In the D&C we read that if we keep the commandments and endure to the end, we'll receive eternal life, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God. D&C 14: 7 "And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God."
In the Old Testament we're again reminded that we can cry unto God and He'll perform all things for us. We can turn to the Lord in prayer for help in anything we need. Psalms 57:2 "I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me."
A verse with a thought booklet gives us insights into HOW to pray. It isn't enough to just heap up a lot of empty phrases and think we'll be heard for our many words. We need to pray from our hearts. Do we sometimes get into a rut with our prayers, saying the same things day after day without even paying attention to what we're saying? If we're so bored with our own prayers that we can't pay attention, how do you think the Lord feels? It's important that we pray each day, but it's equally important that we pray from our hearts. Matthew 6:7 "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."
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, June 8, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the D&C we read about how John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, which priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels and the gospel of repentance and baptism. D&C 13: 1 "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."
A verse from the Old Testament tells us to cast our burdens upon the Lord for He will sustain us and He will not allow the righteous to be moved. When we have problems or are weighed down with tribulations, we can turn to the Lord for help and comfort. Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. No matter what we've done or how unworthy we may feel, we can know assuredly, that God still loves us, just as we still love our children even when they misbehave. Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
A verse from the Old Testament tells us to cast our burdens upon the Lord for He will sustain us and He will not allow the righteous to be moved. When we have problems or are weighed down with tribulations, we can turn to the Lord for help and comfort. Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. No matter what we've done or how unworthy we may feel, we can know assuredly, that God still loves us, just as we still love our children even when they misbehave. Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the D&C we read that in order to assist in the work of the Lord we need to be humble and full of love, charity, hope and faith. D&C 12:8 "And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."
In the Old Testament I read David's pleas for forgiveness, crying out to the Lord in repentance and asking Him to renew his spirit and create a clean heart in him and wash him thoroughly from his iniquity. When we sin, we likewise can turn to the Lord in prayer, repenting of our sins and having them washed away, making us whiter than snow and restoring the joy of our salvation. Psalms 51:1-4, 7-12 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to warn those who are unruly, comfort and encourage the faint hearted and despondent, care for those who are doubting and timid, and be patient toward all men. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men."
In the Old Testament I read David's pleas for forgiveness, crying out to the Lord in repentance and asking Him to renew his spirit and create a clean heart in him and wash him thoroughly from his iniquity. When we sin, we likewise can turn to the Lord in prayer, repenting of our sins and having them washed away, making us whiter than snow and restoring the joy of our salvation. Psalms 51:1-4, 7-12 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
A verse with a thought booklet tells us to warn those who are unruly, comfort and encourage the faint hearted and despondent, care for those who are doubting and timid, and be patient toward all men. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men."
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the D&C we read that we should put our trust in the Lord and His Spirit which leads us to do good, enlightens our minds, and fills our souls with joy. D&C 11:12-13 "And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;"
In the Old Testament we read that instead of putting our trust in our weapons of war and expecting them to save us, we need to put our trust in the Lord who will protect us from all our enemies. He is more powerful than all the armies in the world. Psalms 44:5-8 "Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah."
In some verses from a thought booklet we read about how the multitudes welcomed Jesus as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, as they cried out "Hosanna." Matthew 21: 9"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. However, just a few days later these same people were crying out "Crucify Him!" Matthew 27: 22-23 "Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified." What made them change their tune in just a few days time? Maybe they expected Him to announce ward against their Roman oppressors, but He did not. Maybe they just didn't think things were going the way they wanted. How do we react when we're faced with choosing to follow the Lord or having things go the way we'd planned? Can we stand up to peer pressure when the world doesn't agree with God's standards? How do we react when faced with keeping our job or standing up for what is right? When the going gets tough, do we stand firm or do we change our tune like the people in Jerusalem did in the days of Jesus?
In the Old Testament we read that instead of putting our trust in our weapons of war and expecting them to save us, we need to put our trust in the Lord who will protect us from all our enemies. He is more powerful than all the armies in the world. Psalms 44:5-8 "Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah."
In some verses from a thought booklet we read about how the multitudes welcomed Jesus as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, as they cried out "Hosanna." Matthew 21: 9"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. However, just a few days later these same people were crying out "Crucify Him!" Matthew 27: 22-23 "Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified." What made them change their tune in just a few days time? Maybe they expected Him to announce ward against their Roman oppressors, but He did not. Maybe they just didn't think things were going the way they wanted. How do we react when we're faced with choosing to follow the Lord or having things go the way we'd planned? Can we stand up to peer pressure when the world doesn't agree with God's standards? How do we react when faced with keeping our job or standing up for what is right? When the going gets tough, do we stand firm or do we change our tune like the people in Jerusalem did in the days of Jesus?
