When on my mission, scriptures were my closest friend. They had answers to all my questions, they comforted my weary heart, they guided my teaching, and the Lord spoke to me through them. They gave me strength, courage, and hope when things were tough. I probably read an average of 2 hours a day and they were only a thought away.
Eight years later, how am I doing? I'm ashamed to say that I'm not doing well in that regards. To be frank, a lot of days it doesn't even cross my mind to pick them up. I feel weak for it.
I know that reading daily scriptures gives us strength and hope and courage and wisdom. It unites our families, brings us closer to the Lord, calms our spirits, makes us more Christlike, and helps us have an eternal perspective when things are tough.
I must remember and refocus and GO!
We are promised so much:
1. Power to overcome evil—(1 Ne. 15:24; see also Ps. 17:4; Ps. 119:98–101, 104; Hel. 3:29–30.)
2. Power to live righteously—(Alma 4:19.) (Ps. 119:105; see also 2 Tim. 3:15–17; Hel. 15:7–8.)
3. Power to teach convincingly—(Alma 17:2–3; see also 2 Tim. 3:16.) (D&C 11:21; see also 2 Tim. 3:15–17; Alma 4:19; Alma 31:5; D&C 84:85.)
4. Power to call down the powers of heaven—(Jacob 4:6; Hel. 10:4–5.)
5. Power to change the heart and disposition—(Hel. 15:7; see also 1 Ne. 15:20.) Three marvelous promises.
Promises of Increase
1. Increase in hope and joy—(Rom. 15:4; see also 1 Ne. 11:25; Jacob 2:8; Jacob 4:6; Alma 44:5; D&C 19:23.)
2. Increase in spirituality—“(Alma 31:5; see also 2 Ne. 4:15–16; Moro. 6:4.)
3. Increase in knowledge and understanding—(2 Ne. 32:3.) To Joseph Smith the Lord said: “The holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction.” (D&C 33:16; see also Ps. 19:7; Ps. 119:98–101; 2 Tim. 3:15–17; Alma 12:10; Alma 17:2–3; D&C 18:34–36.)
4. Increase in the power of discernment—“(Hel. 3:29.) “And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived.” (JS—M 1:37; see also Heb. 4:12.)
5. Increase in testimony—From the Doctrine and Covenants: “You can testify that you have eard my voice, and know my words.” (D&C 18:36; see also Ps. 19:7.)
Other Promises
“for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Josh. 1:8) and as Joseph Smith said, “faith comes by hearing the word of God” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 3:379).
Quoted from the talk Remember also the promises by: Elder Jay E. Jensen
Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shawnette those were such important words to share. Sometimes I'm afraid my busy life makes me just put scriptures on a get-it-done-so-I-can-check-it-off-the-list basis. I needed to remember what value they have for me in life.
ReplyDeleteI was talking recently with my kids about the scriptures as anchors in our lives...will have to share your lovely thoughts with them. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo, Terri, you're another 'list check-off'-er. So am I. Sometimes I'm almost ashamed to admit to my Father in Heaven that I'm on my knees to Him only so i can check it off my list. Sometimes that's enough to get me serious, but sometimes even that doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteI find that when I get ready to pray, or read scriptures, or the Ensign, etc., if I prepare my inner chest muscles (doesn't this sound crazy? but as I direct my attention to my heart-lung area, I feel an actual softening and a kind of readying that makes the words I say, or read, not only make more sense, but enter my mind with a ring of truth.
I'm wondering why I'm putting this here, but then, it's perhaps the least likely read place outside my personal journal. Especially when it's a day or two late.
Great post, Shawnette! I love the list and the talk reference. I let my scripture study slip away during this moving process and I can tell the difference! My temper is shorter, my listening skills dulled, my ability to think clearly is inhibited...School started today and I am determined to reset my schedule and find peace!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your contributions and thougths!! :) It certainly is something that requires constant effort, isn't it!
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