Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the kingmen and the freemen voted to decide which form of government they should have, and the freemen won. The kingmen were those of high birth and wanted to be kings themselves.   Alma 51:7-8 "And it came to pass that this matter of their contention was settled by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that the voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained the judgment-seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran and also many of the people of liberty, who also put the king-men to silence, that they durst not oppose but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom.  Now those who were in favor of kings were those of high birth, and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and authority over the people."

The New Testament tells us that we should be generous with our gifts and give from the heart, not with hesitation or because we feel forced to give. God will provide us with what we need for every kind of good work. We will prosper so that we can be generous in every way.  Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God.  2 Corinthians 9:7-11 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.  Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we can pray to God and He will be our helper.  He can turn our mourning into dancing if we'll rely on Him. We should give thanks and praise unto Him forever for all He does for us.  Psalms 30:10-12 "Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;  To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the peace that had been established in the land did not continue entirely because a contention arose because some people wanted to alter the law and chief judge Pahoran refused to do so. As a result some people were angry with Pahoran and wanted to dethrone him. They were called kingmen, for it was their desire to overthrow the free government and establish a king. Those who supported Pahoran were called freemen.  Alma 51:1-6 "And now it came to pass in the commencement of the twenty and fifth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, they having established peace between the people of Lehi and the people of Morianton concerning their lands, and having commenced the twenty and fifth year in peace; Nevertheless, they did not long maintain an entire peace in the land, for there began to be a contention among the people concerning the chief judge Pahoran; for behold, there were a part of the people who desired that a few particular points of the law should be altered.  But behold, Pahoran would not alter nor suffer the law to be altered; therefore, he did not hearken to those who had sent in their voices with their petitions concerning the altering of the law. Therefore, those who were desirous that the law should be altered were angry with him, and desired that he should no longer be chief judge over the land; therefore there arose a warm dispute concerning the matter, but not unto bloodshed. And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran should be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called king-men, for they were desirous that the law should be altered in a manner to overthrow the free government and to establish a king over the land.  And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government."

In the New Testament we read about the difference between Godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world.  Godly sorrow causes you to want to repent and change your life for the better.  Worldly sorrow just makes you discouraged and want to give up.  The result is death.  When we feel like we've done so many things wrong we have no hope of ever being right with God again we can know that this discouragement is coming from Satan, not God.  Godly sorrow makes us want to turn our lives around, repent, and be clean once again.  2 Corinthians 7:10-11 "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the day will come when God will wipe away all our tears and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these former things will pass away.  No matter what our problems and troubles are, they will eventually be gone.  This verse should give us great hope!  Revelation 20:4 "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephihah died after fulling the judgment seat with perfect uprightness before God and Nephihah's son Pahoran took his place. Pahoran took an oath to judge righteously and keep the peace.  Alma 50:37-40 "And it came to pass that in the same year that the people of Nephi had peace restored unto them, that Nephihah, the second chief judge, died, having filled the judgment-seat with perfect uprightness before God.  Nevertheless, he had refused Alma to take possession of those records and those things which were esteemed by Alma and his fathers to be most sacred; therefore Alma had conferred them upon his son, Helaman. Behold, it came to pass that the son of Nephihah was appointed to fill the judgment-seat, in the stead of his father; yea, he was appointed chief judge and governor over the people, with an oath and sacred ordinance to judge righteously, and to keep the peace and the freedom of the people, and to grant unto them their sacred privileges to worship the Lord their God, yea, to support and maintain the cause of God all his days, and to bring the wicked to justice according to their crime.  Now behold, his name was Pahoran. And Pahoran did fill the seat of his father, and did commence his reign in the end of the twenty and fourth year, over the people of Nephi."

In the New Testament we read that even if we are experiencing all kinds of trouble we don't need to be crushed. We might be confused, but don't have to be depressed.  We may be harassed but we aren't abandoned.  We may be knocked down, but we aren't knocked out.  Even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day. Our temporary minor problems are producing an eternal stockpile of glory for us that is beyond all comparison.  We shouldn't focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can't be seen.  The things that can be seen don't last, but the things that can't be seen are eternal.   2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how Zachariah and his wife, Elizabeth, had struggled for years with the disappointment of not being able to have a child.  Their prayers had seem to go unanswered, year after year after year.  But then, when they were both elderly and all hope of ever having a child was long past, the Lord did answer their prayer and an angel appeared to Zacharias and told him that they would have a son named John.  This John would later baptize Jesus.  We need to trust in the Lord that our prayers will always be answered in the way that is best.  Sometimes He answers yes, sometimes no, and something the answer is that we need to be patient and wait for the timing to be right--which may be decades later, or even in the next life.  But whatever that answer is, we can trust that it is the right answer.  Luke 1:5-13 "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."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that some contention arose among the people over a border between the land of Lehi and the land of Morianton. Morianton sought to gain control over more land and a battle ensued. Moroni sent an army to fight Morianton, and Morianton was killed. Peace was again restored to the land. Alma 50:24-36 "And it came to pass that the twenty and second year of the reign of the judges also ended in peace; yea, and also the twenty and third year.  And it came to pass that in the commencement of the twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges, there would also have been peace among the people of Nephi had it not been for a contention which took place among them concerning the land of Lehi, and the land of Morianton, which joined upon the borders of Lehi; both of which were on the borders by the seashore.  For behold, the people who possessed the land of Morianton did claim a part of the land of Lehi; therefore there began to be a warm contention between them, insomuch that the people of Morianton took up arms against their brethren, and they were determined by the sword to slay them.  But behold, the people who possessed the land of Lehi fled to the camp of Moroni, and appealed unto him for assistance; for behold they were not in the wrong.  And it came to pass that when the people of Morianton, who were led by a man whose name was Morianton, found that the people of Lehi had fled to the camp of Moroni, they were exceedingly fearful lest the army of Moroni should come upon them and destroy them. Therefore, Morianton put it into their hearts that they should flee to the land which was northward, which was covered with large bodies of water, and take possession of the land which was northward.  And behold, they would have carried this plan into effect, (which would have been a cause to have been lamented) but behold, Morianton being a man of much passion, therefore he was angry with one of his maid servants, and he fell upon her and beat her much. And it came to pass that she fled, and came over to the camp of Moroni, and told Moroni all things concerning the matter, and also concerning their intentions to flee into the land northward.  Now behold, the people who were in the land Bountiful, or rather Moroni, feared that they would hearken to the words of Morianton and unite with his people, and thus he would obtain possession of those parts of the land, which would lay a foundation for serious consequences among the people of Nephi, yea, which consequences would lead to the overthrow of their liberty. Therefore Moroni sent an army, with their camp, to head the people of Morianton, to stop their flight into the land northward. And it came to pass that they did not head them until they had come to the borders of the land Desolation; and there they did head them, by the narrow pass which led by the sea into the land northward, yea, by the sea, on the west and on the east.  And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni, which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being inspired by his wickedness and his flattering words) that a battle commenced between them, in the which Teancum did slay Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the camp of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And thus were the people of Morianton brought back. And upon their covenanting to keep the peace they were restored to the land of Morianton, and a union took place between them and the people of Lehi; and they were also restored to their lands."

