Name ______

Scriptures / Promises

Joshua 1:8

Psalm 119:105

1 Nephi 1:12

1 Nephi 15:24

2 Nephi 32:3

Jacob 2:8

Alma 17:2

Helaman 15:7-8

Statements from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve

He that can mark the power of Omnipotence, inscribed upon the heavens, can also see God's own handwriting in the sacred volume: and he who reads it oftenest will like it best, and he who is acquainted with it, will know the hand wherever he can see it; and when once discovered, it will not only receive an acknowledgment, but an obedience to all its heavenly precepts (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Two 1834-37 p.56).

AI add my voice to these wise and inspired brethren and say to you that one of the most important things you can do as priesthood leaders is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. Y Few other efforts Y will bring greater dividends to your calling. Y Few other ways [will result in] greater inspiration (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 61; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 47).

It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. 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. The scriptures are called Athe words of life@ (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7).

Scripture study is a family responsibility. Scripture study as individuals and as a family is

most fundamental to learning the gospel. Daily reading of the scriptures and discussing them together has long been suggested as a powerful tool against ignorance and the temptations of Satan. . . . Home is where we become experts and scholars in gospel righteousness.

. . . We shall indeed find answers to our problems and peace in our hearts. We shall experience the Holy Ghost broadening our understanding, find new insights, witness an

unfolding pattern of all scripture; and the doctrines of the Lord shall come to have more

meaning to us than we ever thought possible. (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 129, 135.)

Through daily study of the scriptures and the words of the modern-day prophets, we can keep our values in line with the will of our Heavenly Father. The scriptures lead us Ato the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God@ (1 Nephi 11:25). (Joseph B. Wirthlin, in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 83; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 66)

The Apostle Paul taught that the scriptures are Agiven by inspiration of God@ and are Aprofitable Y for instruction in righteousness@ (2 Timothy 3:16). We obtain instruction in righteousness from the experiences recorded in the scriptures. They provide what we might call case studies of the results of keeping or breaking the commandments of God. (Dallin H. Oaks, in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 52; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 37)

Just think of the spiritual strength we could gain in our lives and how much more effective we would be as teachers, missionaries, and friends if we studied the scriptures regularly. I am sure we, like Hyrum, will be able to endure our greatest trials if we search the word of God as he did. (M. Russell Ballard, in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 7)

How can you receive the greatest happiness and blessings from this earth experience?

Learn the doctrinal foundation of the great plan of happiness by studying the scriptures, pondering their content, and praying to understand them (Richard G. Scott, in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 103; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 75).

I promise you that if you will read the words of that writing which we call scripture,

there will come into your heart an understanding and a warmth that will be pleasing

to experience. ‘Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.’ (John 5:39) (Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 572).