Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites were industrious and worked hard to provide food for themselves.  Enos 1:21 "And it came to pass that the people of Nephi did till the land, and raise all manner of grain, and of fruit, and flocks of herds, and flocks of all manner of cattle of every kind, and goats, and wild goats, and also many horses."

In the Old Testament we read about how Manasseh was wicked and made Judah sin.  The Lord tried to speak to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen.  So then the Lord sent the Assyrians to come and bind him with fetters and carry him away to Babylon.  Faced with all this affliction, Manasseh finally humbled himself and repented of his sins.  He turned to the Lord in prayer and changed his ways.  He took away the idols and strange gods, casting them out of the city.  He repaired the altars of the Lord and sacrificed to Him.  He commanded Judah to serve the Lord. It's interesting to note that when the Lord tried to speak to Manasseh, he would not listen.  But when the Lord sent affliction upon him, suddenly he became humble enough to repent and seek the Lord. Do we need to wait until trials and tribulations come to us before we're willing to seek the Lord and keep His commandments?  How much better it would be if we'd hearken to the words of the Lord without having to be forced into humility by the things we suffer.  2 Chronicles 33:9-16 "So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.  And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.  Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.  And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.  And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we should bear the infirmities of the weak and try to please and edify others instead of thinking only of ourselves. We need to be less selfish and try to serve others.   Romans 15:1-2 "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Enos went about among the people prophesying of things which would come to pass and testifying of the things he had seen and heard. The Nephites sought diligently to restore the Lamanites to the true faith in God, but their efforts were in vain. The Lamanites remained a wild and hateful people.  Enos 1:19-20 "And now it came to pass that I, Enos, went about among the people of Nephi, prophesying of things to come, and testifying of the things which I had heard and seen. And I bear record that the people of Nephi did seek diligently to restore the Lamanites unto the true faith in God. But our labors were vain; their hatred was fixed, and they were led by their evil nature that they became wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, full of idolatry and filthiness; feeding upon beasts of prey; dwelling in tents, and wandering about in the wilderness with a short skin girdle about their loins and their heads shaven; and their skill was in the bow, and in the cimeter, and the ax. And many of them did eat nothing save it was raw meat; and they were continually seeking to destroy us."

In the Old Testament it tells us that we can be of good courage and not fear, even though a multitude of enemies are against us, as long as the Lord is on our side to help us and fight our battles for us.  When we have help from the Lord, that is more powerful than any number of mortal men.  2 Chronicles 32:7-8 "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."

In some scripture with a thought booklet we read that just like there are different parts of the body that are all necessary in their own way, so are there members of the church which have different callings but they are all necessary to the Kingdom of God.  We're not all called to b prophets or apostles,  but whatever we've been called to do, whether it's teaching a class, working in the nursery, or visiting people in their homes, it's all important and necessary to the Kingdom of God. If one part of our body, say our knee or our eye, stops working, we suffer.  We walk painfully with a limp or we are unable to see.  So likewise if one member of the church doesn't do what they've been called to do, the whole body of the church suffers.  1 Corinthians 12:12-30 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  For the body is not one member, but many.  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"

News

   

Hello! http://pu34.com/fg/br-news.php

   

wilbur little

 

 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read Enos' faith became unshakable as he pleaded with the Lord for the welfare of his brethren the Lamanites. He prayed that if the Nephites should be destroyed due to their transgressions, that a record of them would be preserved which would come forth unto the Lamanites at a future date, and that it perhaps might be an instrument to bring forth their salvation. Enos' mind was now at rest concerning this matter because he trusted that the Lord would preserve their records according to His covenant. Enos' fathers had also made similar requests to the Lord, and this would come to pass according to their faith.  Enos 1:11- 18 "And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.  And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.  And now behold, this was the desire which I desired of him—that if it should so be, that my people, the Nephites, should fall into transgression, and by any means be destroyed, and the Lamanites should not be destroyed, that the Lord God would preserve a record of my people, the Nephites; even if it so be by the power of his holy arm, that it might be brought forth at some future day unto the Lamanites, that, perhaps, they might be brought unto salvation—  For at the present our strugglings were vain in restoring them to the true faith. And they swore in their wrath that, if it were possible, they would destroy our records and us, and also all the traditions of our fathers. Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our records, I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.  And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time. And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; wherefore my soul did rest.  And the Lord said unto me: Thy fathers have also required of me this thing; and it shall be done unto them according to their faith; for their faith was like unto thine."

In the Old Testament we read about how the faithful Israelites overthrew false worship from among them and paid their tithes and offerings. Hezekiah did that which was right and true before the Lord, seeking God with all his heart, and keeping His commandments. Because of all this, he prospered.  2 Chronicles 31:1, 5, 20-21 "Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities. And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God.  And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered."

Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to give willingly to the poor and needy.  If we do so, the Lord will bless us. Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10-11 "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.  For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Enos had been forgiven for his sins, he asked the Lord how it was possible. The Lord told him that it was because of his faith in Christ.  We, too, can be forgiven for our sins if we'll truly repent and have faith in Jesus Christ.  After Enos had experienced he joy of forgiveness, he wanted to share what had happened to him with others.  He was concerned for the welfare of their souls. He prayed about this, pouring out his whole soul before God. The Lord told him that he would bless his brethren according to their diligence in keeping His commandments. But if they transgressed, they would bring down sorrow upon their own heads.   Enos 1:7-10 "And I said: Lord, how is it done? And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole. Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them. And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments. I have given unto them this land, and it is a holy land; and I curse it not save it be for the cause of iniquity; wherefore, I will visit thy brethren according as I have said; and their transgressions will I bring down with sorrow upon their own heads."

In the Old Testament we read that Hezekiah invited all Israel to a solemn Passover in Jerusalem.  Some accepted the call, but others laughed him to scorn.  2 Chronicles 30:1, 10-11 "And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel. So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.  Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we reap what we sow, whether sparingly or bountifully.   2 Corinthians 9:6 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read Enos' soul hungered and he knelt down to pray. He prayed mightily, seeking forgiveness for his sins. He prayed all day and into the night.  How long is the longest you have ever prayed?  I cannot imagine praying all day and all night.  One time I decided I was going to pray for an entire hour.  I prayed for everybody and everything I could think about and then looked at my watch.  I think about 15 minutes had gone by.  I've got a long way to go to be able to  commune with the Lord all day long!But Enos persisted and he was able to hear a voice from the Lord telling him that his sins were forgiven him. Enos knew that God could not lie so his guilt was swept away.  What a wonderful blessing!  Do we trust in God enough to know that after we truly repent, we really are forgiven and we don't need to feel guilty anymore?   Enos 1: 4-6 "And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.  And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.  And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away."

In the Old Testament we read that Hezekiah began to reign in righteousness.  He restored worship of the Lord, and pointed out that the calamities which had befallen his fathers was because of their wickedness.  2 Chronicles 29:1-11 "Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.  And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them.  And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,  And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.  For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs. Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel.  Wherefore the wrath of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.  For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this.  Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.  My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.  It is bitterly painful to say goodbye to a loved one who dies.  And we miss them for the rest of our lives.  But Jesus died and was resurrected and conquered death for us all.  Because He triumphed over death, we can know that the pain of separation from our loved ones is not final.  They will rise again.  And so will we.  What a comfort it is to know that the sting of death is swallowed up in the victory of Jesus Christ.  Matthew 5: 4 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Enos wrestles before God before he obtained a remission if his sins. He was out hunting when the words his father had tried to tell him regarding eternal life sunk deep into his soul.  Sometimes we try to talk to family members or friends about the paths they are taking in life because we see that the path they are following will bring them nothing but pain and sorrow.  We think they're not listening.  But we never know when our words might come back to them and make a real impact on their lives.  It might even happen when we're no where near them and they're out on a hunting trip.  Enos 1: 1-3 "Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—  And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins. Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart."

In the Old Testament we read that Ahaz ruled in wickedness, practiced idolatry, and as a result the Lord delivered him into the hand of the King of Syria who carried him away captive.  When we forsake the Lord, we suffer consequences.  2 Chronicles 28:1-6 " Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father:  For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.  Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.  He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.  Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter. For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to serve the Lord with gladness and singing.  It's not enough to merely serve the Lord grudgingly and resentfully--we should be happy to be able to serve.  Psalms 100:2 "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."

wilbur little

           

http://almanat.es/vrzf/news_fx.php

wilbur little

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Jacob concluded his record, knowing that he was old and would soon go down to his grave. He had done his best to keep the records, according to the command of his brother Nephi, and turned the plates over to his son Enos. He hoped that his brethren would read his words and be benefited by them.   Jacob 7: 26-27 "And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old; and the record of this people being kept on the other plates of Nephi, wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days.  And I, Jacob, saw that I must soon go down to my grave; wherefore, I said unto my son Enos: Take these plates. And I told him the things which my brother Nephi had commanded me, and he promised obedience unto the commands. And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu."

In the Old Testament we read that as long as Uzziah kept the commandments and sought the Lord, the Lord prospered him and helped him defeat his enemies.  2 Chronicles 26:1, 4-8 "Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did.  And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines. And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, and the Mehunims.  And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly."

A verse in a thought booklet reminds us that this is the day the Lord has made and we should rejoice and be glad in it.  Many days have challenges or problems to deal with, but every day is a gift from God and we an always find something to rejoice in about it.  The Lord wants us to be happy, and we will be if we approach each day with gratitude and look for the good instead of the bad.  Psalms 118:24 "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that many efforts were made to restore the Lamanites to the truth, but these efforts were in vain for they hated the Nephites and delighted in war and bloodshed. But the Nephites trusted in God to fortify them against their enemies.   Jacob 7: 24-25 "And it came to pass that many means were devised to reclaim and restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; but it all was vain, for they delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually.  Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies."

