Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Aaron and some of his brethren were cast into prison and suffered many things before Ammon and Lamoni came and delivered them. Then they went forth to preach again, wherever the Spirit of the Lord led them. They began to have success in teaching people the truth.  Alma 21: 13-17 "Nevertheless, Aaron and a certain number of his brethren were taken and cast into prison, and the remainder of them fled out of the land of Middoni unto the regions round about. And those who were cast into prison suffered many things, and they were delivered by the hand of Lamoni and Ammon, and they were fed and clothed. And they went forth again to declare the word, and thus they were delivered for the first time out of prison; and thus they had suffered.  And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be admitted.  And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they did convince many of their sins, and of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct."

In the Old Testament we read about how the Lord poured out punishments upon Moab, Judah, and Israel for their unrighteousness.  We cannot sin without consequence.  Amos 2:1-12 "Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:  But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet: And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:  But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem. Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;  That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name: And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god. Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath. Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the Lord. But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not."

Going right along with this, some verses with a thought booklet tell us that we reap what we sow.  If we sin, we'll reap corruption, but if we are not weary in well doing, we'll reap life everlasting.  Whenever we have an opportunity to do good, we need to do so.  Galatians 6:7-10 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Aaron opened the scriptures to the Amalekites and tried to teach them about Christ and His atonement. But they refused to listen to him and mocked him. So he left and and went to Ani-Anti.  But the people there were too hard hearted to listen to they departed and went to Middoni. They preached to many but few believed on their words. Imagine their discouragement, going from place to place but not finding much success anywhere.   Alma 21: 9-12 "Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.  And it came to pass as he began to expound these things unto them they were angry with him, and began to mock him; and they would not hear the words which he spake.  Therefore, when he saw that they would not hear his words, he departed out of their synagogue, and came over to a village which was called Ani-Anti, and there he found Muloki preaching the word unto them; and also Ammah and his brethren. And they contended with many about the word. And it came to pass that they saw that the people would harden their hearts, therefore they departed and came over into the land of Middoni. And they did preach the word unto many, and few believed on the words which they taught."

In the Old Testament we read that multitudes will stand in the valley of decision as the Second Coming draws near. The sun, moon, and stars will be darkened and the earth will shake, but the Lord will be the hope and strength of His people.  Joel 3:14-17 "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.  The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.  The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.  So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that when Paul and Silas taught the Berean Jews, they received the Word of God with readiness of mind, searching the scriptures daily to see if what they were being taught was true.  And many f them believed. How do we receive God's word?  Are our minds prepared to receive it?  Do we search the scriptures and study them with real intent?  Acts 17:10-12 "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Aaron went to preach to the Amalekites.  One man contended with him, saying they had no need to repent.  He said he believed that God would save all men and accused Ammon of believing in false and foolish traditions. He said he didn't believe that Aaron could know of things to come.  Alma 21: 4-8 "And it came to pass that Aaron came to the city of Jerusalem, and first began to preach to the Amalekites. And he began to preach to them in their synagogues, for they had built synagogues after the order of the Nehors; for many of the Amalekites and the Amulonites were after the order of the Nehors. Therefore, as Aaron entered into one of their synagogues to preach unto the people, and as he was speaking unto them, behold there arose an Amalekite and began to contend with him, saying: What is that thou hast testified? Hast thou seen an angel? Why do not angels appear unto us? Behold are not this people as good as thy people? Thou also sayest, except we repent we shall perish. How knowest thou the thought and intent of our hearts? How knowest thou that we have cause to repent? How knowest thou that we are not a righteous people? Behold, we have built sanctuaries, and we do assemble ourselves together to worship God. We do believe that God will save all men. Now Aaron said unto him: Believest thou that the Son of God shall come to redeem mankind from their sins?  And the man said unto him: We do not believe that thou knowest any such thing. We do not believe in these foolish traditions. We do not believe that thou knowest of things to come, neither do we believe that thy fathers and also that our fathers did know concerning the things which they spake, of that which is to come."

