Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after Alma had been born of God he labored from that time forward to bring souls unto repentance so they could taste the sweet joy that he had. Alma had been supported in all kinds of trials and troubles and God had delivered him from prison and bonds and even from death. Alma had placed his trust in the Lord and knew that he would raise him up at the last day. Alma testified to his son that if he would keep the commandments, he would prosper in the land, but if not he would be cut off from the presence of the Lord.  Alma 36:24-30 "Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;  For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God.  And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.  And I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to dwell with him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever, for he has brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyptians in the Red Sea; and he led them by his power into the promised land; yea, and he has delivered them out of bondage and captivity from time to time.  Yea, and he has also brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem; and he has also, by his everlasting power, delivered them out of bondage and captivity, from time to time even down to the present day; and I have always retained in remembrance their captivity; yea, and ye also ought to retain in remembrance, as I have done, their captivity.  But behold, my son, this is not all; for ye ought to know as I do know, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land; and ye ought to know also, that inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this is according to his word."

In the New Testament we're told the importance of being prepared  If a homeowner knew what hour a thief was coming, he could prevent a robbery.  If servants knew what hour the master was coming to check on them, they'd make sure they were doing what he'd asked them to do so he wouldn't catch them unawares.  We don't know what hour the Lord will come, so we need to be prepared at all time.  That way no matter when He comes, we'll be doing what He asked us to do and will receive our great reward. Where much is given, much is expected.  Luke 12:39-48 "And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.  Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.  But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.  And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God.  When we come to God we must believe that He is, that that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.  Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Alma remembered the words of his father concerning Jesus Christ who would atone for the sins of the world. He cried out to God for mercy and was no longer harrowed up by the memory of his sins, but was filled with light and joy. He was able to stand upon his feet and manifest to the people that he had been born of God.  Alma 36:17-23 "And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.  And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.  And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!  Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.  Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there. But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus told us to stop worrying! Why worry about what we'll eat or what we'll wear.  Life is ore than food and clothing.  The ravens don't plant or harvest, in yet the Lord feeds them. And we're worth more than birds! All the worrying in the world can't add a single moment to our life. Instead, put the Kingdom of God first, and other things will be added unto us.  Luke 12:22-34 "And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.  The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.  Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?  And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?  If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?  Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?  And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.  For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

A verse with a thought booklet shows Jesus chastising two men who had heard about His resurrection from the dead, in yet did not believe it, even though the prophets down through the ages had testified that it would happen.  In fact, these men had walked with Jesus and not even recognized Him.  He called them fools and slow to believe!  Do we have faith to really believe or are our hearts hardened to block out the Lord?  Luke 24:25 "Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Alma had been going about with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church of God, but the Lord sent an angel to stop them who told them to stop trying to destroy the church. Alma had fallen to the earth for three days and nights and could not speak or use his limbs. He was struck with great fear and was racked with torment because of his sins.  Alma 36:6-16 "For I went about with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the church of God; but behold, God sent his holy angel to stop us by the way.  And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of thunder, and the whole earth did tremble beneath our feet; and we all fell to the earth, for the fear of the Lord came upon us.  But behold, the voice said unto me: Arise. And I arose and stood up, and beheld the angel.  And he said unto me: If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God.  And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it was for the space of three days and three nights that I could not open my mouth, neither had I the use of my limbs.  And the angel spake more things unto me, which were heard by my brethren, but I did not hear them; for when I heard the words—If thou wilt be destroyed of thyself, seek no more to destroy the church of God—I was struck with such great fear and amazement lest perhaps I should be destroyed, that I fell to the earth and I did hear no more.  But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.  Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.  Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.  Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.  And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul."

