Recently I have been attending a class at The Orem Institute of Religion. The class I chose to take this semester is called The Power of the Word focused specifically on scripture study within the Standard Works of the church. I have been richly blessed by faithfully attending institute each week and I never leave that classroom without being edified and uplifted by the Spirit. I have a testimony of the programs that have been organized for our day. We are blessed to have resources at our feet each and every day.
As part of institute we are instructed to complete a set of reading assignments each week and without fail, every time I am increasingly blessed as I fulfill those assignments. A couple of weeks ago it was our assignment to read a talk given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. His talk entitled, "The Blessing of Scripture" was given in April 2010 Conference. It speaks of the sacrifices that were made for us to have the precious gift of scripture that we now enjoy. He spoke of several blessing we receive as we read in the scriptures each day. One portion of his talk really hit home for me and has not left my mind. I would like to share a small piece of that as it touched my heart deeply.
He said, "The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally. None of us was present to see the Red Sea part and cross with Moses between walls of water to the other side. We were not there to hear the Sermon on the Mount, to see Lazarus raised from the dead, to see the suffering Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross, and we did not, with Mary, hear the two angels testify at the empty tomb that Jesus was risen from the dead. You and I did not go forward one by one with the multitude in the land Bountiful at the resurrected Savior’s invitation to feel the prints of the nails and bathe His feet with our tears. We did not kneel beside Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove and gaze there upon the Father and the Son. Yet we know all these things and much, much more because we have the scriptural record to enlarge our memory, to teach us what we did not know. And as these things penetrate our minds and hearts, our faith in God and His Beloved Son takes root." (emphasis added)
I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the sacrifice made by countless individuals to bring to each of us such a precious gift. All those who sacrificed, sacrificed with you and I in mind. In the event that we search the scriptures each day we have the opportunity to be reminded of the things we once knew before our life began here in mortality. My eyes well up with tears as I contemplate the words of Elder Christofferson reminding me of all that I have not experienced personally, but hold dear to my heart as precious truths. I am not an expert in the scriptures, but it is my heart felt prayer that as I diligently study His word, that they will penetrate my heart and mind and become a part of me. I often pray and ask for God to teach me something I don't know as I open the scriptures and it amazes me the things that stand out in my mind and fill my heart. Scriptures are just books upon a shelf until we open them and let God teach us. A sweet man we all know and love, Richard G. Scott said, " If you want to talk to God, pray . If you want Him to talk to you, read your scriptures." I testify that as we faithfully open the scriptures and let the Spirit guide the floodgates of revelation will open and we will see all things as they really are. We are never lost as we read and live the teachings found in the scriptures.
In just a short week, Jesus Christ will have a message for each of us through Our beloved Prophet and Apostles. It is my hope that each of us are preparing for this coming Conference by faithful prayer and scripture study. Be prepared with questions and when revelation comes write it down, It is my testimony that revelation comes individually to each of us.
Just some thoughts that have come to me recently:
To think that for you and me, Our Savior was sent to bleed and die at Calvary. We think of Him, oh precious one, the resurrected Son. His life freely gave, a lasting saving grace. I think of the prints He now bears as a symbol of the one who truly cares. In debt we owe a place where His name may lay, upon our hearts, and forever stay. Walk forward now... with faith stand tall, He is the Master of us all.
I'm not a poetic individual and I don't have an explanation for this added revelation but I wanted it to be written for my children who will someday be a part of my future. The purpose of this blog is to have written record of my life, thoughts, and feelings for those that will come after me. Take it or leave it but please don't criticize or belittle.
In just a short week, Jesus Christ will have a message for each of us through Our beloved Prophet and Apostles. It is my hope that each of us are preparing for this coming Conference by faithful prayer and scripture study. Be prepared with questions and when revelation comes write it down, It is my testimony that revelation comes individually to each of us.
Just some thoughts that have come to me recently:
To think that for you and me, Our Savior was sent to bleed and die at Calvary. We think of Him, oh precious one, the resurrected Son. His life freely gave, a lasting saving grace. I think of the prints He now bears as a symbol of the one who truly cares. In debt we owe a place where His name may lay, upon our hearts, and forever stay. Walk forward now... with faith stand tall, He is the Master of us all.
I'm not a poetic individual and I don't have an explanation for this added revelation but I wanted it to be written for my children who will someday be a part of my future. The purpose of this blog is to have written record of my life, thoughts, and feelings for those that will come after me. Take it or leave it but please don't criticize or belittle.
