I really wanted to know what 'scripture study' really was and what the prophets meant. I know we are at different stages in our lives, but for me at that point I felt like I was missing something obvious to everyone else. I even asked the question outright in Gospel Doctrine. The teacher didn't think I was serious, so I said, "No, really what IS it to study your scriptures? I know we're to read them and I do, but what is it to really 'study' and 'search' the scriptures?" No one answered, I didn't know if it was because they too were in the same boat as me or if it was too simple a question that no one thought needed answered. I read the scriptures, but felt like only reading the scriptures in order, over and over; was like saying a prayer using vain repetitions and not getting what I wanted or needed out of it. So I ended up getting the student and teachers manuals for the gospel doctrine classes AND then went on to get the student or teacher manuals for certain institute courses. I used the outlines to guide my study so I felt like I was researching or 'studying' the scriptures. I've found this to be a great blessing in my life.
So, now after the initial start of doing this, it's turned into going off on tangents or something LOL. I will start reading a story from the scriptures and usually the story is focused on a specific topic, like a 'moral' to the story if you will. So I will then be researching or studying about Faith, Repentance, The Atonement, Selfishness, Sacrifice, Tolerance, Kindness, Judging Others etc... there are so many topics to choose from!
With the launch of the new www.lds.org site ( www.new.lds.org ), it has been WONDERFUL!! You can do your scripture study online. You can read articles then click the scripture referenced and it pulls it right up and you can read all the verses. I love how you can highlight and mark notes to what you're reading etc, AND you can keep a journal online too!! I'm loving it and think it is amazing. Now you can have your scriptures at your fingertips almost anywhere. You just log into your account anywhere you are and pick up where you left off.
With the Journal option, I love this idea! I don't have to worry about my kids scribbling in it, loosing it, or getting the hand cramp from writing like I do. My journal entries can be lengthy (who ME, no way...shut the front door!), so typing is so much faster for me.
So, the reason the title of this post is 'Faith...' is because that is what I'm studying right now. The more I study the more I realize why Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the Gospel. It always comes back to faith and I LOVE that!
I've read the book 'Living by the Power of Faith' by Gene Cook at least 3 times all the way through and parts of it more than I can count. In this book it references scriptures and it referenced 'Articles of Faith' by James E Talmage. I'd heard of the book and knew of it, but hadn't read it. I realized I had that very book given to me by my Grandma and Grandpa when I graduated High School. I started reading it and was HOOKED! In 'Articles of Faith' it referenced 'Lectures on Faith'. So when I was at Deseret Book getting Natalie her scripture bag I saw it for only $6.95! I totally bought it and have only read a little bit and it's AMAZING! I highly recommend ALL three of these books. Starting with, 'Living by the Power of Faith' would be the best bet and my suggestion. It has changed my life and they are all books that I don't want to be without in my Scriptural Library. 'Living by the Power of Faith' is good for the starter/jump starter; it's out of print but you can find it used for a great deal and is a wonderful book just to have by itself. Okay there is my soapbox moment!
1 comment:
I'm going to have to try that website. I've often wondered the same thing. It's a fair question but I like the thought of the journal and reference articles and all that. Thank you!
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