Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Mormon again decided to lead the Nephites in battle, even though he was without hope, for he knew that the judgments of God were upon them unless they repented, which they weren't about to do. They struggled for their lives without calling upon the Lord for help. The Lamanites were great in number and tread the Nephites under their feet. Those who could run faster than the Lamanites escaped but those who could not were swept down and destroyed.  Mormon 5:1-7 "And it came to pass that I did go forth among the Nephites, and did repent of the oath which I had made that I would no more assist them; and they gave me command again of their armies, for they looked upon me as though I could deliver them from their afflictions. But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come against us as we had fled to the city of Jordan; but behold, they were driven back that they did not take the city at that time.  And it came to pass that they came against us again, and we did maintain the city. And there were also other cities which were maintained by the Nephites, which strongholds did cut them off that they could not get into the country which lay before us, to destroy the inhabitants of our land.  But it came to pass that whatsoever lands we had passed by, and the inhabitants thereof were not gathered in, were destroyed by the Lamanites, and their towns, and villages, and cities were burned with fire; and thus three hundred and seventy and nine years passed away.  And it came to pass that in the three hundred and eightieth year the Lamanites did come again against us to battle, and we did stand against them boldly; but it was all in vain, for so great were their numbers that they did tread the people of the Nephites under their feet.  And it came to pass that we did again take to flight, and those whose flight was swifter than the Lamanites' did escape, and those whose flight did not exceed the Lamanites' were swept down and destroyed."

In the Old Testament we read that the men of Gibeah had raped and murdered a woman and her husband demanded justice.  He'd cut up her body and sent pieces to all the tribes of Israel to get his point across.  The Israelites joined forces and decided that the perverse men responsible should be delivered up so they could be executed.  However, the tribe of Benjamin refused to deliver them up, since they were their relatives.  So Israel went to war against the tribe of Benjamin until they were destroyed.   Judges 20:4-14, 34-36, 46-48 "And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge.  And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead. And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.  Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel. And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house.  But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;  And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.  So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man. And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?  Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel: But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel. And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them.  And the Lord smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword.  So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah. So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valour.  But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.  And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to."  

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we love the Lord, we'll keep His commandments.  John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that there was a very sore battle in the land of Desolation in which the Nephites were defeated. The Nephites were driven and slaughtered, and their women and children were again sacrificed to idols. Mormon took up all the records which Ammaron had hid up unto the Lord.   Mormon 4:19-23 " And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come down against the city Desolation; and there was an exceedingly sore battle fought in the land Desolation, in the which they did beat the Nephites.  And they fled again from before them, and they came to the city Boaz; and there they did stand against the Lamanites with exceeding boldness, insomuch that the Lamanites did not beat them until they had come again the second time.  And when they had come the second time, the Nephites were driven and slaughtered with an exceedingly great slaughter; their women and their children were again sacrificed unto idols.  And it came to pass that the Nephites did again flee from before them, taking all the inhabitants with them, both in towns and villages.  And now I, Mormon, seeing that the Lamanites were about to overthrow the land, therefore I did go to the hill Shim, and did take up all the records which Ammaron had hid up unto the Lord."

In the Old Testament we read about Sampson and Delilah and how she betrayed him so that the Philistines could capture and blind him.  Judges 16:4-21 "And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.  And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver. And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.  And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.  Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them.  Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known. And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.  And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.  Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread.  And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web. And she fastened it with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web. And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.  And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;  That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.  And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand.  And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.  And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet says that Christ should dwell in our hearts by faith, rooted and grounded in love so that we'll be able to understand and know the love of Christ and be filled with the fulness of God who can do all things. He can do far more than we can even imagine. Sometimes we tend to confine what we think God can do according to the limits of our own outlook.  But God's resources are limitless! To Him, nothing is impossible. God's loving purposes extend beyond our grandest dreams.  Ephesians 3:17-20 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people refused to repent of their wickedness and great evil prevailed over everyone. Their hearts were hardened so that they delighted in the shedding of blood.  Greater wickedness prevailed than every before in Israel. Women and children were taken prisoners and were sacrificed to idols. This made the Nephites angry so that they beat the Lamanites and drove them out of their lands. But they later came down against the Nephites with all their power and strength. From that time forth the Nephites no longer were able to gain power over the Lamanites and began to be swept off by them.   Mormon 4:10-18 "And it came to pass that the three hundred and sixty and sixth year had passed away, and the Lamanites came again upon the Nephites to battle; and yet the Nephites repented not of the evil they had done, but persisted in their wickedness continually.  And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually. And there never had been so great wickedness among all the children of Lehi, nor even among all the house of Israel, according to the words of the Lord, as was among this people. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did take possession of the city Desolation, and this because their number did exceed the number of the Nephites.  And they did also march forward against the city Teancum, and did drive the inhabitants forth out of her, and did take many prisoners both women and children, and did offer them up as sacrifices unto their idol gods.  And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and seventh year, the Nephites being angry because the Lamanites had sacrificed their women and their children, that they did go against the Lamanites with exceedingly great anger, insomuch that they did beat again the Lamanites, and drive them out of their lands.  And the Lamanites did not come again against the Nephites until the three hundred and seventy and fifth year.  And in this year they did come down against the Nephites with all their powers; and they were not numbered because of the greatness of their number. And from this time forth did the Nephites gain no power over the Lamanites, but began to be swept off by them even as a dew before the sun."

