In the Old Testament a promise is given that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, just as the waters cover the sea. What a wonderful day that will be! Hab. 2: 14 "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."
In the D&C we're told that if a man marries a wife in the world their covenant of marriage only lasts for this world only and after they are dead they'll no longer be bound together. Only in Holy Temples can couples be sealed for eternity. D&C 132: 15 "Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that Jesus brought Light into the world but evil people prefer darkness. The righteous love the light because they are not ashamed of their deeds being made manifest, but wicked people think darkness will help hide their sins. However, no one can hide anything from God. Let's live our lives so we can welcome the Light! Light is associated with life, but darkness is an ally of death. It takes courage to come unto the Light. John 3: 19-21 "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."
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, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Daily Thoughts
A verse in the Old Testament tells us that those who lift themselves up in pride are not upright, but the just will live by faith. Hab. 2: 4 "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."
In the D&C we read that it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. A simple truth. We need knowledge and understanding. D&C 131: 6 "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
A verse with a thought booklet prophetically proclaims the birth of the Messiah. Whenever I read this scripture the music from "The Messiah" comes to mind, as Handel used this verse in such an inspiring hymn of praise. Isa. 9: 6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
----------------------------------
In the D&C we read that it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. A simple truth. We need knowledge and understanding. D&C 131: 6 "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."
A verse with a thought booklet prophetically proclaims the birth of the Messiah. Whenever I read this scripture the music from "The Messiah" comes to mind, as Handel used this verse in such an inspiring hymn of praise. Isa. 9: 6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
----------------------------------
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read about the great wickedness of Nineveh and how this resulted in her miserable downfall. Nahum 3: 1-7 "Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not; The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots. The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and there is none end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses: Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame. And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock. And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?"
In the D&C I read about a couple of wonderful truths. One is that whatever knowledge we're able to gain in this life, through our diligence and obedience, will rise with us in the resurrection. Another truth is that when we obey laws, we receive the blessings that are predicated on those laws. D&C 130: 18-21 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to be kind, loving, and tender hearted toward one another and to avoid anger, bitterness, and evil speaking which drive the Spirit away. We need to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. Instead of allowing evil communication to come out of our mouths, we need to use our words to edify one another. We need to follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way we would like to be treated. Eph. 4: 29-32 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
-------------------------------------------------------
In the D&C I read about a couple of wonderful truths. One is that whatever knowledge we're able to gain in this life, through our diligence and obedience, will rise with us in the resurrection. Another truth is that when we obey laws, we receive the blessings that are predicated on those laws. D&C 130: 18-21 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish us to be kind, loving, and tender hearted toward one another and to avoid anger, bitterness, and evil speaking which drive the Spirit away. We need to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. Instead of allowing evil communication to come out of our mouths, we need to use our words to edify one another. We need to follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way we would like to be treated. Eph. 4: 29-32 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
-------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament we read about how Nineveh will be destroyed, which is a type of what will be in the latter days. Nahum 2: 8-10, 13 "But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back. Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for there is none end of the store and glory out of all the pleasant furniture. She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness. Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard."
In the D&C I read some wonderful verses which declare the glad and glorious tidings of the Lord for the living and the dead. We need to move forward with courage and press on to the victory. All of God's creations shout for joy. D&C 128: 22-23 "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free. Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!"
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish older people to be good examples to those who are younger and teach them to be self controlled, chaste, patient, sound in faith, and full of love. What kind of example are we being to others by our actions and by the lives that we live? Titus 2: 1-5 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
----------------------------------------------
In the D&C I read some wonderful verses which declare the glad and glorious tidings of the Lord for the living and the dead. We need to move forward with courage and press on to the victory. All of God's creations shout for joy. D&C 128: 22-23 "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free. Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!"
Some verses with a thought booklet admonish older people to be good examples to those who are younger and teach them to be self controlled, chaste, patient, sound in faith, and full of love. What kind of example are we being to others by our actions and by the lives that we live? Titus 2: 1-5 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
----------------------------------------------
Monday, December 27, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord is good and can be a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1: 7 "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
In the D&C it explains baptism by immersion, going under the water and coming back out, is symbolic of being buried in a grave and coming forth in the resurrection. When we're baptized, we bury the old person we used to be and come forth new creatures. D&C 128: 12 "Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead."