In the Old Testament we read about how the people again turned to wickedness after the death of Jehoiada.  They again served idols and trespassed against the commandments of the Lord.  The Lord sent Zechariah to testify against them and try to bring them to repentance, but they refused to listen to him and slew him.  2 Chronicles 24:17-21 "Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.  And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.  And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you.  And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet gives us a simple two-word instruction from Jesus:  "Follow me." The story is told of a lady who was in a caravan of cars traveling from her church to a women's retreat two hours away.  She settled in behind a white SUV, exiting the freeway where it did.  It was only then that she discovered she'd been following the wrong car and was not heading toward her destination.  If we follow the wrong people we may go down the wrong paths in life and find that in the end we're no where near our destination of eternal life.  But by following Jesus we'll never be lead astray and can be assured of getting where we want to go.  Matthew 4:19 "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Sherem died the power of God came upon the people to the point that they were overcome and fell to the earth.  This was an answer to Jacob's prayers and the love of God was restored among the people. They studied the scriptures and no longer hearkened to what the wicked Sherem had taught them.   Jacob 7: 21-23 " And when the multitude had witnessed that he spake these things as he was about to give up the ghost, they were astonished exceedingly; insomuch that the power of God came down upon them, and they were overcome that they fell to the earth.  Now, this thing was pleasing unto me, Jacob, for I had requested it of my Father who was in heaven; for he had heard my cry and answered my prayer.  And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man."

In the Old Testament we read about how the people covenanted to be the people of the Lord broke down the altars of Baal, killing his priest.  True worship of the Lord was restored.  It's interesting how often the people went from from wickedness to righteousness, but then, unfortunately, went back to wickedness again--in a seemingly unending cycle. 2 Chronicles 23:16-19 "And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the Lord's people.  Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.  Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the Lord by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the Lord, to offer the burnt offerings of the Lord, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David.  And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the Lord, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us two are better than one.  If two people are together and one of them falls, the other one can help him up.  But if a man is alone when he falls, no one is around to help him.  We need each other, and need to be willing to help those around us.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."

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

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Sherem demanded a sign in order to believe in Christ. The sign he was given was that he was struck down.  He then confessed that he had lied to the people about there being no Christ and feared greatly because of the sins he had committed in denying Christ and teaching false doctrine. After he spoke these words, he died.  Jacob 7: 13-20 "And it came to pass that he said unto me: Show me a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much.  And I said unto him: What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil. Nevertheless, not my will be done; but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee that he has power, both in heaven and in earth; and also, that Christ shall come. And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine.  And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words, the power of the Lord came upon him, insomuch that he fell to the earth. And it came to pass that he was nourished for the space of many days.  And it came to pass that he said unto the people: Gather together on the morrow, for I shall die; wherefore, I desire to speak unto the people before I shall die. And it came to pass that on the morrow the multitude were gathered together; and he spake plainly unto them and denied the things which he had taught them, and confessed the Christ, and the power of the Holy Ghost, and the ministering of angels. And he spake plainly unto them, that he had been deceived by the power of the devil. And he spake of hell, and of eternity, and of eternal punishment.  And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God. And it came to pass that when he had said these words he could say no more, and he gave up the ghost."

In the Old Testament we read that Jehoshaphat died and his son Jehoram reigned in his stead.  Jehoram was very wicked.  He slew his brothers and made high places and caused the people of Jerusalem to commit sin.  The prophet Elijah wrote to him telling him that because of his whoredoms the Lord would send a great plague and smite the people, and Jehoram would suffer a great sickness. After two years of being very sick, he died of sore dseases.  Sin is not without consequences.  2 Chronicles 21:1-6, 11-25 "Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead. And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.  And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn. Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.  And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord. Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto. And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,  But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself:  Behold, with a great plague will the Lord smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day. Moreover the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians:  And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. And after all this the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.  And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers. Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we are willing to be led by the Spirit of God, we are the children of God.  The Spirit itself testifies to our spirit that we are the children of God.  And since we are His children, we are heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ and we may all be glorified together.  Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read more of the conversation between Jacob and Sherem.  Jacob asked Sherem if he believed the scriptures, which he said he did. But then Jacob pointed out that the scriptures are full of prophesies from all the prophets testifying of Christ. Indeed, without the atonement of Jesus Christ all mankind would be lost.   Jacob 7:9-12 "And I said unto him: Deniest thou the Christ who shall come? And he said: If there should be a Christ, I would not deny him; but I know that there is no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be. And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea.  And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ.  And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost."

In the Old Testament we read that Jehoshaphat sought the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.  All Judah came together to seek the Lord.  Even in ancient days, fasting was a way to seek the Lord.  2 Chronicles 20:3-4 "And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tell us that we are a chosen generation, a peculiar people, who have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light.  As the world becomes an increasingly wicked place, full of darkness, we might be considered "peculiar" if we choose to keep the commandments of God.  But following His Light and showing praise for God is the right thing to do, and what will please Him.  1 Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read more about Sherem who sought to destroy the faith of the people. He was learned and used flattering words to deceive people, according to the power of the devil. Even though Jacob had had many revelations and had seen angels, Sherem sought to shake his faith. But he was not successful. Sherem was skillful in twisting the truth to make it sound bad, but Jacob had the Spirit of God with him and was able to confound Sherem in all his words.  Jacob 7:5-8 "And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken. And it came to pass that he came unto me, and on this wise did he speak unto me, saying: Brother Jacob, I have sought much opportunity that I might speak unto you; for I have heard and also know that thou goest about much, preaching that which ye call the gospel, or the doctrine of Christ. And ye have led away much of this people that they pervert the right way of God, and keep not the law of Moses which is the right way; and convert the law of Moses into the worship of a being which ye say shall come many hundred years hence. And now behold, I, Sherem, declare unto you that this is blasphemy; for no man knoweth of such things; for he cannot tell of things to come. And after this manner did Sherem contend against me.  But behold, the Lord God poured in his Spirit into my soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words."

