Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The Blessings of Studying the Scriptures

by Eszel Ganzon


Good morning dear brothers and sisters. To begin with my talk, I would like to share with you one of my favorite primary songs about scriptures.


"I love to read the Holy Scriptures,
And every time I do,
I feel the spirit start to grow within my heart–
A testimony that they’re true.
Search, ponder, and pray
Are the things I must do.
The Spirit will guide, and, deep inside,
I’ll know the scriptures are true.
So, prayerfully I’ll read the scriptures
Each day my whole life through.
I’ll come to understand.
I’ll heed the Lord’s command
And live as He would have me do.
Search, ponder, and pray
Are the things that I must do.
The Spirit will guide, and, deep inside,
I’ll know the scriptures are true."

This song is my inspiration in reading the scriptures. Attending my seminary class greatly helped me in building up my desire to study the scriptures. I found out that the scriptures are very similar to the story books I read. Only that the words are sometimes difficult to understand. I struggle in this area but my seminary teacher is kind enough to help me understand its meanings.

As I search and read the scriptures I feel peace in my heart. I know that my testimony of God and Jesus Christ grows each time I read their stories. Heavenly Father has inspired the prophets to write what they know is true. I have learned a lot of wonderful lessons from them. As I attend my seminary class I feel light and happy the whole day. It helps me to be happy in school and be kind to everyone most especially to my family and friends.

I love studying the scriptures. Someday when I go on my mission I will be better prepared to teach the gospel because I understand it by heart.

The scriptures were given for us to know more about who we are, why we are here on the earth, and where we are going after this life. Understanding the scriptures by heart will make our testimony stronger. We become wiser and understanding to the needs of others. We become more like our Savior Jesus Christ.

I learned from the stories in the Book of Mormon that if we are obedient to God just like Nephi, we will be able to overcome our trials and problems in life. I love the story of Jesus. I love the story of Noah, Moses and Abraham. I love the stories of our modern prophets. I love the story of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. Because of Joseph Smith’s example of his love to his brother Hyrum, I also learned to love my baby brother.

I know that the scripture is given to us for our daily guidance. It is like our Liahona. When Lehi and his family were lost and know not where to go, they ask for the guidance of the Liahona. Then, the Liahona will show them the right direction. It is very similar to our scriptures. When we have questions or problems, we just have to open our scriptures and Heavenly Father will reveal His answer to us. It’s like a magical book. If we want to talk to Heavenly Father, we pray. If we want answers from Heavenly Father we just have to open the scriptures and there His answers will be.

I know that the gospel is important for all of us. Some people may not understand the importance of reading the scriptures or coming to church on Sundays. These people are lost in life and they do not have a sound understanding of who they really are. It is easy for these people to fall to Satan’s temptations because they do not know what is right.

We are fortunate to have all the words of God in our hands 24 hours each day of our lives. We just have to open it and discovery its hidden power. God has revealed everything that we need to combat ourselves against Satan. It’s a powerful tool given to us by God for our everyday use.

I hope and I pray that as we study and make use of the scriptures, Heavenly Father will not deny us from all the blessings we need each day of our lives. I love the scriptures and I share this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.