In the Old Testament we read that war and desolation will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  Joel 2:1-11 "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand;  A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.  A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.  Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.  Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.  They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:  Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.  The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?"

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that when we promise to keep the Lord's words and seek His favor with all our heart, He will be merciful unto us, according to His promise.  Psalms 119:57-58 "Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words. I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read even though the Lamanite's hearts were hardened, but Amalekites and Amulonites had even harder hearts and they caused the Lamainites to was even stronger in wickedness.  This demonstrates the bad influence other people can have.  Alma 21: 1-3 "Now when Ammon and his brethren separated themselves in the borders of the land of the Lamanites, behold Aaron took his journey towards the land which was called by the Lamanites, Jerusalem, calling it after the land of their fathers' nativity; and it was away joining the borders of Mormon.  Now the Lamanites and the Amalekites and the people of Amulon had built a great city, which was called Jerusalem.  Now the Lamanites of themselves were sufficiently hardened, but the Amalekites and the Amulonites were still harder; therefore they did cause the Lamanites that they should harden their hearts, that they should wax strong in wickedness and their abominations."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord is the same God who brought the children of Israel out of Egypt.  There is no God besides Him and no Savior other than Him.  Hosea 13: 4 "Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet recount how Peter taught the people about Jesus who was crucified.  When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts and asked Peter and the apostles what they should do.  The answer was that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins, and then receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  This is the same thing we all need to do, even today.  Acts 2:36-38 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that when Lamoni's father saw that he couldn't slay Ammon, he pleaded for his life. Ammon agreed not to slay him if he would free his brethren from prison not be displeased with his son, allowing him to do what he thought was best. The king could now see that Ammon had no desire to destroy him and that he loved his son. Ammon gained favor with the king and was allowed to continue on his journey. When Ammon saw his brothers he was sorrowful about the way they had been treated.  But they had been patient in alltheir sufferintgs.  Alma 20: 21-30 " Now when the king saw that Ammon could slay him, he began to plead with Ammon that he would spare his life.  But Ammon raised his sword, and said unto him: Behold, I will smite thee except thou wilt grant unto me that my brethren may be cast out of prison.  Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said: If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom.  Now when Ammon saw that he had wrought upon the old king according to his desire, he said unto him: If thou wilt grant that my brethren may be cast out of prison, and also that Lamoni may retain his kingdom, and that ye be not displeased with him, but grant that he may do according to his own desires in whatsoever thing he thinketh, then will I spare thee; otherwise I will smite thee to the earth.  Now when Ammon had said these words, the king began to rejoice because of his life.  And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou hast desired, that I would release thy brethren, and suffer that my son Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I will grant unto you that my son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever; and I will govern him no more—  And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be cast out of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom; for I shall greatly desire to see thee. For the king was greatly astonished at the words which he had spoken, and also at the words which had been spoken by his son Lamoni, therefore he was desirous to learn them.  And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni proceeded on their journey towards the land of Middoni. And Lamoni found favor in the eyes of the king of the land; therefore the brethren of Ammon were brought forth out of prison.  And when Ammon did meet them he was exceedingly sorrowful, for behold they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all their sufferings.  And, as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen into the hands of a more hardened and a more stiffnecked people; therefore they would not hearken unto their words, and they had cast them out, and had smitten them, and had driven them from house to house, and from place to place, even until they had arrived in the land of Middoni; and there they were taken and cast into prison, and bound with strong cords, and kept in prison for many days, and were delivered by Lamoni and Ammon."