In the Old Testament we read that the people entered into a covenant that they would seek the Lord with all their hearts and souls. Making covenants with the Lord is something that the Lord's people have done since ancient times, and it's something that is still very important today.  When we are baptized we covenant and promise to keep the commandments, always remember Jesus, and take His name upon us. And every week when we partake of the sacrament we renew these covenants.   2 Chronicles 15:12 "And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we want to serve Jesus, we must follow Him. It's time to faith into action and glorify God through service.  The Father will honor those who serve.  John 12:26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour." 

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

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Sherem came along teaching the people that there would be no Christ and trying to overthrow the doctrine of Christ with his flattering words. He labored diligently to lead the people astray, and especially targeted Jacob because of his faith in Christ.  Jacob 7:1-4 "And now it came to pass after some years had passed away, there came a man among the people of Nephi, whose name was Sherem.  And it came to pass that he began to preach among the people, and to declare unto them that there should be no Christ. And he preached many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ.  And he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people, insomuch that he did lead away many hearts; and he knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ who should come, he sought much opportunity that he might come unto me.  And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore, he could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil."

In the Old Testament we read that Azariah spoke with the Spirit of God and told Asa that if he sought the Lord, he would find Him and the Lord would be with him.  But if he forsook the Lord, the Lord would forsake him.  2 Chronicles 15:1-2 "And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to live the golden rule, doing for others what we would want others to do for us.  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 we read that those who d not harden their hearts will be saved n the Kingdom of God.  But awful will be the  state of those who reject the word of Christ and do not follow Him.  They will be burned. So we need to repent and cleave unto the Lord, as He cleaves unto us. He will be merciful unto those who turn to Him.  Jacob 6:4-13 "And how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long; and they are a stiffnecked and a gainsaying people; but as many as will not harden their hearts shall be saved in the kingdom of God.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts.  Yea, today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; for why will ye die?  For behold, after ye have been nourished by the good word of God all the day long, will ye bring forth evil fruit, that ye must be hewn down and cast into the fire? Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of redemption, which hath been laid for you? Know ye not that if ye will do these things, that the power of the redemption and the resurrection, which is in Christ, will bring you to stand with shame and awful guilt before the bar of God?  And according to the power of justice, for justice cannot be denied, ye must go away into that lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever, which lake of fire and brimstone is endless torment.  O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life.  O be wise; what can I say more? Finally, I bid you farewell, until I shall meet you before the pleasing bar of God, which bar striketh the wicked with awful dread and fear. Amen."

A verse in the Old Testament makes an interesting observation.  It says that the reason Rehoboam did evil was because he had not prepared his heart to seek the Lord. How can we prepare our hearts to seek the Lord, and what are we doing to prepare our hearts in this way today? If we slack off in this, we are vulnerable to falling into transgression, just as Rehoboam did.  2 Chronicles 12: 14 "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, and then talk about the coming of the Prince of Peace. Indeed, the Savior coming into the world is like a light shining in the darkness.  I love photography.  And I've noticed the difference in y pictures when the sun is shining.  I can take pictures of colorful autumn leaves on a gloomy cloudy day, and they just don't look as vibrant and alive as they would if the sun was out.  The light makes all the difference!  And having the light of the Lord in our lives makes all the difference in the world to the kind of lives we live.  We do not need to walk in darkness.  Isaiah 9:2, 6 "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the things which Zenos prophesied concerning the House o Israel, likening it to a tame olive tree, must surely come to pass. The Lord will set His hand to nourish and prune His vineyard, and after that the end will soon come and the earth will be burned with fire. Those who have labored in the vineyard will be blessed, but the wicked will be cast out. Jacob 6:1-3 "And now, behold, my brethren, as I said unto you that I would prophesy, behold, this is my prophecy—that the things which this prophet Zenos spake, concerning the house of Israel, in the which he likened them unto a tame olive tree, must surely come to pass. And the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power, to nourish and prune his vineyard; and after that the end soon cometh.  And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard; and how cursed are they who shall be cast out into their own place! And the world shall be burned with fire."

