that when light came into the world, a light desperately needed, some people refused to step into the light to be guided by it? We know that when we step into the light, our actions can be clearly seen.  If our acts are evil, we're ashamed to have them illuminated and don't want them to be scrutinized. But God sees them anyway.  Even when we're in the darkness, God know our every deed and thought.  We're not able to hide from Him!  But if we're willing to step into the light, God will guide and direct our paths.  We'll be able to see clearly the way we should go.  And we'll be able to be a light to others to help them find their way.  May we have the courage to step into the light and be cleansed, and be able to see clearly to walk the paths where we should go.  John 3:19-21 "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."  

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Book of Mormon will come forth and three witnesses will testify of the book. The learned man cannot read the sealed book. Woe will come to those who reject the word of God. 2 Nephi 27:6-22 "And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall bring forth unto you the words of a book, and they shall be the words of them which have slumbered. And behold the book shall be sealed; and in the book shall be a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof.  Wherefore, because of the things which are sealed up, the things which are sealed shall not be delivered in the day of the wickedness and abominations of the people. Wherefore the book shall be kept from them.  But the book shall be delivered unto a man, and he shall deliver the words of the book, which are the words of those who have slumbered in the dust, and he shall deliver these words unto another;  But the words which are sealed he shall not deliver, neither shall he deliver the book. For the book shall be sealed by the power of God, and the revelation which was sealed shall be kept in the book until the own due time of the Lord, that they may come forth; for behold, they reveal all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof.  And the day cometh that the words of the book which were sealed shall be read upon the house tops; and they shall be read by the power of Christ; and all things shall be revealed unto the children of men which ever have been among the children of men, and which ever will be even unto the end of the earth. Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book and the things therein.  And there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men; for the Lord God hath said that the words of the faithful should speak as if it were from the dead.  Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish his word; and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word of God!  But behold, it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall say unto him to whom he shall deliver the book: Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another, that he may show them unto the learned, saying: Read this, I pray thee. And the learned shall say: Bring hither the book, and I will read them.  And now, because of the glory of the world and to get gain will they say this, and not for the glory of God.  And the man shall say: I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed.  Then shall the learned say: I cannot read it. Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned. Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee.  Touch not the things which are sealed, for I will bring them forth in mine own due time; for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work. Wherefore, when thou hast read the words which I have commanded thee, and obtained the witnesses which I have promised unto thee, then shalt thou seal up the book again, and hide it up unto me, that I may preserve the words which thou hast not read, until I shall see fit in mine own wisdom to reveal all things unto the children of men."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord doesn't necessarily speak in a loud thunderous voice that shakes the earth.  Sometimes He speaks in a still, small voice. And we need to listen carefully or we might miss it.  1 Kings 19:11-12 "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:  And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we can safely trust in God to always keep His promises to us.  Sometimes our earthly parents promise us things and then they forget about it or don't follow through.  This can hurt.  Sometimes even elderly people can remember such broken promises from their childhoods, many decades ago, and it still hurts. But our Heavenly Father is a parent who will always keep His word.  We can count on it!  Hebrews 6:17-19 "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:  That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that in the last days there will be thunderings and earthquakes and that nations will fight against Zion and there will be much distress. Some will close their eyes and reject the prophets. 2 Nephi 27:2-5 "And when that day shall come they shall be visited of the Lord of Hosts, with thunder and with earthquake, and with a great noise, and with storm, and with tempest, and with the flame of devouring fire.  And all the nations that fight against Zion, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision; yea, it shall be unto them, even as unto a hungry man which dreameth, and behold he eateth but he awaketh and his soul is empty; or like unto a thirsty man which dreameth, and behold he drinketh but he awaketh and behold he is faint, and his soul hath appetite; yea, even so shall the multitude of all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion. For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink.  For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets; and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of your iniquity."

In the Old Testament we read about how Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven.  Even though there were 450 of them, they could not do it.  But Elijah was a prophet of the true God and he was able to do it.  Even though we may be a small minority among a wicked world, their numbers do not make them right. We need to stand with the Lord, even if we stand alone.  If we have the Lord on our side, nothing else matters.  1 King 18:22-39 "Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:  And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.  And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.  And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.  And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.  And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:  And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood.  And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.  And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.  Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.  And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that whatever we do to the least of our brethren, we do to the Lord.  If we want to show our love for God and serve Him, we need to love and serve our fellowman.  It doesn't necessarily have to be something huge, but think about what you can do to make someone feel loved and cared about today. It could be something as simple as a smile, a hello, or a listening ear.  Matthew 25:40 "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that in the last days the world will be full of iniquity and all manner of abominations.  We can certainly see that in our day.  2 Nephi 27:1 "But, behold, in the last days, or in the days of the Gentiles—yea, behold all the nations of the Gentiles and also the Jews, both those who shall come upon this land and those who shall be upon other lands, yea, even upon all the lands of the earth, behold, they will be drunken with iniquity and all manner of abominations—"

In the Old Testament we read about how Elijah asked a widow for some food and she told him she only had enough for a last meal for her and her son and then she was planning to die.  But Elijah told her to make a cake for him first and that if she did she would have sufficient to eat until the famine ended. She obeyed and her meal and oil dd not run out.  What a wonderful miracle!  But what faith the woman showed to obey. 1 Kings 7:10-16 "And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.  And above were costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and cedars.  And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the Lord, and for the porch of the house. And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.  He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.  For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.  And he made two chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter was five cubits:"

In the Old Testament we read that we should turn t the Lord to learn to do His will.  His Spirit is good and will lead us to righteousness.  If we try to do it on our own, we'll fail.  It's only through depending on the Lord and allowing Him to guide and direct us that we'll be able to walk in paths of righteousness.  Psalms 143:10 "Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that we're commanded not to murder or lie or steal or take the Lord's name in vain. We should not envy or have malice, and we should not contend with one another. Whoever does these things will perish. Christ invites all to come unto Him and partake of His goodness, and He denies none.  All are alike unto God, no matter what their race, nationality, or gender is.  2 Nephi 26:32-33 "And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall perish.  For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."

In the Old Testament we read about various evil kings who reigned in wickedness. They provoked the Lord to anger with their sins. The house of  Baasha was destroyed. 1 Kings 16:1-2, 6-13 "Then the word of the Lord came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,  Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins; So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead.  And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the Lord against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the Lord, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him. In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.  And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.  And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead. And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha: he left him not one that pisseth against a wall, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends. Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake against Baasha by Jehu the prophet,  For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the Lord God of Israel to anger with their vanities."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that faith without works is dead.  It's great to believe, but we need to back that up with hat we do.  If we meet a hungry person and tell them to depart in peace and be full, what good is that going to do them if we don't give them food? We need to give evidence of our faith through the deeds that we do.  Faith without works is dead.  James 2:14-18 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that Christ teaches against priestcrafts which seek for gain and the praise of the world. The Lord commands us to have charity for one another, which s love. Those who labor for money will perish.  2 Nephi 26:29-31 "He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish. But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish."

In the Old Testament we read about how Abijam  reigned in wickedness,  but after he died his son Asa reigned in righteousness. This shows that people can live righteous lives even if their parents or others around them do not. It's wonderful if we're blessed with goodly parents who give us righteous examples to follow, but even if such is not the case, that's no excuse for us not to rise above what we've been taught (or not taught) in our homes.  We can still live good lives pleasing to the Lord.  1 Kings 15:1-3, 8-15 "Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.  Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah.  And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.  And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father.  And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.  And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.  But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the Lord all his days. And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the Lord, silver, and gold, and vessels."

Some verses with a thought booklet ask the question of who will be able to stand in the presence of God or ascend the hill of the Lord.  The answer is he who has a pure heart and clean hands and who has avoided vanity and swearing.  In other words, no unholy thing can dwell with God.  We need to repent and put our lives in order if we expect blessings from the Lord and  eternal life with Him.  Psalms 24:3-5 "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord does not work in darkness, and He does all that He does for the benefit of the world, out of love for them.  He gave His life for them and wants all to partake of His salvation. He doesn't turn anyway away, but commands them all to come unto Him and repent. 2 Nephi 26:23-28 "For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness.  He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.  Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.  Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.  Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.  Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden."

In the Old Testament we read that Jeroboam continued on with his wickedness and reaped great punishments for himself and his people as a result. There are consequences for disobeying the Lord. They may not always be immediate, or even in this life, but they do come. So it's very important that we repent.  1 Kings 14:9-11 "But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.  Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the Lord hath spoken it."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us it's not enough say "Lord, Lord" but we need to actually do the will of the Father in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It's great to profess a belief in God, but if our actions speak louder than our words, it will avail us nothing. If we busy ourselves with religious activities but our hearts are not right in showing love to others, do we really think we'll enter the Kingdom of Heaven? It's not enough to speak about Jesus, we need to actually know Him and try to follow His example in the way we live our lives.  Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read in the last days the Gentiles would build up false churches and secret combinations and would put down the miracles of God and teach for gain.  2 Nephi 26:20-22 "And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor.  And there are many churches built up which cause envyings, and strifes, and malice. And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever."

In the Old Testament we read about how the king Rehoboam turned the people to idolatry and the worship of false gods. Notice how he told the people it was too much trouble to travel to Jerusalem to do sacrifice in the House of the Lord, but it would be easier to worship the idols in nearby locations. The easy, more convenient thing to do is not always the right thing to do.  1 Kings 12:28-32 "Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.  And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan.  And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.  And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.  And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Beth-el, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Beth-el the priests of the high places which he had made."

In a verse with a thought booklet we read hat just as God is patient with us and wants to console us, so we should likewise be patient and consoling to one another.  Jesus is the perfect example of how we should treat others. A lady who was trying to train her new puppy because frustrated with him because he seemed defiant when disobeying her every command.  The lady tried to sound firm and assertive, but the puppy would ignore her.  Then she learned that if she spoke in a soft, tender voice, the puppy would sweetly and respectfully submit. When we show patience and kindness towards others, we're more likely to get the results we seek, rather than using a harsh, loud, or demanding voice. This is true of people as well as stubborn puppies.  Romans 15:5 "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's prophesies concerning the last days. He knew that his seed and the seed of his brethren would dwindle in unbelief and would be smitten by the Gentiles. But the prayers of the faithful would be heard and those who dwindled in unbelief would not be forgotten.  2 Nephi 26:14-19 "But behold, I prophesy unto you concerning the last days; concerning the days when the Lord God shall bring these things forth unto the children of men.  After my seed and the seed of my brethren shall have dwindled in unbelief, and shall have been smitten by the Gentiles; yea, after the Lord God shall have camped against them round about, and shall have laid siege against them with a mount, and raised forts against them; and after they shall have been brought down low in the dust, even that they are not, yet the words of the righteous shall be written, and the prayers of the faithful shall be heard, and all those who have dwindled in unbelief shall not be forgotten.  For those who shall be destroyed shall speak unto them out of the ground, and their speech shall be low out of the dust, and their voice shall be as one that hath a familiar spirit; for the Lord God will give unto him power, that he may whisper concerning them, even as it were out of the ground; and their speech shall whisper out of the dust.  For thus saith the Lord God: They shall write the things which shall be done among them, and they shall be written and sealed up in a book, and those who have dwindled in unbelief shall not have them, for they seek to destroy the things of God.  Wherefore, as those who have been destroyed have been destroyed speedily; and the multitude of their terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away—yea, thus saith the Lord God: It shall be at an instant, suddenly— And it shall come to pass, that those who have dwindled in unbelief shall be smitten by the hand of the Gentiles."

In the Old Testament we read that Solomon married 700 wives and had 300 concubines.  These were women who worshiped all kinds of false gods and they turned Solomon's heart away from the true God and to do evil.  Solomon had actually seen the Lord twice, and had been warned against taking strange wives who would turn his heart away from God, but he did not listen and did not keep his covenants. This is very sad that someone with so much promise could be lead astray in this way.  And it helps us realize that we need to be vigilant in staying true to the Lord and making sure that the people we associate with are the kind of people who will encourage us to remain righteous. Even the best of people can fall if they're not careful.   1 Kings 11:1-11 " But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.  For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.  For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.  And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.  Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.  And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,  And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant."

A verse with a thought booklet is better known as the Golden Rule.  We should treat others the way we ourselves would want to be treated, and do for them what we would want others to do for us. This sounds simple enough, but how many of us really live our lives this way?  Do we go out of our way to help our elderly neighbor, even when it's not convenient for us?  Do we make sure the needs of our spouse are met, even on days when they're grumpy and don't seem concerned about our needs?  Are we kind to the co-worker who is always in a bad mood and very difficult to deal with?  Are we patient with those who are impatient with us? I think we could all go a long ways in improving how well we follow Jesus in living the Golden Rule.  Matthew 7:12 "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read Nephi's teachings concerning Christ and how He works signs and miracles according to people's faith.   2 Nephi 26:12-13 " And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God; And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord appeared to Solomon and told him that if he would keep the commandments and walk uprightly, he would be blessed. But if Israel turned from the Lord to worship other gods and refused to keep the commandments, great cursings would attend them.  1 Kings 9:2-9 "That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.  And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.  And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.  But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:  Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and to this house?  And they shall answer, Because they forsook the Lord their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the Lord brought upon them all this evil."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord hears and answers our prayers.  We just need to ask.  Just like an earthly father wants to give good gifts to his children, even more so does our Heavenly Father want to give good gifts to those who ask Him. He doesn't always answer all our prayers in the way we might expect, but we can trust in Him to answer every prayer in the way that is best for us.  He cares for His children.  Matthew 7:7-11 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the prideful and foolish who yield unto the devil and choose works of darkness instead of light will go down to hell. The Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with them.  2 Nephi 26:10-11 "And when these things have passed away a speedy destruction cometh unto my people; for, notwithstanding the pains of my soul, I have seen it; wherefore, I know that it shall come to pass; and they sell themselves for naught; for, for the reward of their pride and their foolishness they shall reap destruction; for because they yield unto the devil and choose works of darkness rather than light, therefore they must go down to hell. For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man. And when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction, and this grieveth my soul."

In the Old Testament we read that even if people sin, as we all do, if they'll turn to the Lord with all their hearts and repent, He will hear their cries and forgive them.  1 Kings 8:45-50 "Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.  If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;  Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;  And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name:  Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause,  And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:"

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when a person with scorn gets reproved, he becomes hateful.  But a wise man will love someone who corrects him and he becomes wiser still because he's willing to learn.  What is our attitude when someone corrects us?  Do we become angry and defensive or do we try to learn from what the other person is saying and appreciate their concern and their efforts to help us improve?  Proverbs 9:8-9 "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the righteous who heed the words of the prophets and look forward to the coming of Christ would not be destroyed. Christ would appear to them and minister unto them.  2 Nephi 26:8-9 "But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish.  But the Son of Righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him, until three generations shall have passed away, and many of the fourth generation shall have passed away in righteousness."

In the Old Testament we read that Solomon made all the vessels pertaining to the temple out of pure gold.  He used materials that his father David had gathered and dedicated for the building of the House of the Lord.  1 Kings 7:47-51 "And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.  And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the Lord: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread was,  And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,  And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple.  So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the Lord. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet warn us not to judge others because we'll be judged in the same way we do others.  Often we ignore our own faults or don't notice them, but we magnify the faults of others all out of proportion. Only God can truly see into another person's heart and understand why they do what they do.  We don't have all the facts to make a fair judgment.  Ad it does damage o us when we make harsh judgments against other people.   Dallin H. Oaks said, "The primary reason we're commanded to avoid criticism is to preserve our own spiritual well-being, not to protect the person whom we would criticize." Matthew 7:1-5 "Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."   

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about the great destruction which would come to the wicked before Christ would come. 2 Nephi 26:4-7 "Wherefore, all those who are proud, and that do wickedly, the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, for they shall be as stubble.  And they that kill the prophets, and the saints, the depths of the earth shall swallow them up, saith the Lord of Hosts; and mountains shall cover them, and whirlwinds shall carry them away, and buildings shall fall upon them and crush them to pieces and grind them to powder.  And they shall be visited with thunderings, and lightnings, and earthquakes, and all manner of destructions, for the fire of the anger of the Lord shall be kindled against them, and they shall be as stubble, and the day that cometh shall consume them, saith the Lord of Hosts. O the pain, and the anguish of my soul for the loss of the slain of my people! For I, Nephi, have seen it, and it well nigh consumeth me before the presence of the Lord; but I must cry unto my God: Thy ways are just."

In the Old Testament we read that when Solomon was building the temple, he had a baptismal font resting on the backs of twelve oxen, similar to the baptismal fonts we have in our temples today.  1 Kings 7:23-26 "And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.  And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast.  It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.  And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths."

A scripture with a thought booklet tells us that we should seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and other things will be added unto us. Some examples of this are that if we pay our tithing first, our other bills seem to get paid.  And if we put God first in our lives, other aspects of our life seem to go better. There is no need to fill our lives with worry.  If we put God first and trust in Him, He will take care of us.  Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how after Christ would be resurrected, He would minister unto the Nephites and would speak words to them which would be the law that they should do. Many signs would be given of Christ's birth and resurrection. 2 Nephi 26:1-3 "And after Christ shall have risen from the dead he shall show himself unto you, my children, and my beloved brethren; and the words which he shall speak unto you shall be the law which ye shall do. For behold, I say unto you that I have beheld that many generations shall pass away, and there shall be great wars and contentions among my people. And after the Messiah shall come there shall be signs given unto my people of his birth, and also of his death and resurrection; and great and terrible shall that day be unto the wicked, for they shall perish; and they perish because they cast out the prophets, and the saints, and stone them, and slay them; wherefore the cry of the blood of the saints shall ascend up to God from the ground against them."