In the New Testament we read that Paul said he did not preach of himself, but rather of Jesus Christ as Lord.  God said that light should shine out of darkness, and He is the same one who shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will show us the path of life.  In His presence we will find a fulness of joy and pleasures forever more. If we'll allow the Lord to lead us on the correct path and follow His guidance, we indeed will find joy both in this life and forever in His presence.  Psalms 16:11 "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites founded a city named Moroni and also many other cities. The Nephites prospered greatly and became rich, multiplying and waxing strong in the land. This shows that the word of the Lord was true when He said that He would bless those who keep His commandments. It was only when the people were wicked that destruction came upon them. There never had been a happier people than during the days of Moroni.   Alma 50:13-23 "And it came to pass that the Nephites began the foundation of a city, and they called the name of the city Moroni; and it was by the east sea; and it was on the south by the line of the possessions of the Lamanites. on and Moroni; and they called the name of the city, or the land, Nephihah.  And they also began in that same year to build many cities on the north, one in a particular manner which they called Lehi, which was in the north by the borders of the seashore.  And thus ended the twentieth year.  And in these prosperous circumstances were the people of Nephi in the commencement of the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.  And they did prosper exceedingly, and they became exceedingly rich; yea, and they did multiply and wax strong in the land.  And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:  Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.  And we see that these promises have been verified to the people of Nephi; for it has been their quarrelings and their contentions, yea, their murderings, and their plunderings, their idolatry, their whoredoms, and their abominations, which were among themselves, which brought upon them their wars and their destructions.  And those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times, whilst thousands of their wicked brethren have been consigned to bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites. But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges."

In the New Testament we read that the good news that Paul preached was that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day, just as the scriptures have testified.  1 Corinthians 15:1-8 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that we can't even imagine the wonderful things the Lord has prepared for those who wait for Him.  It's more than we've ever seen or heard since the beginning of the world!  Isaiah 64:4 "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Moroni continued to make reparations for war to defend his people, and he drove the Lamanites out of the east wilderness so the Nephites could possess the land. He strengthened their borders and cut off the strength and power of the Lamanites.   Alma 50:1-12 "And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people against the Lamanites; for he caused that his armies should commence in the commencement of the twentieth year of the reign of the judges, that they should commence in digging up heaps of earth round about all the cities, throughout all the land which was possessed by the Nephites. And upon the top of these ridges of earth he caused that there should be timbers, yea, works of timbers built up to the height of a man, round about the cities.  And he caused that upon those works of timbers there should be a frame of pickets built upon the timbers round about; and they were strong and high.  And he caused towers to be erected that overlooked those works of pickets, and he caused places of security to be built upon those towers, that the stones and the arrows of the Lamanites could not hurt them.  And they were prepared that they could cast stones from the top thereof, according to their pleasure and their strength, and slay him who should attempt to approach near the walls of the city.  Thus Moroni did prepare strongholds against the coming of their enemies, round about every city in all the land.  And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his armies should go forth into the east wilderness; yea, and they went forth and drove all the Lamanites who were in the east wilderness into their own lands, which were south of the land of Zarahemla. And the land of Nephi did run in a straight course from the east sea to the west. And it came to pass that when Moroni had driven all the Lamanites out of the east wilderness, which was north of the lands of their own possessions, he caused that the inhabitants who were in the land of Zarahemla and in the land round about should go forth into the east wilderness, even to the borders by the seashore, and possess the land.  And he also placed armies on the south, in the borders of their possessions, and caused them to erect fortifications that they might secure their armies and their people from the hands of their enemies.  And thus he cut off all the strongholds of the Lamanites in the east wilderness, yea, and also on the west, fortifying the line between the Nephites and the Lamanites, between the land of Zarahemla and the land of Nephi, from the west sea, running by the head of the river Sidon—the Nephites possessing all the land northward, yea, even all the land which was northward of the land Bountiful, according to their pleasure.  Thus Moroni, with his armies, which did increase daily because of the assurance of protection which his works did bring forth unto them, did seek to cut off the strength and the power of the Lamanites from off the lands of their possessions, that they should have no power upon the lands of their possession."