In the New Testament we read that whoever listens to the servants of the Lord listens to Him and those who reject them, reject Him.  If we listen to a message in General Conference that we don't agree with and do the opposite of what it says, who are we really rejecting?  If we tell the bishop we can't possibly teach the nursery, who are we really saying no to? Luke 10:16 "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that God is the rock of our strength and will give us refuge. We can trust in Him at all times, and pour out our hearts before Him.  Psalms 62:7-8 "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read the commandments which Alma gave to his son Helaman. He counseled with him to keep the commandments and trust in God. Alma knew these things because he had been born of God and learned them from the mouth of a holy angel.  Alma 36:1-5 "My son, give ear to my words; for I swear unto you, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land.  I would that ye should do as I have done, in remembering the captivity of our fathers; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it was the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he surely did deliver them in their afflictions.  And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.  And I would not that ye think that I know of myself—not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God.  Now, behold, I say unto you, if I had not been born of God I should not have known these things; but God has, by the mouth of his holy angel, made these things known unto me, not of any worthiness of myself;" In the New Testament we hear how Heavenly Father testified that Jesus was His Beloved Son in whom He was well pleased, and instructed the disciples to listen to Him. Most of the time when God the Father speaks to men it's to introduce His Son. Luke 9:35 "And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." Some verses from a thought booklet use two sections of scripture--two places that say that Jesus marveled, or was amazed.  The first tells the story of how Jesus was amazed at the faith of a Roman centurion who told Jesus that he was unworthy to have Him enter his home, but that if He would only say the word, his servant would be healed.  The second instance was when Jesus was amazed at the lack of faith in His own home town, and was unable to perform many miracles because of this lack of unbelief.  In which way do we amaze the Lord--by our great faith or lack thereof? Do we trust in Him or still doubt, even though He's done so much for us in the past?  Luke 7:1-10 "Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.  And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:  For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.  Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.  And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick."  Mark 6:1-6 "And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.  And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.  But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.  And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.  And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Zoramites were angry with the people of Ammon who were in Jershon and demanded that they cast out the poor of the Zoramites who had come to them.  But they refused to listen to these threats, but instead mourished and helped the people who had come to them. This made he Zoramites even more angry and they prepared for war against the people of Ammon, and also the Nephites. Alma was very grieved because of the wickedness of the people, and also for the wars and bloodshed.  Alma 35:8-16 " Now the people of the Zoramites were angry with the people of Ammon who were in Jershon, and the chief ruler of the Zoramites, being a very wicked man, sent over unto the people of Ammon desiring them that they should cast out of their land all those who came over from them into their land.  And he breathed out many threatenings against them. And now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants. Now this did stir up the Zoramites to anger against the people of Ammon, and they began to mix with the Lamanites and to stir them up also to anger against them.  And thus the Zoramites and the Lamanites began to make preparations for war against the people of Ammon, and also against the Nephites.  And thus ended the seventeenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And the people of Ammon departed out of the land of Jershon, and came over into the land of Melek, and gave place in the land of Jershon for the armies of the Nephites, that they might contend with the armies of the Lamanites and the armies of the Zoramites; and thus commenced a war betwixt the Lamanites and the Nephites, in the eighteenth year of the reign of the judges; and an account shall be given of their wars hereafter. And Alma, and Ammon, and their brethren, and also the two sons of Alma returned to the land of Zarahemla, after having been instruments in the hands of God of bringing many of the Zoramites to repentance; and as many as were brought to repentance were driven out of their land; but they have lands for their inheritance in the land of Jershon, and they have taken up arms to defend themselves, and their wives, and children, and their lands.  Now Alma, being grieved for the iniquity of his people, yea for the wars, and the bloodsheds, and the contentions which were among them; and having been to declare the word, or sent to declare the word, among all the people in every city; and seeing that the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.  Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together, that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness. And we have an account of his commandments, which he gave unto them according to his own record."

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus commanded the storm to be still, and immediately it quit raging.  Sometimes we have storms or difficulties in life. If we'll turn to the Lord for help, He can calm our storms as well.  We just need to have faith and turn to Him.  Luke 8:22-25 "Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him."

Some verse with a thought booklet talk about thirsting for the living God, the way a hart pants after water in a brook,  and asking when we will appear before Him.  Are we eager to draw nearer to the Lord, the way we would seek after water if we were dying of thirst,  and looking forward to meeting Him face to face?  Psalms 42:1-2 "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?"

