Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Jesus gave a discourse to the Nephites similar to His Sermon on the Mount as recounted in the New Testament. He admonished them to keep the commandments, come unto Him and be saved. 3 Nephi 12:3-20 "Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.  And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.  And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.  And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor wherewith shall the earth be salted? The salt shall be thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house; Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.  Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy but to fulfil;  For verily I say unto you, one jot nor one tittle hath not passed away from the law, but in me it hath all been fulfilled.  And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the law is fulfilled.  Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

In the Old Testament we read an interesting story about how Balaam was riding his donkey when a messenger from the Lord stood on the path to stop him.  However, Balaam couldn't see him; only his donkey could.  So the donkey kept stopping or turning out of the way.  This made Balaam angry so he beat the poor donkey three times.  Finally the Lord allowed the donkey to speak and defend herself.  Makes you kind of wonder what animals would say to us if they could talk.  Numbers 22:22-34 "And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.  And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.  And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.  And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?  And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.  And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.  Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.   And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:  And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we believe in Jesus and continue in His word, then we will be His disciples indeed.  And if we do this, we will know the truth and the truth will make us free.  If we want to know the truth of God's word, we need to live it. And by living it, we become free--free from the bondage of sin.  John 8:31-32 "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Jesus called and commissioned twelve disciples, giving them authority to baptize and give the Gift of the Holy Ghost.   3 Nephi 12:1-2 "And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am.  And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins."

In the Old Testament we read that the people again complained against God and against Moses, so the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people.  The snakes bit them and many of the people died. The people admitted they had sinned in speaking out against the Lord and Moses and asked Moses to pray for them, which he did.  The Lord told Moses to make a bronze snake and place it on a pole.  Whoever would look at it would live.  This is in similitude of whoever looks to Christ will live. But some people lack the faith to even look, and they will die.  Numbers 21:4-9 "And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.  And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.  And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.  And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.  And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that through the abundant mercy of the Lord, we can have a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  Because Jesus was resurrected, we and our loved one will be resurrected too. Death is not the end.  1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Jesus taught the people that the spirit of contention is not of Him, but of the devil who stirs up people to contend and be angry with each other. It is Jesus' doctrine that all men should repent and believe in Him, and then be baptized.  If they would do these things, they would receive eternal life. The Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost all bear record of each other. They are all one in purpose. Jesus instructed them to go forth and declare His words. 3 Nephi 11:29-41 "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.  And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.  And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.  And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.  And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.  Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth."

In the Old Testament we read that the people were complaining that they had no water to drink.  The Lord told Moses to strike a rock with his staff and water would come out.  Numbers 20:2-11 "And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.  And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?  And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.  And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.  And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?  And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord can take our stony hearts and give us a heart of flash so that we'll walk in His statues and keep His commandments.  We can be His people and e will be our God.  If we feel we are weak and cannot do what we know to be right, we can turn our lives over to the Lord and He will help us do what we cannot do for ourselves.  He can soften our hard hearts if we'll only ask.  Ezekiel 11:19-20 "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people fell down at the feet of Jesus and worshiped Him. Jesus gave Nephi power to baptize, and others also.  He taught them the correct way to baptize so there would be no disputations among them.  3 Nephi 11:16-28 "And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:  Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.  And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.  And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet.  And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him.  And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.  And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you.  Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:  Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.  And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.  And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been."

In the Old Testament we read that as a test a rod for each tribe of Israel was placed in the tabernacle of witness to see which rod would blossom.  Aaron's rod buds, blossoms, and produces almonds.  Numbers 17:1-10 " And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.  And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.  And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.  And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you. And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.  And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness.  And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.  And Moses brought out all the rods from before the Lord unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod. And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us to greatly rejoice in the Lord and be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, whether we have great abundance or whether we suffer hunger and need.  Some people are very happy in spite of their humble circumstances while others are miserable in spite of the fact that they possess great worldly wealth.  How much or how little we have in the way of material possessions does not necessarily determine how content we are.  But if we place our trust in the Lord, we can find joy no matter what our circumstances are.  Philippians 4:10-12 "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people then saw Jesus Christ descending out of heaven. He told them that He had suffered for the sins of the world. They came forward and thrust their hands into His side and felt the nail prints in His hands and feet and they knew that He had been slain for the sins of the world. They saw and knew for themselves that He was the one prophesied of.  3 Nephi 11:8-15 "And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:  Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.  And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.  And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come."


