Family SOTW: The Love of God

Elder Christofferson

When I say “study,” I mean something more than reading. It is a good thing sometimes to read a book of scripture within a set period of time to get an overall sense of its message, but for conversion, you should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time. I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you. Remember Alma’s description of what it feels like: “It beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”⁶You will know that the gospel is being written in your heart, that your conversion is happening, as the word of the Lord from His prophets, past and present, feels more and more delicious to your soul.

When Thou Art Converted, Apr 2004

President Eyring

Our humility and our faith that invite spiritual gifts are increased by our reading, studying, and pondering the scriptures. We have all heard those words. Yet we may read a few lines or pages of scripture every day and hope that will be enough. But reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures carefully.

Serve with the Spirit, Oct. 2010

Elder Bednar

One of the best ways to draw near unto Him and to both learn about and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ is to consistently study the holy scriptures—to daily “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 32:3).Please notice that I used the word study and not the word read. Studying and feasting suggest a focus and an intensity that reach far beyond casual reading or quick perusing. Studying and feasting, followed by sincere prayer and steadfast application of the truths and principles we learn, yield personal resolve, spiritual commitment, and the bright light of testimony. Studying, learning, praying, and appropriately applying gospel truths are all key elements in the process of coming unto the Savior.

Because We Have Them Before Our Eyes, Apr 2006

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Love of God

"Don't get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don't feel downcast or despair if you don't feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible-and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you." President Uchtdorf, 2009 Oct. General Conference

Life isn't easy. It is challenging, stressful, discouraging and just hard sometimes. We are going to have difficult times and trials, but because we have the knowledge of the gospel and of the plan of happiness we don't have to let the hard times get us down. Just try. Try to have faith. Try to choose the right. It's that simple. I know that when I am living the way that my Heavenly Father wants I am happier, and that he blesses me with the things and experiences that I need. Life isn't about being perfect. We will never reach that in this life. We aren't expected to. It is about trying, believing, and knowing that when we do all we can, He will step in and be there. I know this is true. I love reading the words of our living Prophet and Apostles. They will lead and guide us in righteousness. I know my Savior lives. He atoned for my sins, your sins and everyone who has ever lived. It truly is a miraculous gift. We are so blessed to know, and to share with others how to obtain happiness in this life.

Alisha

1 comment:

Family Team MemberJuly 20, 2010 at 9:09 AM
Life is hard at times, but we just keep trying and keeping the faith. Love this! Thanks for sharing:) Brittney
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