In the Old Testament we read that Rehoboam forsook the Lord and as a result the Lord's wrath was kindled and He allowed Egypt to come up against Jerusalem.  The prophet Shemaiah came to Rehoboam and told him that these things had befallen him because of his transgression.  So then the king and the princes of Israel humbled themselves before the Lord, and the Lord said He would not destroy them. When we sin, there are consequences.  But if we turn to the Lord in repentance, there is still hope for us.   2 Chronicles 12:1-7 "And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the Lord,  With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.  And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem. Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous.  And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that some profess to know God but in their works they deny Him, being disobedient.  We need to make sure that our actions are consistent with what we claim to believe.  Titus 1:16 "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

FW: Church by Email

---

From: Debbie
Sent: ‎3/‎16/‎2014 3:43 PM
Subject: Church by Email

Here are some of my thoughts and impressions that I got out of the church meetings I attended.   We had ward conference.  In Relief Society the lesson was given by the Stake Relief Society President.  She taught a lesson on the significance of the Sacrament.  Sacrament Meeting is the most sacred meetings in the church, when we can reflect upon the gathering of the Savior and His apostles on the occasion of the Last Supper.  Jesus taught His apostles about His upcoming sacrifice.  They were commanded to meet together often and commemorate the death and sufferings of Jesus Christ for the redemption of the world.  He explained things so they could understand.  Repetition helps with understanding.  The apostles had to carry on after Jesus was no longer there.  We have been commanded to meet often and remember our Redeemer.  We need to renew our covenants each week.  When you miss that, your week doesn't seem to be the same.  How can we prepare ourselves and our families to make this a sacred thing? We need to prepare ahead of time as much as possible on Saturday so there is less to do on Sunday.  Spend some time thinking about Jesus and His atonement.  Don't be yelling at your kids and being frazzled by the time you get to the meeting.  Have the Spirit with you.  Explain to the children why it's important.  Praying and reading your scriptures can help you prepare for the sacrament.  Play spiritual music in the mornings before church.  It helps set the tone.  We partake of the sacrament in remembrance of the atonement of Jesus Christ.  We have all done things wrong and then been sorry.  We feel guilt and misery.  Jesus' greatest torment wasn't the nails in His hands and feet, but taking upon Himself our sins and burdens.  He paid the price so that we could escape.  He had feelings for all of our sins, which was the suffering that He did for us. He suffered for all that we might not suffer if we would repent.  But if we don't repent, we'll suffer.  His sacrifice was made out of great love.  If we could understand all this, we would desire to keep the commandments and would love the Lord with all our heart, mind, and strength.  What can we do to remember the Savior and His atonement when we partake of the sacrament?  We can read the scriptures or the hymns.  We can fold our arms, bow our heads, and think about Him.  We need to focus our attention on Him, not be thinking about fixing dinner or other things.  One mother passes out pictures of the Savior to her children for them to look at during the Sacrament.  Think of the covenant you make.  When we hear the Sacrament prayers, listen to what we're covenanting to.  We covenant to eat in remembrance of the body, promising that we'll remember His wounded body slain upon the cross.  We drink in remembrance of the blood of Christ, which was shed for the sins of the world.  We covenant to always remember Him.  We promise to be called by His name and never do anything to bring reproach upon His name.  We are a representative of God and need to act accordingly.  Remember who you are.  We need to keep His name sacred and don't take His name in vain.  We covenant that we will keep His commandments.  We are willing to live by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God. If we will do these things, we're promised the guidance of the Holy Ghost.  Because He loved us, we may live.  Christ has asked us to serve each other.  We need to go forth and serve everyone we can.  We've seen a lot of depression.  Take time to lift someone else and listen to them.  Fellowship those who are lost.  Search them out and try to bring them back to Christ.  

In Sunday School the lesson was taught by someone from the Stake Sunday School. Genesis 24 is about Isaac, and the importance of marriage within the covenant.  We live in a world where there is much convenience, where we can pop something in the microwave instead of using a lot of pots and pans.  A lot of convenience foods are full of sugar or salt so you have a choice of convenience vs. healthy foods.  He's had trials in his life because of poor choices that he made.  He got married outside of the temple and he always felt like something was missing.  That marriage fell apart.  Now he's been married for a year to the most wonderful woman.  He wants to be with her forever.  He went to the temple yesterday, the Salt Lake Temple with a live session.  It was a very special experience.  Divorces are common in today's society.  He believes it's because of convenience.  People jump into marriage hastily, without the basic fundamentals.  What do you have to fall back on?  We receive blessings when we do what we should.  Esau was entitled to the birthright but didn't value it.  He sold it for a mess of pottage, convenient out of the microwave.  He was thinking of the short term.  This is what people do who marry out of the temple and think they'll get sealed later.  Maybe things will get in the way and it won't happen.  Those sealings need to be done so we can be linked together--with our spouses and families.  He's got a bother who left the church and he prays every day that his brother will come back.  Heavenly Father loves all His children, even though some of them have turned their backs on Him.  They're His family.  We don't want any empty chairs.  We need to have the right attitudes.  We nee to repent a lot.  Nobody knows the day they will die.  He provides in home care to patients.  He sees the ones who are in the church and ones who aren't and when they're close to passing, you can see the difference between those who have lived their lives the way they should.  They are at peace and are ready to go.  Others are in fear.  Just going to the temple isn't enough--every day you need to stay on that path.  We can't take for granted the covenants that we make.  We need to be an example to others and help them see the right path--give them the counsel they need.  We need to be loving and we need to forgive.  If we can't forgive, we need to pray until we can.  We shouldn't push people, but we can nudge them.  He lost his oldest brother to cancer when he was in the 8th grade.  After that, the family has become closer.  They will be there for each other.  You have to have the faith to take the steps you need to.  You need to get off the fence.  We're in a time when marriage is being attacked.  We need to stand as pillars.  We need to stand up proudly and love and support our spouses.  Be an example of what marriage truly is.  Use humor  Make each other laugh.  Every day is a new day.  He wants to be the man that his wife deserves.  Being temple worthy and continuing on with that is the best he can do.  On October he'll get to be a father.  He wants to bring up his son in the right way.  No more convenience.  Read the scriptures.  Listen to the leadership of the church.  They are in tune with Heavenly Father.  Be an instrument to show others why marriage is important.  Do everything you do in Christ's name.  Kiss your spouse good bye every morning because you never know if they'll come home.  Accidents happen at any time. Have your temple work done.  Be prepared.  Isaac needed a wife.  He had to go to where the prospects were better to fine the right kind of wife.  If a couple are not evenly matched, compromises need to be made.  Sometimes those compromises are not for the best.  Isaac and Rebecca were a good match.  The Lord guided them to it.  Jacob found a good match.  Esau picked a wife who was convenient.  Completely different story.  The Lord will lead you to the right person.  The day his wife's father put her name on the temple prayer roll, she signed up for LDS Singles and they found each other.  He knew before they even met that she was the one for him.  When they met they embraced and cried.  He's never known a more sure thing in his life than that she was the one for him.  He will be there for er every day.  He'll love her and honor his covenants and take her to the temple often.  These are hard times we're living in and we need to stand fast.  