Some verses with a thought booklet emphasize the importance of the words we speak and the impact they can have on others. If we give a soft answer, it can turn away the anger of another person. But harsh words can stir up wrath and add fuel to the fire of contention. Gentle words can be like a tree of life and wise words can impart knowledge. But the words of a foolish person can do no such good. We need to be careful not only in what we say, but also in how we say it and the tone of our voice. Our words can do great good in building others up and teaching them truths or our words can do much harm and cause hurt and pain. Think before you speak! Prov. 15: 1, 4, 7 "A Soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."
In the D&C it explains baptism by immersion, going under the water and coming back out, is symbolic of being buried in a grave and coming forth in the resurrection. When we're baptized, we bury the old person we used to be and come forth new creatures. D&C 128: 12 "Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead."
Some verses with a thought booklet emphasize the importance of the words we speak and the impact they can have on others. If we give a soft answer, it can turn away the anger of another person. But harsh words can stir up wrath and add fuel to the fire of contention. Gentle words can be like a tree of life and wise words can impart knowledge. But the words of a foolish person can do no such good. We need to be careful not only in what we say, but also in how we say it and the tone of our voice. Our words can do great good in building others up and teaching them truths or our words can do much harm and cause hurt and pain. Think before you speak! Prov. 15: 1, 4, 7 "A Soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that the Lord is slow to anger, but has great power. He can make the rivers and sea dry up, the mountains quake, and the hills melt. Nahum 1: 3-5 "The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein."
In the D&C I read about the great trials and tribulations that Joseph Smith suffered, but he expressed faith in the Lord. We likewise need to trust in the Lord, in spite of all the problems we're called upon to bear. D&C 127: 2 "And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we're afflicted, we should pray. If we're happy, we should give thanks. If we're sick we should seek a blessing from priesthood holders and let them pray over us. James 5: 13-14 "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
----------------------------------------------------------
In the D&C I read about the great trials and tribulations that Joseph Smith suffered, but he expressed faith in the Lord. We likewise need to trust in the Lord, in spite of all the problems we're called upon to bear. D&C 127: 2 "And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it."
Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell us that if we're afflicted, we should pray. If we're happy, we should give thanks. If we're sick we should seek a blessing from priesthood holders and let them pray over us. James 5: 13-14 "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
----------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Daily Thoughts
In the Old Testament I read that God pardons iniquity and does not retain his anger forever, but has great compassion and mercy. He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. It's so important to remember that when we have sinned, we can indeed be forgiven if we're willing to repent. Our sins can be cast away by the Lord. Picture Him casting them into the depths of the sea! What an image. Micah 7: 18-19 "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
In the D&C I read that if we can prove ourselves faithful in a few things that have been entrusted in our care, we'll be made ruler over many things. We need to humble ourselves in order to be exalted. D&C 124: 113-114 "And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall be entrusted unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be made ruler over many; Let him therefore abase himself that he may be exalted. Even so. Amen."
In scriptures with a thought booklet, it recounts the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise and prepared for the Lord's coming and five were foolish and not prepared. They didn't have oil in their lamps and even though they tried to rush off to get some at the last minute, it was too late. Are we preparing our lives for the coming of the Lord? Every prayer we say, every scripture we read, every act of loving service we render, every kind word we say, every good deed we perform adds another drop of oil to our lamps. This is not something we can rush out and get at the last minute. It takes a lifetime of righteous living to prepare ourselves so that when the Savior comes, He will know us. Matt. 25: 1-13 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
---------------------------------------------------
In the D&C I read that if we can prove ourselves faithful in a few things that have been entrusted in our care, we'll be made ruler over many things. We need to humble ourselves in order to be exalted. D&C 124: 113-114 "And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall be entrusted unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be made ruler over many; Let him therefore abase himself that he may be exalted. Even so. Amen."
In scriptures with a thought booklet, it recounts the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise and prepared for the Lord's coming and five were foolish and not prepared. They didn't have oil in their lamps and even though they tried to rush off to get some at the last minute, it was too late. Are we preparing our lives for the coming of the Lord? Every prayer we say, every scripture we read, every act of loving service we render, every kind word we say, every good deed we perform adds another drop of oil to our lamps. This is not something we can rush out and get at the last minute. It takes a lifetime of righteous living to prepare ourselves so that when the Savior comes, He will know us. Matt. 25: 1-13 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
---------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)