Daily Thoughts

n the Book of Mormon we read that the Lamanites were afraid to come against the Nephites in the borders of Jershon, but went into the wilderness hoping to take possession of the land of Manti. Moroni sent spies to watch them and also made inquiries about what the Lord wanted them to do. The word of the Lord came to Alma who informed the messengers of Moroni that the armies of the Lamanites were planning to attack Manti, which was a weaker part of the land. So Moroni took many warriors to the land of Manti so they were prepared for the Lamanites when they came. He knew that his only desire was to defend the liberty of the Nephites and he was justified in using statagem against the Lamanites.   Alma 43: 22-33 "Behold, now it came to pass that they durst not come against the Nephites in the borders of Jershon; therefore they departed out of the land of Antionum into the wilderness, and took their journey round about in the wilderness, away by the head of the river Sidon, that they might come into the land of Manti and take possession of the land; for they did not suppose that the armies of Moroni would know whither they had gone. But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites.  And it came to pass that the word of the Lord came unto Alma, and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness, that they might come over into the land of Manti, that they might commence an attack upon the weaker part of the people. And those messengers went and delivered the message unto Moroni. Now Moroni, leaving a part of his army in the land of Jershon, lest by any means a part of the Lamanites should come into that land and take possession of the city, took the remaining part of his army and marched over into the land of Manti.  And he caused that all the people in that quarter of the land should gather themselves together to battle against the Lamanites, to defend their lands and their country, their rights and their liberties; therefore they were prepared against the time of the coming of the Lamanites. And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his army should be secreted in the valley which was near the bank of the river Sidon, which was on the west of the river Sidon in the wilderness. And Moroni placed spies round about, that he might know when the camp of the Lamanites should come.  And now, as Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the land; And he also knowing that it was the only desire of the Nephites to preserve their lands, and their liberty, and their church, therefore he thought it no sin that he should defend them by stratagem; therefore, he found by his spies which course the Lamanites were to take. Therefore, he divided his army and brought a part over into the valley, and concealed them on the east, and on the south of the hill Riplah;  And the remainder he concealed in the west valley, on the west of the river Sidon, and so down into the borders of the land Manti.  And thus having placed his army according to his desire, he was prepared to meet them."

In the New Testament we read the wonderful story of the man lame from birth being healed.  He was begging for alms at the temple gate. Peter told him he had no money, but such as he had he would give him.  Then he commanded him to rise up and walk.  Imagine spending your entire life being carried around by others and suddenly your legs and ankles which have never carried weight are given strength and you can walk.  Not only was this man walking, he was leaping and rejoicing and praising God for this miracle!  And all who saw him were amazed.  Acts 3:1-10 "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God:  And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to be of good courage, for if we hope in the Lord, He will strengthen us.  Psalms 31:24 "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."