Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the contention and persecution caused much affliction to the church, and many whose hearts were hardened had their names blotted out and withdrew themselves from the church. However, others continued to keep the commandments of God and bore their persecution with patience. All labored and were equal, both the preacher and the hearer. They did not wear costly apparel, but gave freely to the sick and needy. In spite of their persecutions, they began to have peace again.  Alma 1: 23-28 "Now this was in the second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a cause of much affliction to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial with the church.  For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them.  Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.  And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.  And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely. And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord who created us has redeemed us.  We are His and He has called us by name.  We have nothing to fear.  Whether we walk through fire or water, He will be with us.  Isaiah 43:1-2 " But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet warn us that just as trees that don't bear good fruit are cut down and cast into the fire, the Lord will purge His floor, gathering the wheat into the storehouse but burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.  When He comes, will we be among the righteous who are gathered to safety, or among the wicked who will be burned? We need to prepare now by repenting and making sure our lives are worthy.  Matthew 3:10-12 "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."