In the Old Testament we read that we reap what we sow.  If we sow righteousness, we'll reap mercy.  If we sow wickedness, we'll reap iniquity and lies.  Hosea 10:12-13 "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the same God who teaches us in or youth and declares His wondrous works to us will also be with us when we're old and gray.  He will not forsake us.  Psalms 71:17-18 "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.  Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the father of Lamoni was not at all happy with Ammon.  In fact, he commanded his son to kill Ammon instead of going to Midoni with him. But Lamoni stood up to his father, refusing to kill Ammon and insisting that he was going to Midoni with him. He said that Ammon and his brethren were prophets of the true God. This made his father very angry and he drew his sword to smite his son. Ammon stopped him and told him and told him that slaying his innocent son would cause him to lose his soul. This made the man even more angry and he tried toslay Ammon, who withstood his blows.  Alma 20:14-20 "Now the father of Lamoni commanded him that he should slay Ammon with the sword. And he also commanded him that he should not go to the land of Middoni, but that he should return with him to the land of Ishmael.  But Lamoni said unto him: I will not slay Ammon, neither will I return to the land of Ishmael, but I go to the land of Middoni that I may release the brethren of Ammon, for I know that they are just men and holy prophets of the true God.  Now when his father had heard these words, he was angry with him, and he drew his sword that he might smite him to the earth.  But Ammon stood forth and said unto him: Behold, thou shalt not slay thy son; nevertheless, it were better that he should fall than thee, for behold, he has repented of his sins; but if thou shouldst fall at this time, in thine anger, thy soul could not be saved.  And again, it is expedient that thou shouldst forbear; for if thou shouldst slay thy son, he being an innocent man, his blood would cry from the ground to the Lord his God, for vengeance to come upon thee; and perhaps thou wouldst lose thy soul.  Now when Ammon had said these words unto him, he answered him, saying: I know that if I should slay my son, that I should shed innocent blood; for it is thou that hast sought to destroy him.  And he stretched forth his hand to slay Ammon. But Ammon withstood his blows, and also smote his arm that he could not use it."

In the Old Testament we read that the pride of Israel testified against them.  They refused to return to the Lord and would not seek Him.  Hosea 7:10 "And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him for all this."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that as long as we live, we have a labor to perform, whatever God wants us to do.  But if we die, we'll be with Christ in a far better place.  So whether we live or die, it is all good and we can have joy.  We don't need to fear death.  We can rejoice in Christ no matter which side of the veil we are on.  Philippians 1:20-26 "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.  And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that as Ammon and Lamoni were traveling to Middoni they met Lamoni's father, who was king over the whole land. When his father questioned him, he told him what had been happening and all about Ammon. To his astonishment, his father began angry. Alma 20: 8-13 "And it came to pass that as Ammon and Lamoni were journeying thither, they met the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.  And behold, the father of Lamoni said unto him: Why did ye not come to the feast on that great day when I made a feast unto my sons, and unto my people? And he also said: Whither art thou going with this Nephite, who is one of the children of a liar? And it came to pass that Lamoni rehearsed unto him whither he was going, for he feared to offend him.  And he also told him all the cause of his tarrying in his own kingdom, that he did not go unto his father to the feast which he had prepared. And now when Lamoni had rehearsed unto him all these things, behold, to his astonishment, his father was angry with him, and said: Lamoni, thou art going to deliver these Nephites, who are sons of a liar. Behold, he robbed our fathers; and now his children are also come amongst us that they may, by their cunning and their lyings, deceive us, that they again may rob us of our property."

In the Old Testament we read that there was no mercy, truth, or knowledge of God in the land.  People were committing all kinds of sins.  Because they rejected knowledge and forgot God, He would reject and forget them.  Because they set their heart on iniquity, their glory would be changed into shame.  Hosea 4:1-10 "Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.  By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.  Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.  Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest.  Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.  And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.  For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the Lord."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell the story of how the resurrected Jesus Christ appeared and allowed the people to handle him and see that He was not just a spirit.  He ate food and testified that His death and resurrection were a fulfillment of prophecies.  Imagine what it would have been like to be part of this scene--to have actually seen Jesus risen from the dead.  Luke 24:36-49 "And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.  And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?  And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.  And he took it, and did eat before them.  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

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