In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi built a temple in the land. 2 Ne. 5: 16 "And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon's temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine."
In the New Testament I read about the perilous voyage of Paul to Rome. He warned the people not to try to sail because it was too dangerous, but they refused to listen to him. They got into a terrible storm in which their very lives were in peril. However, an angel comforted Paul and told him that no lives would be lost. So after that he had no fear. And indeed, all 266 people on board were spared. When we're traveling through storms of life, we can turn to the Lord for comfort and safety. He keeps His promises. Acts 27:9-25, 41-44 "Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land."
Some verses with a thought booklet talk about how Caleb was willing to go and possess the land because he had faith that God will help them win their battle. However, the other people were too afraid to try because they saw the inhabitants of the land as "giants" and too strong for them. When we have God on our side, we can overcome any obstacle. We just need to have faith. Do we sometimes judge ourselves as being too small or too weak for a task that God has given us to do? God is greater than any obstacle that might be in our way. So if we think we're not capable of doing something, we're probably right that we can't do it on our own. But with God's help, we can do anything and everything He's asked us to do. God is greater than any giant in our lives! We just need to trust in Him. Numbers 13:30-33 "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
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And it shall come to pass in the last days,when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains....The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that those who followed Nephi into the wilderness kept the commandments of God
and prospered exceedingly. Nephi brought the records engraven on the plates and also the Liahona with him. 2 Ne. 5: 9-13 "And all those who were with me did take upon them to call themselves the people of Nephi. And we did
observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the
law of Moses. And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind. And I, Nephi, had also brought the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass; and also the ball, or compass, which was prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord, according to that which is written. And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, and to multiply in the land."
In the New Testament I read that Paul said he tried to exercise himself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man. I remember Joseph Smith saying something similar. This is something we all need to strive to do. Acts 24: 16 "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the gospel is preached by the power of the spirit and not man's wisdom. Our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. The wisdom of the world will come to nought. If people had understood the things of God, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:5-8 "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
and prospered exceedingly. Nephi brought the records engraven on the plates and also the Liahona with him. 2 Ne. 5: 9-13 "And all those who were with me did take upon them to call themselves the people of Nephi. And we did
observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the
law of Moses. And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind. And I, Nephi, had also brought the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass; and also the ball, or compass, which was prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord, according to that which is written. And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, and to multiply in the land."
In the New Testament I read that Paul said he tried to exercise himself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man. I remember Joseph Smith saying something similar. This is something we all need to strive to do. Acts 24: 16 "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that the gospel is preached by the power of the spirit and not man's wisdom. Our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. The wisdom of the world will come to nought. If people had understood the things of God, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:5-8 "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read that Nephi's brothers became so angry and hateful towards him that they sought to kill him. The Lord warned him that he would take his family and all those who would go with him and flee into the wilderness for safety. 2 Ne. 5: 1-6 "Behold, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cry much unto the Lord my God, because of the anger of my brethren. But behold, their anger did increase against me, insomuch that they did seek to take away my life. Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people. Now I do not write upon these plates all the words which they murmured against me. But it sufficeth me to say, that they did seek to take away my life. And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me. Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words."
In the New Testament we read about the persecution that Paul suffered. More than 40 men bound themselves with an oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had succeeded in killing Paul. Acts 23:12-13 "And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is righteous so He loves righteousness. The upright will behold His face. When we're faced with choices to make, we need to decide what is more important--to have the approval of the world, or to have the approval of God. Would we rather set aside worldly wealth and great possessions to leave behind when we die, or to have treasures in heaven? Psalms 11:7 "For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright."
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In the New Testament we read about the persecution that Paul suffered. More than 40 men bound themselves with an oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had succeeded in killing Paul. Acts 23:12-13 "And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us that the Lord is righteous so He loves righteousness. The upright will behold His face. When we're faced with choices to make, we need to decide what is more important--to have the approval of the world, or to have the approval of God. Would we rather set aside worldly wealth and great possessions to leave behind when we die, or to have treasures in heaven? Psalms 11:7 "For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright."