In the Old Testament we read about how if the Lord is with us, it doesn't matter how many others are against us.  This is illustrated with the story of how the ropes tying up Samson melted right off his hands and then he was able to kill 1,000 enemies using the jawbone of an ass.  Judges 15:14-17 "And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.  And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.  And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men. And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramath-lehi."

Some verses with a thought booklet also make this point, saying how the Lord is our refuge and we can abide in His shadow and place our trust in Him. We have nothing to fear, day or night! Psalms 91:1-5 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;"



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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that war and carnage continued, with the wicked punishing the wicked. Thousands were slain on both sides.  Mormon 4:1-9 "And now it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and third year the Nephites did go up with their armies to battle against the Lamanites, out of the land Desolation. And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites were driven back again to the land of Desolation. And while they were yet weary, a fresh army of the Lamanites did come upon them; and they had a sore battle, insomuch that the Lamanites did take possession of the city Desolation, and did slay many of the Nephites, and did take many prisoners.  And the remainder did flee and join the inhabitants of the city Teancum. Now the city Teancum lay in the borders by the seashore; and it was also near the city Desolation.  And it was because the armies of the Nephites went up unto the Lamanites that they began to be smitten; for were it not for that, the Lamanites could have had no power over them.  But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed.  And it came to pass that the Lamanites did make preparations to come against the city Teancum.  And it came to pass in the three hundred and sixty and fourth year the Lamanites did come against the city Teancum, that they might take possession of the city Teancum also. And it came to pass that they were repulsed and driven back by the Nephites. And when the Nephites saw that they had driven the Lamanites they did again boast of their own strength; and they went forth in their own might, and took possession again of the city Desolation.  And now all these things had been done, and there had been thousands slain on both sides, both the Nephites and the Lamanites."

In the Old Testament we read a verse with a common phrase that is found throughout all of scripture, "And it came to pass."  When a man was asked what his favorite scripture was, he said it was "And it came to pass."  Why?  Because no matter what trials or tribulations we're experiencing in our lives, we can know that they'll come to pass.  They won't come to stay, they'll come to pass.  When we're going through troubling times, remind yourself that this, too, will pass.  "And it came to pass" are words to live by! Judges 14:11 " And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us once again that it is God's will that we give thanks in everything.  It's easy to give thanks during good times, but what about when circumstances are at their worst? The story is told of a family who were on their way to a cabin in the woods for a week. A friend had offered to let them stay in his cabin free of charge.  They were so much looking forward to their wonderful vacation and were imaging what this great cabin would be like.  Maybe it would even have a dishwasher. When they pulled up to the cabin, after a long day's drive, they were crestfallen. This wasn't the wonderful cabin they had imagined. It was more like a shanty, ready to fall apart. Not only that, it was dirty and smelled bad, and it was so small that even sardines would have felt cramped.  But it was late, they were tired, and there was no place else to go, so they decided to make the best of it for the night.  The next morning, things still looked pretty grim, but one of them suggested they play a game.  Any time one of them said anything negative about the cabin, they would have to come up with something nice to say about it, something they were thankful for. It wasn't easy to find good things to say about the cabin, but the list grew:  It didn't leak, no sign of rats, it's warm, the refrigerator works, it's free, the drinking glasses are pretty.  As the list grew, so did their gratitude and so did their contentment.  And because the cabin wasn't the greatest place, they found themselves spending more time outdoors enjoying hiking around and exploring. They stayed the whole week and now, years later, they remember it as the best vacation they ever had.  If we give thanks in all things, looking for things to be grateful for, we'll find ourselves happier and more content with the blessings the Lord has given us.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites swore vengeance against the Lamanites and refused to repent, even after the Lord had delivered them. Mormon refused to lead them anymore, and stood as an idle witness to manifest unto the world the things which he saw and heard. He wrote a record for all the people of the earth, that they might all know that they would stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged for their works, whether they be good or evil. He testified of Jesus Christ and called everyone to repent and prepare to stand before His judgment seat.  Mormon 3:14-22 "And when they had sworn by all that had been forbidden them by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that they would go up unto their enemies to battle, and avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren, behold the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying:  Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because this people repented not after I had delivered them, behold, they shall be cut off from the face of the earth.  And it came to pass that I utterly refused to go up against mine enemies; and I did even as the Lord had commanded me; and I did stand as an idle witness to manifest unto the world the things which I saw and heard, according to the manifestations of the Spirit which had testified of things to come. Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your inheritance;  Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem. And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem.  And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;  And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they slew, was the very Christ and the very God. And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ."