Yesterday we read about how only Caleb and Joshua were willing to do as the Lord directed and take possession of the land, in spite of the fierce appearance of the inhabitants.  The rest of the people feared and complained.  As the result the Lord punished the wicked complainers by making them wander in the desert for 40 years before the Israelites would be able to enter the promised land.  None of those who complained would be allowed to enter the promised land. They would die in the desert.  Only Joshua and Caleb would be allowed to enter the promised land.  Numbers 14:26-35 "And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,  How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:  Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,  Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.  But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness.  And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.  After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.  I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to encourage, comfort, and edify one another and built each other up.  What kind of a positive influence can you have on those around you today? If we'll pray and ask the Lord for guidance, He can help us be sensitive to the needs of others and help us see who needs our encouragement.   1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people gathered together around the temple and began to discuss Jesus Christ. Then they heard a voice of Heavenly Father which told them to behold His Beloved Son in whom He was well pleased.  3 Nephi 11:1-7 "And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place.  And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.  And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.  And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.  And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:  Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him."

In the Old Testament we read that Moses sent out some men to explore the land of Canaan and bring back a report of what they found.  They found huge clusters of grapes that were so large two men had to carry them on a pole between them. The men returned after exploring the land for 40 days and reported that the land was full of milk and honey and wonderful fruit.  But they said the inhabitants were huge giants and that they felt like mere grasshoppers by comparison. They felt there was no way they could go up against such a powerful people.  However, Caleb tried to calm the people down and insisted that they could go up to the land and take possession of it. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones who was able to look beyond the outward appearance of things and realize that with the Lord's help, they could accomplish the seemingly impossible. They knew that with God on their side, they had nothing to fear from those giant people.   We, too, need to remember that with God nothing is impossible and we can do all things with His help. We need to show faith like Caleb and Joshua did.  Numbers 13:17-20, 23-33; 14:1-9 "And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;  And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;  And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.  And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.  The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.  And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.  And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.  Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.  The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.  And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.  But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.  And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.  And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.  And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!  And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?  And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:  And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.  Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not."

A verse with a thought booklet instructs us to pray for one another.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.  When we see someone going through a trial or struggling with a problem and we feel like there's nothing we can do to help their situation, we can pray for them.  That can do much to help!  James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the mourning of the people turned to joy and they gave praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord. The people who had been spared were more righteous than those who had been killed. The destruction which had come upon the land had been prophesied by many prophets, some of whom had been slain because they prophesied of these things. 3 Nephi 10:8-19 "And now it came to pass that after the people had heard these words, behold, they began to weep and howl again because of the loss of their kindred and friends.  And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away. And it was in the morning, and the darkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the rocks did cease to rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises did pass away.  And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.  And thus far were the scriptures fulfilled which had been spoken by the prophets. And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared—  And they were spared and were not sunk and buried up in the earth; and they were not drowned in the depths of the sea; and they were not burned by fire, neither were they fallen upon and crushed to death; and they were not carried away in the whirlwind; neither were they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness.  And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by tempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the opening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets. Behold, I say unto you, Yea, many have testified of these things at the coming of Christ, and were slain because they testified of these things. Yea, the prophet Zenos did testify of these things, and also Zenock spake concerning these things, because they testified particularly concerning us, who are the remnant of their seed.  Behold, our father Jacob also testified concerning a remnant of the seed of Joseph. And behold, are not we a remnant of the seed of Joseph? And these things which testify of us, are they not written upon the plates of brass which our father Lehi brought out of Jerusalem?  And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them—  Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them; and an account of his ministry shall be given hereafter. Therefore for this time I make an end of my sayings."