Th first speaker in sacrament meeting was the bishop's wife.  If we have faith in the Lord, we'll have power to do whatever is expedient.  We need to give service.  Service to other deepens and sweetens this life.  When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to worry about our own concerns.  It helps us through hard times.  When she was in high school her dad taught a Family Home Evening lesson and gave them all a pebble.  When you drop a pebble in a pond, it creates a ripple effect.  When we serve, it creates a ripple effect that spreads.  We need to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort, stand as a witness of God in all things and in all places.  When we came to earth, we came to be tested, and to help those around us bear their burdens.  We are the light of the world.  Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works.  Be willing to step up and serve wherever needed.  She participated in a pioneer trek with young men and women i our ward.  On the second day of the trek they pulled their handcarts 8 miles. At the women's pull the men and women were separated and the men were waiting ahead.  She had her head down and was pushing with all her might.  She felt a tug and saw a young woman helping her who had reached the top and come back to help.  She may never need to push a handcart again, but she never wants to let her sisters down.  The attitude we show can make such a difference to those around us.  A few years ago she was having a particularly hard day and her older sister, who has Down's Syndrome, reached over and took her hand.  It was a simple act bu it helped her know that the Lord put people in her life to help and support her.  Why does the church put such an emphasis on service?  Why can't we just have fun?  Great emphasis is put on helping our fellowman.  Be doers of the word and not hearers only.  When we've served the least of our brethren, we've served Jesus Christ.  When we are in the service of our fellowman, we are in the service of our God.  Service can be a lot of fun if you approach it with the right attitude.  Think of your talents and skills and think how you can use them to help others.  You'd be amazed at how fulfilling service can be.  How can we serve?  Think of the things you can do.  When she was a teenager and there were heavy snowstorms, she loved to get all bundled up and help push cars that were stuck.  Fulfill your callings.  The Lord knows what we're capable of.  When we're given a calling, the Lord is giving us an opportunity to serve where we can grow. Calls to serve in the church have been given by church leaders after they have received inspiration from the Lord.  The Lord knows who should serve in each position in the church.  He choose you.  Service helps us grow.  When you serve, there are many benefits.  Often it helps you more than the people you serve.  

The next speaker was the bishop.  The stake theme is to accept the Lord's invitation, to have faith, and that when we have this faith we will have power to do that which is expedient in the Lord.  What does faith mean?  It is a strong belief and trust in someone or something.  Having faith in Jesus Christ means having a strong belief and trust in Him. He showed his 5 year old son a picture of the Savior and asked him who it was.  He said, "It's Jesus Christ."  He told him seeing the picture made him feel good.  Then he did the same thing with his 3 year old.  He said the same thing.  He said he knew Jesus loved him, and assured him that Jesus loved him too.  He got to hear from his 3 year old that Jesus loves him too!  A primary teacher asked a class to suppose that God asked them to build a space ship to take their family to another planet.  Could they do it?  A child responded yes!  Even though he'd never built a space ship, he had no doubt that if the Lord asked him to do it, he could do it.  Having faith means relying completely on Him.  Even though we don't understand all things, He does.  If you have faith, you hope for things which are not seen which are true.  Having faith in Christ includes trust and belief but does not stop there.  First we need to have trust and belief.  But then we need to act on that faith.  The Israelites needed to look at the brass serpent.  Because of the easiness of the task, many failed to do it and they died.  Faith if it has not works is dead.  If someone is hungry, it's not enough to just say "Be filled."  We need to do something to help them.  We need to combine faith with action.  It's not enough to just utter a prayer.  We can't just sit around waiting for God to help us, we need to act and do what we can.  We need to labor and work.  When we have faith, God will give us power to do what is expedient.  Those who had faith in what the Lord told Moses acted and looked at the brass serpent.  They were healed.  Sometimes we're asked to do simple things--cleaning the church building, doing our home and visiting teaching.  Sometimes people feel discouraged in their service, feeling like what they do is not appreciated or valued.  One time on his mission they knocked on a door and were warmly received.  Previous missionaries were not welcomed because the people were not ready.  But they planted seeds and the results were that the people were eventually baptized.  We don't always see the fruit that our labors bring to pass.  Maybe it will be manifest later.  He's amazed by people who accept callings with great fear but they are willing to do what the Lord asks.  One lady in our ward had a desire to be baptized and many obstacles were placed in her path.  But finally she made up her mind that she was going to be baptized on a certain date, no matter what Satan threw at her.  And she was.  What an example of faith!  He has known members who were going through rough times but they told him that if the Lord wanted them to have a calling, they would do it.  It is humbling and sacred to meet with those who have stumbled and want to change.  He has seen miraculous changes occur.  They start praying again, attending church, paying their tithing.  They allow the cleansing power of the Atonement to enter into their lives and change them.  The Savior said to come unto Him.  Come, knock.  Choose faith over doubt.  Choose faith over fear.  Choose faith over the unknown.  Faith is a choice and it must be sought after and developed.  We are responsible for our faith, and for our lack of faith.  The choice is yours.  We have opportunities all around us to reach out and serve.  This church is true.  If we have faith, we can do everything and anything the Lord asks us to do. If your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto God, how great will be your joy if you bring many souls unto Him. Gain that relationship with your Heavenly Father.  Choose faith.  Doubt your doubts, not your faith.  

