Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read the words of Samuel to the people as he was old and about to die. He testified to them that he had always dealt justly with them--never stealing from them or defrauding them or oporessing them. And they agreed that this was true. This is a great example for us to follow. Will we be able to say, at the end of our lives, that we have treated everyone justly and have nothing to make right with them? 1 Sam. 12: 1-5 "And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and gray-headed; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. Behold, here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand. And he said unto them, The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Ammon and Lamoni went to Middoni to have Ammon's brethren released from prison. They had fallen into the hands of a hardened and stiffnecked people and had suffered much--thrown into prison, bound, suffering hunger and thirst and all kinds of afflictions. Nevertheless, they had been patient in all their sufferings. Alma 20: 28-30 "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."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that even though some things might seem impossible for men, all things are possible with God. Mark 10: 27 "And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read how the Lord told Samuel to select Saul to be king of the people. This was in spite of the fact that Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel and his family was the least of all the tribe of Benjamin. 1 Sam. 9: 17, 21 "And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people. And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?"

In the Book of Mormon I read that many of the Lamanites were converted and repented of their sins. They were baptized and the church was established among them. From this we can see that the Lord will extend His mercy and pour out His spirit to all those willing to repent of their sins and have faith in Him. Alma 19: 35-36 "And it came to pass that there were many that did believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among them. And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us we can come unto the Lord when our labors are heavy and we're burdened down with care--He will give us rest. Matt. 11: 28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we read that Samuel's sons took bribes and perverted judgment, turning aside from the Lord for lucre. The people insisted on Samuel giving them a king, in spite of his warnings that such would not be good for them. They said they wanted to be like other nations and have a king. So the Lord told Samuel to give them what they wanted and they would have to suffer the consequences of their poor decision. 1 Sam. 8: 1-10, 19-22 "And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how a man whose brother had been slain by Ammon was angry with him and tried to slay him with the sword, but fell down dead while attempting this. Ammon's father, Mosiah, had been promised that Ammon would be spared and Mosiah trusted in the Lord, so no one could kill his son. We need to know that we can fully trust in the Lord to keep His promises to us. Alma 19: 22-23 "Now, one of them, whose brother had been slain with the sword of Ammon, being exceedingly angry with Ammon, drew his sword and went forth that he might let it fall upon Ammon, to slay him; and as he lifted the sword to smite him, behold, he fell dead. Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith—therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Spirit of the Lord can speak through us and His Word can come from our tongue. If we're in tune with the Lord He can inspire us on what to say to others and we can be an instrument in His hands. The thought that went with this, written by Linda Neukrug says: When Ellie, a new coworker at the bookstore, told me that she used to be a counselor before she got laid off because of budget cuts, I patted her hand in sympathy. "This retail job must be a real comedown for you," I commented. If I'd expected her to agree with me, I was in for a surprise. "Oh no," she said. "I come in contact with more hurting people in a day here than I did in my old job in a week." "How on earth do you know that?" I asked. Most of the customers I met seemed confident and pulled together. "Why, just yesterday," she said, "a lady came in looking for a book on divorce." I remembered the woman vividlly. She'd looked annoyed, I thought, so I'd passed her on to Ellie. "Well, anyone looking for a book on divorce or grieving is obviously looking for help," I admitted, "but you make it sound like everyone can use help." "I think that many of them can," Ellis said. "Do you remember that tall man who wanted a book on finances?" I did remember him. He'd seemed so snappish that I'd kept right on shelving books while I let Ellie help him. "He was facing bankruptcy," she said quietly. At my astonished look she said, "As I walk them to the right shelf, I try to say a kind word and then I listen carefully. And I ask God to help me say the right thing." So I tried it. A man wanted a book on "neighbor law," and when he poured out his frustration about the child with a drum set who'd moved in above him, I briefly poured out my sympathy...and left both of us with a smile on our faces, for a change. God, help me to help someone with a kind word or an understanding ear today. 2 Sam. 23: 2 "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Samuel called the people to repentance, telling them the Lord would deliver them out of the hand of the Philistines if they would return to Him and serve Him with all their hearts and put away their strange gods. The people did repent, in fasting and prayer, and the Lord gave them power over the Philistines so they were able to smite them. 1 Sam. 7: 3-13 "And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only. And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord. And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Ammon was able to prevail against a fight with many men because he had the Lord's help and protection. The Lord had promised his father that he would not perish, and the Lord fulfills his promises. The men were astonished that they could not prevail against him, even though he was highly outnumbered. If we have the Lord on our side, it doesn't matter who is against us. Alma 17: 34-37 "Therefore, they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went forth and stood to contend with those who stood by the waters of Sebus; and they were in number not a few. Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that one of their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands; neither did they know anything concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king. But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst them; and thus he slew a certain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they could not hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him. But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him; yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to pray for all men, including kings and men in authority. Sometimes we may not agree with some of our government leaders, but that does not mean we shouldn't pray for them. In fact, perhaps the more we disagree with them the more they need our prayers! 1 Tim. 2: 1-3 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the Phillistines smote Israel with a great slaughter, including the wicked sons of Eli. And the ark of God was taken. If the people had been righteous, this would not have happened. 1 Sam. 4: 10-11 "And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain."