In the Old Testament we read about how Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of who he'd married.  But the Lord doesn't like us criticizing His prophets.  He defended Moses, saying he was so faithful that He could speak to him face to face.  Than He gave Miriam leprosy for seven days as a punishment.  Numbers 12:1-15 "And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.  And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it.  (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)  And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.  And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.  And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.  My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.  With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?  And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.  And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.  And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.  Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.  And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. And the Lord said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet show David pleading for forgiveness for his sins.  He confesses what he has done and begs the Lord to cleanse him and not cast him away and to restore the joy of salvation to him.  Then he also offers to teach transgressors the ways of the Lord and help sinners be converted unto God.  After we have repented and found joy in the Lord once again, we should likewise help others find their way back to God as well, so they can have joy in their lives.  Psalms 51:1-13 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.  Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.  Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.  Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that there was silence in the land for many hours and the people were so astonished that they quit howling for their loved one who had been slain. Then a voice came, which all the people heard, and it told them that He would have gathered them as a hen gathered her chicken, but they had refused.  But now those who had been spared, He would gather as a hen gathers her chickens, if they would repent and come unto Him.  3 Nephi 10:1-7 "And now behold, it came to pass that all the people of the land did hear these sayings, and did witness of it. And after these sayings there was silence in the land for the space of many hours; For so great was the astonishment of the people that they did cease lamenting and howling for the loss of their kindred which had been slain; therefore there was silence in all the land for the space of many hours.  And it came to pass that there came a voice again unto the people, and all the people did hear, and did witness of it, saying: O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you.  And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.  O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. But if not, O house of Israel, the places of your dwellings shall become desolate until the time of the fulfilling of the covenant to your fathers."