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read how Nephi glories in the Lord and said that he would trust in Him forever. He asks some interesting questions: Why should we yield to sin which destroys our peace and afflicts our souls? Why do we allow ourselves to get angry with other people? We need to rejoice in the Lord and always trust in Him. He will answer our prayers and be our Rock. 2 Ne. 4: 26-35 "O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions? And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy? Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin? May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road! O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way—but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy. O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen."
In the New Testament I read the story of Paul's conversion to the gospel, as he recounted it. Acts 22:3-16 "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that in order to gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, we need to seek after it and ask the Lord for it. We also need to walk uprightly and do what is right. Proverbs 2:1-7 "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly."
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In the New Testament I read the story of Paul's conversion to the gospel, as he recounted it. Acts 22:3-16 "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Some verses with a thought booklet tell us that in order to gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, we need to seek after it and ask the Lord for it. We also need to walk uprightly and do what is right. Proverbs 2:1-7 "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly."
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Monday, May 2, 2011
Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Nephi's soul delighted in the scriptures and the things of the Lord. He continually pondered on them. Do we delight in the scriptures or do we read them out of a sense of duty? And after we've read them do we ponder on them continually throughout the day or do we think, "Well, got that chore done. Now on to other things!" When we truly learn to love the Word of God and delight in pondering on it, our lives will change dramatically! 2 Ne. 4: 15-16 "And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard."
In the New Testament I read that it is more blessed to give than to receive and we ought to labor to support the weak, as Jesus taught. Acts 20:35 "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
In some verses with a thought booklet we're told that we preach of Christ and His crucifixion. This is a stumbling block to the Jews and to the Greeks it sounds like foolishness. But to those who will believe, whether Jews or Greeks or whatever, it is the power and wisdom of God. Even though hearing about Jesus Christ may sound like foolishness to the world, when we place our faith on Christ and His Atonement, we are spiritually renewed and receive the hope of eternal life. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."
In the New Testament I read that it is more blessed to give than to receive and we ought to labor to support the weak, as Jesus taught. Acts 20:35 "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
In some verses with a thought booklet we're told that we preach of Christ and His crucifixion. This is a stumbling block to the Jews and to the Greeks it sounds like foolishness. But to those who will believe, whether Jews or Greeks or whatever, it is the power and wisdom of God. Even though hearing about Jesus Christ may sound like foolishness to the world, when we place our faith on Christ and His Atonement, we are spiritually renewed and receive the hope of eternal life. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Today's Daily Thoughts
In the Book of Mormon I read about how Lehi counseled and blessed his children before he died. He told them that if they kept the commandments, they would be blessed and prospered in the land, but if they would not keep the commandments, they'd be cut off from the presence of the Lord. 2 Ne. 4: 3-5, 12 "Wherefore, after my father had made an end of speaking concerning the prophecies of Joseph, he called the children of Laman, his sons, and his daughters, and said unto them: Behold, my sons, and my daughters, who are the sons and the daughters of my first-born, I would that ye should give ear unto my words. For the Lord God hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence. But behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave save I should leave a blessing upon you; for behold, I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it. And it came to pass after my father, Lehi, had spoken unto all his household, according to the feelings of his heart and the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, he waxed old. And it came to pass that he died, and was buried."