In the Old Testament we read that because the Israelites again did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, He handed them over to the Philistines for 40 years.  Wouldn't you think they'd learn by now that committing sins brought awful consequences?  Judges 13: 1 "And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that if we want to enter into God's Kingdom, we must have the humility, trust, joy, faith, and wonder of a little child.  Mark 10:13-16 "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites gain a great victory over the Lamanites and then they glory in their own strength.  After that Mormon refuses to lead them anymore, due to their wickedness. He had loved them and prayed for them, but he prayed without faith because of the hardness of their hearts. He had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies three times, but they still refused to repent of their sins.  Mormon 3:4-13 "And it came to pass that after this tenth year had passed away, making, in the whole, three hundred and sixty years from the coming of Christ, the king of the Lamanites sent an epistle unto me, which gave unto me to know that they were preparing to come again to battle against us. And it came to pass that I did cause my people that they should gather themselves together at the land Desolation, to a city which was in the borders, by the narrow pass which led into the land southward.  And there we did place our armies, that we might stop the armies of the Lamanites, that they might not get possession of any of our lands; therefore we did fortify against them with all our force.  And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and first year the Lamanites did come down to the city of Desolation to battle against us; and it came to pass that in that year we did beat them, insomuch that they did return to their own lands again.  And in the three hundred and sixty and second year they did come down again to battle. And we did beat them again, and did slay a great number of them, and their dead were cast into the sea.  And now, because of this great thing which my people, the Nephites, had done, they began to boast in their own strength, and began to swear before the heavens that they would avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren who had been slain by their enemies.  And they did swear by the heavens, and also by the throne of God, that they would go up to battle against their enemies, and would cut them off from the face of the land.  And it came to pass that I, Mormon, did utterly refuse from this time forth to be a commander and a leader of this people, because of their wickedness and abomination. Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts.  And thrice have I delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and they have repented not of their sins."

In the Old Testament we read that Israel continued in the same old pattern.  In spite of all the Lord had done for them, they worshiped other gods and did evil in the sight of the Lord. Then when the Lord His aid from them so that their enemies could afflict them, they cried out to the Lord for help.  He told them to go cry to the false gods they had been worshiping. But they turned away from those other gods and tried to repent, admitting that they had sinned.  The Lorde could no longer stand to see them suffer.  The Lord loves us and is so long suffering toward us, wanting us to repent and return unto Him.  Judges 10:6-16 "And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him.  And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.  And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.  Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed. And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.  And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?  The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.  Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.  Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.  And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount how difficult it is to control the tongue. Sometimes both good words and bad proceed out of our mouths, but it should not be so. When we speak kind words of encouragement and inspiration, we can lift and build others, whereas harsh words can tear down and dishearten those who hear them. Our words can cause great harm or be just what someone needs to hear.  What kind of words will you say today?   James 3:1-13 "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.  For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.  Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.  Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Mormon cried repentance unto the people, but they hardened their hearts against God. Mormon 3:1-3 " And it came to pass that the Lamanites did not come to battle again until ten years more had passed away. And behold, I had employed my people, the Nephites, in preparing their lands and their arms against the time of battle.  And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared. And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God."

In the Old Testament we read that after Gideon died, the Israelites once again acted unfaithfully by worshiping Baal and setting up idols for gods.  They forgot the Lord their God who had delivered them from their enemies on every side. It's very sad how quickly people are to forget the Lord and His blessings, and turn to wickedness.  Judges 8:33-34 "And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baal-berith their god.  And the children of Israel remembered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side:"

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin.  Just as a shepherd rejoices when he finds his lost sheep and a person rejoices when she finds a misplaced coin, imagine how joyful our Heavenly Father is over one soul who repents and returns unto Him.  Every person is precious in the sight of the Lord.  Luke 15:1-10 "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.  And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying,  What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?  And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?  And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."


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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that battles between the Nephites and Lamanites continued, and Mormon tried to encourage them to fight with boldness, but the strength of the Lord was not with them so they were left to their own devices. They made a treaty with the Lamanites, receiving the land northward and giving the Lamanites the land southward.   Mormon 2:20-29 "And it came to pass that in this year the people of Nephi again were hunted and driven. And it came to pass that we were driven forth until we had come northward to the land which was called Shem. And it came to pass that we did fortify the city of Shem, and we did gather in our people as much as it were possible, that perhaps we might save them from destruction.  And it came to pass in the three hundred and forty and sixth year they began to come upon us again.  And it came to pass that I did speak unto my people, and did urge them with great energy, that they would stand boldly before the Lamanites and fight for their wives, and their children, and their houses, and their homes.  And my words did arouse them somewhat to vigor, insomuch that they did not flee from before the Lamanites, but did stand with boldness against them.  And it came to pass that we did contend with an army of thirty thousand against an army of fifty thousand. And it came to pass that we did stand before them with such firmness that they did flee from before us. And it came to pass that when they had fled we did pursue them with our armies, and did meet them again, and did beat them; nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea, we were left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the Lord did not abide in us; therefore we had become weak like unto our brethren.  And my heart did sorrow because of this the great calamity of my people, because of their wickedness and their abominations. But behold, we did go forth against the Lamanites and the robbers of Gadianton, until we had again taken possession of the lands of our inheritance.  And the three hundred and forty and ninth year had passed away. And in the three hundred and fiftieth year we made a treaty with the Lamanites and the robbers of Gadianton, in which we did get the lands of our inheritance divided.  And the Lamanites did give unto us the land northward, yea, even to the narrow passage which led into the land southward. And we did give unto the Lamanites all the land southward."