In the Old Testament we read about how the people complained about not having meat to eat.  Instead of being grateful for the manna the Lord had sent them, they longed for the foods they used to have when they were slaves in Egypt.  This angered the Lord so he sent them meat--quail that fell by the camp three feet deep on the ground.  While the quail was still between their teeth, the Lord struck the people with a great plague and the people who had lusted after meat died and were buried.  The Lord doesn't look lightly on people who don't appreciate the blessings He gives them but instead are always wanting something more.  Numbers 11:1-9, 31-34 " And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire was quenched. And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the Lord burnt among them. And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.  And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium.  And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.  And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it. And there went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth. And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.  And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague.  And he called the name of that place Kibroth-hattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that we will not receive any temptation except the Lord will provide a way that we can resist it.  We can't be prideful though, thinking we're so strong that we can stand on our own.  If we don't take heed we will fall, and we need to depend on the Lord to help us.  When faced with temptation, we should pray and ask the Lord to help us resist, then do everything in our power to get away from whatever is tempting us.  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."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people who were spared were spared because they were more righteous than those who were killed. Jesus called them to repent and return unto Him. He told them that His arm of mercy was extended toward them and if they would repent of their sins they would have eternal life. Jesus told them that He had created the earth and was the light and life of the world. He told them that they should come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. He had come into the world to provide redemption and save the world from sin.  He had laid down His life3 and had taken it up again. 3 Nephi 9:13-22 "O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?  Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.  Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.  I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled.  And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled.  I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.  And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.  And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.  Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.  Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord instructed the Israelites to either march on or stay camped depending on what a cloud did.  If it rested on the tabernacle, that was a sign that they should stay put.  If it lifted, that meant they were to journey.  At night the cloud would be accompanied by a pillar of fire.  Numbers 9:15-23 "And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.  So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.  And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.  At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.  And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not.  And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the Lord they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed.  And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.  Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.  At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that we should bear one another's burdens and not be weary in well doing. In due season, we will reap what we sow, if we don't faint. We need to do good unto all men whenever we have the opportunity. There are times when we all suffer from compassion fatigue or well-doer's burnout. When that happens, we need to turn to the Lord, for He has told us to come unto Him and He will give us rest. Sometimes we need to take time for ourselves so we can recharge our batteries and renew our strength. We can pray and ask the Lord to help us.  He can help us and guide us in our efforts to be there for others.  Galatians 6:2, 9-10 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that in the darkness, the voice of Christ proclaimed the destruction of many people and cities because of their wickedness.   3 Nephi 9:1-12 "And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land, crying:  Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen!  Behold, that great city Zarahemla have I burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof.  And behold, that great city Moroni have I caused to be sunk in the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof to be drowned. And behold, that great city Moronihah have I covered with earth, and the inhabitants thereof, to hide their iniquities and their abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto me against them. And behold, the city of Gilgal have I caused to be sunk, and the inhabitants thereof to be buried up in the depths of the earth;  Yea, and the city of Onihah and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Mocum and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Jerusalem and the inhabitants thereof; and waters have I caused to come up in the stead thereof, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come up any more unto me against them.  And behold, the city of Gadiandi, and the city of Gadiomnah, and the city of Jacob, and the city of Gimgimno, all these have I caused to be sunk, and made hills and valleys in the places thereof; and the inhabitants thereof have I buried up in the depths of the earth, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up any more unto me against them.  And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was inhabited by the people of king Jacob, have I caused to be burned with fire because of their sins and their wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of the whole earth, because of their secret murders and combinations; for it was they that did destroy the peace of my people and the government of the land; therefore I did cause them to be burned, to destroy them from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up unto me any more against them. And behold, the city of Laman, and the city of Josh, and the city of Gad, and the city of Kishkumen, have I caused to be burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof, because of their wickedness in casting out the prophets, and stoning those whom I did send to declare unto them concerning their wickedness and their abominations.  And because they did cast them all out, that there were none righteous among them, I did send down fire and destroy them, that their wickedness and abominations might be hid from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints whom I sent among them might not cry unto me from the ground against them.  And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites, and the Lord told him the words that should be used. What a wonderful blessing of protection and peace.   Numbers 6:22-27 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:  The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:  The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that in the world princes exercise great authority, but among the disciples of Christ, those who minister and provide service are really the greatest.  We need to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life to redeem us from our sins.  Matthew 20:25-28 "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.  But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;  And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the storm and earthquake lasted for about three hours and then when they finally ceased, darkness fell upon the land. The mists of darkness were so deep that the people who had survived could feel the vapor of darkness.  No fires or candles could be lit and there was total and complete darkness for the space of three days. The people wept, howled and groaned. They lamented that they had not repented before that terrible day had come with all its destruction.   3 Nephi 8:19-25 "And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease—for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; nevertheless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours—and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land.  And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness;  And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all; And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land.  And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them. And in one place they were heard to cry, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that great city Zarahemla.  And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our mothers and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah. And thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible."

In the Old Testament we read that when any man or woman commits any sin against someone else, and thus transgresses against the Lord, they become guilty and need to confess what they have done and make restitution to the person they have sinned against.  Numbers 5:5-7 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty;  Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us not to be troubled or afraid, for the Lord will leave His peace with us.  This isn't the kind of peace the world gives, but true peace that can come only from God.  John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that a great storm arose, with terrible thunder which shook the earth and lightening which exceeded anything previously experienced. The city of Zerahemla burned with fire, the city of Moroni sank into the ocean, and a mountain arose where the city of Moronihah had stood. Highways were broken up, and many great cities were destroyed by fire, earthquake, or flood. The face of the whole land was changed.  3 Nephi 8:5-18 "And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land. And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder.  And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. And the city of Zarahemla did take fire.  And the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned. And the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah, that in the place of the city there became a great mountain.  And there was a great and terrible destruction in the land southward.  But behold, there was a more great and terrible destruction in the land northward; for behold, the whole face of the land was changed, because of the tempest and the whirlwinds, and the thunderings and the lightnings, and the exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth;  And the highways were broken up, and the level roads were spoiled, and many smooth places became rough.  And many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left desolate.  And there were some cities which remained; but the damage thereof was exceedingly great, and there were many in them who were slain.  And there were some who were carried away in the whirlwind; and whither they went no man knoweth, save they know that they were carried away.  And thus the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the quaking of the earth.  And behold, the rocks were rent in twain; they were broken up upon the face of the whole earth, insomuch that they were found in broken fragments, and in seams and in cracks, upon all the face of the land."

