Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Lehi tried to encourage his sons by saying he wished they were like a river--continually running into the fountain of all rightsness, and like a valley, firm and steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God. 1 Nephi 2: 8-10 "And it came to pass that he called the name of the river, Laman, and it emptied into the Red Sea; and the valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof. And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness! And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!"

In the New Testament I read a rare instance when all three members of the Godhead are mentioned at the same time. Jesus was baptized, the Holy Ghost descended like a dove lighting upon Him, and Heavenly Father declared, "This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:16-17 "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that all those who Jesus (at the age of 12) were amazed at His understanding and answers. Are people ever amazed at our understanding and answers about any particular subject? Maybe we're a whiz at knowing all about sports. Or we're an expert on gardening. Or maybe we can answer any trivia question about Star Trek. Or we can recognize any bird in the wild. Whatever it is we're so knowlegable about is probably our passion. We love it! Do we make understanding the Lord our passion? Do we love Him? Do we put our time and energy into prayer and studying the scriptures and trying to gain a greater understanding of spiritual things? Jesus obviously did, which is why He was so knowledgable, even at the tender age of 12. We need to follow His example. Luke 2:47 "And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that Lehi built an altar and gave thanks to the Lord. We need to give thanks for all our blessings as well. 1 Ne. 2: 7 "And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God."

In the New Testament I read about how Mary conceived the baby Jesus, and He would be called Emmanuel, which means God with us. Matthew 1:18-23 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God loves us so much that He sent Christ to die for us and pay for our sins. Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that the Lord was pleased with Lehi for doing as He commanded him and trying to cry repentance unto the wicked people of Jerusalem. However, because they sought to kill him, the Lord commanded Lehi to flee into the wilderness where he would be safe. Lehi obeyed the Lord. He left behind his gold and silver and precious things and only with him his family, some tents, and some provisions they would need. How obedient would we be if the Lord commanded us to leave our homes and all the things we posses and flee into the wilderness. Would be trust in the Lord enough to obey whatever He asked us to do? 1 Ne. 2: 1-4 "For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him. And it came to pass that he * departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness."

In the Pearl of Great Price I read the Articles of Faith, which are a great summary of what we believe. "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

Some verses with a thought booklet tell us to be of one mind and one spirit, loving one another and wanting what is best for other people. We need to be humble and avoid strive, and have the same attitude of mind that Christ had. We need to serve others the way He did. Philippians 2:1-5 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that after the many marvelous things were shown to Lehi concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, he went forth among the people prophesying unto them that they needed to repent or be destroyed. Instead of repenting, the people mocked him, were angry with him, and threatened to cast him out and slay him. However, the tender mercies of the Lord are with those who have faith, even unto the power of deliverance. 1 Ne. 1: 18-20 "Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard. And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world. And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how the Aaronic Priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and they were able to baptized each other by the authority of this priesthood. Joseph Smith History 1:68-71 "We still continued the work of translation, when, in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying: Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me. Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded."

A verse from a thought booklet tells us to consider it joy whenever we face trials or afflictions of any kind. (The King James Version uses the word "temptations" but the Joseph Smith Translation clarifies this to mean "afflictions.") So how do we find joy in afflictions? I heard the story of a mother with a bad cough who had a son who was also ill with a fever of 103. She felt she needed to go to the emergency room with him, but was just dreading it. Sure enough, it was a horrible ordeal lasting over six hours. On the drive home from the hospital the little boy remakred, "This was the best day ever!" His mother was shocked and asked him how he could possibly think that had been a good day. He said, "I got to spend the day with you." His answer softened her heart. It's so easy to focus on the challenges instead of the blessings, but we can easily change our attitude about the storms of life if we concentrate on what we have to be grateful for and look for the good in every situation. James 1:2 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that Lehi read and saw many things pertaining to Jerusalem and how it would be destroyed because of its abominations and would perish by the sword. As Lehi read these things, he exclaimed how great and marvelous the works of the Lord are, and praised God for His power, goodness, and mercy. 1 Ne. 1: 13-15 "And he read, saying: Wo, wo, unto Jerusalem, for I have seen thine abominations! Yea, and many things did my father read concerning Jerusalem—that it should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword, and many should be carried away captive into Babylon. And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish! And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shown unto him."

