Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when the people heard Abinidi's words, they were filled with anger and wanted to kill him, but the Lord delivered him out of their hands. King Noah was so angry with Abinidi that he commanded that he be brought to him so he could slay him. The people were hard hearted and blinded and sought to take away Abinidi's life.  Noah refused to repent of his evil doings and hardened his heart against the word of the Lord.  Mosiah 11:26-29 "Now it came to pass that when Abinadi had spoken these words unto them they were wroth with him, and sought to take away his life; but the Lord delivered him out of their hands.  Now when king Noah had heard of the words which Abinadi had spoken unto the people, he was also wroth; and he said: Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord, that shall bring upon my people such great affliction?  I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may slay him, for he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I will slay him.  Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings."

In the Old Testament we read that we can call upon God and He will save us.  We can pray morning, noon, and night and the Lord will deliver our souls in peace from the battles that are against us. What a comfort to know that we can turn to the Lord any time of the day or night and He will hear us.  Psalms 55:16-18 "As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.  Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.  He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet ask some thought provoking questions.  What profit is it if we gain the whole world but lose our own soul?  What would we give in exchange for our soul? If we're willing to lie, cheat, or steal to gain worldly wealth, what value will it be to us in the next life?  Will it have been worth it to us if we lose our eternal salvation to achieve it? When we compromise what is right in order to "get ahead" what have we really gained? Mark 8:36-37 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Abinidi began to prophesy among the wicked people. He told them that if they did not repent, the Lord would visit hem in His anger and deliver them into he hands of the enemies. He would be slow to hear their cries, and would not hear their prayers unless they repented in sackcloth and ashes and cry mightily unto Him.  Mosiah 11:20-25 " And it came to pass that there was a man among them whose name was Abinadi; and he went forth among them, and began to prophesy, saying: Behold, thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me, saying, Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord—Wo be unto this people, for I have seen their abominations, and their wickedness, and their whoredoms; and except they repent I will visit them in mine anger.  And except they repent and turn to the Lord their God, behold, I will deliver them into the hands of their enemies; yea, and they shall be brought into bondage; and they shall be afflicted by the hand of their enemies.  And it shall come to pass that they shall know that I am the Lord their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of my people. And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn unto the Lord their God, they shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver them, except it be the Lord the Almighty God.  Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies.  And except they repent in sackcloth and ashes, and cry mightily to the Lord their God, I will not hear their prayers, neither will I deliver them out of their afflictions; and thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me."

In the Old Testament we read about how David pleaded with the Lord for forgiveness after he had gone in to Bathsheba.  He asked the Lord to create in him a clean heart and renew in him a right spirit.  When we have sinned, we often have trouble changing our sinful attitudes and desires--but God can change our hearts if we'll humbly plead with Him.  Psalms 51:1-3, 7-12 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.  Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if the blind lead the blind, they'll both fall into a ditch.  I think this refers not just to those who are physically blind, but to those who are spiritually blind. Sometimes people will preach things that we'd like to believe, but which are not sound doctrine. Maybe they're telling us that something we know is wrong is really okay. If someone cannot clearly see the path they should follow, we should not allow them to lead us.  Matthew 15:14 " Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lamanites began to come in upon King Noah's people and slay them, and drove many of their flocks out of the land.  The Lamanites thus began to destroy them and exercise hatred toward them. Noah sent armies against them and was able to drive them back.  So he began to brag and boast in his own strength. They delighted in the shedding of blood.  Mosiah 11:16-19 "And it came to pass that the Lamanites began to come in upon his people, upon small numbers, and to slay them in their fields, and while they were tending their flocks. And king Noah sent guards round about the land to keep them off; but he did not send a sufficient number, and the Lamanites came upon them and killed them, and drove many of their flocks out of the land; thus the Lamanites began to destroy them, and to exercise their hatred upon them.  And it came to pass that king Noah sent his armies against them, and they were driven back, or they drove them back for a time; therefore, they returned rejoicing in their spoil.  And now, because of this great victory they were lifted up in the pride of their hearts; they did boast in their own strength, saying that their fifty could stand against thousands of the Lamanites; and thus they did boast, and did delight in blood, and the shedding of the blood of their brethren, and this because of the wickedness of their king and priests."

In the Old Testament we read that men cannot be ransomed or redeemed by their worldly wealth.  God alone can redeem a soul from the grave.  The glory of a rich man ceases with his death.  He cannot carry anything with him.   Psalms 49:6-17 "They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;  None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:  (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.  For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.  Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.  Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.  Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.  But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.  Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;  For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we'e merciful to others, we'll likewise obtain mercy.  Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that King Noah built a great tower and many buildings with the money he got by excessively taxing the people. He and his priests set their hearts on the riches of the world and spent their time in riotous living with their wives and concubines and harlots. He also built wine presses and made a great abundance of wine to drink.  Mosiah 11:12-15 "And it came to pass that he built a tower near the temple; yea, a very high tower, even so high that he could stand upon the top thereof and overlook the land of Shilom, and also the land of Shemlon, which was possessed by the Lamanites; and he could even look over all the land round about.  And it came to pass that he caused many buildings to be built in the land Shilom; and he caused a great tower to be built on the hill north of the land Shilom, which had been a resort for the children of Nephi at the time they fled out of the land; and thus he did do with the riches which he obtained by the taxation of his people.  And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, and he spent his time in riotous living with his wives and his concubines; and so did also his priests spend their time with harlots.  And it came to pass that he planted vineyards round about in the land; and he built wine-presses, and made wine in abundance; and therefore he became a wine-bibber, and also his people."

In the Old Testament we read that the souls of the righteous thirst for God, but the wicked say "Where is your God?"  Psalms 42:1-3 "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?  My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?"

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that above all else, we should have charity, using hospitality among ourselves without being grudging about it.  Do we really love each other and have a desire to help and give to others because of the love in our hearts?  1 Peter 4:8-9 "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  Use hospitality one to another without grudging."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the wicked King Noah put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father and  consecrated news ones instead, ones who were lifted up in pride.  Noah put great taxes on the people to support him in his laziness and idolatry.  He built elegant and spacious buildings and ornamented them with precious things.  He built himself a spacious palace and sat on a throne ornamented with gold and silver.  And he built seats ornamented with pure gold for his priests to sit on while they spoke lying vain words to the people. Mosiah 11:5-11 "For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts. Yea, and thus they were supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity.  Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them. And it came to pass that king Noah built many elegant and spacious buildings; and he ornamented them with fine work of wood, and of all manner of precious things, of gold, and of silver, and of iron, and of brass, and of ziff, and of copper; And he also built him a spacious palace, and a throne in the midst thereof, all of which was of fine wood and was ornamented with gold and silver and with precious things. And he also caused that his workmen should work all manner of fine work within the walls of the temple, of fine wood, and of copper, and of brass. And the seats which were set apart for the high priests, which were above all the other seats, he did ornament with pure gold; and he caused a breastwork to be built before them, that they might rest their bodies and their arms upon while they should speak lying and vain words to his people."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord will be our help and our strength in time of trouble, if we're righteous and trust in Him. Psalms 37:39-40 "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments.  John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Zeniff conferred his kingdom onto his son Noah.  But Noah did not walk in the ways of the Lord. He did not keep the commandments of God and caused his people to likewise sin. He taxed the people heavily to support himself and his priests and their wives and concubines.  Mosiah 11:1-4 "And now it came to pass that Zeniff conferred the kingdom upon Noah, one of his sons; therefore Noah began to reign in his stead; and he did not walk in the ways of his father. For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness. And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed, a fifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their ziff, and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain. And all this did he take to support himself, and his wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom."

In the Old Testament we're told that if we trust in the Lord, delight in Him,  and are righteous, He will give us the desires of our hearts.  Psalms 37:3-5 "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to be humble, gentle, patient, and to bear with one another in love.  Ephesians 4:2 "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read King Laman had deceived Zeniff with his fair promises, lying and craftiness and his people suffered many years as a result. But Zeniff caused that his people should go against the Lamanites to battle and with the Lord's help they again prevailed.  His people again attended to their flocks and tilled the ground. Zeniff grew old and conferred his kingdom onto one of his sons. Mosiah 10:18-22 " For this very cause has king Laman, by his cunning, and lying craftiness, and his fair promises, deceived me, that I have brought this my people up into this land, that they may destroy them; yea, and we have suffered these many years in the land.  And now I, Zeniff, after having told all these things unto my people concerning the Lamanites, I did stimulate them to go to battle with their might, putting their trust in the Lord; therefore, we did contend with them, face to face.  And it came to pass that we did drive them again out of our land; and we slew them with a great slaughter, even so many that we did not number them.  And it came to pass that we returned again to our own land, and my people again began to tend their flocks, and to till their ground.  And now I, being old, did confer the kingdom upon one of my sons; therefore, I say no more. And may the Lord bless my people. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read that those who are humble and righteous and who turn to the Lord are comforted and helped.  They are delivered from their fears and troubles. They may have many afflictions, but the Lord will deliver them from them.   Psalms 34:4-6, 17-19 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.  This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."

A scripture with a thought booklet tells us that hose who walk in the light of the Lord's countenance will be blessed and joyful. Psalms 89:15 "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that King Laman died and his son began to stir up his people to prepare for war. Zeniff sent spies to discover their preparations and so that he could guard against them. Zeniff sent the women and children into the wilderness for safety and he armed the men of all ages to do battle against the Lamanites. They went to battle with the strength of the Lord. The Lamanites were strong as to the strength of men, but they were no match for the Lord, who they did not understand. They were wild and blood thirsty and believed in the tradition of their fathers, who had taught them that they had been wronged by their brethren. In actuality, Nephi had been more faithful and righteous so the Lord had blessed and prospered him and answered his prayers.  But Nephi's brothers were angry with him and sought to kill him. And they taught their children to hate the Nephites. It is a very sad thing when hatred is passed on from generation to generation.  Truth becomes distorted and false information gets told and retold until he becomes even worse.  Mosiah 10:6-17 "And it came to pass that king Laman died, and his son began to reign in his stead. And he began to stir his people up in rebellion against my people; therefore they began to prepare for war, and to come up to battle against my people.  But I had sent my spies out round about the land of Shemlon, that I might discover their preparations, that I might guard against them, that they might not come upon my people and destroy them. And it came to pass that they came up upon the north of the land of Shilom, with their numerous hosts, men armed with bows, and with arrows, and with swords, and with cimeters, and with stones, and with slings; and they had their heads shaved that they were naked; and they were girded with a leathern girdle about their loins. And it came to pass that I caused that the women and children of my people should be hid in the wilderness; and I also caused that all my old men that could bear arms, and also all my young men that were able to bear arms, should gather themselves together to go to battle against the Lamanites; and I did place them in their ranks, every man according to his age. And it came to pass that we did go up to battle against the Lamanites; and I, even I, in my old age, did go up to battle against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle.  Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men.  They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea; And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness. And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord. And again, they were wroth with him when they had arrived in the promised land, because they said that he had taken the ruling of the people out of their hands; and they sought to kill him.  And again, they were wroth with him because he departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him, and took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, for they said that he robbed them.  And thus they have taught their children that they should hate them, and that they should murder them, and that they should rob and plunder them, and do all they could to destroy them; therefore they have an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi."

In the Old Testament we read that the righteous who trust in the Lord have every reason to be glad and rejoice in the Lord, for His mercy will encompass them about.  However, the wicked will have many sorrows.   Psalms 32:10-11 " Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.  Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us that if we stand up for what is right, the world will hate us, because we are not of the world.  I they persecute us, we nee to know that that also persecuted Jesus.  Those who on't know God will hate and persecute those who do.  We need to be in the world, but not of the world, and we need to have the courage to stand up for our beliefs, even if it means the world will hate us for it.  John 15:18-21 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.  But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that there was again peace in the land.  Zeniff made all kinds of weapons of war so they could defend themselves if the Lamanites again attacked them. And he set guards around the land. They raised crops and worked to make their clothing.  They lived in peace like this for 22 years.  Mosiah 10:1-5 "And it came to pass that we again began to establish the kingdom and we again began to possess the land in peace. And I caused that there should be weapons of war made of every kind, that thereby I might have weapons for my people against the time the Lamanites should come up again to war against my people.  And I set guards round about the land, that the Lamanites might not come upon us again unawares and destroy us; and thus I did guard my people and my flocks, and keep them from falling into the hands of our enemies.  And it came to pass that we did inherit the land of our fathers for many years, yea, for the space of twenty and two years.  And I did cause that the men should till the ground, and raise all manner of grain and all manner of fruit of every kind. And I did cause that the women should spin, and toil, and work, and work all manner of fine linen, yea, and cloth of every kind, that we might clothe our nakedness; and thus we did prosper in the land—thus we did have continual peace in the land for the space of twenty and two years."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord will hear our prayers. If our heart trusts in Him, He will help us strengthen us, and be our shield.  Psalms 28:6-7 "Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Abraham was willing to go to a strange land that he did not know, because he had faith to obey the Lord.  We don't always know what our future holds, and we don't always know the steps we'll need to take to get there.  But if we have faith and are willing t trust in the Lord, He will guide us to where we need to be.  Even though we might like to see our path clearly laid out in front of us, sometimes we need to take some steps out into the darkness, trusting that the Lord will light our way before us as we go. Hebrews 11:8 "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Zeniff and his people cried unto the Lord for strength to battle against the Lamanites. The Lord answered their prayers and they slew 3,043 f them and drove them out of their land.  Mosiah 9:17-19 "Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers. And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did go forth in his might; yea, we did go forth against the Lamanites, and in one day and a night we did slay three thousand and forty-three; we did slay them even until we had driven them out of our land.  And I, myself, with mine own hands, did help to bury their dead. And behold, to our great sorrow and lamentation, two hundred and seventy-nine of our brethren were slain."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord will guide and teach the meek.  If we're prideful and think we already know it all, our hearts aren't open to the guidance of the Lord.  But if we're humble, the Lord can guide and direct us.  Psalms 25:9 "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way."

And going right along with the theme of the importance f humility a verse with a thought booklet tells us that humility and reverence for the Lord give us riches and honor and life.  Proverbs 22:4 "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that actually King Laman was being crafty and deceitful when he allowed Zeniff and his people to possess the land.  Actually, he wanted to bring them into bondage. After twelve years, King Laman began to grow uneasy, fearing Zeniff's people might grow too strong and he wouldn't be able to overpower them and bring them into bondage. The Lamanites were lazy and idolatrous and wanted to glut themselves from the labor of others. King Laman began to stir up his people to contend with the people of Zeniff. Zeniff armed his people with weapons ad they went up to war against the Lamanites.  Mosiah 9:10-16 " Now it was the cunning and the craftiness of king Laman, to bring my people into bondage, that he yielded up the land that we might possess it.  Therefore it came to pass, that after we had dwelt in the land for the space of twelve years that king Laman began to grow uneasy, lest by any means my people should wax strong in the land, and that they could not overpower them and bring them into bondage.  Now they were a lazy and an idolatrous people; therefore they were desirous to bring us into bondage, that they might glut themselves with the labors of our hands; yea, that they might feast themselves upon the flocks of our fields.  Therefore it came to pass that king Laman began to stir up his people that they should contend with my people; therefore there began to be wars and contentions in the land.  For, in the thirteenth year of my reign in the land of Nephi, away on the south of the land of Shilom, when my people were watering and feeding their flocks, and tilling their lands, a numerous host of Lamanites came upon them and began to slay them, and to take off their flocks, and the corn of their fields. Yea, and it came to pass that they fled, all that were not overtaken, even into the city of Nephi, and did call upon me for protection. And it came to pass that I did arm them with bows, and with arrows, with swords, and with cimeters, and with clubs, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons which we could invent, and I and my people did go forth against the Lamanites to battle."

In the Old Testament we read that the heavens declare the glory of God and the earth shows His handiwork.  How could anyone look at this beautiful world and all things on it and not realize that there is a God who created it all?  Everything that He has made testifies of Him!  Psalms 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

A verse with a thought booklet asked the question of why our souls should be cast down when we have hope in God. He is the health of our countenance. We can leave our cares and worries in God's capable hands.  Psalms 43:5 "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Zeniff and four of his men approached the king to find out if they could live in the land in peace. The king made a covenant with him that he could possess the land of Lehi-Nephi. They went in and built buildings and repaired the walls of the city. They planted crops and began to prosper.   Mosiah 9:5-9 "And it came to pass that I went again with four of my men into the city, in unto the king, that I might know of the disposition of the king, and that I might know if I might go in with my people and possess the land in peace.  And I went in unto the king, and he covenanted with me that I might possess the land of Lehi-Nephi, and the land of Shilom. And he also commanded that his people should depart out of the land, and I and my people went into the land that we might possess it. And we began to build buildings, and to repair the walls of the city, yea, even the walls of the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom.  And we began to till the ground, yea, even with all manner of seeds, with seeds of corn, and of wheat, and of barley, and with neas, and with sheum, and with seeds of all manner of fruits; and we did begin to multiply and prosper in the land."

In the Old Testament we read about how David praised the greatness of the Lord and loved and trusted Him. David knew that he could call up God for help and protection.  We can know that too.  Psalms 18:1-6 "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.  In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we don't need to be troubled or afraid.  God will bring us perfect peace--not the kind of peace the world gives us, but the kind of peace and comfort only the Lord can offer.  John 14: 27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Zeniff contended with his brethren about whether or not the Lamanites should be destroyed. Zeniff wanted to make a treaty with them, but those who were blood thirsty wanted to kill them.   Family members fought against each other. Zeniff and some of the survivors were traveling in the wilderness but were smitten with famine and afflictions because they were slow to remember the Lord. When we don't keep the commandments, we cannot expect the blessings of the Lord.  Mosiah 9:2-4 "Therefore, I contended with my brethren in the wilderness, for I would that our ruler should make a treaty with them; but he being an austere and a blood-thirsty man commanded that I should be slain; but I was rescued by the shedding of much blood; for father fought against father, and brother against brother, until the greater number of our army was destroyed in the wilderness; and we returned, those of us that were spared, to the land of Zarahemla, to relate that tale to their wives and their children. And yet, I being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God.  Nevertheless, after many days' wandering in the wilderness we pitched our tents in the place where our brethren were slain, which was near to the land of our fathers."

In the Old Testament David asked the question who will dwell in the Lord's holy hill?  The answer is the righteous, the upright, and those with integrity. Psalms 15:1-3 "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?  He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.  He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to do when we're overcome by fear and anxiety.  I we seek the Lord, He will hear us and deliver us from all our fears.   Psalms 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about how Zeniff was sent to spy among the Lamanites so they could be destroyed.  But when he saw good in them and did not want them destroyed. It's easier to hate people we don't actually know.  Once we get to know them, we can often find good in them.  Mosiah 9:1 "I, Zeniff, having been taught in all the language of the Nephites, and having had a knowledge of the land of Nephi, or of the land of our fathers' first inheritance, and having been sent as a spy among the Lamanites that I might spy out their forces, that our army might come upon them and destroy them—but when I saw that which was good among them I was desirous that they should not be destroyed."

