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."