In the New Testament we read about charity, or the pure love of Christ.  It is patient and kind.  It isn't jealous and doesn't brag.  It isn't arrogant or rude and doesn't seek it's own advantage.  It isn't irritable and doesn't keep a record of complaints.  It isn't happy with injustice, but is happy with the truth.  It endures all things, trust all things, and hopes for all things.  Is this the kind of love we have in our hearts for those we come in contact with?  1 Corinthians 14:4-7 "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.  Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?  And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?"


A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we are merciful to others, we will receive mercy.  Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about the thwarted attempts of the Lamanites to take the fortified cities of the Nephites. Many Lamanites were slain, including all their chief captains. This greatly angered Amalickiah who cursed God and threatened to drink Moroni's blood.  On the other hand, the Nephites thanked God for preserving them.  They had been blessed for their diligence in keeping the commandments of God. Alma 49:22-30 "Now when they found that they could not obtain power over the Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of earth that they might obtain a pass to their armies, that they might have an equal chance to fight; but behold, in these attempts they were swept off by the stones and arrows which were thrown at them; and instead of filling up their ditches by pulling down the banks of earth, they were filled up in a measure with their dead and wounded bodies.  Thus the Nephites had all power over their enemies; and thus the Lamanites did attempt to destroy the Nephites until their chief captains were all slain; yea, and more than a thousand of the Lamanites were slain; while, on the other hand, there was not a single soul of the Nephites which was slain.  There were about fifty who were wounded, who had been exposed to the arrows of the Lamanites through the pass, but they were shielded by their shields, and their breastplates, and their head-plates, insomuch that their wounds were upon their legs, many of which were very severe.  And it came to pass, that when the Lamanites saw that their chief captains were all slain they fled into the wilderness. And it came to pass that they returned to the land of Nephi, to inform their king, Amalickiah, who was a Nephite by birth, concerning their great loss.  And it came to pass that he was exceedingly angry with his people, because he had not obtained his desire over the Nephites; he had not subjected them to the yoke of bondage.  Yea, he was exceedingly wroth, and he did curse God, and also Moroni, swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood; and this because Moroni had kept the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people.  And it came to pass, that on the other hand, the people of Nephi did thank the Lord their God, because of his matchless power in delivering them from the hands of their enemies.  And thus ended the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.  Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, yea, and by all those who had been ordained by the holy order of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among the people."

In the New Testament we read that we should flee from the worship of false gods.  We may not be guilty of worshiping idols, but if there are things that we place more importance on than we do the Lord, we are guilty.  Where do our priorities lie?  Do we put the Lord first in our lives, or is money more important?  Do we value some of our worldly possessions more than we value God?  How we spend our time is also an indication of where we place our priorities.  How much time do we spend praying and studying scriptures vs. watching movies or playing video games?  Are there things we place more importance on than God, as demonstrated by our thoughts or actions?  1 Corinthians 10:14 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to use whatever gifts the Lord has blessed us with to minister to others and serve them. God has given each of us unique talents, abilities,  and skills. Let's use what the Lord has given us to bless the lives of others in any way we can.  1 Peter 4:10 "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lamanites could only approach the city by the entrance and the Nephites were prepared to fight anyone who tried to enter that way. The Lamanites were driven back and slaughtered. Alma 49:18-21 "Now behold, the Lamanites could not get into their forts of security by any other way save by the entrance, because of the highness of the bank which had been thrown up, and the depth of the ditch which had been dug round about, save it were by the entrance.  And thus were the Nephites prepared to destroy all such as should attempt to climb up to enter the fort by any other way, by casting over stones and arrows at them. Thus they were prepared, yea, a body of their strongest men, with their swords and their slings, to smite down all who should attempt to come into their place of security by the place of entrance; and thus were they prepared to defend themselves against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that the captains of the Lamanites brought up their armies before the place of entrance, and began to contend with the Nephites, to get into their place of security; but behold, they were driven back from time to time, insomuch that they were slain with an immense slaughter."

The New Testament tells us that those who are cocky and think they're immune to succumbing to temptation are liable to fall.  The temptations that come to us are common to all people, but God is faithful and won't allow us to be tempted beyond our abilities.  Instead, with each temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you'll be able to endure it.  This should lay to rest the saying "The devil made me do it."  The devil can't make us do anything.  If we'll rely on the Lord to help us, we can resist any temptation that comes our way.  1 Corinthians 10:12-13 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.'

Some scriptures with a thought booklet are a psalm of praise unto the Lord.  He truly is great and has done many wonderful works--creating the world and everything on it!  We have so much to be grateful for.  Grateful people are healthier and happier people than those who are not grateful.  Gratitude can change your life.  Every day find three things to be grateful for, and find one person to express gratitude to.  After 30 days, see how your outlook on life has improved!  Psalms 111:1-10 "Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.  The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.  His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.  He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.  He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.  He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.  The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.  They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.  He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lamanites were afraid to come upon the Nephites in Ammonihah because of their preparations, so they retreated and marched towards the land of Noah, supposing it to be the next best place. But to their astonishment, they discovered that Moroni had strengthened that city to even exceed Ammonihah. Moroni had planned it this way, hoping to frighten the Lamanites.  But they had sworn with an oath to attack the city, so they proceeded.  Alma 49:10-17 "Now, if king Amalickiah had come down out of the land of Nephi, at the head of his army, perhaps he would have caused the Lamanites to have attacked the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah; for behold, he did care not for the blood of his people.  But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to battle. And behold, his chief captains durst not attack the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of affairs among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed in their places of retreat and they could not come upon them.  Therefore they retreated into the wilderness, and took their camp and marched towards the land of Noah, supposing that to be the next best place for them to come against the Nephites.  For they knew not that Moroni had fortified, or had built forts of security, for every city in all the land round about; therefore, they marched forward to the land of Noah with a firm determination; yea, their chief captains came forward and took an oath that they would destroy the people of that city.  But behold, to their astonishment, the city of Noah, which had hitherto been a weak place, had now, by the means of Moroni, become strong, yea, even to exceed the strength of the city Ammonihah.  And now, behold, this was wisdom in Moroni; for he had supposed that they would be frightened at the city Ammonihah; and as the city of Noah had hitherto been the weakest part of the land, therefore they would march thither to battle; and thus it was according to his desires.  And behold, Moroni had appointed Lehi to be chief captain over the men of that city; and it was that same Lehi who fought with the Lamanites in the valley on the east of the river Sidon.  And now behold it came to pass, that when the Lamanites had found that Lehi commanded the city they were again disappointed, for they feared Lehi exceedingly; nevertheless their chief captains had sworn with an oath to attack the city; therefore, they brought up their armies."