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Zoramites were angry because of the Word of God which had been preached to them and they refused to hearken to what they had been taught. They cast out those who believed in the word of God, and they went to Jershon where they were ministered unto by Alma and his brethren.  Alma 35:1-7 "Now it came to pass that after Amulek had made an end of these words, they withdrew themselves from the multitude and came over into the land of Jershon. Yea, and the rest of the brethren, after they had preached the word unto the Zoramites, also came over into the land of Jershon.  And it came to pass that after the more popular part of the Zoramites had consulted together concerning the words which had been preached unto them, they were angry because of the word, for it did destroy their craft; therefore they would not hearken unto the words.  And they sent and gathered together throughout all the land all the people, and consulted with them concerning the words which had been spoken. Now their rulers and their priests and their teachers did not let the people know concerning their desires; therefore they found out privily the minds of all the people.  And it came to pass that after they had found out the minds of all the people, those who were in favor of the words which had been spoken by Alma and his brethren were cast out of the land; and they were many; and they came over also into the land of Jershon.  And it came to pass that Alma and his brethren did minister unto them."

In the New Testament we read about Jesus being criticized for allowing a sinful woman to touch his feet and pour ointment on them.  Jesus pointed out that if two debtors (one with a large debt and one with a smaller debt) were both forgiven, the one who had been forgiven of the great debt would be the most grateful.  The woman who had been forgiven of a great sin was the most grateful to Jess and had shown her gratitude by the way she treated Him.  Jesus told the woman that her faith had saved her and her sins were forgiven.  Luke 7:36-50 "And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.  And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,  And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.  There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.  And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us whatever is honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, and praiseworthy is what we would think about.  Have you ever seen the previews of a movie or TV series and got excited to see it?  But then once you got into it the bad language and smut and violence made you realize that these were not the influences you wanted in your life?  It may seem like a small thing to turn off the TV or walk out of the theater, but avoiding the not-so-pure show is a step toward keeping our thoughts clean and honoring the God we love.  Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that we should not contend against the Holy Ghost, but be willing to take upon us the name of Christ.  We should humbles ourselves, worship God, and live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings bestowed upon us. We need to be watchful and prayerful, that we won't be lead away into temptation and become subjects unto the devil. We need to be patient in our afflictions, having a firm hope that one day we will rest from all our afflictions. Alma 34:38-41 "That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.  Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing.  And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to have patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your exceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like unto them; But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions."

In the New Testament we read the amazing story of how Jesus raised a widow's son from the dead.  Luke 7:11-17 "And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.  And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.  And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.  And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judæa, and throughout all the region round about."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we were not redeemed by corruptible things like silver and gold, but by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after we have received so many witnesses, including the scriptures, we need to bring forth fruit meet for repentance. We need to not harden our hearts, for this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God. We should not procrastinate the day of our repentance until it is everlastingly too late. We need to work out our salvation with fear before God and not deny the coming of Christ.  Alma 34:30-37 " And now, my brethren, I would that, after ye have received so many witnesses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of these things, ye come forth and bring fruit unto repentance. Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.  For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.  And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.  Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.  For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.  And this I know, because the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell; yea, and he has also said that the righteous shall sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out; but their garments should be made white through the blood of the Lamb.  And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;"

In the New Testament we read that we are blessed and will receive a great reward in heaven if we suffer persecutions for the Lord.  If people hate us, reject us, insult us and condemn us for His sake, we should leap for joy because of the reward that awaits us.  Luke 6:22-23 "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that even though thick darkness may cover the earth and the people, the Lord will arise upon us and His glory will be seen upon us.  If we focus on the Lord and His light, it will dispel the darkness around us.  Isaiah 60:2 " For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that we need to help the poor and visit the sick and afflicted, or else our prayers are vain and we are hypocrites who deny the faith.  Alma 34:28-29 "And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith. Therefore, if ye do not remember to be charitable, ye are as dross, which the refiners do cast out, (it being of no worth) and is trodden under foot of men."