Then the Stake President said this has been an incredible meeting.  As we take the gospel into our lives, we are lead and directed.  He hopes we'll all take this into our lives.  Take the invitation the Lord has given us.  We have unique challenges.  The Stake Presidency loves the people.  Missionary and rescue opportunities exist in abundance.  There are high needs.  The Lord will change our lives.  The field is white and all ready to harvest.  How great it is to know the faith you have in your Heavenly Father.  The Spirit was strong in Stake Conference.  There were only 12% who attended the Saturday night meeting and 24% on Sunday. There were so many wonderful talks that we all needed to hear.  We are hastening the work.  The Lord wants us to touch the lives of everyone. It's an opportunity to move the work forward.  When you receive callings, those callings come from the Lord.  The Lord will bless you as you act.  He teaches in small steps.  This last week he was able to ordain a brother in the ward an elder.  What a great joy to know that the Lord lives and loves us.  He is grateful for great friends who have helped him stay strong in the gospel.  

 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord of the vineyard and many servants worked on the vineyard to preserve it, laboring with all their mights. There began to be natural fruit again in the vineyard. The natural branches which had been grafted back into the natural root began to gain strength and bear good fruit, and the corrupt branches were plucked off and cast away. The Lord of the vineyard rejoiced that he has saved the trees and they were bringing forth good fruit.   Jacob 5: 70-77 "And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.  And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.  And there began to be the natural fruit again in the vineyard; and the natural branches began to grow and thrive exceedingly; and the wild branches began to be plucked off and to be cast away; and they did keep the root and the top thereof equal, according to the strength thereof.  And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself that the trees had become again the natural fruit; and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.  And it came to pass that when the Lord of the vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.  For behold, for a long time will I lay up of the fruit of my vineyard unto mine own self against the season, which speedily cometh; and for the last time have I nourished my vineyard, and pruned it, and dug about it, and dunged it; wherefore I will lay up unto mine own self of the fruit, for a long time, according to that which I have spoken.  And when the time cometh that evil fruit shall again come into my vineyard, then will I cause the good and the bad to be gathered; and the good will I preserve unto myself, and the bad will I cast away into its own place. And then cometh the season and the end; and my vineyard will I cause to be burned with fire." 

In the Old Testament we read about the great wealth and wisdom of Solomon.  All the kings of the earth sought out Solomon to hear his wisdom, and they brought great gifts to him.  2 Chronicles 9:15-28 "And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.  And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.  Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:  And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom. And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.  For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.  And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.  And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year. And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.  And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance. And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we cry unto the Lord out of our depths, He will hear our voice and be attentive to our supplications. If the Lord were to mark every one of our iniquities, no one would be able to stand, for we have all sinned.  But there is forgiveness with the Lord.  We can repent and have our sins washed away.  There is hope for the sinner! Psalms 130:1-4 "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.  Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?  But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared."

