Scripture Power

Today I completed The Book of Mormon. I don’t even know how many times I’ve read it, but I’ve learned it really doesn’t matter the number of times its read, rather, more importantly is the consistent daily reading from its words. Bruce R. McConkie said, “I sometimes think that one of the best-kept secrets of the kingdom is that the scriptures open the door to the receipt of revelation… All of us are entitled to the sprit of prophecy and of revelation in our lives, both for our personal affairs and in our ministry. The prayerful study and pondering of the holy scriptures will do as much, or more than any other single thing, to bring that spirit, the sprit of prophecy and spirit of revelation, into our lives.” Dallin H. Oaks added, “The idea that scripture reading can lead to inspiration and revelation opens the door to the truth that a scripture is not limited to what it meant when it was written but may also include what that scripture means to a reader today. Even more, scripture reading may also lead to current revelation on whatever else the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time . . . However talented men may be in administrative matters; however eloquent they may be in expressing their views; however learned they may be in worldly things they will be denied the sweet whisperings of the Spirit that might have been theirs unless they pay the price of studying, pondering, and praying about the scriptures.” Finally, Merrill J. Bateman said, “A casual, infrequent exposure to the scriptures will generally not open the door to the whisperings of the Spirit or provide insights.” I have seen the biggest difference when I read my scriptures daily, versus a casual reading here and there. I feel a lot more at peace and feel happier. Sundays are not the only days in which I feel the Spirit regularly now. President Eyring said, "If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as evidence that the Atonement is working in your life. For that reason and many others, you would do well to put yourself in places and in tasks that invite the promptings of the Holy Ghost."

The prophet Joseph Smith said of the Book of Mormon: “a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” It still baffles me how anyone could read this book and deny the words that are in it. Moroni states, “And if there be faults they be the faults of a man. But behold, we know no fault; nevertheless God knoweth all things; therefore, he that condemneth , let him be aware lest he shall be in danger of hell fire.”

I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I have seen it change my life and many others. I know that Joseph Smith translated it through the power of God and through this book we may know that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet in these last days. And if Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet, then the authority and priesthood given to him is the authority of God on Earth. With this authority, I know we can be baptized in Christ’s church to enter the kingdom of God and be sealed with our families in God’s temples in order to live together forever with our families.

Also, here is an awesome testimony from a Latter-day Apostle, Jeffrey R. Holland: