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:"