In the New Testament we read that the unjust and sinners will not inherit God's Kingdom.  However, we can be washed clean and made right with God through Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that pleasant words are like honey, sweet to the soul, and are health to the bones.  It's actually good for us, and those around us, when we speak kind words. You never know when something you might speak might make a big difference to someone's day, or someone's life.  Use your words to uplift and make a positive influence.  Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lamanites thought they could overpower the Nephites easily because they outnumbered them.  However, the Nephites had prepared and fortified themselves, which greatly astonished the Lamanites.  Alma 49:1-9 "And now it came to pass in the eleventh month of the nineteenth year, on the tenth day of the month, the armies of the Lamanites were seen approaching towards the land of Ammonihah.  And behold, the city had been rebuilt, and Moroni had stationed an army by the borders of the city, and they had cast up dirt round about to shield them from the arrows and the stones of the Lamanites; for behold, they fought with stones and with arrows.  Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been rebuilt. I say unto you, yea, that it was in part rebuilt; and because the Lamanites had destroyed it once because of the iniquity of the people, they supposed that it would again become an easy prey for them.  But behold, how great was their disappointment; for behold, the Nephites had dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and their arrows at them that they might take effect, neither could they come upon them save it was by their place of entrance.  Now at this time the chief captains of the Lamanites were astonished exceedingly, because of the wisdom of the Nephites in preparing their places of security. 6 Now the leaders of the Lamanites had supposed, because of the greatness of their numbers, yea, they supposed that they should be privileged to come upon them as they had hitherto done; yea, and they had also prepared themselves with shields, and with breastplates; and they had also prepared themselves with garments of skins, yea, very thick garments to cover their nakedness.  And being thus prepared they supposed that they should easily overpower and subject their brethren to the yoke of bondage, or slay and massacre them according to their pleasure. But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were prepared for them, in a manner which never had been known among the children of Lehi. Now they were prepared for the Lamanites, to battle after the manner of the instructions of Moroni.  And it came to pass that the Lamanites, or the Amalickiahites, were exceedingly astonished at their manner of preparation for war."

In the New Testament, Paul tells the Corinthians that he only preaches about Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.  He wasn't able to use the convincing words of the world, but taught by the spirit.  And those who are spiritual understand by the spirit.  But the unspiritual people do not understand and it is all foolishness to them.  We cannot really understand the things of God except through the Spirit.  1 Corinthians 2:1-16 "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

In some verses with a thought booklet John writes to the church in Ephesus, first commending them for all the things they are doing right, and then chastising them for what they're doing wrong.  This is a good pattern to follow.  Before we start criticizing others, look for something good to commend them for.  Praise them for the good they're doing before telling them ways they can improve.  Otherwise, you may discourage them and make them feel like there is no use in trying.  Let them know that there is hope for them if they will overcome their difficulties.  Revelation 2:2-7 "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:  And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."

-----------------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that if all men had been like Moroni, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men and that Helaman and his brothers were no less serviceable. They preached the word of God and baptized all who would hearken to their words. The Nephites had peace among themselves, but were reluctantly compelled to contend with the Lamanites to defend themselves.   Alma 48:18-25 "Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God. Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.  And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord, and thus they were free from wars and contentions among themselves, yea, even for the space of four years. 1 But, as I have said, in the latter end of the nineteenth year, yea, notwithstanding their peace amongst themselves, they were compelled reluctantly to contend with their brethren, the Lamanites. Yea, and in fine, their wars never did cease for the space of many years with the Lamanites, notwithstanding their much reluctance. 3 Now, they were sorry to take up arms against the Lamanites, because they did not delight in the shedding of blood; yea, and this was not all—they were sorry to be the means of sending so many of their brethren out of this world into an eternal world, unprepared to meet their God.  Nevertheless, they could not suffer to lay down their lives, that their wives and their children should be massacred by the barbarous cruelty of those who were once their brethren, yea, and had dissented from their church, and had left them and had gone to destroy them by joining the Lamanites.  Yea, they could not bear that their brethren should rejoice over the blood of the Nephites, so long as there were any who should keep the commandments of God, for the promise of the Lord was, if they should keep his commandments they should prosper in the land."

In the New Testament we're told to live at peace with other people, as much as possible.  We should not seek revenge against those who have offended us, but leave their punishment to God. If our enemy is hungry, we should feed him.  Instead of being defeated by evil, we need to defeat evil with good.  Romans 12:18-21 "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the miraculous story of how a widow was able to pay her debt.  Sometimes we can be at the end of our rope with no money to pay for things we need.  But many of us have similar stories of how money or food came just when we needed them. The scriptures contain many such examples, such as when the huge crowd was fed with a little bread and a few fish.  Think back in your own life.  How has God provided for you?  2 Kings 4:1-7 "Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.  And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.  And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.  And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.  Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood, but to never raise a sword unless it was to preserve their lives. They believed that if they kept the commandments, God would prosper them. Alma 48:14- 17 " Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives. 5 And this was their faith, that by so doing God would prosper them in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according to their danger;  And also, that God would make it known unto them whither they should go to defend themselves against their enemies, and by so doing, the Lord would deliver them; and this was the faith of Moroni, and his heart did glory in it; not in the shedding of blood but in doing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.  Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men."