In the Old Testament we read about how Gideon did as the Lord commanded and tore down the altar to Baal and the grove beside it, and built there instead an altar to the Lord. However, he was afraid of the reaction of other people so instead of doing it during the day, he did it in the middle of the night.  When the people awoke, they were upset and when they discovered it was Gideon who did it, they demanded that he be executed.  But Joash came to his defence, stating that if Baal was the one offended, Baal should be the one to plead his own cause.  Judges 6:25-32 "And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:  And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.  Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.  And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.  Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.  And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar. Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the ending of the story of the prodigal son--one we're all familiar with.  The wayward son demands his inheritance before his father is even dead and runs off to waste it in riotous living. He ends us homeless and hungry.  So then he comes home with his tail between his legs, and his father greets him with love and celebration.  But now let's read the reaction of his older brother--the one who has faithfully stayed home and worked with his father, the dutiful, obedient son.  He was bitter and angry because now his rebellious younger brother was getting all the attention.  This is probably a natural way for him to feel.  But when you think that the gospel is all about love, we realize that the older son was likewise a sinner in his own way.  By harboring bitter, angry feelings toward his brother, he too was in need of repentance.  If we sit in judgment of others and harbor ill will toward them, we too are guilty.  Being self righteous and not showing forth love for others is also a sin.  Luke 15:25-32 "Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.  And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.  And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.  And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.  And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:  But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.  And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.  It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."

 

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites began to flee before the Lamanites. Mormon took possession of the plates of Nephi so he could make a record of what happened to his people. He made an account of all the wickedness and abominations that he beheld. This brought him great sadness.  But his faith remained strong in spite of all the evil around him, and he knew that he would be lifted up at the last day.   Mormon 2:16-19 "And it came to pass that in the three hundred and forty and fifth year the Nephites did begin to flee before the Lamanites; and they were pursued until they came even to the land of Jashon, before it was possible to stop them in their retreat.  And now, the city of Jashon was near the land where Ammaron had deposited the records unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed. And behold I had gone according to the word of Ammaron, and taken the plates of Nephi, and did make a record according to the words of Ammaron.  And upon the plates of Nephi I did make a full account of all the wickedness and abominations; but upon these plates I did forbear to make a full account of their wickedness and abominations, for behold, a continual scene of wickedness and abominations has been before mine eyes ever since I have been sufficient to behold the ways of man. And wo is me because of their wickedness; for my heart has been filled with sorrow because of their wickedness, all my days; nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day."

In the Old Testament read that the Israelites did things that the Lord saw as evil so the Lord handed them over to the Midianites for 7 years.  The Israelites cried out to the Lord because of this and the Lord sent them a prophet who told reminded them how the Lord had brought them up from Egypt and lead them out of slavery.  He delivered them from their enemies and drove them out before them, giving them their land.  But the Lord told them that He was the Lord their God and they must not worship other gods.  However, they had not obeyed Him. When we keep the Lord's commandments, we are blessed.  But when we disobey, we suffer the consequences.  Judges 6:1, 7-10 "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midianites,  That the Lord sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;  And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;  And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice."


Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the Lord's thoughts about us are so precious they cannot be numbered.  We can't possibly count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! Picture yourself on a beach picking up a hand full of sand.  Can you imagine how long it would take just to count the grains of sand in your hand?  The picture all the sand on the entire beach, and then all the sand on all the beaches in the world.  Wow!  That's a lot of grains of sand.  In yet the Lord's thoughts about YOU are as numerous as them all.  That's how much he loves YOU and is interested in every part of your life.  Fill up a jar with sand and keep it on your kitchen counter as a constant reminder that God loves you and thinks about you more than all the grains of sand in the world.  Psalms 139:17-18 "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people began to mourn and lament due to the losses they had suffered.  But they did not sorrow unto repentance, but rather they sorrowed that the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin. They did not have broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they cursed God and wished to die. But in spite of that they would struggle with their swords for their lives. The day of grace had passed with them, both temporally and spiritually, and they were in open rebellion against God. What a sad and story state for people to be in, especially a people who had once been so righteous and favored of the Lord.   Mormon 2:9-15 "And now, the Lamanites had a king, and his name was Aaron; and he came against us with an army of forty and four thousand. And behold, I withstood him with forty and two thousand. And it came to pass that I beat him with my army that he fled before me. And behold, all this was done, and three hundred and thirty years had passed away.  And it came to pass that the Nephites began to repent of their iniquity, and began to cry even as had been prophesied by Samuel the prophet; for behold no man could keep that which was his own, for the thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and the witchcraft which was in the land.  Thus there began to be a mourning and a lamentation in all the land because of these things, and more especially among the people of Nephi.  And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people. But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.  And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their lives.   And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto me again, and I saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually; for I saw thousands of them hewn down in open rebellion against their God, and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And thus three hundred and forty and four years had passed away."