In the Old Testament we read that because all the oldest males in the land of Egypt had been killed, but the oldest males of the Israelites had been spared, both men and animals, the Lord claimed their oldest males as His own.  But the Lord told Moses that he would claim the Levites from the Israelites in place of the oldest males.  They were His.  Numbers 3:11-13 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine; Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet is one we need to memorize.  It can help us in times when we feel we need to do the impossible, when we feel our best efforts are not enough.  We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.  If we feel we're not up to the task at hand, we need to turn to the Lord for help.  With Him giving us strength, we can do anything!  Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read a just man kept the records and we know that his records are true.  He did many miracles in the name of Jesus.  He wrote that many people looked for the signs that Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied about, where there would be three days of darkness, but other people doubted.  So there were any disputations among the people regarding this matter.  3 Nephi 8:1-4 "And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record—for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity— And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake made by this man in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third year had passed away;  And the people began to look with great earnestness for the sign which had been given by the prophet Samuel, the Lamanite, yea, for the time that there should be darkness for the space of three days over the face of the land.  And there began to be great doubtings and disputations among the people, notwithstanding so many signs had been given."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord told Moses to take a census of the entire Israelites community, of every male 20 years old and above, who was eligible for military service in Israel.  Numbers 1:1-4 "And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,  Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;  From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies. And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go.  Sometimes we worry about the future and because stressed out and panicky over all the "what ifs" it might bring.  We don't know what will happen in the future.  But this we do know:  that no matter what happens, the Lord will be with us.  And trusting in Him, we can indeed face the future with hope instead of fear.  Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi had been ministered to by angels and had heard the voice of the Lord.  He had witnessed how swiftly the people had turned from righteousness to wickedness and this grieved him greatly. He went forth boldly among the people and tried to teach them about faith on he Lord Jesus Christ and about repentance. He performed miracles among the people, casting out devils and raising his brother from the dead. But most of the people just became angry with him.  However a few did believe and were firm in their faith. Nephi continued to preach repentance and those who did repent were baptized.  3 Nephi 7:15-26 "And it came to pass that Nephi—having been visited by angels and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he might know concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being eye-witness to their quick return from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations; Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds—went forth among them in that same year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.  And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.  And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.  And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people. And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus. And it came to pass that the thirty and first year did pass away, and there were but few who were converted unto the Lord; but as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed.  And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed; and they did show forth signs also and did do some miracles among the people.  Thus passed away the thirty and second year also. And Nephi did cry unto the people in the commencement of the thirty and third year; and he did preach unto them repentance and remission of sins.  Now I would have you to remember also, that there were none who were brought unto repentance who were not baptized with water.  Therefore, there were ordained of Nephi, men unto this ministry, that all such as should come unto them should be baptized with water, and this as a witness and a testimony before God, and unto the people, that they had repented and received a remission of their sins. And there were many in the commencement of this year that were baptized unto repentance; and thus the more part of the year did pass away."

In the Old Testament we read that wickedness and disobedience bring punishments. And continual rebellion against the commandments of God brings on even more punishment. Leviticus 26:14-39 "But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:  I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.  And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:  And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.  I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate. And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;  Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.  And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.  And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.  And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.  And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.  And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.  And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.  And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.  And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.  Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies' land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths. As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.  And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth. And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.  And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.  And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them."