In the New Testament we read that God put Pharaoh into his position for a specific purpose to show God's power and so that His name could be spread throughout the earth.  Each of us likewise has been put into the very time and place we find ourselves in for special purposes which we can fulfill.  It's no accident we were born into the time and place we were.  Romans 9:17 " For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord's compassion and mercy does not fail. His faithfulness is great and is new every morning.  Our souls can hope in the Lord.  Lamentations 3:22-24 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Amalickiah appointed Zoramites to be chief captains over his armies, they being most acquainted with the Nephites and most knowledgeable about their strengths and weaknesses. Amalickiah had obtained power by fraud and deceit, while Moroni had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord. He had been erecting forts in the weakest parts of the land.  He was preparing to support their liberty and their families and their peace. Moroni was a strong and mighty man of perfect understanding. His soul delighted in liberty and freedom, not bloodshed. He was full of thanksgiving toward God. He was firm in his faith in Christ and willing t defend his rights and religion, even to the loss of his life.  Alma 48:5-13 "And thus he did appoint chief captains of the Zoramites, they being the most acquainted with the strength of the Nephites, and their places of resort, and the weakest parts of their cities; therefore he appointed them to be chief captains over his armies.  And it came to pass that they took their camp, and moved forth toward the land of Zarahemla in the wilderness.  Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.  Yea, he had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites, and erecting small forts, or places of resort; throwing up banks of earth round about to enclose his armies, and also building walls of stone to encircle them about, round about their cities and the borders of their lands; yea, all round about the land.  And in their weakest fortifications he did place the greater number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land which was possessed by the Nephites.  And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians.  And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;  Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people. 3 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood."

In the New Testament we read that nothing can separate us from the love of God.  No matter what trials or tribulations we pass through, we will always have God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35, 37-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet says that we are not to live by bread alone, but by every words that proceeds out of the mouth of God.  How important is it that we read our scriptures on a daily basis?  Have you ever read in the scriptures and then couldn't remember a word you just read?  Maybe you have trouble understanding what you read.  So what's the point of continuing to read? Do you remember what you ate for dinner every night last week?  If you're like me, you can probably remember what you ate last night, but your memory might get a little foggy when trying to remember much beyond that.  In yet, did those meals do you any good?  If you hadn't eaten all those meals you've forgotten about over the past year, you'd be dead!  So too, if you hadn't attempted to read all those scriptures you've having trouble remembering, you could be spiritually dead.  Besides that, I can't count the number of times when I've struggled with something and suddenly one of those scriptures I thought I'd forgotten will pop into my mind in the very hour I need it.  If we consistently study God's word every day, it will often come into our memory when we need it most.  It isn't really forgotten.  Matthew 4:4 "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about how Amalickiah was able to incite the Lamanites against the Nephites, stirring them up to anger and hatred so they were willing to do battle. He wanted to rule over everybody, Nephites and Lamanites alike.  Alma 48:1-4 "And now it came to pass that, as soon as Amalickiah had obtained the kingdom he began to inspire the hearts of the Lamanites against the people of Nephi; yea, he did appoint men to speak unto the Lamanites from their towers, against the Nephites. And thus he did inspire their hearts against the Nephites, insomuch that in the latter end of the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges, he having accomplished his designs thus far, yea, having been made king over the Lamanites, he sought also to reign over all the land, yea, and all the people who were in the land, the Nephites as well as the Lamanites.  Therefore he had accomplished his design, for he had hardened the hearts of the Lamanites and blinded their minds, and stirred them up to anger, insomuch that he had gathered together a numerous host to go to battle against the Nephites.  For he was determined, because of the greatness of the number of his people, to overpower the Nephites and to bring them into bondage."

In the New Testament we read that when we become slaves to sin, the outcome is death.  But when we have been set free from sin through Jesus Christ, we receive a holy life and eventually eternal life.  The wages of sin is death, but God's gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 6:20-23 "For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of some scribes and Pharisees who brought a woman who was caught n adultery to Jesus and asked if she should be stoned.  Jesus said that he who was without sin among them should cast the first stone.  They all slunk away, convicted by their guilty consciences.  Who among us is without sin?  We're all guilty, so none of us has the right to judge and condemn others.  Instead we need to repent of our own sins and look at others with compassion and love.  John 8:1-11 "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.  And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,  They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.  Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?  This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.  So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.  And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read Amalickiah took possession of the city of Nephi. He brought witnesses to the queen to back up his story that the king had been slain by his own servants and that he'd pursued them but they had gotten away. Thus he gained the favor of the queen and married her. By his cunning and trickery, he had gained all his desires.  It's interesting to note that the dissenters who had been instructed in a knowledge of the Lord at one time, once they turned away from it became even more hardened, wicked, and ferocious than the Lamanites, entirely forgetting the Lord. I've seen this to be true as well.  Those who have once known the truth but turn away from it seem to be in a worse state than those who never knew the truth. Alma 47:31-36 "And it came to pass on the morrow he entered the city Nephi with his armies, and took possession of the city.  And now it came to pass that the queen, when she had heard that the king was slain—for Amalickiah had sent an embassy to the queen informing her that the king had been slain by his servants, that he had pursued them with his army, but it was in vain, and they had made their escape—  Therefore, when the queen had received this message she sent unto Amalickiah, desiring him that he would spare the people of the city; and she also desired him that he should come in unto her; and she also desired him that he should bring witnesses with him to testify concerning the death of the king.  And it came to pass that Amalickiah took the same servant that slew the king, and all them who were with him, and went in unto the queen, unto the place where she sat; and they all testified unto her that the king was slain by his own servants; and they said also: They have fled; does not this testify against them? And thus they satisfied the queen concerning the death of the king. And it came to pass that Amalickiah sought the favor of the queen, and took her unto him to wife; and thus by his fraud, and by the assistance of his cunning servants, he obtained the kingdom; yea, he was acknowledged king throughout all the land, among all the people of the Lamanites, who were composed of the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites, and all the dissenters of the Nephites, from the reign of Nephi down to the present time.  Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the same information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in the same knowledge of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate, not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God."