In the Old Testament we read about how Jael, a woman, slew Sisera, the Canaanite while he slept. God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan and the children of Israel prospered and prevailed against him until he was destroyed.  Judges 4:21-24 "Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.  And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.  So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to let our lights shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.  There was a man who enjoyed looking out his back window every day. One day he noticed a bright light, about eye level, quite a distance away.  He couldn't figure out what it was and his curiosity got the best of him so he went out to investigate. He discovered a spider web stretching from a tree limb to the ground.  One strand of that spider web caught a reflection of the sun, and that was the bright light that had attracted him. He thought how amazing it was that a single strand of a spider web could reflect such a bright light from such a distance.  Then he thought about how he himself was very tiny when you looked at all the billions of people in the world, but by reflecting the light of our Savior Jesus Christ by the way he lived his life, he could attract people to the Lord, just as he had been attracted to the light reflected from the spider web. We can pray and ask the Lord to help us live our lives in such a way that others will see His light in us.  Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Mormon lead the Nephite armies in their battles against the Lamanites. In spite of fortifying themselves, the Lamanites came upon them with great strength and drove them out of their cities. They tried to gather themselves together but the land was filled with robbers.  The people refused to repent of their evil doings and the wars brought much blood and carnage on both sides.   Mormon 2:1-8 "And it came to pass in that same year there began to be a war again between the Nephites and the Lamanites. And notwithstanding I being young, was large in stature; therefore the people of Nephi appointed me that I should be their leader, or the leader of their armies.  Therefore it came to pass that in my sixteenth year I did go forth at the head of an army of the Nephites, against the Lamanites; therefore three hundred and twenty and six years had passed away.  And it came to pass that in the three hundred and twenty and seventh year the Lamanites did come upon us with exceedingly great power, insomuch that they did frighten my armies; therefore they would not fight, and they began to retreat towards the north countries.  And it came to pass that we did come to the city of Angola, and we did take possession of the city, and make preparations to defend ourselves against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that we did fortify the city with our might; but notwithstanding all our fortifications the Lamanites did come upon us and did drive us out of the city.  And they did also drive us forth out of the land of David.  And we marched forth and came to the land of Joshua, which was in the borders west by the seashore.  And it came to pass that we did gather in our people as fast as it were possible, that we might get them together in one body.  But behold, the land was filled with robbers and with Lamanites; and notwithstanding the great destruction which hung over my people, they did not repent of their evil doings; therefore there was blood and carnage spread throughout all the face of the land, both on the part of the Nephites and also on the part of the Lamanites; and it was one complete revolution throughout all the face of the land."


In the Old Testament we read that the children of Israel continued doing evil things and forgetting the Lord, turning instead to idols.  This made the Lord angry. But when they cried out to Him, he delivered them from their enemies.  However, they just returned to doing evil once again. Doesn't seem like they ever learn from their mistakes and just keep repeating them. Are we the same way?  Judges 3:7-12 "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgat the Lord their God, and served Baalim and the groves. Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years. And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim.  And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us the secret that Paul learned in order to be happy and content regardless of his circumstances--whether hungry or well fed, sick or well, lacking in material things or abounding in wealth.  The secret is to always rejoice in the Lord.  We can do that no matter what is going on in our lives.  Of course this is easier said than done. And it's not something we can learn in a flash.  Rather, it's something that we need to gradually learn over time.  Just like a child learning math or reading doesn't pick it up all at once, but with continual lessons and repeating concepts, we need to continually work on this.  We need to pray to the Lord to guard our hearts against discontent and teach us the secret of abiding in Him. Philippians 4:11-20 "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.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.  Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.  But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."


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from: Wilbur Little

Hi! Breaking news: http://heofon.info/found.php Wilbur Little Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when Mormon was 15 years old, he was visited by the Lord and knew of the goodness of Jesus. He wanted to preach to the people, but his mouth was shut and he was forbidden to preach to them due to their rebellion against God. The Gadianton robbers infested the land and the land was cursed.  There were sorceries and witchcrafts and the power of the evil one was wrought upn all the face of the land. Mormon 1:15-19 "And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus. And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them; for behold they had wilfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.  But I did remain among them, but I was forbidden to preach unto them, because of the hardness of their hearts; and because of the hardness of their hearts the land was cursed for their sake.  And these Gadianton robbers, who were among the Lamanites, did infest the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof began to hide up their treasures in the earth; and they became slippery, because the Lord had cursed the land, that they could not hold them, nor retain them again.  And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord raised up judges to teach the people the right ways and help them overcome their enemies who oppressed them. The Lord had compassion on them when they groaned under their difficult circumstances that crushed them. But the people rebelled and refused to obey the Lord.  They help returning to idol worship and their same old evil ways, violating their covenants and refusing to hearken to the word of the Lord.  So the Lord didn't drive the nations out before them.  Judges 2:16-23 "Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.  And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the Lord; but they did not so. And when the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the Lord because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;  I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:  That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. Therefore the Lord left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua."