In the Book of Mormon I read that the priests went forth preaching to the people and teaching them to avoid committing sins and telling them of the coming of the Son of God who would suffer and die and then be resurrected from the dead. Alma 16:18-19 "Now those priests who did go forth among the people did preach against all lyings, and deceivings, and denvyings, and strifes , and malice, and revilings, and stealing, robbing, plundering, murdering, committing adultery, and all manner of lasciviousness, crying that these things ought not so to be— Holding forth things which must shortly come; yea, holding forth the coming of the Son of God, his sufferings and death, and also the resurrection of the dead."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us that we are as clay and the Lord is the potter, and we are the work of His hand. The story is told of a man who restored a Stradivarius violin made in the 1600's and a huge crowd gathered to hear him play--not because of how well he played but because they were in awe to hear a violin made by a master. When dealing with other people we need to remember that they, too, were created by a Master. He made us all and we should deal with other people with a sense of awe, knowing that they have been lovingly created by God. If we are ever mindful of this, it should help us show love and patience for those we come in contact with. Isa. 64: 8 "But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that Samuel grew and the Lord was with him, and all Israel knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. The Lord revealed Himself to Samuel. 1 Sam. 3: 19-21 "And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words dfall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord."

In the Book of Mormon I read about the fate of the Ammonihahites who had claimed that God could not destroy their city because it was so great. But in one day it was destroyed and every living thing in it was destroyed. Anyone haughty enough to think that they are so mighty and strong that God cannot touch them is sadly mistaken. Even the most powerful man is no match for the Lord. Alma 16: 9-10 "And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness. But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcases were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that if we profess to know God but don't keep His commandments, we are liars. Truly, if we love the Lord we will obey His commandments. 1 Jn. 2: 4 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
-------------------------------

Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we read about the continued wickedness of Eli's son, but that Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with God and men. 1 Sam. 2: 22- 26 "Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them. And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men."

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Alma and Amulek were delivered out of prison by the Lord--He caused that the walls of the prison were rent in two and fell to the earth, killing everyone inside except for Alma and Amylek who were able to walk out into freedom. Alma 14: 26-28 "And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance . And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them. And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison ; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof. And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ. And they straightway came forth out of the prison; and they were loosed from their bands ; and the prison had fallen to the earth, and every soul within the walls thereof, save it were Alma and Amulek, was slain; and they straightway came forth into the city."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us how to treat our enemies. We should not take vengence against them, but rather treat them with kindness, giving them food if they are hungry. Inasmuch as it is possible, we should live at peace with everyone. Rom. 12: 17-21 "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."