In the New Testament we read that we can rejoice when our wrong actions are forgiven and our sins are covered and not counted against us.  How grateful we can be for the Atonement of Christ which provides the way for us to be forgiven for our sins.  Romans 4:7-8 "Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."

Some verses with a thought booklet are familiar, but need to be repeated often as a reminder that instead of worrying about this, that, and the other, we should put the Lord first in our lives, and the other things will be added unto us.  We've got enough to concern ourselves with today to be unduly worrying about tomorrow. I tend to be a worrier, sometimes getting my mind into a tizzy with all sorts of "what if" scenarios, most of which never happen. I go back and read my diaries from 10, 20, or 40 years ago and it's almost laughable the silly things I was worrying myself sick about. Most of the time I read my frettings and think, "Wow, I'd forgotten all about that."  It's stuff that is of no importance at all now that years have passed.  So I ask myself, will I read about the stuff I'm worrying about now years later and be able to put it all in perspective and think how silly I was?  Will I have forgotten all about the things that trouble my mind so much now?  If we focus on the Lord and serving Him, we can forget about troubling things we have no control over and which do no good to worry about, and trust that no matter what happens, the Lord will take care of us.  Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after the king was stabbed his servants fled, so Amalickiah's men started a rumor that it was the king's servants who had stabbed him. Amalickiah pretended to be angry about the king's death and called forth all those who loved the king to pursue after the servants who had supposedly killed him. When the servants saw an army after them they ran away and joined the Nephites. Amalickiah, by his fraud, had gained the hearts of the people.  Alma 47:25-30 "Now the servants of the king fled; and the servants of Amalickiah raised a cry, saying:  Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see.  And it came to pass that Amalickiah commanded that his armies should march forth and see what had happened to the king; and when they had come to the spot, and found the king lying in his gore, Amalickiah pretended to be wroth, and said: Whosoever loved the king, let him go forth, and pursue his servants that they may be slain.  And it came to pass that all they who loved the king, when they heard these words, came forth and pursued after the servants of the king.  Now when the servants of the king saw an army pursuing after them, they were frightened again, and fled into the wilderness, and came over into the land of Zarahemla and joined the people of Ammon. And the army which pursued after them returned, having pursued after them in vain; and thus Amalickiah, by his fraud, gained the hearts of the people."

In the New Testament we read that the righteous will be blessed and the wicked will be punished.  We are not to judge other people, especially when we are guilty of doing the very things that we judge other people for doing.  Romans 2:1-11 "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?  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;  Who will render to every man according to his deeds:  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:  For there is no respect of persons with God."

A verse with a thought booklet is one that we could all do well to memorize.  Whenever we're faced with a difficult task, we need to remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  We just need to remember to turn to Him for help.  Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Lehonti surrounded the armies of the king, according to the deal he'd made with Amalickiah.  Amalickiah then delivered them up, contrary to the commands of the king so that he could become second in command.  It was their custom that if a leader was killed, the second leader should become the chief commander. So Amalickiah had poison administered to Lehonti that he died, thus allowing Amalickiah to become the chief leader. They marched back to the king and stabbed him in the heart.  Alma 47:14-24 "And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his men and surrounded the men of Amalickiah, so that before they awoke at the dawn of day they were surrounded by the armies of Lehonti.  And it came to pass that when they saw that they were surrounded, they plead with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to fall in with their brethren, that they might not be destroyed. Now this was the very thing which Amalickiah desired.  And it came to pass that he delivered his men, contrary to the commands of the king. Now this was the thing that Amalickiah desired, that he might accomplish his designs in dethroning the king.  Now it was the custom among the Lamanites, if their chief leader was killed, to appoint the second leader to be their chief leader. And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his servants should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he died.  Now, when Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites appointed Amalickiah to be their leader and their chief commander.  And it came to pass that Amalickiah marched with his armies (for he had gained his desires) to the land of Nephi, to the city of Nephi, which was the chief city.  And the king came out to meet him with his guards, for he supposed that Amalickiah had fulfilled his commands, and that Amalickiah had gathered together so great an army to go against the Nephites to battle.  But behold, as the king came out to meet him Amalickiah caused that his servants should go forth to meet the king. And they went and bowed themselves before the king, as if to reverence him because of his greatness.  And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand to raise them, as was the custom with the Lamanites, as a token of peace, which custom they had taken from the Nephites. And it came to pass that when he had raised the first from the ground, behold he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell to the earth."