A verse with a thought booklet admonishes us to be followers of God. There was a Bible teacher who offered his students $100 if they could do a perfect imitation of his brother. The students were excited and each took a turn at this challenge, trying to make guesses about what his brother was like. One student thought that brothers are often alike and did a spot-on imitation of the teacher himself.  But at each attempt, the teacher shook his head that they hadn't gotten it right.  Why couldn't they do it?  Because nobody in the class personally knew the teacher's brother.  How can you imitate someone you don't know and aren't familiar with?  If we want to follow the Lord, we need to come to know Him.  We can't imitate someone if we have no clue what they're really like. By studying the scriptures and communing with the Lord in prayer, we come to know Him and understand Him.  Only then can we begin to follow in His footsteps and learn to be like Him.   Ephesians 5:1 "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when Mormon was 11 years old his father took him to Zarahemla, which was covered with buildings and people as numerous as the sands of the sea. There began to be a war between the Nephites and the Lamanites. After the Nephites beat the Lamanites in battle, there was peace for a time, but wickedness prevailed upon the face of the whole land.  It got so bad that the Lord took away the three disciples from among them and miracles and healings ceased because of the iniquity of the people. The Holy Ghost did not come upon any because of their wickedness and unbelief.  Mormon 1:6-14 "And it came to pass that I, being eleven years old, was carried by my father into the land southward, even to the land of Zarahemla.  The whole face of the land had become covered with buildings, and the people were as numerous almost, as it were the sand of the sea.  And it came to pass in this year there began to be a war between the Nephites, who consisted of the Nephites and the Jacobites and the Josephites and the Zoramites; and this war was between the Nephites, and the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites.  Now the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites were called Lamanites, and the two parties were Nephites and Lamanites.  And it came to pass that the war began to be among them in the borders of Zarahemla, by the waters of Sidon.  And it came to pass that the Nephites had gathered together a great number of men, even to exceed the number of thirty thousand. And it came to pass that they did have in this same year a number of battles, in which the Nephites did beat the Lamanites and did slay many of them.  And it came to pass that the Lamanites withdrew their design, and there was peace settled in the land; and peace did remain for the space of about four years, that there was no bloodshed.  But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.  And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief."

In the Old Testament we read that the children of Israel did not obey the Lord to drive the other people out of the promised land and destroy their idols and altars.  As a result, they eventually became evil, and followed the idol worship of the people surrounding them.  The Lord's power was no longer with them.  Judges 2:1-3, 11-15 "And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.  And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?  Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim:  And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger.  And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed."

Some verses with a thought booklet recount how a messenger from the Lord told Abraham that his wife would bear a son.  She was elderly and the thought made her laugh.  But truly, is anything too hard for the Lord? God's power really is greater than any impossibleness! Miracles can and do occur when we trust in the Lord.   Genesis 18:10-14 "And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.  Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?  And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?  Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Mormon begins to write in the sacred records, as instructed by Ammaron. When Mormon was only 10 years old, Ammaron told him to wait until he was 24 and then go find where he had hidden the plates and take them and begin writing on them the things he observed among the people.  Mormon 1:1-5 "And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon.  And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;  Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people.  And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people.  And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father's name was Mormon) I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me."

In the Old Testament, Joshua recounted to the children of Israel all the wonderful things the Lord had done for them, including bringing them out of the land of Egypt and opening up the Red Sea for them, and helping them defeat their enemies so they could take possession of the promised land.  After all these marvelous things the Lord had done for them, would they choose to serve Him, or would they choose to serve the false gods of the people of the land?  Joshua firmly stated that as for him and his house, he would serve the Lord!  What will our choice be?  Joshua 24:1-15 "And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.  And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.  And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.  And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.  I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out.  And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea.  And when they cried unto the Lord, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season. And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you. Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:  But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.  And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.  And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.  And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat. Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the familiar story of Mary and Martha.  One sister, Martha,  was very busy with her household responsibilities and serving, while Mary sat at Jesus feet listening to Him.  Martha complained that Mary was lazy while she was doing all the work.  But Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the best thing.  Sometimes we might get very busy with our lives, doing lots of activities and involved in many things.  But are we neglecting the best things, such as studying the Word of God?  Taking time to get to know the Lord can be choosing the best thing.  Luke 10:38-42 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the wicked people began to build up secret combinations.  Even the people who had been righteous began to set their hearts on the things of the world and become like their brethren. The disciples began to sorrow for the sins of the world. The robbers of Gadianton spread over the face of the land until there were none left who were righteous except the three disciples of Jesus. Those who had kept the sacred records passed away one by one until 320 years had passed since the coming of Christ. Ammaron, being constrained by the Holy Ghost, hid up the records unto the Lord.  4 Nephi 1:42-49 "And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton.  And also the people who were called the people of Nephi began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, and become vain like unto their brethren, the Lamanites.  And from this time the disciples began to sorrow for the sins of the world.  And it came to pass that when three hundred years had passed away, both the people of Nephi and the Lamanites had become exceedingly wicked one like unto another.  And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of traffic.  And it came to pass that after three hundred and five years had passed away, (and the people did still remain in wickedness) Amos died; and his brother, Ammaron, did keep the record in his stead.  And it came to pass that when three hundred and twenty years had passed away, Ammaron, being constrained by the Holy Ghost, did hide up the records which were sacred—yea, even all the sacred records which had been handed down from generation to generation, which were sacred—even until the three hundred and twentieth year from the coming of Christ.  And he did hide them up unto the Lord, that they might come again unto the remnant of the house of Jacob, according to the prophecies and the promises of the Lord. And thus is the end of the record of Ammaron."