In the Old Testament we read that Somomon built a temple and the Lord promised him that if he and his people would be obedient, the Lord would dwell among Israel and not forsake them. 1 Kings 6:11-14 "And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying, Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. So Solomon built the house, and finished it."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us why saying "The devil made me do it" is nonsense!  The devil can't make us do anything.  He can tempt us, but we can resist him by turning to the Lord and submitting to Him.  The devil wil flee from us as we resist him.  And as we draw near to the Lord, He will draw near to us. We need to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts and stop being double minded. With our minds and hearts single to God, we do not need to succumb to temptation.  James 4:7-8 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read we look to Christ for the remission of our sins, and we talk and preach of Him so our children may know to look to Him for the remission of their sins. The law of Moses was given to prepare people for when Christ would come, but would be fulfilled in Him. If people deny Christ, they deny also the law and the prophets. The law was to be kept until it was fulfilled in Christ, who is to be worshiped with all our might, mind and strength.  2 Nephi 25:26-30 "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.  Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.  And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.  And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.  And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the performances and ordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled which was given unto Moses."

In the Old Testament we see an example of the wisdom of Solomon in being able to judge the people righteously.  Two women came to him arguing over which one was the mother of a baby.  Solomon suggested that he take a sword and divide the child in two and give half to each woman.  The real mother of the child begged him not to harm the child, but to give him to the other woman. So he was able to discern who the real mother was.  1 Kings 3:16-28 "Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.  And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.  And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.  And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.  And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king. Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living. And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.  And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.  Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.  And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to pray for one another.  The fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. If we're concerned about a friend or family member who is going through a difficult trial, we sometimes feel helpless, like there is noting we can do to help their situation.  But we are wrong.  We can pray.  And prayer does help! Even if it is not God's will to deliver us from our tribulations, He will see us through them and strengthen us so we can bear them. We can safely trust in God in good times and in bad. He is our refuge.  There is no situation or circumstance that can prevail against us when we have God on our side.   James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how they kept the law of Moses but looked forward with steadfastness unto Christ until the law would be fulfilled.  2 Nephi 25:24-25 " And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments."

In the Old Testament we read that Solomon was told that the Lord would give him anything he asked for. Instead of asking for wealth or a long life for himself, he asked for wisdom and understanding so that he could rule the people righteously.  Because of his unselfishness in his request, the Lord not only gave him the wisdom that he asked for but also the wealth and honor that he had not asked for.  Often the Lord works in this way.  When our hearts are unselfish in wanting to help others, the Lord blesses us.  1 Kings 3:5-14 "In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.  And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.  And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.  And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;  Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.  And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days."

A scripture with a thought booklet tells us that when we pray we should not use vain repetitions.  Do we get into the habit in our prayers of just saying the same things day after day to the point that we're not even paying attention to what we're saying?  Or do we pour out our hearts to God, thanking Him for things we're grateful for and petitioning Him for things we need?  Do we communicate heart to heart with our Father or just rattle off meaningless words we're not even listening to?  Prayer can be an empty ritual we unthinkingly do out of habit, or it can be our lifeline to our loving Heavenly Father. Matthew 6:7 "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord promised Nephi that the things he had written would be preserved to come down to his seed and that the seed of Joseph would not perish as long as the earth would stand. Nephi labored diligently to write in order to persuade his children and brethren to believe in Christ and to be reconciled to God.  We are saved by grace, after all we can do. 2 Nephi 25:21-23 "Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand. Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of God; and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which are written.  For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."

In the Old Testament we read the advise David gave to Solomon as he turned over rulership to him. David was about to die so this was his final message to his son.  He charged Solomon to keep the commandments and walk in the ways of the Lord. Then David died and Solomon reigned in his stead.  1 Kings 2:1-4, 10, 12  "Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;  And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:  That the Lord may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet warn us that when we give alms we should not loudly broadcast what we have done in order to get the praise of men. If we do this then the praise we've received will be our only reward.  We should do good in secret, and the Lord who sees will reward us openly. We need to examine our own hearts.  When we give to others or serve others, what is our motivation?  Is it because of the love we have and the desire to help. or do we just want other people to see how good we are and pat us on the back? It is possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons. Do we try to draw attention to ourselves so everyone will notice the good we do, or do we quietly go about serving the best we can?  Matthew 6:1-4 "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."