In the New Testament we read that after Simon had worked hard all night trying to catch fish but had been unsuccessful, Jesus asked him to row out again and let down his nets.  Simon pointed out that they'd had no luck all night but because Jesus asked him to, he did it anyway. And he caught so many fish that he had to call another boat to help him with the haul of fish! And both boats were so full they were about to sink.  Sometimes the Lord asks us to do something that makes no sense or doesn't seem like it would work.  But if we have the faith to do it anyway, we'll be rewarded in ways we can't imagine.  Luke 5:4-7 "Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.  And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.  And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.  And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell about how the Israelites sought for a king to rule over them so they could be like other nations, even though this was not the Lord's will for them.  Samuel warned the what would happen if they got a king. He would take their sons and daughters, he would take their best fields and orchards, he would take a tenth of their produce, take their servants, cattle and flocks. Take, take, take.  How many times have we chosen a way contrary to the Lord's will in our lives?  Sometimes we pray for things that are not good for us and insist that our requests be granted!  Sometimes we deliberate choose something to be king over our lives, even though we know it's in opposition to God. And sometimes our choices take away our peace, take our finances, take our joy, take our hope, take our faith, take our sound mind.  Take, take, take.  We need to be careful what we ask for and make sure it is according to God's will.  Otherwise, we'll reap the consequences. 1 Samuel 8:4-22 "Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.  And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.  Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king.  And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.  And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.  And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.  And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.  And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.  And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.  He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.  And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;  That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.  And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord.  And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that we must exercise our faith unto repentance and call upon God for mercy. We need to humble ourselves in continued prayer, in all times and all places and over all aspects of our lives. Our hearts should be drawn out in prayer at all times, for our own welfare and for the welfare of those around us.  Alma 34:17-27 "Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you; Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.  Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.  Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.  Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening. Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.  Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.  Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.  Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.  But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.  Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you."

In the New Testament we read about how the good news about Jesus spread throughout the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.  Then He went to Nazareth where he had been raised and taught in the synagogue there.  He quoted from Isaiah and said that those scriptures had been fulfilled that day. But the people in His own town were angered by Him, saying "Isn't this Joseph's son?"  Jesus pointed out to them that a prophet is often rejected by his own people.  Even though there were plenty of widows in Elijah's homeland he could have saved from the famine, he was sent to a widow in Zarephath. There were plenty of lepers in Israel that Elijah could have healed, but Naaman was sent to him from Syria.  This angered the people so much that they ran him out of town and to the crest of a hill where they wanted to throw him off.  But He passed through the crowd and went on His way.  Luke 4:14-30 "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.  And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.  And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.  And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.  But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;  But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.  And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.  And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,  And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.  But he passing through the midst of them went his way," 

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of the prodigal son, a son who took his inheritance and wasted it and then came back humbly, realizing that he had sinned and was unworthy.  The striking thing about this story is how the father greeted him--with joy and rejoicing.  He didn't want to berate or punish his son, he wanted to celebrate his return.  This is how our Heavenly Father rejoices when one of His children who has gone astray wants to return to Him. He is willing to welcome us back with open arms!  Luke 15:11-24 "And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.  And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.  And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.  And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry."

Daily Thoughts

I the Book of Mormon we read that every art of the law of Moses was pointing toward the great and last sacrifice made by the Son of God who would bring salvation to all who would have faith and repent. Thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice.  Alma 34:14- 16 "And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.  And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance. And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption."