In the Old Testament we read that when we obey the Lord with exactness, He gives us great blessings.  When the Israelites were keeping the commandments the Lord helped them overcome their enemies.  One of them could make a thousand of their enemies take flight. The Lord had fulfilled every promise He had made. But if they turned from the Lord and allowed wickedness to take root, the Lord would no longer go to bat for them. If they decided to worship other gods, the Lord would be furious and quickly remove them from the fertile land He'd given them.  Joshua 23:6-16 "Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day.  For the Lord hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day.  One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.  Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God.  Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:  Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you.  And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.  Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the Lord your God promised you; so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you. When ye have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet show the vanity of placing our trust in the riches of the world.  We can have so much money that we think we're set for life--that we can just sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labors.  But for all we know, we could die tonight and everything we're accumulated will be given to someone else.  Instead we need to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven that can never be taken away from us.  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 there was a great division among the people. Some were true followers of Christ and others rebellled against the gospel and dwindled in unbelief. As the years passed, the wicked part of the people grew more and more numerous. They built up churches unto themselves and set their hearts upon the things of the world.  4 Nephi 1:35-41 "And now it came to pass in this year, yea, in the two hundred and thirty and first year, there was a great division among the people. And it came to pass that in this year there arose a people who were called the Nephites, and they were true believers in Christ; and among them there were those who were called by the Lamanites—Jacobites, and Josephites, and Zoramites;  Therefore the true believers in Christ, and the true worshipers of Christ, (among whom were the three disciples of Jesus who should tarry) were called Nephites, and Jacobites, and Josephites, and Zoramites.  And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle.  And it was because of the wickedness and abomination of their fathers, even as it was in the beginning. And they were taught to hate the children of God, even as the Lamanites were taught to hate the children of Nephi from the beginning.  And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God.  And they did still continue to build up churches unto themselves, and adorn them with all manner of precious things. And thus did two hundred and fifty years pass away, and also two hundred and sixty years."

In the Old Testament we read that we need to obey the Lord's commandments with exactness and to love the Lord with all our hearts, walk in His ways, and serve Him with all we have.  Joshua 22:5 "But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."

A verse with a thought booklet says that happy is he that has the Lord for his help, and whose hope is in the Lord God. If we want to be happy, we need to place our trust in the Lord and turn to Him to help and guide us.   Psalms 146:5 "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:"

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that those who belonged to the true church of Christ were persecuted because of their humility and their belief in Christ. They were despised because of the many miracles which occurred among them. The three disciples of Jesus who tarried were cast into prison, but could not be held there.  They continued to go forth performing mighty miracles. But in spite of the miracles, the people hardened their hearts and still wanted to kill them. But no matter what they did to them, they received no harm. The people continued to harden their hearts and dwindled in unbelief.  4 Nephi 1:29-34 "And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them.  Therefore they did exercise power and authority over the disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them, and they did cast them into prison; but by the power of the word of God, which was in them, the prisons were rent in twain, and they went forth doing mighty miracles among them.  Nevertheless, and notwithstanding all these miracles, the people did harden their hearts, and did seek to kill them, even as the Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to his word.  And they did cast them into furnaces of fire, and they came forth receiving no harm.  And they also cast them into dens of wild beasts, and they did play with the wild beasts even as a child with a lamb; and they did come forth from among them, receiving no harm.  Nevertheless, the people did harden their hearts, for they were led by many priests and false prophets to build up many churches, and to do all manner of iniquity. And they did smite upon the people of Jesus; but the people of Jesus did not smite again. And thus they did dwindle in unbelief and wickedness, from year to year, even until two hundred and thirty years had passed away."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord fulfilled all His promises to the children of Israel and did everything for them that He covenanted to do.  He gave them all the land that He'd pledged to them and they were able to settle there.  The Lord gave them rest from surrounding danger and gave all their enemies into their power. Not one of all the good things the Lord promised them failed to happen.  The Lord keeps His word! Joshua 21:43-45 "And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.  And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand.  There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."

