Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Nephi spoke plainly concerning the doctrine of Christ. The Lord gives light to the understanding of men and speaks to them according to heir language. 2 Nephi 31:1-3 "And now I, Nephi, make an end of my prophesying unto you, my beloved brethren. And I cannot write but a few things, which I know must surely come to pass; neither can I write but a few of the words of my brother Jacob. Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying.  For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding."

In the Old Testament we read that Jehoiada made a covenant with the Lord that they would be the Lord's people. Then the people of the land went to the house of Baal and broke it down, destroyed the altars and images, and killed the priest of Baal.  2 Kings 11:17-18 "And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they should be the Lord's people; between the king also and the people.  And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Those of us who have lost loved ones know what it is to mourn.  Mourning is a part of life.  But we can know that the Lord will comfort us if we will turn to Him.  We'll never get over losing our loved one, but we can get through it with His help.  And eventually we'l be reunited with them.  And what a joyful day that will be.  Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."

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Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read about how the animals will all get along peacefully together and the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. All knowledge will be revealed and Satan will no longer have any power over the hearts of the children of men.  What a blessed and wonderful day this will be!   2 Nephi 30:12-18 "And then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb; and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling, together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den.  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.  Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men.  There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed. Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time. And now, my beloved brethren, I make an end of my sayings."

In the Old Testament we read about how Jehu destroyed all the worshipers of Baal by gathering them all together and then having them killed.  2 Kings 10:18-28 "And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.  Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.  And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.  And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another.  And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments. And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the Lord, but the worshippers of Baal only.  And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.  And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal.  And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them.  And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.  Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that Nehemiah received devastating news that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down and the gates burned with fire.  He reacted by mourning and weeping for several days, and fasting and praying befoe the Lord.  How do we react to terrible news that rocks our world?  Of course we might spend days of mourning and crying, but do we also turn to the Lord in fasting and prayer? Nehemiah 1:3-4 "And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that Israel will be restored and the wicked will be destroyed. But the Lord will spare His people.  2 Nephi 30:9-11 "And with righteousness shall the Lord God judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. And he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  For the time speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause a great division among the people, and the wicked will he destroy; and he will spare his people, yea, even if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."

In the Old Testament we see the end of the wicked Jezebel, just as Elisha the prophet had prophesied.  2 Kings 9:30-37 "And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?  And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.  And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.  And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.  Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:  And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we trust in the Lord, He will be our refuge and fortress. He ill deliver u from danger and we have no need to fear. He will be our shield and cover us with His wings.   Psalms 91:2-5 "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;"

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that after many Lamanites and Jews believe, they will become a delightsome people. They will rejoice and know the blessings of the Lord. The Lord will commence His work among all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.  2 Nephi 30:6-8 "And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a pure and a delightsome people. And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are scattered also shall begin to believe in Christ; and they shall begin to gather in upon the face of the land; and as many as shall believe in Christ shall also become a delightsome people. And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall commence his work among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, to bring about the restoration of his people upon the earth."

In the Old Testament we read about how a servant of Elisha panicked when he saw the great hosts of the enemy surrounding the city.  But Elisha told him not to fear because those on their side were more than those against them.  Elisha then prayed that the servants eyes would be opened, and he could then see the mountains full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha.  When we have the Lord on our side, it doesn't matter who is against us.  2 Kings 6:15-17 "And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?  And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read that God loved the world so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son to save us.  If we believe in Him, we'll have everlasting life. If we refuse to believe in Him, we'll stand condemned before God.  John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that converted Gentiles will e numbered with the covenant people. The Lord will bless those who keep His commandments, but those who do not will be destroyed. A book would come forth to teach the remnant of the Nephites about ho they came out from Jerusalem and that they are descendants of the Jews. They will be restored to a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  2 Nephi 30:1-5 "And now behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you; for I, Nephi, would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more righteous than the Gentiles shall be. For behold, except ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall all likewise perish; and because of the words which have been spoken ye need not suppose that the Gentiles are utterly destroyed. For behold, I say unto you that as many of the Gentiles as will repent are the covenant people of the Lord; and as many of the Jews as will not repent shall be cast off; for the Lord covenanteth with none save it be with them that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel.  And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and the Gentiles. For after the book of which I have spoken shall come forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, and sealed up again unto the Lord, there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written; and they shall carry them forth unto the remnant of our seed. And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are descendants of the Jews. And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them; wherefore, they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers."

In the Old Testament we read about how Naaman, a leper, came to the prophet Elisha to be healed of his leprosy.  He expected Elisha to come out and greet him personally, call upon God and perhaps strike his hand over the place.  Instead, Elisha sent a messenger to him telling him to go dip in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman was insulted.  He had rivers back home better than the Jordan!  And why wouldn't Elisha come and see him in prison?  He went away in a rage.  But one of his servants calmed him down and persuaded him that he had nothing to lose by doing as Elisha directed.  So he dipped himself in the Jordan River seven times and was healed.  Sometimes the things we need to learn are humility and obedience.  2 Kings 5:9-14 "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.  And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.  Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we don't love one another, we don't know God because God is love.  If we do love one another, we are born of God and know Him. Love is THE most important thing that we can do in this life.   1 John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that just because we have a Bible we should not think that it contains all the words of God. The Lord commands people of many lands to write His word. And the different peoples will have access to what the others write. 2 Nephi 29:10-14 "Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.  For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.  For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.  And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews. And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions; and my word also shall be gathered in one. And I will show unto them that fight against my word and against my people, who are of the house of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham that I would remember his seed forever."

In the Old Testament we read the story of how Elisha was able to revive a child who had died. 2 Kings 4:32-37 "And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.  He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord.  And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.  Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.  And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.  Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out."

A verse with a thought booklet reminds us that we need to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another, just as Christ is toward us.  Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."  

Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that many will reject the Book of Morn, saying they already have the Bible and don't need any more. But they are foolish. Why should we murmur because we have more of the Word of God?  And don't we realize that there are more nations than one, and that if the Lord will speak to one nation, won't he speak to others as well?  He loves all of His children and will remember them all. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  2 Nephi 29:1-9 "But behold, there shall be many—at that day when I shall proceed to do a marvelous work among them, that I may remember my covenants which I have made unto the children of men, that I may set my hand again the second time to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel;  And also, that I may remember the promises which I have made unto thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that I would remember your seed; and that the words of your seed should proceed forth out of my mouth unto your seed; and my words shall hiss forth unto the ends of the earth, for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel;  And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible. But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles? O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people. Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews? Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?  Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever."

In the Old Testament we read the story of how Elisha multiplied the widow's oil so she could pay her creditors.  Miracles do happen!  2 Kings 4:1-7 "Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.  And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.  And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.  Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest."

In some scriptures with a thought booklet we read about how the Lord gave Abram the land of Hebron to live in and promised that his seed would be as numerous as the dust of the earth.  After Abram removed his tent and went to live in the land the Lord had provided for him, the first thing he did was build an altar unto the Lord. He wanted to give thanks.  We have been given many blessings from the Lord as well.  Do we think we thank Him? Is that number one on our list of things to do?  Genesis 13:14-18 "And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.  And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord."