Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the afflictions of the Nephites were great and there was no way they could deliver themselves from the Lamanites. The people murmured and complained and decided to go against the Lamanites to battle. But the Lamanites beat them back and slew many of them. A fear of the Lamanites came upon the people and there was much mourning for loved ones who had been killed. The Nephites went against the Lamanites two more times but were again defeated.  Mosiah 21:5-12 "And now the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded them on every side.  And it came to pass that the people began to murmur with the king because of their afflictions; and they began to be desirous to go against them to battle. And they did afflict the king sorely with their complaints; therefore he granted unto them that they should do according to their desires.  And they gathered themselves together again, and put on their armor, and went forth against the Lamanites to drive them out of their land.  And it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them, and drove them back, and slew many of them.  And now there was a great mourning and lamentation among the people of Limhi, the widow mourning for her husband, the son and the daughter mourning for their father, and the brothers for their brethren.  Now there were a great many widows in the land, and they did cry mightily from day to day, for a great fear of the Lamanites had come upon them.  And it came to pass that their continual cries did stir up the remainder of the people of Limhi to anger against the Lamanites; and they went again to battle, but they were driven back again, suffering much loss. Yea, they went again even the third time, and suffered in the like manner; and those that were not slain returned again to the city of Nephi."

In the Old Testament we read that lying lips re an abomination to the Lord, but He delights in those who deal truthfully.  Are we always completely honest in our dealings with our fellowmen?  Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of how Jesus was arrested and led away to Caiaphas, and Peter followed Him at a distance, sitting down with the servants to see the outcome.  Previously Peter had professed his loyalty to Jesus, and indeed at this point he was still following Jesus, but a true disciple would follow closely, not at a distance in an inconspicuous way.  How are we following Jesus today?  Are we following closely in a way that shows clearly that we are Jesus' disciples?  Or are we hanging back from a distance, hoping no one will notice us?  Or are we not bothering to follow at all?  Matthew 26:57-58 "And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.  But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end."