In the New Testament I read about the uproar caused by Paul's missionary efforts. The craftsmen who created idols to worship were very upset at Paul teaching against worshipping gods made with hands because this would disturb their employment. Acts 19:23-28 "And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us to praise God and thank Him for all the blessings that He has given us. When we have an attitude of gratitude, it makes all the difference in the world in how happy we are. When we can appreciate the things around us instead of finding fault, we can find joy in life. This is illustrated in the thought that went with this, written by Andy Clapp from Bigsonville, North Carolina. He said: I had gotten lost int he struggles of daily life. Every morning I awoke with a horrible attitude, dreading at least one portion of the day ahead. On the days that I worked, I could not stand the thought of going in to the office. On the days that I was off, I had to deal with our dog's lack of housetraining and excessive barking. There was something each day that irritated me, and I could not overlook the ongoing annoyances. Finally, I decided to spend an entire day praising God. I prayed the night before in preparation, and the next day I experienced a shift in my life. God revealed so many things that I had overlooked while I was struggling. My eyes caught the beauty of nature. I breathed in the fresh air. I realized anew God's daily provisions of food and shelter. That night, I praised God for the day that He had given me. Our lives are very different when we are consumed with praise. Praise keeps us looking for God rather than focusing on the negative things in our lives. Dear Lord, we want to focus on the positives of life instead of the negatives. Remind us of all the blessings we have to be thankful for each day. Psalms 113: 1-9 "Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord."
In the New Testament I read about the uproar caused by Paul's missionary efforts. The craftsmen who created idols to worship were very upset at Paul teaching against worshipping gods made with hands because this would disturb their employment. Acts 19:23-28 "And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us to praise God and thank Him for all the blessings that He has given us. When we have an attitude of gratitude, it makes all the difference in the world in how happy we are. When we can appreciate the things around us instead of finding fault, we can find joy in life. This is illustrated in the thought that went with this, written by Andy Clapp from Bigsonville, North Carolina. He said: I had gotten lost int he struggles of daily life. Every morning I awoke with a horrible attitude, dreading at least one portion of the day ahead. On the days that I worked, I could not stand the thought of going in to the office. On the days that I was off, I had to deal with our dog's lack of housetraining and excessive barking. There was something each day that irritated me, and I could not overlook the ongoing annoyances. Finally, I decided to spend an entire day praising God. I prayed the night before in preparation, and the next day I experienced a shift in my life. God revealed so many things that I had overlooked while I was struggling. My eyes caught the beauty of nature. I breathed in the fresh air. I realized anew God's daily provisions of food and shelter. That night, I praised God for the day that He had given me. Our lives are very different when we are consumed with praise. Praise keeps us looking for God rather than focusing on the negative things in our lives. Dear Lord, we want to focus on the positives of life instead of the negatives. Remind us of all the blessings we have to be thankful for each day. Psalms 113: 1-9 "Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord."
Yesterday's Daily Thoughts
Oops! I goofed. Yesterday I mistakenly sent out the Daily Thoughts for Friday again. This was the one meant for yesterday. Sorry!
In the Book of Mormon I read a prophecy about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and how it, along with the Bible, would be used to confound false doctrine and bring knowledge in the latter days. 2 Ne. 3: 12 "Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord."
In the New Testament I read we are the offspring of God and as such, in Him we live and move and have our being. How silly to worship idols made of gold of silver or that are graven by men. If we're the offspring of God, how could God be made of manmade things? Sons and daughters are like their parents. So it would only make sence that God would look like we do, not a graven image or even like a spirit essence without a body. Acts 17: 28-29 "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device."
Some verses with a thought booklet explain the importance of being perfectly united in the same mind and same judgment. There should be no divisions among us, and no contentions about doctrine. We should all teach the same thing. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"
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In the Book of Mormon I read a prophecy about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and how it, along with the Bible, would be used to confound false doctrine and bring knowledge in the latter days. 2 Ne. 3: 12 "Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord."
In the New Testament I read we are the offspring of God and as such, in Him we live and move and have our being. How silly to worship idols made of gold of silver or that are graven by men. If we're the offspring of God, how could God be made of manmade things? Sons and daughters are like their parents. So it would only make sence that God would look like we do, not a graven image or even like a spirit essence without a body. Acts 17: 28-29 "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device."
Some verses with a thought booklet explain the importance of being perfectly united in the same mind and same judgment. There should be no divisions among us, and no contentions about doctrine. We should all teach the same thing. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"
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