In the Old Testament we read that the wicked refuse to seek God because of the pride in their hearts.  The Lord is not at all in their thoughts. Are we so full of pride that we think we can handle our problems o our own without help from God?  Do we not even think about Him? If this is the case we need to humble ourselves to turn to the Lord for help and guidance in our lives. We all truly do need Him.  Psalms 10:4 "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will provide for our needs, according to the richness of His glory. Sometimes He gives us what we need directly, sometimes He uses other people to supply our needs, and sometimes He gives us ideas of ways we can supply our own needs.  But in any case, we can safely trust in Him.  Philippians 4:19 " But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Ammon told Limhi that he knew a man who could translate the plates.  He could do it by the gift and power of God. He told him that the king of the people of Zarahemla, who had sent them there, had a high gift from God. He told him that a seer is greater than a prophet because he is a prophet and a revelator also. God has provided means that a man,, through faith, might work mighty miracles and benefit his fellow beings. Limhi rejoiced and gave thanks to God because of His marvelous works.  He said that doubless a great mystery was contained in the plates. Mosiah 8:13-21 "Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer.  And behold, the king of the people who are in the land of Zarahemla is the man that is commanded to do these things, and who has this high gift from God. And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.  And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.  But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known. Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.  And now, when Ammon had made an end of speaking these words the king rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God, saying: Doubtless a great mystery is contained within these plates, and these interpreters were doubtless prepared for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries to the children of men.  O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them! Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the forest."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord is our refuge in times of trouble and if we week Him and put our trust in Him, He will not forsake us.  Psalms 9:9-10 "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.  And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that our days are numbered and we need to make the most of each one. Even if we live 70 or 80 years, those years will swiftly pass.  We need to count each day as a blessing and apply wisdom to them.  Psalms 90:9-12 "For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.  The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.  Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Limhi brought the plates to Ammon which contained a record of his people from the time they had left the land of Zarahemla. Limhi then asked Ammon if he could interpret languages, but he could not. He then explained that he had sent 43 people into the wilderness trying to find Zarahemla, hoping that their brethren could deliver them out of bondage.  While wandering in the wilderness, they had come upon a ruined city with the bones of many people. They had found twenty-four plates of pure gold which contained engravings which no one had been able to interpret. He thought that perheps the plates would contain a record explaining the cause of the destruction of this people.  Mosiah  8:5-12 "And it came to pass that he caused that the plates which contained the record of his people from the time that they left the land of Zarahemla, should be brought before Ammon, that he might read them. Now, as soon as Ammon had read the record, the king inquired of him to know if he could interpret languages, and Ammon told him that he could not.  And the king said unto him: Being grieved for the afflictions of my people, I caused that forty and three of my people should take a journey into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land of Zarahemla, that we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of bondage.  And they were lost in the wilderness for the space of many days, yet they were diligent, and found not the land of Zarahemla but returned to this land, having traveled in a land among many waters, having discovered a land which was covered with bones of men, and of beasts, and was also covered with ruins of buildings of every kind, having discovered a land which had been peopled with a people who were as numerous as the hosts of Israel.  And for a testimony that the things that they had said are true they have brought twenty-four plates which are filled with engravings, and they are of pure gold. And behold, also, they have brought breastplates, which are large, and they are of brass and of copper, and are perfectly sound.  And again, they have brought swords, the hilts thereof have perished, and the blades thereof were cankered with rust; and there is no one in the land that is able to interpret the language or the engravings that are on the plates. Therefore I said unto thee: Canst thou translate? And I say unto thee again: Knowest thou of any one that can translate? For I am desirous that these records should be translated into our language; for, perhaps, they will give us a knowledge of a remnant of the people who have been destroyed, from whence these records came; or, perhaps, they will give us a knowledge of this very people who have been destroyed; and I am desirous to know the cause of their destruction."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord will judge the people.  If we are righteous, He will judge us according too the integrity that is in us.  Psalms 7:8 "The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to lay aside the sins that weigh us down and with patience run the race set before us, keeping our focus on Jesus Christ who endured the cross and now sits of the right hand of God.  Indeed, f we look to Jesus in all we do, that will enable us to give up our sins and stay on the course we're supposed to be on. Try an experiment.  Tr to walk toward a tree of fence post in the distance while keeping your eyes on your feet.  You'll find that you'll veer off course easily.  The best way to walk in a straight line toward a goal is to keep your eyes fixed on that goal.  So if you want to keep on the straight path toward eternal life, the best way is to keep your focus on Jesus.  Hebrews 12:1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Limhi spoke to the people, he asked Ammon to speak to them, telling them what had happened to their brethren in Zarahemla. He taught them what King Benjamin had spoken. After this, King Limhi dismissed the multitude and sent them home.  Mosiah  8:1-4 "And it came to pass that after king Limhi had made an end of speaking to his people, for he spake many things unto them and only a few of them have I written in this book, he told his people all the things concerning their brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla. And he caused that Ammon should stand up before the multitude, and rehearse unto them all that had happened unto their brethren from the time that Zeniff went up out of the land even until the time that he himself came up out of the land.  And he also rehearsed unto them the last words which king Benjamin had taught them, and explained them to the people of king Limhi, so that they might understand all the words which he spake. And it came to pass that after he had done all this, that king Limhi dismissed the multitude, and caused that they should return every one unto his own house."