Some verses with a thought booklet recount how Israel, while serving hard time in exile, felt that God had forsaken them.  However, God repsonded by using the image of a mother nursing her infant.  It's outrageous to imagine a caring mother forgetting her own newborn child.  But it's even more unthinkable to imagine God forgetting His children.  God's incredible love for us is even more tender than a mother's love for her nursing baby.  Isaiah 49:14-15 "But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the people multiplied and became rich.  They began to have pride and set their hearts upon the things of the world. They began to be divided up into different classes, the richer people thinking they were better than the poorer ones.  They quit having all things in common among them. They began to deny the true church of Christ. There began to be many churches in the land who professed to know Christ, but denied His gospel. Satan got great hold on the hearts of the people.  4 Nephi 1:23-28 "And now I, Mormon, would that ye should know that the people had multiplied, insomuch that they were spread upon all the face of the land, and that they had become exceedingly rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.  And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world. And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.  And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ.  And it came to pass that when two hundred and ten years had passed away there were many churches in the land; yea, there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forbidden because of unworthiness.  And this church did multiply exceedingly because of iniquity, and because of the power of Satan who did get hold upon their hearts."

In the Old Testament we read that refuge cities were set up so that if somebody accidentally killed someone else, they could flee to those cities of refuge and be safe from a relative of the victim who was seeing revenge.  Joshua 20:1-4 " The Lord also spake unto Joshua, saying,  Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them."

Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to hearken to the Lord.  Sometimes teenagers think they know it all and that their parents are old fashioned and out of touch with reality.  They refuse to listen to a thing their parents have to say. Are we like this with the Lord?  Do we think we know it all and don't need the guidance and direction the Lord is lovingly trying to give us?  Isaiah 51:4,7 "Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."


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Daily Thoughts Saturday

In the Book of Mormon we read that the years went by and various people who kept the records died, leaving others to keep the records instead. At first there was still peace in the land, but then a few people revolted from the church and took upon themselves the name of Lamanite.  4 Nephi 1:19-22 "And it came to pass that Nephi, he that kept this last record, (and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi) died, and his son Amos kept it in his stead; and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi also.  And he kept it eighty and four years, and there was still peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people who had revolted from the church and taken upon them the name of Lamanites; therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land.  And it came to pass that Amos died also, (and it was an hundred and ninety and four years from the coming of Christ) and his son Amos kept the record in his stead; and he also kept it upon the plates of Nephi; and it was also written in the book of Nephi, which is this book.  And it came to pass that two hundred years had passed away; and the second generation had all passed away save it were a few."

In the Old Testament we read that when the tribe of Joseph complained that the land they'd been given was too small for them, Joshua told them to expand by going up to the forest and clearing ground for themselves in the land of the Perizzites and giants. But the people of Joseph pointed out that the Canaanites had iron chariots, implying that they'd be difficult to defeat and drive out of the land.  But Joshua told them that the land would belong to them and they'd be able to remove the Canaanites in spite of their strength and iron chariots.  We need to remember that when we have the Lord helping us, we can do whatever He tells us to do, even if it looks difficult or impossible.  Joshua 17:14-18 "And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the Lord hath blessed me hitherto?  And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.  And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Beth-shean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.  And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:  But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong."

A verse with a thought booklet says that those who err in spirit should come to understanding that those who murmur and complain should learn true doctrine. How often do we grumble and complain instead of appreciating all the blessings the Lord has pour out upon us.  The story is told of a little girl who was upset and pouting because her friends didn't give her the gifts she wanted at her birthday party. Her mother pointed out to her that she was blessed with a home to live in, food to eat, and family and friends who loved her enough to give her a birthday party. She continued to pout.  Her mother took a picture of her pouting face. That little girl is now grown and she keeps that pouting picture as a reminder of her mother's wise words and how silly it is to pout about what we think we want instead of appreciating the blessings the Lord has given us. Isaiah 29:24 "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."

Daily Thoughts Friday

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord.  They had all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land. They had no contention because the love of God dwelt in the hearts of the people. There has never been a happier people! They were all united and there was no evil among them.  4 Nephi 1:1-18 "And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost.  And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.  And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.  And it came to pass that the thirty and seventh year passed away also, and there still continued to be peace in the land.  And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus.  And thus did the thirty and eighth year pass away, and also the thirty and ninth, and forty and first, and the forty and second, yea, even until forty and nine years had passed away, and also the fifty and first, and the fifty and second; yea, and even until fifty and nine years had passed away.  And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land; yea, insomuch that they did build cities again where there had been cities burned.  Yea, even that great city Zarahemla did they cause to be built again.  But there were many cities which had been sunk, and waters came up in the stead thereof; therefore these cities could not be renewed. And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became an exceedingly fair and delightsome people.  And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them.  And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord.  And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land; but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus.  And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed away, and also the seventy and second year, yea, and in fine, till the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three who should tarry; and there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that generation had passed away.  And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.  And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.  There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.  And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land."

In the Old Testament we read that the children of Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim) received their legacy, determined by lot.  Joshua 16:1-4 "And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Beth-el,  And goeth out from Beth-el to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth, And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Beth-horon the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.  So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance."

Some verses with a thought booklet give us instructions on how to pray.  We need to find a quiet place to be alone when we pray, not in front of everybody to make a show out of the fact that we are praying.  And instead of using vain repetitions, thinking we'll be heard for our long-windedness, we need to pray from our hearts, speaking as a child would speak to a loving father.  We need to remember that the Lord always has time for us, and always has time to listen to our prayers.  Matthew 6:5-8 "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."