Monday, January 28, 2013

The Blessing of Scripture

Week 4: What is your favorite scripture? Why?
Trying to find an answer to this week's Gem of Reflection was like trying to pick my favorite child. There are seriously so many amazing, uplifting messages in the scriptures. How do you pick just one? Instead, I decided to pick one of my favorites from each of the four gospels; because after all, this is my blog and I can change the rules if I want. Hehe. ;)

So, without further ado...

D&C 112:10 says, "Be though humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers." This is a great scripture not only because it shows the Lord's promise to answer our prayers if we are humble, but because it also testifies of the Lord's direct interest in our salvation. It does not simply say that he will answer our prayers, but rather that he will "lead thee by the hand, and give thee answers." What an amazing thought, huh? To know that the Lord will not only answer our prayers, but will lead us by the hand and give us answers? Oh, how many times this has come true in my life! At times when I feel the burden of worldly sorrow or doubt - when I've struggled with trial and afflictions of the body and mind. Only after humbling myself to the will of the Lord did I feel his comforting arms around me, guiding me to the answers. I have a firm testimony in the power of prayer. I know that the Lord hears and answers our prayers, and that he will answer them according to our faith.


Mosiah 5:15 says, "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation, and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen." I love this scripture because it comes with an amazing promise that if we remain "steadfast and immovable" in the face of adversity, the Lord, who has power above all things, will seal us his, that we will have "everlasting salvation and eternal life." What an amazing promise - and an amazing blessing to look forward to. It definitely gives me hope in my moments of trial, to know that the Lord will bless me if I stand firm in my faith and endure to the end. :)

In Luke 17:15, it says, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a  loud voice glorified God." This verse references the story of the ten lepers that were healed by the Savior. I love this scripture because it reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude. It always amazes me when I read this scripture - to know that out of ten lepers that were healed, only one of them came back to give thanks to the Lord. In the October, 2010 General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson gave a talk called "The Divine Gift of Gratitude" wherein he stated, "My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love." I am so grateful for a living prophet, as am I grateful for his wonderful words of wisdom, and for the divine gift of gratitude.

And finally, Moses 1:13 says, "And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?" I saved this scripture for last because it is probably my most favorite of all. I love this scripture because it not only testifies of our divine nature, but it also affirms that as children of our Heavenly Father, we have the power to overcome the temptation of the adversary. Like Moses said, who is Satan that we should follow him? For we are children of our Heavenly Father. We were created in His image, and we possess the potential to do amazing things. Moses's words empower me, and give me the strength necessary to stand firm in the face of temptation.

I love the scriptures and I am so grateful for the knowledge and wisdom they impart. In his April, 2010 General Conference talk, The Blessing of Scripture, D. Todd Christofferson of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "Through the scriptures, God does indeed 'show forth his power' to save and exalt His children. By His word, he enlarges our memory, sheds light on falsehood and error, and brings us to repentance and to rejoice in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer." It is so comforting to know that through the pages of the scriptures, we have the ability to access the word of God on a daily basis. The scriptures guide us through our trials and strengthen our faith. They are like a sort of road map back to our Heavenly Father's presence. They are such a treasure, and I thank Heavenly Father for the blessing of the scriptures in my life. <3























Related link:

52 Gems of Reflection

2 comments:

  1. Nice post and I really love the new background. So cute!

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  2. Thanks. I finally figured out how to get rid of that bar across the top. Woo. ;)

    And thanks for your comment about the post too. Z said it was his favorite post that I've written to date. ;)

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