Some verses with a thought booklet help us put worldly wealth into perspective.  We might accumulate lots of money and possessions, so much so that we need extra space to store it all.  And we might think we've got it made--we can just sit back and enjoy all our wealth.  But we could die that very night, and all our wealth will go to someone else.  And it won't do us a bit of good in the next life.  This is how we end up if we place our hearts on earthly treasures instead of becoming rich toward God.  Luke 12:15-21 "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that a man named Jacob who had spoken against the prophets was chosen as king by the secret combination. But the tribes of the people were more numerous so Jacob decided to flee into the northern part of the land with his followers. The tribes agreed not to fight with one another so there was some degree of peace in the land, but they still cast out the prophets and stoned them.  3 Nephi 7:9-14 " Now this secret combination, which had brought so great iniquity upon the people, did gather themselves together, and did place at their head a man whom they did call Jacob;  And they did call him their king; therefore he became a king over this wicked band; and he was one of the chiefest who had given his voice against the prophets who testified of Jesus.  And it came to pass that they were not so strong in number as the tribes of the people, who were united together save it were their leaders did establish their laws, every one according to his tribe; nevertheless they were enemies; notwithstanding they were not a righteous people, yet they were united in the hatred of those who had entered into a covenant to destroy the government.  Therefore, Jacob seeing that their enemies were more numerous than they, he being the king of the band, therefore he commanded his people that they should take their flight into the northernmost part of the land, and there build up unto themselves a kingdom, until they were joined by dissenters, (for he flattered them that there would be many dissenters) and they become sufficiently strong to contend with the tribes of the people; and they did so.  And so speedy was their march that it could not be impeded until they had gone forth out of the reach of the people. And thus ended the thirtieth year; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi.  And it came to pass in the thirty and first year that they were divided into tribes, every man according to his family, kindred and friends; nevertheless they had come to an agreement that they would not go to war one with another; but they were not united as to their laws, and their manner of government, for they were established according to the minds of those who were their chiefs and their leaders. But they did establish very strict laws that one tribe should not trespass against another, insomuch that in some degree they had peace in the land; nevertheless, their hearts were turned from the Lord their God, and they did stone the prophets and did cast them out from among them."

In the Old Testament we read that if we obey the Lord's commandments He will bless and prosper us. He will be our God and we will be His people. Leviticus 26:3-12 "If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.  And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.  And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.  And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.  And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.  And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that those who love the law of the Lord will find great peace.  If we want to find peace in our lives, we need to keep the commandments.  Psalms 119:165 "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the wicked people murdered the chief judge o the land. People separated themselves into tribes and destroyed the government of the land. The people yielded themselves to Satan and were very wicked. There were few righteous people left and there was great contention in the land. It only took six years for the people who ha been mostly righteous to turn to wickedness. 3 Nephi 7:1-8 "Now behold, I will show unto you that they did not establish a king over the land; but in this same year, yea, the thirtieth year, they did destroy upon the judgment-seat, yea, did murder the chief judge of the land. And the people were divided one against another; and they did separate one from another into tribes, every man according to his family and his kindred and friends; and thus they did destroy the government of the land.  And every tribe did appoint a chief or a leader over them; and thus they became tribes and leaders of tribes. Now behold, there was no man among them save he had much family and many kindreds and friends; therefore their tribes became exceedingly great.  Now all this was done, and there were no wars as yet among them; and all this iniquity had come upon the people because they did yield themselves unto the power of Satan.  And the regulations of the government were destroyed, because of the secret combination of the friends and kindreds of those who murdered the prophets.  And they did cause a great contention in the land, insomuch that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked; yea, there were but few righteous men among them. And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire."

In the Old Testament we again read the importance of keeping the Sabbath Day holy.  This must be a very important commandment to have it emphasized so much.  Leviticus 23:1-3 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recite the Lord's prayer--the prayer that gives us an example of how we should pray.  What kind of requests are made in this prayer?  First of all it asks for the Lord's name to be made holy, for His Kingdom to come, and for His will to be done. Helping God's Kingdom to move forward and spreading the gospel should be high on our priority lists of what to pray for.  And everything we pray for should be God's will.  Next, we should pray for our daily bread, or for the needs we need to sustain our daily lives.  So it's appropriate to pray that our daily necessities be met.  But do we really need to pray that we'll win the lottery and be able to afford a fancy car, a huge mansion, and any other number of luxuries?  And of course we pray that we'll be forgiven for our sins, just as we forgive others.  I think that's the key to being able to forgive others, especially when what they've done seems unforgivable.  We need to ask the Lord to help us forgive.  It's only how willing we are to forgive others that will determine how readily the Lord will forgive us.  And even better than asking for forgiveness for our sins, is asking the Lord to help us resist the temptations that come our way so we don't need to repent later.  Preventing sin is even better than repenting from it!  This wonderful prayer is still a great example today of things we should pray for.  Luke 11:1-4 "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.  And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."