In the New Testament we read about the birth of John the Baptist.  The people wanted him to be named Zechariah, after his father, but Elizabeth told them his name should be John.  They asked Zechariah what he wanted and he wrote that the child should be named John.  And after that his tongue was loosed and he was able to speak. The people knew the Lord's power was with him.  Luke 1:57-66 "Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.  And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.  And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.  And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.  And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.  And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.  And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.  And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read about the believers were of one heart and one soul and had all things in common, so no one among them was in need or lacked anything. Those who had great possessions sold them for the benefit of others. Instead of being selfish and only concerned with our own needs, we need to love others and do what we can to help and support them.  Acts 4:32-35 "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Amulek testified that an atonement must be made to prevent all mankind from perishing. A great and last sacrifice mus be made. The law of Moses would be fulfilled and pass away.  Alma 34:9-13 "For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.  For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice. Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood which will atone for the sins of another. Now, if a man murdereth, behold will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother? I say unto you, Nay. But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered; therefore there can be nothing which is short of an infinite atonement which will suffice for the sins of the world.  Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall be all fulfilled, every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away."

In the New Testament we read the story of the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were elderly and had never been able to have children.  But when Zechariah was told by an angel that they would have a son, and that that son would do great things and prepare the way for Christ, Zechariah's reaction was to doubt.  In fact, he asked for proof.  So a sign was given--Zechariah became unable to speak!  When the Lord tells us that amazing things are going to happen, is our first reaction to doubt and demand a sign?  We'd better watch out because we may be given a sign that we don't like!  Do we have faith enough that we can trust in the Lord even when He gives us messages that seem impossible?  Luke 1:5-22 "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.  And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.  And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.  And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,  According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.  And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.  And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.  But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.  And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.  And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.  And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.  And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.  And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless."

A verse with a thought booklet warns us to have no fellowship with works of darkness.  Rather, we should reprove them. Ephesians 5:11 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Amulek likewise testified of Jesus Christ. He told them to have faith and patience. The prophets have testified that redemption comes thorough the Son of God who would come among men to take upon Him the transgressions of His people and atone for their sins.  Alma 34:1-8 "And now it came to pass that after Alma had spoken these words unto them he sat down upon the ground, and Amulek arose and began to teach them, saying:  My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us. And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and to patience—  Yea, even that ye would have so much faith as even to plant the word in your hearts, that ye may try the experiment of its goodness.  And we have beheld that the great question which is in your minds is whether the word be in the Son of God, or whether there shall be no Christ.  And ye also beheld that my brother has proved unto you, in many instances, that the word is in Christ unto salvation.  My brother has called upon the words of Zenos, that redemption cometh through the Son of God, and also upon the words of Zenock; and also he has appealed unto Moses, to prove that these things are true.  And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus first appeared to a few people after He was resurrected.  The people who saw Him tried to tell others that Jesus was risen from the dead, but most would not believe them. Then He appeared to His disciples and chastised them for their unbelief and hard hearts.  He instructed them to go to all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Those who would be willing to believe and be baptized would be saved but those who would not would be damned.  Mark 16:9-16 "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

A verse with a thought booklet talks about speaking the truth in love.  It's not only important to speak the truth, but to do it with love as well.   Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Alma asked the people if they believed in the scriptures and told them that if they did, they could not disbelieve in the Son of God. All the prophets testified of Him. The Lord is angry with people who will not understand His mercies bestowed upon them by His Son. The people would harden their hearts and stone the prophets who testify unto them of Christ's atonement and resurrection. If they would just plant the word of God into their hearts and allow it to grow, it would spring up unto everlasting life and bring joy to their souls. Alma 33:12-23 "And now Alma said unto them: Do ye believe those scriptures which have been written by them of old?  Behold, if ye do, ye must believe what Zenos said; for, behold he said: Thou hast turned away thy judgments because of thy Son.  Now behold, my brethren, I would ask if ye have read the scriptures? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God?  For it is not written that Zenos alone spake of these things, but Zenock also spake of these things—  For behold, he said: Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son.  And now, my brethren, ye see that a second prophet of old has testified of the Son of God, and because the people would not understand his words they stoned him to death.  But behold, this is not all; these are not the only ones who have spoken concerning the Son of God.  Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.  But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them. O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?  If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.  And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus predicted that all His disciples would falter in their faithfulness to Him. The scriptures had prophesied that once the Shepherd was smitten, the sheep would go off in all directions. But Jesus told them that after He was raised up, He would go before them to Galilee.  Peter told Jesus that even if everyone else stumbled, he would not.  But Jesus told him that on that very night, before the rooster would crow twice, Peter would deny Him three times.  Peter insisted this would not be the case, even if he had to die alongside Him.  All the disciples said the same thing. However, just as Jesus said, Peter did deny Him three times before the rooster crowed twice. Peter remembered what Jesus had said and broke down sobbing.  Mark 14:27-31, 66-72 "And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.  But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.  But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.  And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.  But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:  And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.  But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.  And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.  And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilæan, and thy speech agreeth thereto.  But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that the Lord doesn't see people by their outward appearance the way we do--He looks into their hearts and sees them for what they truly are.  If we would try to stop judging others by what they look like and look deeper into their hearts, we might find wonderful people who are a blessing to know.  1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after the people had heard Alma's discourse about faith they asked him about whether they should believe in one God and they inquired about how to plant the seed of faith in their hearts. Alma taught them that they did not need to be in a synagogue in order to worship God. The prophet Zenos had his prayers heard while in the wilderness, in the field, in his house, and in his closet. God is merciful unto His children who pray to Him, regardless of where they are. He hears us when we are in the midst of our afflictions. Alma 33:1-11 "Now after Alma had spoken these words, they sent forth unto him desiring to know whether they should believe in one God, that they might obtain this fruit of which he had spoken, or how they should plant the seed, or the word of which he had spoken, which he said must be planted in their hearts; or in what manner they should begin to exercise their faith. And Alma said unto them: Behold, ye have said that ye could not worship your God because ye are cast out of your synagogues. But behold, I say unto you, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search the scriptures; if ye suppose that they have taught you this, ye do not understand them.  Do ye remember to have read what Zenos, the prophet of old, has said concerning prayer or worship? For he said: Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me.  Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me.  And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer.  And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me.  Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.  Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations.  Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out and have been despised by mine enemies; yea, thou didst hear my cries, and wast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in thine anger with speedy destruction.  And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son."

In the New Testament we read that faithful followers of Christ will be hated and persecuted because of His name.  But those who stand firm until the end will be saved.  Mark 13:13 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to be still and know that the Lord is God.  Sometimes in our busy and noisy lives we lose sight of the Lord.  We need to take time to slow down and find a quiet place to pray and meditate and allow ourselves to feel God's presence.  Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read more about planting a seed of faith in our hearts. If the seed is a good seed, it will sprout and grow and begin to enlighten our understanding and will be delicious unto us.

Then we can see that it is a good seed and it will increase our faith. We must nourish it with great care that it brings forth fruit. But if we neglect it, it will not take root and will wither away in the heat of the sun. This would not be because the seed was not good, but because your ground was barren and would not nourish it. We need to nourish the word of God which is planted in our hearts. If we are diligent and patient and long-suffering we will reap the rewards of our faith. Alma 32:28-43 "Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.  Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.  But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.  And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness. Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.  And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.  And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand. O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.  And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.  But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.  Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.  And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.  But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.  And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.  Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."

In the New Testament we read about the rich who donated large amounts but who had plenty left over vs. the widow who donated what little she had to live on.  She actually gave more because it was all that she had and the Lord had more respect for her offering than the offerings of those who gave out of their abundance.  Mark 12:41-44 "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.  And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.  And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:  For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

Some verses with a thought booklet warn us not to judge others, especially when we ourselves are often guilty of what we're judging the other person of doing. When we judge other people, we are without excuse and God's judgment will come upon us.  Romans 2:1-3 "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.  But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.  And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that God imparts His word by angels to men, women, and children. Faith is not a perfect knowledge.  We first need to awake and arouse our faculties to experiment upon the word. We need to have a desire to believe, which is the first step to planting a seed in our heart. Alma 32:23-27 "And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned.  And now, my beloved brethren, as ye have desired to know of me what ye shall do because ye are afflicted and cast out—now I do not desire that ye should suppose that I mean to judge you only according to that which is true—  For I do not mean that ye all of you have been compelled to humble yourselves; for I verily believe that there are some among you who would humble themselves, let them be in whatsoever circumstances they might.  Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.  But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words."