In the New Testament we read about the great wickedness and sinful practices that existed among the people. Although the people had known God, they didn't choose to honor Him.  Even though they knew that those who persist in such sinful ways deserve death, they not only kept on in their sinful ways,  but they approved of others who did the same.  This sounds so much like our own day.  Romans 1:21-32 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet wonder at all the works the Lord has made and marvel that with all that, He is mindful of us.  In fact, He has given us dominion over all the works of His hands and made us a little lower than the angels and crowed us with glory and honor. What a comfort to gaze up at the stars or marvel at the beauties of the earth, and realize that we are of great worth to the Lord who created them all.  Psalms 8:3-9 "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?  For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:  All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;  The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.  O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that those who refused to go to battle against the Nephites gathered themselves together to fight against the men of the king. Amalickiah did not intend to battle against them but instead to gain their favor so he could dethrone the king. He offered Lehonti a deal.  He told him that he should take his men and surround the armies of the king and he would deliver them up if Lehonti would make him second in command. Alma 47:5-13 "And now he had got the command of those parts of the Lamanites who were in favor of the king; and he sought to gain favor of those who were not obedient; therefore he went forward to the place which was called Onidah, for thither had all the Lamanites fled; for they discovered the army coming, and, supposing that they were coming to destroy them, therefore they fled to Onidah, to the place of arms.  And they had appointed a man to be a king and a leader over them, being fixed in their minds with a determined resolution that they would not be subjected to go against the Nephites.  And it came to pass that they had gathered themselves together upon the top of the mount which was called Antipas, in preparation to battle.  Now it was not Amalickiah's intention to give them battle according to the commandments of the king; but behold, it was his intention to gain favor with the armies of the Lamanites, that he might place himself at their head and dethrone the king and take possession of the kingdom. And behold, it came to pass that he caused his army to pitch their tents in the valley which was near the mount Antipas.  And it came to pass that when it was night he sent a secret embassy into the mount Antipas, desiring that the leader of those who were upon the mount, whose name was Lehonti, that he should come down to the foot of the mount, for he desired to speak with him.  And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message he durst not go down to the foot of the mount. And it came to pass that Amalickiah sent again the second time, desiring him to come down. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he sent again the third time.  And it came to pass that when Amalickiah found that he could not get Lehonti to come down off from the mount, he went up into the mount, nearly to Lehonti's camp; and he sent again the fourth time his message unto Lehonti, desiring that he would come down, and that he would bring his guards with him. And it came to pass that when Lehonti had come down with his guards to Amalickiah, that Amalickiah desired him to come down with his army in the night-time, and surround those men in their camps over whom the king had given him command, and that he would deliver them up into Lehonti's hands, if he would make him (Amalickiah) a second leader over the whole army."

In the New Testament we read that Isaiah prophesied that the people would hear but not understand, and they would shut their eyes to keep from seeing.  They would refuse to have a change of heart or lives and would not allow the Lord to heal them.  Are we stubborn and refuse to hear and heed the word of God?  Acts 28:25-28 "And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,  Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:  For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.  Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Begotten Son, not to condemn the world, but to save it.  John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Amalickiah had gone to the land of the Lamanites and had stirred them up to anger. The king of the Lamanites sent a proclamation throughout the land that they should go to war against the Nephites.  The people were afraid to do so because they were fearful of losing their lives, so most of them disobeyed the king. This made the king angry so he tried to compel the people to arms.  This was all according to the pan of Alamlickiah who wanted to dethrone the king.  Alma 47:1-4 "Now we will return in our record to Amalickiah and those who had fled with him into the wilderness; for, behold, he had taken those who went with him, and went up in the land of Nephi among the Lamanites, and did stir up the Lamanites to anger against the people of Nephi, insomuch that the king of the Lamanites sent a proclamation throughout all his land, among all his people, that they should gather themselves together again to go to battle against the Nephites. And it came to pass that when the proclamation had gone forth among them they were exceedingly afraid; yea, they feared to displease the king, and they also feared to go to battle against the Nephites lest they should lose their lives. And it came to pass that they would not, or the more part of them would not, obey the commandments of the king. And now it came to pass that the king was wroth because of their disobedience; therefore he gave Amalickiah the command of that part of his army which was obedient unto his commands, and commanded him that he should go forth and compel them to arms.  Now behold, this was the desire of Amalickiah; for he being a very subtle man to do evil therefore he laid the plan in his heart to dethrone the king of the Lamanites."

In the New Testament we read about how Paul had persecuted Christians and fought against the work of the Lord. But then the Lord spoke to him, calling him to testify of Him and to help turn people from darkness to light and find forgiveness for their sins and deliverance from the power of Satan through faith in Jesus Christ  Acts 26:9-18 "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.  And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.  Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,  At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.  And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.  But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;  Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when we're hungry and thirsty and our souls feel faint, we can cry unto the Lord in our troubles and He will deliver us out of our distresses. No matter what our problems or worries are, we can turn to the Lord for help and relief.  Psalms 107:5-6 "Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.  Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Amalickiah fled with a small number of his men but the remainder of his men were delivered up into the hands of Moroni and taken back to Zarahemla. Those who refused to covenant to support the cause of peace were put to death. Most decided to make a covenant of freedom. Moroni planted the standard of liberty throughout the land and there was peace and rejoicing for four years. Many died with faith in Christ and they were happy in Him.  Alma 46:33-41 "And it came to pass that Amalickiah fled with a small number of his men, and the remainder were delivered up into the hands of Moroni and were taken back into the land of Zarahemla. Now, Moroni being a man who was appointed by the chief judges and the voice of the people, therefore he had power according to his will with the armies of the Nephites, to establish and to exercise authority over them. And it came to pass that whomsoever of the Amalickiahites that would not enter into a covenant to support the cause of freedom, that they might maintain a free government, he caused to be put to death; and there were but few who denied the covenant of freedom.  And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.  And they began to have peace again in the land; and thus they did maintain peace in the land until nearly the end of the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges.  And Helaman and the high priests did also maintain order in the church; yea, even for the space of four years did they have much peace and rejoicing in the church.  And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ; thus they went out of the world rejoicing.  And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land—but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate—  But there were many who died with old age; and those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must needs suppose."

