The Scriptures Are A Gift!

Being physically fed is seriously important, because - obviously - we'd die without it. But what about being spiritually fed? Do we think about that nearly as often? One of the greatest ways to be spiritually fed is scripture study. :)

I was reading this morning in Doctrine and Covenants 84, and what struck me most was this scripture:

Verse 54: And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—

The Lord goes on to say that we should cherish the scriptures, treasure them, and know them. Verse 85 says - in regards to missionary work:

Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.

So basically, if we know the scriptures, the Spirit can tell us how to use them. You could look at daily reading as putting tools in a toolbox - just like any kind of education, really! You learn it, and then you keep it where you can use it later. But of course, you have to study your scriptures to keep them fresh in your mind. I learn something new every time I read, even if I've been over that chapter countless times. To put that in the analogy, I guess it's like reading the instruction manual, and doing more research to know exactly what your tools can do. :)

Reading scriptures daily is hard for just about everyone. I've always had trouble with it, but this last month, I've really been focusing on it. And this week, I actually got into a routine that's worked really well, by starting my day off with reading. When I look at days I've read, and days I haven't, the difference is honestly shocking! Because I'm a grump when I'm not studying God's word. I guess I lose my focus. :)

Going back to that first scripture, here's a question: Do we appreciate the scriptures for all that they are, or do we take them lightly?

With the constant need to read daily, I've often treated it as more of a duty - but in reality, it's a gift! One of the greatest gifts God has ever given us. We mustn't forget that. Prophets of old put a great deal of effort into giving us words that they thought were important. Prophets of the Book of Mormon had to engrave those words onto gold plates. Definitely not an easy task. :) They had a reason for doing it!

Reading and studying the scriptures shouldn't be just a check on your to-do list. It should be something to look forward to! When we do it sincerely, prayerfully, the scriptures can be opened up to us. I've had that happen, and it's like magic, because suddenly every verse has a message. I'm not always there, but I want to be, and I hope all of you will try to get there as well!

I'd just like to bear my testimony of the wonder that the scriptures are. We are so blessed to live in a time when we can have them in our own hands, every single day. Don't take that lightly.

Bonnie Gwyn <3