Spiritual Intelligence Leadership

DAY 286 The righteous example of our spiritual forefathers Pay careful attention to the good example and holy lives of your spiritual forefathers and foremothers, the saints. They have much to teach you. “Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers. “Remember the deeds of the fathers, which they did in their generations; and receive great honor and an everlasting name. Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt. Phin´ehas our father, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood. Joshua, because he fulfilled the command, became a judge in Israel. Caleb, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land. David, because he was merciful, inherited the throne of the kingdom for ever. Eli´jah because of great zeal for the law was taken up into heaven. Hanani´ah, Azari´ah, and Mish´a-el believed and were saved from the flame. Daniel because of his innocence was delivered from the mouth of the lions. “And so observe, from generation to generation, that none who put their trust in him will lack strength. Do not fear the words of a sinner, for his splendor will turn into dung and worms. Today he will be exalted, but tomorrow he will not be found, because he has returned to the dust, and his plans will perish. My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honor.” (1 Maccabees 2:50–64)

OCTOBER 12 Today I wake with joy, expecting but the happy things of God to come to me. Fear is the most powerful of all thoughts with one exception, and that one exception is faith. Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities— always see them, for they’re always there. — Norman Vincent Peale

DAY 278 Time is precious. Don’t procrastinate Your time here is precious and, compared to eternity, it is exceedingly brief and will be gone before you know it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. (Proverbs 3:28) To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But he said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59–62) Whereas you do not know about tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. ( James 4:14) Remember, O Lord, what the measure of life is, for what vanity thou hast created all the sons of men! (Psalm 89:47)

OCTOBER 4 Every loving thought is true Everything else is an appeal for healing and help, regardless of the form it takes. Robert Holden Keep exercising your mind. Think health—always think health. Norman Vincent Peale Life is God’s novel. Let him write it. — Isaac Bashevis Singer

DAY 276 The priesthood is a sublime calling from God The partial and imperfect Old Testament priesthood was but a faint foreshadowing of the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, which the Lord calls some men to participate in to serve the Church. “You shall be holy to me; for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.” (Leviticus 20:26) Is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them. (Numbers 16:9) “My sons, do not now be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to be his ministers and burn incense to him.” (2 Chronicles 29:11) For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins…. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee” (Hebrews 3:1, 4–6)

OCTOBER 2 Love life and life will love you back. Norman Vincent Peale There are many answers you have already received but have not yet heard. I assure you that they are waiting for you. Robert Holden Where there is compassion even the most poisonous impulses remain relatively harmless. — Eric Hoffer