In the New Testament we read what Paul had to say for himself in his trial before Felix. He said that he went up to worship in Jerusalem and they didn't find him arguing with anyone in the temple or stirring up the crowd, whether in the synagogue or anywhere else in the city.  Nor could anyone prove the allegations they were bringing against him. He did admit that he is a follower of the Way and that he worshiped the God of their fathers and believed everything set out in the Law and written in the Prophets. He had hope in God and believed in the resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.  He had committed himself to maintaining a clear conscience before God and with all people.  Acts 24:10-16 "Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:  Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.  And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:  Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.  But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:  And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tells us that those who keep the commandments will be blessed and will enter in through the gates of the city.  But murderers, idolaters, liars, and other sinners will be left outside.  Revelation 22:14-15 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Moroni gathered together all those who wanted liberty to stand against the Amalickiahites.  When Amalickiah saw that he was outnumbered, and also that those who followed him were becoming doubtful about the justice of his cause, he took those who were willing and departed into the land of Nephi. Moroni did not want the Lamanaites to have any more strength so he decided to cut off the Amalickiahites and put Amalickiah to death to keep him from stirring up the Lamanites to anger and joining with them so he might obtain his purpose. So Moroni gathered together his armies and entered into a covenant with them to keep the peace. He marched into the wilderness to cut off the course of Amalickiah.  Alma 46:28-32 "And now it came to pass that when Moroni had said these words he went forth, and also sent forth in all the parts of the land where there were dissensions, and gathered together all the people who were desirous to maintain their liberty, to stand against Amalickiah and those who had dissented, who were called Amalickiahites.  And it came to pass that when Amalickiah saw that the people of Moroni were more numerous than the Amalickiahites—and he also saw that his people were doubtful concerning the justice of the cause in which they had undertaken—therefore, fearing that he should not gain the point, he took those of his people who would and departed into the land of Nephi.  Now Moroni thought it was not expedient that the Lamanites should have any more strength; therefore he thought to cut off the people of Amalickiah, or to take them and bring them back, and put Amalickiah to death; yea, for he knew that he would stir up the Lamanites to anger against them, and cause them to come to battle against them; and this he knew that Amalickiah would do that he might obtain his purposes.  Therefore Moroni thought it was expedient that he should take his armies, who had gathered themselves together, and armed themselves, and entered into a covenant to keep the peace—and it came to pass that he took his army and marched out with his tents into the wilderness, to cut off the course of Amalickiah in the wilderness. And it came to pass that he did according to his desires, and marched forth into the wilderness, and headed the armies of Amalickiah."

In the New Testament we read about a plot to kill Paul.  In fact, 40 people vowed not to eat anything until he had been killed and formed a plot to ambush him on his way to being brought before the chief captain.  However, Paul's nephew warned the chief captain of this scheme.  Acts 23:12-21 "And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.  And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.  And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.  Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.  And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.  Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.  So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?  And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly.  But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read what Jesus had to ay when people accused Him of associating with sinners.  He explained that just as healthy people don't need the help of doctors, but sick people do, so He had not come to call the righteous to repentance, but rather the sinners.    Luke 5:30-32 "But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?  And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when Moroni, who was the chief in command of the armies of the Nephites, heard about these dissension, he was angry with Amalickiah. He took a piece of his coat and wrote on it, "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives and our children" and he fastened this cloth on the end of a pole. He called it the title of liberty. Then he girded himself with armor and bowed himself to the earth, praying mightily unto God for the blessings of liberty. Then he went forth waving his title of liberty and loudly proclaiming that the people should enter into a covenant with God to maintain their rights and their religion. If they would do this, the Lord would bless them. The people came running together with their armor and covenanted that they would not forsake the Lord and that they would keep His commandments.  Alma 46:11-27 "And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah. And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.  And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—  For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.  And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.  And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.  And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land which was south of the land Desolation, yea, and in fine, all the land, both on the north and on the south—A chosen land, and the land of liberty.  And he said: Surely God shall not suffer that we, who are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down and destroyed, until we bring it upon us by our own transgressions.  And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a loud voice, saying:  Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.  And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.  Now this was the covenant which they made, and they cast their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: We covenant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression.  Moroni said unto them: Behold, we are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; yea, we are a remnant of the seed of Joseph, whose coat was rent by his brethren into many pieces; yea, and now behold, let us remember to keep the commandments of God, or our garments shall be rent by our brethren, and we be cast into prison, or be sold, or be slain. Yea, let us preserve our liberty as a remnant of Joseph; yea, let us remember the words of Jacob, before his death, for behold, he saw that a part of the remnant of the coat of Joseph was preserved and had not decayed. And he said—Even as this remnant of garment of my son hath been preserved, so shall a remnant of the seed of my son be preserved by the hand of God, and be taken unto himself, while the remainder of the seed of Joseph shall perish, even as the remnant of his garment. Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow; nevertheless, my soul hath joy in my son, because of that part of his seed which shall be taken unto God.  Now behold, this was the language of Jacob. And now who knoweth but what the remnant of the seed of Joseph, which shall perish as his garment, are those who have dissented from us? Yea, and even it shall be ourselves if we do not stand fast in the faith of Christ."

In the New Testament we read a narrative of Paul describing how he came to be converted and called to the ministry.  Acts 22:1-21 "Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now unto you.  (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)  I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.  And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.  As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. 6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.  And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.  And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.  And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.  And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,  Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.  And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.  For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.  And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 8 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.  And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:  And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.  And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God does not change.  No matter what else may change around us, God will always be the same and we can count on Him keeping His promises to us. When I was a child I had a lizard that changed colors depending on his surroundings.  I'd put him on green and he'd turn green.  I'd put him on brown and he'd turn brown.  God is not like that.  He doesn't change to become like His surroundings.  He is the same God who always offers the same love.  Isn't that something to rejoice in?  Malachi 3:6 " For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."