In the Old Testament we read that the righteous will be blessed but the ungodly will perish.  Psalms 1:1-6 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell about how Jesus' disciples argued among themselves about which one of them was the greatest among them. Jesus told them that among the Gentiles, kings would exercise lordship among the people.  But He said that actually, he who serves is greater than the person thathe serves, and Jesus set the example by serving. Think about that!  According to these verses someone who is a caregiver to an elderly person or a mother caring for an infant is greater than the president of a large corporation who makes lots of money and has lots of power. Money and prestige among men is not the way the Lord judges greatness.  Who can you serve today?  Luke 22:24-27 "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.  For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that King Limhi sent a proclamation to his people asking them to gather at the temple so he could speak to them. After they had gathered, he told them to be comforted because in spite of their struggles the time was at hand when they would no longer be in subjection to their enemies. He told them to rejoice, and put their trust in God--the same God who had brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and given them manna to eat in the wilderness. And this is also the same God who had brought them out o Jerusalem and preserved them.  He told them that it was only because of their iniquities that they had been brought into bondage and suffered many things. If hey had not transgressed, the Lord would not have suffered this great evil to come upon them. They had even slain a prophet who had prophesied of things to come, even Jesus Christ. When people sow filthiness, they shall reap destruction. Because of their wickedness, they were smitten and afflicted.  However, if they would not turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart and put their trust in Him, serving them with all diligence, the Lord would deliver them from bondage.  This is a message of hope for all of us--in spite of the sins we've committed in the past, we can turn our lives around and repent, and the Lord will again bless us.  Mosiah 7:17-33 "And now, it came to pass on the morrow that king Limhi sent a proclamation among all his people, that thereby they might gather themselves together to the temple, to hear the words which he should speak unto them.  And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves together that he spake unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings, which have been in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to be made. Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them.  And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he has brought us into bondage.  And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made king over this people, he being over-zealous to inherit the land of his fathers, therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king Laman, who having entered into a treaty with king Zeniff, and having yielded up into his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom; and the land round about— And all this he did, for the sole purpose of bringing this people into subjection or into bondage. And behold, we at this time do pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites, to the amount of one half of our corn, and our barley, and even all our grain of every kind, and one half of the increase of our flocks and our herds; and even one half of all we have or possess the king of the Lamanites doth exact of us, or our lives. And now, is not this grievous to be borne? And is not this, our affliction, great? Now behold, how great reason we have to mourn.  Yea, I say unto you, great are the reasons which we have to mourn; for behold how many of our brethren have been slain, and their blood has been spilt in vain, and all because of iniquity. For if this people had not fallen into transgression the Lord would not have suffered that this great evil should come upon them. But behold, they would not hearken unto his words; but there arose contentions among them, even so much that they did shed blood among themselves.  And a prophet of the Lord have they slain; yea, a chosen man of God, who told them of their wickedness and abominations, and prophesied of many things which are to come, yea, even the coming of Christ. And because he said unto them that Christ was the God, the Father of all things, and said that he should take upon him the image of man, and it should be the image after which man was created in the beginning; or in other words, he said that man was created after the image of God, and that God should come down among the children of men, and take upon him flesh and blood, and go forth upon the face of the earth—  And now, because he said this, they did put him to death; and many more things did they do which brought down the wrath of God upon them. Therefore, who wondereth that they are in bondage, and that they are smitten with sore afflictions?  For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them.  And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison.  And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction.  And now, behold, the promise of the Lord is fulfilled, and ye are smitten and afflicted.  But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord chastised Job's friends and accepted Job.  The Lord blessed Job and gave him more than he'd had before all this happened.  When we endure in righteousness, all will eventually be well with us.  Job 42:7-17 "And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.  Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.  So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded them: the Lord also accepted Job.  And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.  So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.  He had also seven sons and three daughters.  And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch.  And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.  After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.  So Job died, being old and full of days."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is good and His tender mercies are over all His works.  Psalms 145:9 "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Limhi explained to Ammon that his people were in bondage to the Lamanites and were taxed with grievous taxes. He expressed hope that Ammon and his people could help them, and offered that they would becom their slaves.  He told Ammon to go get the people who had come with him and bring them into the city.  Mosiah 7:15-16 "For behold, we are in bondage to the Lamanites, and are taxed with a tax which is grievous to be borne. And now, behold, our brethren will deliver us out of our bondage, or out of the hands of the Lamanites, and we will be their slaves; for it is better that we be slaves to the Nephites than to pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites.  And now, king Limhi commanded his guards that they should no more bind Ammon nor his brethren, but caused that they should go to the hill which was north of Shilom, and bring their brethren into the city, that thereby they might eat, and drink, and rest themselves from the labors of their journey; for they had suffered many things; they had suffered hunger, thirst, and fatigue."