In the New Testament we read that whatever we pray for in faith will be granted unto us. We also need to come before the Lord with clean hearts, forgiving others and not holding any grudges against them.  Just as we forgive others, the Lord will forgive us.  Elsewhere in scriptures we're also told that we'll receive whatever we pray for that is expedient for us.  So we need to have faith, have clean hearts, and pray for what is best for us in order to get what we ask for.  Only God really knows what is best for us and we need to trust in Him that He'll grant our requests in the way that will be most beneficial, even if we don't understand it.  Mark 11:22-25 "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Some verses with a thought booklet explain that it' not good to be alone. If we walk alone and fall, there is no one up help us get up.  If we sleep alone, there is no one to keep us warm. If someone attacks us, having someone with us can help us prevail against them. The Lord meant for us to love and help each other. I'm one who likes to be self-sufficient and do things on my own.  But there are times I need help.  There are times we all need help in handling the challenges of life.  We should not hesitate to seek out a brother or sister willing and ready to assist us. There are times when it's just not possible to do it all alone.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?  And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that some people say that if they see a sign from heaven they will believe.  But that is not faith, that is knowing. Faith is to have hope for something that is not seen, which is true. God is merciful to those who have faith in Him.  Alma 32:17-22 "Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe.  Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for if a man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it.  And now, how much more cursed is he that knoweth the will of God and doeth it not, than he that only believeth, or only hath cause to believe, and falleth into transgression? Now of this thing ye must judge. Behold, I say unto you, that it is on the one hand even as it is on the other; and it shall be unto every man according to his work. And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.  And now, behold, I say unto you, and I would that ye should remember, that God is merciful unto all who believe on his name; therefore he desireth, in the first place, that ye should believe, yea, even on his word."

In the New Testament we read that Jesus predicted His own death and resurrection. His disciples didn't understand what He was saying and were afraid to ask Him.  Mark 9:30-32 "And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.  But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that all of us sin, and if we claim we don't we are liars and are deceiving ourselves.  But if we humbly confess our sins and are willing to repent of them, the Lord will forgive us and cleanse us from all our unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-10 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Alma and his brethren began to preach the word of God to the people, and to have success among the poor who had been cast out of the synagogues because they were unable to afford the best clothing. Because they were poor, they were looked down on. But their poverty had humbled them so that they were prepared to hear the word of God. Alma told them that it was good that they were cast out of the synagogues because it had humbled them and made them penitent. He also said that those who were not compelled to be humble were even more blessed  Alma 32:1-16 "And it came to pass that they did go forth, and began to preach the word of God unto the people, entering into their synagogues, and into their houses; yea, and even they did preach the word in their streets.  And it came to pass that after much labor among them, they began to have success among the poor class of people; for behold, they were cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel—  Therefore they were not permitted to enter into their synagogues to worship God, being esteemed as filthiness; therefore they were poor; yea, they were esteemed by their brethren as dross; therefore they were poor as to things of the world; and also they were poor in heart.  Now, as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon the hill Onidah, there came a great multitude unto him, who were those of whom we have been speaking, of whom were poor in heart, because of their poverty as to the things of the world.  And they came unto Alma; and the one who was the foremost among them said unto him: Behold, what shall these my brethren do, for they are despised of all men because of their poverty, yea, and more especially by our priests; for they have cast us out of our synagogues which we have labored abundantly to build with our own hands; and they have cast us out because of our exceeding poverty; and we have no place to worship our God; and behold, what shall we do? And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word. Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude; but he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who were truly penitent, and said unto them:  I behold that ye are lowly in heart; and if so, blessed are ye.  Behold thy brother hath said, What shall we do?—for we are cast out of our synagogues, that we cannot worship our God.  Behold I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God save it be in your synagogues only?  And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not worship God only once in a week?  I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble.  And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.  And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?  Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.  Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe."

