Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people argued among themselves whether Ammon was the Great Spirit or if he was a monster sent to torment them. Some thought that Ammon had been sent by the Great Spirit to afflict them because of their iniquities.  There arose a great contention over this matter. When Abish saw what was occurring she was very sad.  She touched the queen's hand who immediately arose and cried out with joy.  The queen took the king's hand and he likewise arose. He rebuked the people in their contentions and began to teach them what Ammon had taught him. Many believed and were converted to the Lord. But others refused to listen and went on their way.  Those who had been converted testified that their hearts had been changed and they had no more disposition to do evil. Many were baptized and the church was established among them. The Lord poured out His Spirit among them.  His arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on His name.   Alma 19: 25-36 "And it came to pass that there were many among them who said that Ammon was the Great Spirit, and others said he was sent by the Great Spirit; But others rebuked them all, saying that he was a monster, who had been sent from the Nephites to torment them.  And there were some who said that Ammon was sent by the Great Spirit to afflict them because of their iniquities; and that it was the Great Spirit that had always attended the Nephites, who had ever delivered them out of their hands; and they said that it was this Great Spirit who had destroyed so many of their brethren, the Lamanites.  And thus the contention began to be exceedingly sharp among them. And while they were thus contending, the woman servant who had caused the multitude to be gathered together came, and when she saw the contention which was among the multitude she was exceedingly sorrowful, even unto tears.  And it came to pass that she went and took the queen by the hand, that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and as soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon her feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people!  And when she had said this, she clasped her hands, being filled with joy, speaking many words which were not understood; and when she had done this, she took the king, Lamoni, by the hand, and behold he arose and stood upon his feet.  And he, immediately, seeing the contention among his people, went forth and began to rebuke them, and to teach them the words which he had heard from the mouth of Ammon; and as many as heard his words believed, and were converted unto the Lord.  But there were many among them who would not hear his words; therefore they went their way.  And it came to pass that when Ammon arose he also administered unto them, and also did all the servants of Lamoni; and they did all declare unto the people the selfsame thing—that their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil. And behold, many did declare unto the people that they had seen angels and had conversed with them; and thus they had told them things of God, and of his righteousness.  And it came to pass that there were many that did believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among them.  And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name."

In the Old Testament we read that those who do wickedly against the covenant will be able to be corrupted by flatteries, but those who know God will be strong.  Coming to know the Lord and keeping His commandments are our best defenses against giving in to temptation.  Daniel 11:32 "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that even when we have great and sore troubles, the Lord will bring us from their depths and comfort us on every side.  We can turn to the Lord no matter what our problems are and He will help us.  Psalms 71:20-21 "Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.  Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."