Monday, June 4, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the D&C we read that those who ask will receive, and if we ask for wisdom instead of riches, we'll have the mysteries of God unfolded unto us. He who has eternal life is rich. D&C 11:5-7 "Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich."
In the Old Testament the question is asked why we should feel cast down and disquieted when we should have hope in God and praise Him. He is the health of our countenance. When we're feeling down and discouraged, we can turn to the Lord in praise and hope. Psalms 42: 11 "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about how the Israelites complained bitterly about having manna to eat every day. They wanted cucumbers and melons, leeks and onions! Hear the Lord was blessing them richly by giving them manna to eat, which He sent from Heaven, and they not only took it for granted and lacked appreciation for it, but they complained about what they didn't have. The Lord was very displeased with their attitude. Are we like this? Instead of giving thanks for all the blessings the Lord has given us, do we complain about the things we don't have? Maybe our house isn't as fancy as we'd like and maybe we can't afford trips around the world or a fancy new car every year. Whenever we start looking at things other people have and complaining about what we lack, we should look around at what we have. Do we have a roof over our head? Sufficient food to eat? A family we love? Reasonably good health? The gospel in our lives? Count your blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Numbers 11:4-10 "And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it. Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased."
In the Old Testament the question is asked why we should feel cast down and disquieted when we should have hope in God and praise Him. He is the health of our countenance. When we're feeling down and discouraged, we can turn to the Lord in praise and hope. Psalms 42: 11 "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about how the Israelites complained bitterly about having manna to eat every day. They wanted cucumbers and melons, leeks and onions! Hear the Lord was blessing them richly by giving them manna to eat, which He sent from Heaven, and they not only took it for granted and lacked appreciation for it, but they complained about what they didn't have. The Lord was very displeased with their attitude. Are we like this? Instead of giving thanks for all the blessings the Lord has given us, do we complain about the things we don't have? Maybe our house isn't as fancy as we'd like and maybe we can't afford trips around the world or a fancy new car every year. Whenever we start looking at things other people have and complaining about what we lack, we should look around at what we have. Do we have a roof over our head? Sufficient food to eat? A family we love? Reasonably good health? The gospel in our lives? Count your blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Numbers 11:4-10 "And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it. Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased."
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the D&C we read that Satan stirs up the hearts of the people to contend upon points of doctrine, wresting the scriptures because they don't understand them. In this they greatly err. D&C 10:63 "And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them."
In the Old Testament we read that the righteous will be rewarded with salvation and peace and the Lord will give them strength in times of trouble. God will deliver those who trust in Him. However, transgressors will be destroyed and the wicked will be cut off. The rewards of the righteous and the punishments of the wicked are both great. The choice is ours. Psalms 37: 37-40 "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust "
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to be surprised when a fiery trial comes upon us or think that a strange thing is happening to us. Instead, we should realize that life is full of adversity. It is normal to go through trials and tribulations. God never promises us a life of ease with no troubles--in fact we're told just the opposite. However, if we trust in Him, He will stand beside us through whatever we go through. 1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:"
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In the Old Testament we read that the righteous will be rewarded with salvation and peace and the Lord will give them strength in times of trouble. God will deliver those who trust in Him. However, transgressors will be destroyed and the wicked will be cut off. The rewards of the righteous and the punishments of the wicked are both great. The choice is ours. Psalms 37: 37-40 "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust "
A verse with a thought booklet tells us not to be surprised when a fiery trial comes upon us or think that a strange thing is happening to us. Instead, we should realize that life is full of adversity. It is normal to go through trials and tribulations. God never promises us a life of ease with no troubles--in fact we're told just the opposite. However, if we trust in Him, He will stand beside us through whatever we go through. 1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:"
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Saturday, June 2, 2012
Daily Thoughts
In the D&C we read about how Satan seeks to destroy the souls of men, stirring them up to anger against the work of the Lord. He flatters them and leads them along until he can drag their souls down to hell. Those who hearken to him are full of wickedness and corruption, loving darkness rather than light and refusing to pray to the Lord. D&C 10:20-27 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that Satan has great hold upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good; And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wickedness and abominations; and they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me. Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction. And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God; but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment. Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work. Yea, he saith unto them: Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy; behold, this is no harm. And thus he flattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him. And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare. And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men."
In a verse in the Old Testament we're reminded that the Lord is loving and kind and we can safely put our trust in the shadow of His wings. Psalms 36:7 "How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."
In a verse with a thought booklet we're reminded to be strong and of good courage because the Lord will not fail nor forsake us. The Lord will go with us and we have nothing to be afraid of. What comforting words! Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
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In a verse in the Old Testament we're reminded that the Lord is loving and kind and we can safely put our trust in the shadow of His wings. Psalms 36:7 "How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."
In a verse with a thought booklet we're reminded to be strong and of good courage because the Lord will not fail nor forsake us. The Lord will go with us and we have nothing to be afraid of. What comforting words! Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
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