Nathan R. Bradford: October 2012

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high." -Richard G. Scott

It takes time and effort to really understand and get a thrill out of scripture study. Scriptures are for our benefit and happiness. The Lord said: "And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things." D&C 33:16
If we study the scriptures, we add light and understanding to our mind, and we will be taught from on high, and be inspired. Think about how much better we will live, how much better our intentions and how much better our service will be. The Lord knows all things and knows what to put on earth to best help us learn and grow.
I put this picture up here for a visual way to learn about the scriptures. I bet when you first looked at the picture you saw it as a nice background, but you were anxious to read the blog to see what I had to say. Brushing on the surface of the water doesnt allow you to see much. But a scuba-diver comes away with a entirely different vision. A more fascinating, exhilarating, and very positive experience. With this picture there are 13 hidden faces. Naturally the one brushing along in a hurry in his or her scripture study would not encounter these stand-outs. The scriptures were written anciently in "poetry." Ancient people in the east thought, and spoke in poetry. When they said, 40 days they didnt literally mean 40 exact days. It was a way of saying a long time. But we modern people think in prose, and very literal, and we can really miss on the point. Is the Savior really worried about sheep, candles, or a coin? Or is He more worried about if we'd get the point?

Acts 17:11
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. For a sybolic example, in Psalms 112:9 says: "He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour."

Alma 24:19
"And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace..." well wait a minute! People dont bury weapons of peace. Weapons are violent and viewed as the complete opposite of peace. But then we have to realize that the prophets back then didnt have gold out! So then he continues with the correction of, "or they buried the weapons of war, for peace."

A new interesting subject that ties along with this is that Joseph Smith couldnt have made up the Book of Mormon. WE EVEN HAVE ALMA's MISTAKES IN THERE!!!! Another interesting example:
1 Kings 17:12
When the prophet Elijah came to the widow in Zarephath, he meets a widow who is preparing her last meal for her and her son before they die.

"And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die."
She is trying to make a fire so that she can cook her last meal for her and her son before they die.
Now how many of you have seen somebody make a fire with only two sticks? This is not making a fire with two sticks! Two means a few. Now if we dont take things out of context, the scriptures can make more sense.

With every principle of the Lord, He doesnt just give us all the answers at once. Through diligence on our part, we search out and find new things, because doing it this way will mean more to us and will most likely have a more impacting and lasting effect.

And one of my favorite and most memorized scripture is D&C 11:21 which says: "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed. Yea, then if ye desire, ye shall have my spirit and my word, yea the power of God unto the convincing of men." We have to "study it out in our mind[s]." D&C 9:8.

Richard G. Scott continues in his talk: (quoted above)

"The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly. They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.

Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change."

I testify that scripture study can change lives. I know that because prophets were filled with the Holy Ghost when they wrote them down, and that spiritual power inside them so that we can learn. The scriptures are considered the "book with all the answers" because when a person opens them up, they are under the influence of the power of God,-which was used to put the words in-and when someone is in connection, (like cell phone service) or in tune, anything the Lord wants you to know will go to your brain because you are sitting with a spiritual resource. D&C 11:13 "Verily, verily I say unto you, I will impart unto you my spirit which shall enlighten your mind, and shall fill your soul with joy!"

For any of you who want the answers to the picture, they are available below.