How incredible are the Scriptures? Surely we remember the sacred promise made to all from a Prophet called of God who proclaimed:
"There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path..." Ezra Taft Benson
I have recently come to a completely different kind of understanding of the importance of Scriptures. I have always been taught not just to read but study and ponder. To commit to making them a part of daily life. To teach my children truth and righteousness in the pages of the Book Of Mormon. But as I spend more time in the Temple, as I have begun to literally thirst for knowledge and guidance while there - I have become more sensitive to the messages all around me directing me right back to the Scriptures: A Relief Society lesson about ministering to our sisters - praying to receive revelation as to their needs and searching the scriptures to become more like the Savior. Or an idea I must surely have heard so many times finally sunk in - Prayer is our communication with Heavenly Father and the Scriptures are His communications with us.
I began to consider this every time I opened my Book of Mormon... I started asking God specifically to feel the Spirit and be able to understand why I was reading that verse that day. As my mind drifts during study, I am trying to refocus and ask myself again - what is it that I can learn from this chapter or section. How does this relate to the questions and doubts I have taken to my Father in Heaven while in prayer or while in the Temple?
Of course it's not magic every time. Sometimes I cannot glean a single piece of personalized information. Those days, I am working to remember that the power and comfort we receive from daily study is still evident - even if not right at that moment. Maybe later in better clarity, or maybe it comes together as a puzzle - one piece at a time. Sometimes those pieces look like nonsense on their own and we are sure they don't fit. But then there are those moments when the words leap off the page and my heart races because I have heard an answer! I have been in tune with the Spirit and felt Heavenly Fathers words in my heart. I knew they were for me!
I recently finished another read through of the Book of Mormon and have started on the D&C. The Doctrine & Covenants is just so rich with answers, comfort and relevant instructions, that I admit to feeling like it's one of the easiest of the standard works to understand and love. Here is an eternal truth that came alive so very personally this week: The scriptures are true! And by these things we can know that God is eternal, everlasting and unchangeable!!
Doctrine and Covenants Chapter 20 11 - 14 & 17
11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old;
12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
13 Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work.
14 And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life;
17 By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them;
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