In the New Testament we read about how Jesus healed a deaf mute by putting His fingers in the man's ears, spitting and touching the man's tongue.  Mark 7:31-37 "And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.  And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;  And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.  And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.  And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;  And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us to set our minds and our affections on things from above, not on things that are on earth. If you're playing golf, you need to keep your mind on your target and look where you're aiming to go. So likewise, if we want to be resurrected in the Kingdom of God and live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we need to focus on where we're going and concentrate on our final destination. When playing golf, adjusting the tee and rearranging our grip can keep us from focusing properly on the direction we're heading.  So likewise can getting bogged down in the details of daily life cause us to forget what really matters.  Colossians 3:1-2 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Alma, greatly distressed by the iniquity of the Zoramites, prayed unto God asking how long he would need to dwell in the flesh to behold such gross wickedness which pained his soul. He asked the Lord to comfort him and give him patience in his afflictions. He asked that he and his brethren would be able to bring souls to Christ, knowing that these people were precious in the sight of God. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and the Lord provided for them that they would not hunger or thirst and He gave them the strength that they needed.  Because Alma prayed in faith, they were swallowed up in the joy of Christ.   Alma 31:26-38 "And he lifted up his voice to heaven, and cried, saying: O, how long, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall dwell here below in the flesh, to behold such gross wickedness among the children of men? Behold, O God, they cry unto thee, and yet their hearts are swallowed up in their pride. Behold, O God, they cry unto thee with their mouths, while they are puffed up, even to greatness, with the vain things of the world. Behold, O my God, their costly apparel, and their ringlets, and their bracelets, and their ornaments of gold, and all their precious things which they are ornamented with; and behold, their hearts are set upon them, and yet they cry unto thee and say—We thank thee, O God, for we are a chosen people unto thee, while others shall perish.  Yea, and they say that thou hast made it known unto them that there shall be no Christ.  O Lord God, how long wilt thou suffer that such wickedness and infidelity shall be among this people? O Lord, wilt thou give me strength, that I may bear with mine infirmities. For I am infirm, and such wickedness among this people doth pain my soul.  O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.  O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers who are with me—yea, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and also Amulek and Zeezrom, and also my two sons—yea, even all these wilt thou comfort, O Lord. Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ. Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them because of the iniquities of this people.  O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.  Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee. Now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words, that he clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And behold, as he clapped his hands upon them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.  And after that they did separate themselves one from another, taking no thought for themselves what they should eat, or what they should drink, or what they should put on.  And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith."

In the New Testament we read about how the people had traditions passed down to them from their fathers about ritually washing themselves, washing their hands carefully before eating, washing their cups, jugs, sleeping mats, etc. Jesus reprimanded them for being hypocrites.  On the surface they seemed clean and appeared to honor God, but inside where it counted they were corrupt and their worship was empty. They would get around the commandment to honor their parents by claiming what they were withholding from their parents was a gift to God. They found a way to do away with God's word in favor of rules handed down by men. Things that enter into a man don't have the power to contaminate the way that things coming out of him do. Things taken in go into the stomach and pass out into the sewer.  But it's from inside a man, from the human heart, that evil comes that can truly contaminate.  Sins like adultery, theft, murder, greed, deceit, evil action, unrestrained immorality, envy, pride, and foolishness begin with impure thoughts that come from inside a person and that is what contaminates a man in the sight of God.  Mark 7:1-23 "Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.  And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.  And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?  He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.  For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:  But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.  And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.  If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.  And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?  And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,  Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. m"

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us to highly esteem and love those who are over us in the Lord and admonish us as they labor among us.  We need to respect and love our leaders, even when they have to chastise us. There are many ways we can show our appreciation to them--thanking them for all they do, praying for them, sending them a card or note, or baking a special treat for them. Sometimes they may feel overwhelmed with the burdens placed upon them and just a word of appreciation can help lift their spirits. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."