Shining Moments- The Need to Read the Scriptures

The need to read the scriptures

Surpasses everything

For light and truth then enters

God's love is nourishing!

The lessons are not ancient

They are needed for our day

To list'ning ears grown patient

Each message now awaits

The path they pave is narrow

By Christ made straight and true

May it, like a pure arrow,

Prick your heart to feel anew!

May faith abound as you read

May repentance be your call

What light and truth do you need?

God knows the great or small!

I had Improve the Shining Moments in my head as I wrote this.  How appropriate! May you and I have shining moments by reading the scriptures.

I had not read the scriptures for several days.  I just felt empty inside.  People I love were hurting and deep in drama. A youth went into a 72 hour lock up for suicidal actions and another almost went to jail for absolute untruths- both in consequence of a person that is bipolar and can manipulate lies in dangerous ways. Yes I need the scriptures! I was reminded of this when I read an email subscription: Daily Messages, I recommend you get it at: https://www.lds.org/daily-messages?lang=eng

Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority

Posted: 17 Jan 2015 09:00 AM PST

"Don't yield to Satan's lie that you don't have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!"

—Richard G. Scott, "Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority"
Topics: Improvement

Verse 1] The need to read the scriptures Surpasses everything For light and truth then enters God's love is nourishing! [Verse 2] The lessons are not ancient They are needed for our day To list'ning ears grown patient Each message now awaits [Chorus] The path they pave is narrow By Christ made straight and true May it, like a pure arrow, Prick your heart to feel anew! [Verse 3] May faith abound as you read May repentance be your call What light and truth do you need? God knows the great or small! [Chorus] The path they pave is narrow By Christ made straight and true May it, like a pure arrow, Prick your heart to feel anew! [Outro] May faith abound as you read May repentance be your call What light and truth do you need? God knows the great or small!

Living Right

This world is in trouble
It's values have declined
When temptations double
Some do all they feel inclined

We have clear instruction
A pattern for success
When we reach a junction
We can pray when in distress

If we ask worthily
We're safe from destruction
When we react humbly
He will give us conviction

When e'er we trust in God
There's help in our dealings
Where our feet need to trod
He'll give us quiet promptings

Sometimes answers we need
Come a piece at a time
Without character we'd
Not benefit all mankind

Expanded character
Enhances our faith
This valuable factor
Helps us not deviate

How do we keep resolve
When decisions abound?
Temptations will dissolve
When to the scriptures we're found

Our moral character
Weaves one thread at a time
God's yardstick can measure
As upwards now man must climb

Verse 1] This world is in trouble It's values have declined When temptations double Some do all they feel inclined We have clear instruction A pattern for success When we reach a junction We can pray when in distress [Pre-Chorus] If we ask worthily We're safe from destruction When we react humbly He will give us conviction When e'er we trust in God There's help in our dealings Where our feet need to trod He'll give us quiet promptings [Chorus] We can pray when in distress (pray when in distress) We can pray when in distress (pray when in distress) Our moral character Weaves one thread at a time God's yardstick can measure As upwards now man must climb [Verse 2] Sometimes answers we need Come a piece at a time Without character we'd Not benefit all mankind Expanded character Enhances our faith This valuable factor Helps us not deviate [Pre-Chorus] How do we keep resolve When decisions abound? Temptations will dissolve When to the scriptures we're found If we ask worthily We're safe from destruction When we react humbly He will give us conviction [Chorus] We can pray when in distress (pray when in distress) We can pray when in distress (pray when in distress) Our moral character Weaves one thread at a time God's yardstick can measure As upwards now man must climb [Bridge] When e'er we trust in God The path grows plain to see A little line by line He forms humility What once felt out of reach Turns steady in His hand He shapes a better heart To stand where we must stand [Final Chorus] We can pray when in distress (pray when in distress) We can pray when in distress (pray when in distress) Our moral character Weaves one thread at a time God's yardstick can measure As upwards now man must climb (As upwards now man must climb

-Elder Scott

10–15, Jan 2007, Richard G. Scott,
“Living Right,” Ensign

What the Atonement Means

 

...To Heaven is where the atonement leads

This is inspired by a talk by

Elder Richard G. Scott

He Lives! All Glory to His Name
Ensign, May 2010, 75

Worth of a Soul

 

Through persistence and craft
The burglars worked the vault
An explosion... the door cracked
But...what they saw made them halt

An inner stronger door...
More dense than the first
Which their tools could not score
As they left...how they cursed

Compare this to our lives
And the value of our souls
Satan would to prize
And seeks to grasp a hold

The outer door... our good name
Can be marred...ever mortal
Righteousness forever the aim
Integrity guards the inner portal

integrity-
moral soundness
an unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality

James E. Talmage
The Parable of the Treasure Vault
NewEra, Feb 2010, 12–13 (click on the above title to go to site)

Remember the worth of a soul

Is priceless and must be kept safe*
Having it impregnable should be our goal
On a path righteously straight

How does one develop such character
To be fortified from Satan's attack
Faith in the Lord our benefactor
Strengthens us for every impact

Faith guides us to make correct choices
As we're learning to become more consistent
Gaining capacity to heed what the Spirit voices
Conquering tests...trusting...faithfully persistent

A widening cycle of strength
Only we can break through disobedience
There to think intently and at length
Upon our goals, the Lord, and expedience

(*James E. Talmage) "What is the worth of a soul?
It’s priceless and must be kept safe."*

Elder Richard G. Scott
The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing
Ensign, May 2003, 77

Moro. 10: 23.
And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me.
expedience...the quality of being suited to the end in view

[Verse 1] Through persistence and craft the burglars worked the vault An explosion split the quiet and the door finally cracked But what they saw made them halt an inner stronger door More dense than the first their tools could not score As they left, how they cursed empty-handed in the night [Pre-Chorus] Compare this to our lives and the value of our souls Satan seeks to prize and reach for what he knows The outer door, our good name can be marred and ever mortal But righteousness stays the aim integrity guards the inner portal [Chorus] Remember the worth of a soul Is priceless and must be kept safe Having it impregnable Should be our goal On a path righteously straight Remember the worth of a soul Is priceless and must be kept safe Having it impregnable Should be our goal On a path righteously straight [Verse 2] How does one develop such character and grace? To be fortified from Satan's attack and chase Faith in the Lord our benefactor strengthens us for every impact Faith guides us to choose what matters and keeps our footing intact As we're learning to become consistent we gain the strength to heed What the Spirit voices and trust Him in the lead [Pre-Chorus] Conquering tests, trusting faithfully persistent A widening cycle of strength can grow from resistance Only we can break through disobedience and delay To think intently and at length on the Lord and the better way [Chorus] Remember the worth of a soul Is priceless and must be kept safe Having it impregnable Should be our goal On a path righteously straight Remember the worth of a soul Is priceless and must be kept safe Having it impregnable Should be our goal On a path righteously straight [Bridge] Build me from the inside where the hand can't see Make my heart more sturdy make my spirit free When the world comes testing let my choices stand Firm like that inner door held safe by Your hand [Final Chorus] Remember the worth of a soul Is priceless and must be kept safe Having it impregnable Should be our goal On a path righteously straight Remember the worth of a soul Is priceless and must be kept safe Having it impregnable Should be our goal On a path righteously straight

A Secure Anchor

Do not go solo in life

To think you can is a lie

For, eventually SOME sin

Will destroy you from within

Guidance From on High

Guidance from on high

Is found as you read

God's Word, filled with light.

Pray, listen and heed.

The Power of Scripture

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

—Richard G. Scott, "The Power of Scripture"
Topics: Scriptures

Remembering Elder Richard G Scott

He was loving and inclusive

His eyes spoke right into the heart

From experience, he did give

Examples...how to do your part

Full Conversion Brings Happiness

Turn, be fixed with control
And determination
To God's laws as your goal
For love's transformation

""To be converted, you must remember to apply diligently in your life the key words “a love of God, with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments.” Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life. How then can you become truly converted?""

—Richard G. Scott, "Full Conversion Brings Happiness"
Topics: Conversion

Regroup

Regroup, reset,
Re-energize
That peace be set
Before your eyes

1. For Peace at Home by Elder Richard G. Scott | Conference Talks!

   
   
2. Many voices from the world in which we live tell us we should live at a frantic pace. There is always more to do and more to accomplish. Yet deep inside each of us is a need to have a place of refuge where peace and serenity prevail, a place where we can reset, regroup, and reenergize to prepare for future pressures.”

Come Clean

Come clean, have that burden lifted

Remember your sin no more

Do not be one who has drifted

And forgotten your remorse

The atonement is a protection

A fortifying wall

From the past's sin filled re-inspection

And the temptation to fall

Elder Richard G. Scott: 

'Personal strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ'

November Ensign 2013

An Endless Feast of Peace

The rising generation

Has much within reach

For gospel education

It's an endless feast

The Word brings a peace

That comes to our homes

Where love can increase

And build up our hopes

Just thinking about all I have put on my phone since December.  I have the gospel at my fingertips!

1. For Peace at Home - general-conference

   www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/for-peace-at-home?lang=eng‎
   

   
   

   • Who could have imagined not very many years ago that the full standard works and years of general conference messages would fit into your pocket?