 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that there began to be men inspired by God to testify boldly to the people regarding their sins and teaching them about the redemption of Christ, how He died for us and was resurrected. This made the wicked people angry and some of the men who boldly testified were put to death. It was not legal to put people to death without the consent of the governor of the land, so a complain came up to the governor against the judges who had condemned the prophets to death illegally. But the judges had many friends and family members and they entered into a covenant with each other, administered by the devil, to combine against all righteousness and deliver the guilty from justice.  3 Nephi 6:20-30 "And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth, standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying boldly of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did testify boldly of his death and sufferings.  Now there were many of the people who were exceedingly angry because of those who testified of these things; and those who were angry were chiefly the chief judges, and they who had been high priests and lawyers; yea, all those who were lawyers were angry with those who testified of these things.  Now there was no lawyer nor judge nor high priest that could have power to condemn any one to death save their condemnation was signed by the governor of the land.  Now there were many of those who testified of the things pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to death secretly by the judges, that the knowledge of their death came not unto the governor of the land until after their death.  Now behold, this was contrary to the laws of the land, that any man should be put to death except they had power from the governor of the land—  Therefore a complaint came up unto the land of Zarahemla, to the governor of the land, against these judges who had condemned the prophets of the Lord unto death, not according to the law. Now it came to pass that they were taken and brought up before the judge, to be judged of the crime which they had done, according to the law which had been given by the people.  Now it came to pass that those judges had many friends and kindreds; and the remainder, yea, even almost all the lawyers and the high priests, did gather themselves together, and unite with the kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law. And they did enter into a covenant one with another, yea, even into that covenant which was given by them of old, which covenant was given and administered by the devil, to combine against all righteousness.  Therefore they did combine against the people of the Lord, and enter into a covenant to destroy them, and to deliver those who were guilty of murder from the grasp of justice, which was about to be administered according to the law.  And they did set at defiance the law and the rights of their country; and they did covenant one with another to destroy the governor, and to establish a king over the land, that the land should no more be at liberty but should be subject unto kings."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord is God and we must keep His commandments and do them. We must not make His holy name impure.  He is the one who makes us holy and who brought us out of the land of Egypt.   Leviticus 22:31-33 "Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the Lord.  Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the Lord which hallow you, That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that Jesus rose up early, long before dawn, and went into a solitary place where He could be alone, and  prayed. Do we make an effort each day to go to a quiet place where we can be alone and undistracted in order to commune with our Heavenly Father?  We may have to make the effort of getting up very early, before family members, to find the peace and solitude we need in order to do this.  Mark 1:35 "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that some of the people began to have pride due to their riches and there began to be disputes among them. People began to be distinguished by ranks, according to how much money they had, or how much education they had received. Some people were proud and would seek for revenge, while others were humble and penitent.  The church began to be broken up, except among a few Lamanites who were firm and steadfast in their faith, and diligent in keeping the commandments. Satan was able to gain great power over the people, puffing them up with pride and stirring them up to commit iniquity. They sought for power and authority and the vain things of the world. They allowed Satan to lead their hearts away. They were in an awful state of wickedness.  And they didn't sin ignorantly, for they willfully rebelled against God.  3 Nephi 6:10-19 "But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year there began to be some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions;  For there were many merchants in the land, and also many lawyers, and many officers. And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches.  Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God.  And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.  Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.  And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years.  And thus, in the commencement of the thirtieth year—the people having been delivered up for the space of a long time to be carried about by the temptations of the devil whithersoever he desired to carry them, and to do whatsoever iniquity he desired they should—and thus in the commencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state of awful wickedness.  Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God. And now it was in the days of Lachoneus, the son of Lachoneus, for Lachoneus did fill the seat of his father and did govern the people that year."