In the Old Testament we read about how powerful the Lord is and how puny men's weapons would be against Him. He is King over all prideful men.  Job 41:26-34 "The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.  The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble.  Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear. Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire.  He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.  He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.  Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.  He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is not far from any of us and if we seek Him and feel after Him, we will find Him.  Acts 17:27 "That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Ammon and three others went down into the land of Nephi where the king of the land had them put into prison. After a couple of days they were brought before the king for questioning. The king introduced himself as Limhi and asked them why they had approached his city. Ammon explained that had come out of the land of Zarahemla to inquire concerning his brethren whom Zeniff brought out of that land. This made Limhi rejoice because now he knew that his brethren in the land of Zarahemla were still alive.  Mosiah 7:6-14 "And Ammon took three of his brethren, and their names were Amaleki, Helem, and Hem, and they went down into the land of Nephi.  And behold, they met the king of the people who were in the land of Nephi, and in the land of Shilom; and they were surrounded by the king's guard, and were taken, and were bound, and were committed to prison.  And it came to pass when they had been in prison two days they were again brought before the king, and their bands were loosed; and they stood before the king, and were permitted, or rather commanded, that they should answer the questions which he should ask them. And he said unto them: Behold, I am Limhi, the son of Noah, who was the son of Zeniff, who came up out of the land of Zarahemla to inherit this land, which was the land of their fathers, who was made a king by the voice of the people. And now, I desire to know the cause whereby ye were so bold as to come near the walls of the city, when I, myself, was with my guards without the gate?  And now, for this cause have I suffered that ye should be preserved, that I might inquire of you, or else I should have caused that my guards should have put you to death. Ye are permitted to speak.  And now, when Ammon saw that he was permitted to speak, he went forth and bowed himself before the king; and rising again he said: O king, I am very thankful before God this day that I am yet alive, and am permitted to speak; and I will endeavor to speak with boldness;  For I am assured that if ye had known me ye would not have suffered that I should have worn these bands. For I am Ammon, and am a descendant of Zarahemla, and have come up out of the land of Zarahemla to inquire concerning our brethren, whom Zeniff brought up out of that land.  And now, it came to pass that after Limhi had heard the words of Ammon, he was exceedingly glad, and said: Now, I know of a surety that my brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla are yet alive. And now, I will rejoice; and on the morrow I will cause that my people shall rejoice also."

In the Old Testament we read a comparison of man's weakness and ignorance with God's mighty works.  Job 39:1-30 "Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve? Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?  They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows. Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.  Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass? Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.  He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver.  The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing. Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?  Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee? Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?  Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?  Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?  Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,  And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.  She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;  Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.  Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?  Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible.  He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.  He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.  The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.  He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet.  He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?  Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?  She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.  From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off.  Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell about how the Lord saw how the Israelites were being mistreated and had heard their cries so He was going to deliver them from the Egyptians and bring them to the promised land.  So He sent Moses to bring them out of Egypt.  Moses questioned who he was to accomplish such a task, but the Lord assured him that He would be with Him. When the Lord has great work that needs to be done, He often calls people to do it--people who often feel inadequate.  But the important thing to remember is that if we've been called to do something for the Lord, He will be with us.  He'll guide us and help us.  And with Him by our side, we cannot fail.  Exodus 3:7-12 "And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;  And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.  Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.  Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Ammon, a strong and mighty man lead some people into the wilderness trying to find the land of Lehi-Nephi. They wandered for 40 days, not knowing which way to go.  Mosiah 7:3-5 "And it came to pass that on the morrow they started to go up, having with them one Ammon, he being a strong and mighty man, and a descendant of Zarahemla; and he was also their leader.  And now, they knew not the course they should travel in the wilderness to go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi; therefore they wandered many days in the wilderness, even forty days did they wander. And when they had wandered forty days they came to a hill, which is north of the land of Shilom, and there they pitched their tents."

In the Old Testament we read that those who do evil may hurt other men, and our righteousness can help them.  So our sins effect not only ourselves, but those around us as well.  Job 35:8 "Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to bear one another's burdens.  Do we try to look for ways to serve others?  Are we sensitive to their needs?  Do we do whatever we can to lighten their loads?  Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Mosiah wanted to know what happened to the people who had gone up to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi because he had heard nothing from them.  So he sent 16 strong men to go up and inquire of them.  Mosiah 7:1-2 "And now, it came to pass that after king Mosiah had had continual peace for the space of three years, he was desirous to know concerning the people who went up to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi, or in the city of Lehi-Nephi; for his people had heard nothing from them from the time they left the land of Zarahemla; therefore, they wearied him with their teasings.  And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted that sixteen of their strong men might go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi, to inquire concerning their brethren."