Righteous Character

Righteous character
Is more valuable than health
Knowledge,  endeavor,
Popularity, or wealth

Its transforming power
Yields consistent results
As good choices empower
Humility is built

The Transforming Power of Faith and Character

"Righteous character is more valuable than any material object you own, any knowledge you have gained through study, or any goals you have attained no matter how well lauded by mankind. In the next life your righteous character will be evaluated to assess how well you used the privilege of mortality."

—Richard G. Scott, "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character"
Topics: Character, Judgment, Righteousness

Permanent Resistance

A righteous life that's consistent

Can be permanently resistant

To the eroding influence of sin

As power and strength builds within

The Transforming Power of Faith and Character

"A consistent, righteous life produces an inner power and strength that can be permanently resistant to the eroding influence of sin and transgression."

—Richard G. Scott, "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character", General Conference, October 2010
Topics: Righteousness

As a Friend

The scriptures take on new meaning
As we read them again and again
We discover truths while reading
For they speak to us as a friend

Let us mark them and treasure
Each precious thing that we learn
Let us ponder and then measure
Our eternal hopes for which we yearn

pondering
The Power of Scripture
Elder Richard G. Scott
Ensign, November 2011

Packets of Light

Studying the scriptures is like
Opening up packets of light
No two messages are found alike
As what inspires improves sight

Memorizing what illuminates
Allows us to put light up in store
As the Holy Ghost communicates,
We ponder... then we are given more

The Power of Scriptures
Richard G Scott
Ensign, Nov 2011

We Become What We Want to Become

We become what we want to become
By being consistent to overcome
And righteous character is the manifestation
Of how faithfully we seek inspiration

Centered on Christ, we find guidance
For our daily existence
Then trusting in the bigger picture
We've greater hope for our future

Thus, in the twilight of uncertainty
There remains sensitivity
To be obedient to the commandments
With the Light of Christ for confidence

It is through patience, prayers are answered
As with the Spirit we are reassured
To then feel peace and happiness in this life
While making better progress than we realize

Elder Richard G. Scott
The Transforming Power of Faith and Character
Ensign, November 2010

My Understanding of What the Atonement Means

My understanding
Of what the atonement means
Is forever expanding
And enhancing... as light beams

Offering Himself a sacrifice for sin
He answered the ends of the law
With contrite spirits and hearts that let Him in
The atonement's meaning becomes all that more broad

He is my Savior and Redeemer. He is glorious!
Ever He communicates His love. He does this for me
He is forever the meaning of one who is gracious
No tongue can express thanks adequately

Through Him, I can overcome
The consequences of mistakes
Through Him, I can become
One who repents and forsakes

He administers a balance
Between justice and mercy
Ever there's blessings
Through covenant observings

He lights up my mind
With fountains of truth
Oh, the blessings I find
As His spirit more soothes

My reverance and gratitude
For the holy Prince of Peace
Has only just begun to imbued
Christ-like purity, white as fleece


Elder Richard G. Scott
He Lives! All Glory to His Name
Ensign, May 2010, 75

imbued
verb: suffuse with color
verb: fill, soak, or imbue totally
verb: spread or diffuse through

We Need to Beware of Satan's Hazards

We need to beware of Satan's hazards
As he attacks foundational standards
He would to create a world devoid
Of honor, virtue, and purity enjoyed

We need to seek for confidence in this life
Which comes of setting aside appetites-
Through doing that which does satisfy-
Heart felt prayers of faith that fortify!

Elder Richard G. Scott
He Lives! All Glory to His Name!
Ensign, May 2010, 77

Oft, I Try to Imagine

Oft, I try to imagine
All that Jesus Christ went through
Having divine character within
To walk on earth as a man would do

He, absolutely,
Was perfect in heart, soul, and mind
He, alone, suffered personally
Consequences of every kind

Viciousness, He endured
To both body and spirit
Then, without God's succor
He, all alone, surpassed life's limits


Elder Richard G. Scott
He Lives! All Glory to His Name
Ensign, May 2010, 75

Breaking Through Unyielding Chains He Has Risen From the Dead

Breaking through unyielding chains
He has risen from the dead
With healing in His wings
A path opened. Homeward led

Our Father's plan of happiness
Has been made alive through Him
What peace and joy we've from this
As we keep His commandments

The scriptures ever teach
And become woven inside us
For His strength, let us reach
With broken hearts, let us trust

He the purest fountains of all
Balances justice and mercy
Glorious blessings are our proof
If we are lovingly searching

With hope to overcome
We obey laws of His stressing
Thus we repent ever gladsome
As, of His hands, we're confessing

May our reverence and gratitude
Be continually expanding
The atonement in us imbues,
Spiritually, for enhancing

Elder Richard G. Scott
He Lives! All Glory to His Name!
Ensign, May 2010, 75

rhymezone.com:
Definitions of imbue:
verb: suffuse with color
verb: fill, soak, or imbue totally
verb: spread or diffuse through