In the Old Testament we read that we must keep ourselves holy, for the Lord is our God.  We need to keep His statutes and obey His commandments. We should not curse our parents, nor commit adultery.  Those who did these things back then were actually put to death!  Even though they are no longer reasons for capital punishment, they are still very serious sins in the eyes of the Lord. Leviticus 20:7-10 "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.  And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you. For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him. And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that it is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in princes.  His word is a lamp for our feet and a light to our path. It can show us the way we should go.   Psalms  118: 9; 119: 105 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites returned to their own lands, with their families, flocks, herds, provisions, gold, silver, and precious things. Peace was established in the land and the people began to prosper. There was nothing to hinder the people from prospering as long as they didn't fall into transgression. New cities were built and old cities were repaired. Highways were built up. There was continual peace.  3 Nephi 6:1-9 "And now it came to pass that the people of the Nephites did all return to their own lands in the twenty and sixth year, every man, with his family, his flocks and his herds, his horses and his cattle, and all things whatsoever did belong unto them.  And it came to pass that they had not eaten up all their provisions; therefore they did take with them all that they had not devoured, of all their grain of every kind, and their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things, and they did return to their own lands and their possessions, both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward. And they granted unto those robbers who had entered into a covenant to keep the peace of the land, who were desirous to remain Lamanites, lands, according to their numbers, that they might have, with their labors, wherewith to subsist upon; and thus they did establish peace in all the land.  And they began again to prosper and to wax great; and the twenty and sixth and seventh years passed away, and there was great order in the land; and they had formed their laws according to equity and justice. 5 And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression.  And now it was Gidgiddoni, and the judge, Lachoneus, and those who had been appointed leaders, who had established this great peace in the land.  And it came to pass that there were many cities built anew, and there were many old cities repaired.  And there were many highways cast up, and many roads made, which led from city to city, and from land to land, and from place to place. And thus passed away the twenty and eighth year, and the people had continual peace."

In the Old Testament we read that when immigrants live in our land with us, we must treat them fairly and love them as ourselves.  We should treat them as if they had been born among us. These verses remind the Israelites that they were once strangers in the land of Egypt.  We can remind ourselves that unless we are native American Indians, our fairly recent ancestors were once immigrants to the land of America.  Leviticus 19:33-34 "And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.  But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."

Going right along with this is a verse from a thought booklet that reminds us to love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and dwells with God.  1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord blesses and prospers those who keep His commandments.  Israel will be gathered in from her long dispersion and all the covenants the Lord has made with the house of Jacob will be fulfilled. They shall know their Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 3 Nephi 5:21-26 "Surely he hath blessed the house of Jacob, and hath been merciful unto the seed of Joseph.  And insomuch as the children of Lehi have kept his commandments he hath blessed them and prospered them according to his word. Yea, and surely shall he again bring a remnant of the seed of Joseph to the knowledge of the Lord their God. And as surely as the Lord liveth, will he gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth.  And as he hath covenanted with all the house of Jacob, even so shall the covenant wherewith he hath covenanted with the house of Jacob be fulfilled in his own due time, unto the restoring all the house of Jacob unto the knowledge of the covenant that he hath covenanted with them.  And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed; yea, as the Lord liveth so shall it be. Amen."

In the Old Testament we read about some of the commandments that the Lord gave, through Moses.  We must honor our parents, keep the Sabbath Day holy, not worship idols, not steal or lie to each other, not swear falsely, not withhold wages from a laborer overnight, not insult a deaf person or place obstacles in front of a blind person.  Leviticus 19:1-4, 11-14 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord. Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to watch out and be on our guard against all kinds of greed.  Life doesn't consist in an abundance of possessions. We can make ourselves miserable by looking at the worldly wealth of others and constantly wishing we had more.  We will find much more joy and happiness if we are content with what we have and have hearts full of gratitude for the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us.  Luke 12:15 "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."