In the Old Testament we read that there is no darkness, nor even the shadow of death, which can hide those who work iniquity.  Job 34:22 "There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read that Abraham, because he had such great faith, was willing to go to a strange land, not knowing what he was going to find there.  But because he was commanded to do it, he obeyed.  Sometimes we're asked to do things by the Lord that require us to get out of our comfort zones and venture into territory which is new and unfamiliar to us.  It can be scary!  But if we truly have faith, we'll obey and do whatever is required of us, knowing that the Lord will help us every step of the way.  Hebrews 11:8-9 "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that King Benjamin recorded the names of the people and appointed priests to teach them.  Mosiah reigned as a righteous king, working so that he might not be a burden to the people. There was no contention among the people for three years.   Mosiah 6:1-7 "And now, king Benjamin thought it was expedient, after having finished speaking to the people, that he should take the names of all those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his commandments.  And it came to pass that there was not one soul, except it were little children, but who had entered into the covenant and had taken upon them the name of Christ. And again, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of all these things, and had consecrated his son Mosiah to be a ruler and a king over his people, and had given him all the charges concerning the kingdom, and also had appointed priests to teach the people, that thereby they might hear and know the commandments of God, and to stir them up in remembrance of the oath which they had made, he dismissed the multitude, and they returned, every one, according to their families, to their own houses.  And Mosiah began to reign in his father's stead. And he began to reign in the thirtieth year of his age, making in the whole, about four hundred and seventy-six years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem. And king Benjamin lived three years and he died. And it came to pass that king Mosiah did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe his judgments and his statutes, and did keep his commandments in all things whatsoever he commanded him.  And king Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might not become burdensome to his people, that he might do according to that which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention among all his people for the space of three years."

In the Old Testament we read that Job invites the judgments of God so that God may know his integrity.  If he has done ill, he welcomes the penalties for so doing.  Job 31:6-40 "Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.  If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;  Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.  If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;  Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.  For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.  For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.  If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;  What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?  Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?  If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;  Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;  (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;)  If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;  If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;  If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.  If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;  If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;  If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;  And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:  This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.  If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:  Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.  If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.  The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.  If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:  Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?  Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.  Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.  I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.  If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;  If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:  Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of how David and his men returned to their camp to find that it had been burned and their wives and children kidnapped.  You can imagine how distraught they were about losing their families.  They wept until they could weep no more.  And on top of this, the men blamed David and wanted to stone him.  Now David could have become discouraged and given up, succumbing to despair.  But instead he looked to God for strength and encouragement.  When we are going through difficult trials, do we become bitter and turn against God, or do we turn to Him for strength?  The choice is ours. 1 Samuel 30:1-6 "And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;  And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.  And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.  And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."  

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people were willing to take Christ's name upon them.  There is no other name by which salvation comes. We need to make sure that we do not transgress the laws of God, which would cause the name of Christ to be blotted out of our hearts. We cannot know a Master who we have not served and who is far from our thoughts. We need to be steadfast and immovable, abounding in good works, that we may obtain eternal life.  Mosiah 5:8-15 "And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives. And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.  And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore, he findeth himself on the left hand of God.  And I would that ye should remember also, that this is the name that I said I should give unto you that never should be blotted out, except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts.  I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.  For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?  And again, doth a man take an ass which belongeth to his neighbor, and keep him? I say unto you, Nay; he will not even suffer that he shall feed among his flocks, but will drive him away, and cast him out. I say unto you, that even so shall it be among you if ye know not the name by which ye are called.  Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read a question to ponder on:  If a man who has gained much in the way of worldly things is a hypocrite, what hope does he have when God takes away his soul?  All the wealth in the world won't be enough to save him.  What is really important in the eternal scheme of things?  Job 27:8 "For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?"

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us of God's most important commandment--to love. Love comes from God and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows Him.  1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after hearing King Benjamin's words, the Spirit spoke to the hearts of the people and they were changed so they no longer had any disposition to commit sin. They wanted to do good continually and were filled with joy. They were willing to enter into a covenant with God to keep His commandments. Their hearts were changed because of their faith and they became sons and daughters of Christ. Mosiah 5:1-7 "And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they believed the words which he had spoken unto them. And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.  And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.  And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God. And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them; and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.  And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters."

In the Old Testament, Job extolled the power, greatness, and strength of the Lord.  Job 26:7-14 "He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.  He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.  He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.  The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.  He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.  By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.  Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?"

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and to be courteous.  1 Peter 3:8 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:"