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

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord of the vineyard agreed to spare his trees a little longer because it grieved him that he should lose his trees. He then suggested that they take the natural branches of the tree and pluck them from the trees where they'd been grafted in and graft them again to the natural roots where they had come from. They hoped the good would overcome the evil. So they called for laborers and went to work in the vineyard, putting forth all their effort into this last attempt to save the trees.   Jacob 5:51-69 " And the Lord said: Yea, I will spare it a little longer, for it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard. Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof.  And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose. And, behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard.  And it came to pass that they took from the natural tree which had become wild, and grafted in unto the natural trees, which also had become wild.  And they also took of the natural trees which had become wild, and grafted into their mother tree.  And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck not the wild branches from the trees, save it be those which are most bitter; and in them ye shall graft according to that which I have said.  And we will nourish again the trees of the vineyard, and we will trim up the branches thereof; and we will pluck from the trees those branches which are ripened, that must perish, and cast them into the fire.  And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil.  And because that I have preserved the natural branches and the roots thereof, and that I have grafted in the natural branches again into their mother tree, and have preserved the roots of their mother tree, that, perhaps, the trees of my vineyard may bring forth again good fruit; and that I may have joy again in the fruit of my vineyard, and, perhaps, that I may rejoice exceedingly that I have preserved the roots and the branches of the first fruit— Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.  Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that I shall prune my vineyard.  Graft in the branches; begin at the last that they may be first, and that the first may be last, and dig about the trees, both old and young, the first and the last; and the last and the first, that all may be nourished once again for the last time.  Wherefore, dig about them, and prune them, and dung them once more, for the last time, for the end draweth nigh. And if it be so that these last grafts shall grow, and bring forth the natural fruit, then shall ye prepare the way for them, that they may grow. And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereof; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard. For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I sweep away the bad out of my vineyard.  And the branches of the natural tree will I graft in again into the natural tree; And the branches of the natural tree will I graft into the natural branches of the tree; and thus will I bring them together again, that they shall bring forth the natural fruit, and they shall be one. And the bad shall be cast away, yea, even out of all the land of my vineyard; for behold, only this once will I prune my vineyard."

In the Old Testament we read that Solomon was told that if he would keep the commandments the way his father David did, then the Lord would establish his throne.  But if he forsook the commandments and served other gods, much evil would come upon him.  Keeping the commandments brings blessings and disobeying brings dire consequences.  This is true of all of us.  2 Chronicles 7:17-22 " And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments;  Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;  Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and unto this house?  And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that even though Christ died, He lives!  He holds the keys of death and hell and will live forever more. And because of Him, we will live forever too, and so will our loved ones. Death does not have the final word, Christ does.  What a comfort this is.  Death has no lasting power over us, thanks to Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:18 "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord of the vineyard and his servant went to find the trees where they can grafted in the natural branches. They found that the natural branches had become corrupt and had all brought forth bad fruit. The branches that had in the past brought forth good fruit had withered away and died. The Lord of the vineyard wept, wondering what more he could have done for his vineyard. All his trees were bringing forth bad fruit and were good for nothing except to be cast into the fire. He had even cleared away a choice piece of ground to plant a tree he had great hopes for, but it, too, was producing evil fruit. He had done everything in his power to save these trees, but it had all been in vain. The servant explained that the corrupt branches of the trees had overcome the roots, which had caused them to produce bad fruit. The Lord of the vineyard now wanted to just cut down all the trees and burn them, but the servant suggested they spare them a little longer.   Jacob 5: 38-50 "And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: Let us go down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard, and behold if the natural branches have also brought forth evil fruit.  And it came to pass that they went down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard. And it came to pass that they beheld that the fruit of the natural branches had become corrupt also; yea, the first and the second and also the last; and they had all become corrupt. And the wild fruit of the last had overcome that part of the tree which brought forth good fruit, even that the branch had withered away and died.  And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?  Behold, I knew that all the fruit of the vineyard, save it were these, had become corrupted. And now these which have once brought forth good fruit have also become corrupted; and now all the trees of my vineyard are good for nothing save it be to be hewn down and cast into the fire.  And behold this last, whose branch hath withered away, I did plant in a good spot of ground; yea, even that which was choice unto me above all other parts of the land of my vineyard.  And thou beheldest that I also cut down that which cumbered this spot of ground, that I might plant this tree in the stead thereof. And thou beheldest that a part thereof brought forth good fruit, and a part thereof brought forth wild fruit; and because I plucked not the branches thereof and cast them into the fire, behold, they have overcome the good branch that it hath withered away.  And now, behold, notwithstanding all the care which we have taken of my vineyard, the trees thereof have become corrupted, that they bring forth no good fruit; and these I had hoped to preserve, to have laid up fruit thereof against the season, unto mine own self. But, behold, they have become like unto the wild olive tree, and they are of no worth but to be hewn down and cast into the fire; and it grieveth me that I should lose them.  But what could I have done more in my vineyard? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it? Nay, I have nourished it, and I have digged about it, and I have pruned it, and I have dunged it; and I have stretched forth mine hand almost all the day long, and the end draweth nigh. And it grieveth me that I should hew down all the trees of my vineyard, and cast them into the fire that they should be burned. Who is it that has corrupted my vineyard?  And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted? And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Let us go to and hew down the trees of the vineyard and cast them into the fire, that they shall not cumber the ground of my vineyard, for I have done all. What could I have done more for my vineyard?  But, behold, the servant said unto the Lord of the vineyard: Spare it a little longer."

In the Old Testament we read that if people sin (which we all do) but then turn and pray to God with all their hearts, He will hear their prayers and forgive them of their sins.  We can repent and come back to God.  2 Chronicles 7:12-15 "And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.  If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that even though the devil has been sinning from the beginning, and people who sin are of the devil, the Son of God appeared to destroy the devil's work.  God is more powerful than the devil and in the end, good will prevail over evil.  No matter how wicked the world becomes and how powerful the devil might seem, his works will be destroyed.  1 John 3:8 "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."