In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how Joseph Smith was under such intense persecution that he needed to leave his home because the situation was so intolerable. But under these trying circumstances, the Lord sent him a friend in Martin Harris who gave him $50 to assist him in his journey. So many times when we're having trials and tribulations, the Lord send us help in the form of other people. And if we're in tune with the Spirit, the Lord will inspire us on how we can assist others in the times of their troubles as well. Joseph Smith History 1:61 "The excitement, however, still continued, and rumor with her thousand tongues was all the time employed in circulating falsehoods about my father's family, and about myself. If I were to relate a thousandth part of them, it would fill up volumes. The persecution, however, became so intolerable that I was under the necessity of leaving Manchester, and going with my wife to Susquehanna county, in the State of Pennsylvania. While preparing to start—being very poor, and the persecution so heavy upon us that there was no probability that we would ever be otherwise—in the midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a gentleman by the name of Martin Harris, who came to us and gave me fifty dollars to assist us on our journey. Mr. Harris was a resident of Palmyra township, Wayne county, in the State of New York, and a farmer of respectability."


Some scriptures with a thought booklet seemed to be just what I needed to hear this morning. I woke up very troubled and fearful knowing I had a dentist appointment later this morning to have some work done on my teeth which I'm dreading. But these scripture verses seemed to be telling me not to be filled with dread and fear. The Lord will be with me and bear me up, fighting for me. The thought that went with this, written by Malinda Fillingim from Rome, Georgia, also helped comfort me. She said: I grew up without a father. Subsequently, I appreciate the way my husband has been such a great father for our two children. I remember how he used to calm them down and reassure them during many storms, literally and figuratively. No matter what the problem, they felt safe with their dad. Likewise, when we face obstacles and fears of life, we can be assured that our Heavenly Father is with us, carrying us and calming our fears. When we travel through unknown lands, when we face health problems, when we just feel lost in life, God is there. We are never alone. God's guidance is there for the asking. God's peace passes all understanding, and His presence goes before us to make clear the path and straight the road. When you feel overwhelmed and unable to go one more step, be assured of this one thing: God is carrying you and will not let go. Father of all, help me to see hope when I feel hpeless. Give me strength when I feel weak. When I dan no longer walk, carry me one more step. Make my faith bigger than my fears. Deuteronomy 1:29-31 "Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place."
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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read that there were many prophets testifying to the people of Jerusalem that if they did not repent they would be destroyed. Nephi's father Lehi prayed with all his heart in behalf of his people. 1 Ne. 1: 4-5 "For it came to pass in the commencement of the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, (my father, Lehi, having dwelt at Jerusalem in all his days); and in that same year there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent, or the great city Jerusalem must be destroyed. Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people."

In the Book of Mormon I read that Moroni gave his message to Joseph Smith three times during the night. We might wonder why he repeated the same instructions so many times. I've found that often I need to hear something two or three times before it sinks in and I really gain an understanding of it. This is why it's so important to keep reading the scriptures, even after we've already read them, even multiple times. We'll often gain insights from later readings that we missed earlier. We need repetition in order to learn! Joseph Smith History 1:47 "After this third visit, he again ascended into heaven as before, and I was again left to ponder on the strangeness of what I had just experienced; when almost immediately after the heavenly messenger had ascended from me for the third time, the cock crowed, and I found that day was approaching, so that our interviews must have occupied the whole of that night."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that God will enlighten our darkness and will be a light to us. The light of a single candle dispels the darkness from an entire room. If we allow God into our lives, His light will drive the darkness away. Psalm 18:28 "For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness."
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In once again beginning a reading of the Book of Mormon we see that Nephi was raised by goodly parents who taught him the things of the Lord. And even though he saw much affliction in his life, he recognized that he was highly favored of the Lord and had knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God. Even though we all have trials and tribulations in our lives, we can still recognize the goodness of God and the blessings He has given us, including the blessings of having a good family and of the knowledge we have of the Lord and His gospel. These are definitely things to be grateful for. 1 Ne. 1: 1 "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days."

In the Pearl of Great Price I read about how the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith and told him that he had a great work to do for the Lord and that his name would be had for good and evil among all the nations of the earth, and that he would be both good and evil spoken of. What an amazing prophecy to make of an obscure boy who men would think was of little consequence and had little chance of being known outside his circle of family and acquaintances. But today, nearly 200 years later, Joseph Smith is indeed known all over the world. Some people are bitterly opposed to him and the work that he did, and they are still trying, all these years later, to discredit him. But there are millions of people, scattered all over the world, who hail him as the prophet who restored the gospel in these latter days. Indeed, what Moroni said would happen has come to pass-he's spoken of for good and ill all over the world. Joseph Smith History 1:33 "He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord will guide and teach those who are meek and humble. Psalm 25:9 "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way."