Study

• 1 Nephi 16: 29…The things the Lord writes (scriptures) change (touch us differently) from time to time depending on our faith and diligence given unto it (our level of spirituality).
• 1 Nephi 5:10…When Lehi first received the pates of brass, he searched them from the beginning.
• 1 Nephi 19:23-24…We should liken the words of the prophets and the scriptures unto us (our lives today)
• Alma 17: 2-3…Because of searching the scriptures diligently, giving oneself to much prayer and fasting one can (1) Have the Spirit of prophecy (2) Have the Spirit of Revelation (3) Teach with power and authority of God
• Alma 17: 2…Search the scriptures diligently and you’ll (1) Wax strong in the knowledge of the truth (2) Be men of sound understanding (3) Know the word of God
• D&C 11:21…S. first, then tongue loosed
• Alma 37:11…Refrain from speaking of mysteries of God (Don’t waste time)
• Jacob 4:14…Stay simple, study simple
• 1 Nephi 15:24…Study word of God and overcome temptations
• Alma 12:9-11…Those who don’t study, Satan has control over them
• 2 Nephi 4:15…Have soul delight in scriptures and mediate them in your heart
• Alma 32:26-43…Study to gain faith and then perfect knowledge
• 2 Nephi 31:20…We need to feast upon the word of Christ to be able to gain eternal life
• 2 Nephi 32:3…S. the word of Christ because they will tell you all you need to do
• Jacob 4:6…Study the words of prophets and then (1) you’ll have many revelations; (2) you’ll have the Spirit of Prophecy; (3) you’ll achieve hope; (4) you’ll have unbreakable faith; (5) you could command trees, mounts and waves to move in Christ’s name.
• Mosiah 1:7…S. the scriptures
• Jacob 4:13…Jews fell and decided to kill Christ because they studied and discussed things they couldn’t understand
• “We counsel parents and children to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities. However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform” (First Presidency letter, Feb. 11, 1999). Families and the Church in God’s Plan Handbook 2: Administering the Church
• February 18th, 1995 – Saturday.  Puyo, Ecuador…”We ate breakfast with President this morning. We talked about some doctrine and he told me not to waste my time thinking of things that have nothing to do with my salvation. I’ll work on that in my thoughts & studies.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal 
• April 28th, 1995 – Friday.  Quito, Ecuador… “Elder Hanks & I had a good study.  I kind of realized how special we really are. If you think of all the people that chose to be on Christ’s side are now living in millions of different worlds. The strongest spirits were sent here to this world because this is where they sacrificed Jesus Christ. This was the only world wicked enough to do it. On this world, in the Last Days, the valiant were sent here to be able to live in the most wicked time. The next most valiant would be the church members. Out of all of these valiant spirits only a few go on a mission. They’re the chosen of the valiant. If you could just imagine how special we actually are. Then, on top of that, to be a leader among the chosen is something mind boggling. I don’t know what I did in the pre-existence but the Lord has blessed me a ton. He has helped me want to be the best I can. I have this deep desire to be righteous. I want to be like the Apostles, just because they’re so righteous and so smart & so spiritual & so right. I’m realizing little by little my potential. I’m very far from it but I’ll keep striving for it. I’m so glad to be an Elder, and I feel very privileged to be a leader. Man, I pray that the Lord guides my words, thoughts & action. I want to help Him & His work so bad. I pray I can. I love this work. I’m blessed all day & every day. Even during the tests.”  – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
• Parley P. Pratt spoke of the Book of Mormon as the principal means in directing the entire course of his life. In describing his first reading of the book he said: “I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep. “As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true” (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, p. 20).
• Elder Spencer W. Kimball had an experience and spoke of his “adventure” with the Book of Mormon: “May I tell you of a great adventure? As I traveled to a weekend assignment, I took with me an unusual book which was my constant companion. I could lay it down only to sleep, eat, and change trains. It fascinated me, captivated me, and held me spellbound with its irresistible charm and engaging interest. I have read it many times. “As I finished it, I closed the book and sat back, absorbed as I relived its contents. Its pages held me, bound me, and my eyes were riveted to them. I knew the book was factual, but as has been said, ‘Truth is stranger than fiction.’ . . . “I found in it life at its best and at its worst, in everchanging patterns. I hardly recovered from one great crisis until another engulfed me. . . . “This dramatic story is one of the greatest ever played by man. . . .“Its story has a vital message to all people. . . .“Archaeologists may be excited as they read of ruins of ancient cities, highways, and buildings. . . .“Journalists will find in this book crisis after crisis, presenting rich material for limitless climactic stories. . . .“This unparalleled book should intrigue navigators. . . .“The student of economics will find in this unusual book the disintegration of nations through pride, soft living, and luxuries, terminating finally in hunger and fetters. . . . “The astronomer and geologist here may see signs in the heavens and new stars come into focus, three days without sun . . . nights without darkness . . . and a vapor of darkness so impenetrable that no glimmer, nor candles, nor torches, nor fire could give any light. . . .“Engineers will learn . . . that . . . centuries ago, men erected buildings, temples, and highways with cement. . . .“The psychologists may find studies in human behavior and the workings of the human mind and the rationalizing processes where men convince themselves that ‘good is bad, and that bad is good.’ . . . “The educator will find treasures of literature and poetry. . . .“This comprehensive book should be studied by politicians, government leaders, kings, presidents, and premiers to see the rise and fall of empires, and the difference between statesmanship and demagoguery. . . .“Scientists will read of unusual instruments never patented or remade or duplicated, of elements which, without recharging, illuminate dark spaces indefinitely. . . .“Military men may learn much in strategy, intrigue, in movements, in morale. . . .“But after all, it is not the book’s dramatic crises, its history, its narrative that are so important, but its power to transform men into Christlike beings worthy of exaltation. “It is the word of God. It is a powerful second witness of Christ. And, certainly, all true believers who love the Redeemer will welcome additional evidence of his divinity. . . .“My beloved friends, I give to you the Book of Mormon. May you read it prayerfully, study it carefully, and receive for yourselves the testimony of its divinity” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1963, pp. 62–65, 67–68).
• “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” – President Marion G. Romney
• “One of the best ways for leaders to understand correct principles is to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the scriptures and the appropriate handbook. Most situations have already arisen before, perhaps many times, and policy and procedure have already been determined to handle the problem. It is always wise, therefore, to refer to and be familiar with existing written instructions and Church policy on questions as they arise.” Manual, Teachings of the President of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson, Chapter 19, Leadership
• February 20, 1996 – Tuesday – Quito Ecuador… “Right now I’m a little shook up.  Emotionally wise.  Tonight we went to an FHE at the Melo’s house.  The Vallejos & Tipan families went with us.  The Spirit was so strong & great there.  We then arrived late to the Salas’ house.  I’m sure we’re testing their patience.  We started and Elder Ponciano started speaking on the importance of obeying parents, etc.  Lourdes then went off on Lorena, telling us how bad she was etc.  It was very uncomfortable.  No Spirit.  But the Spirit of contention.  We were there 1 ½ hours, and the two of them spoke.  Lorena finally spoke which is what she needed to do and Lourdes needed to do.  Elder Ponciano & I did our best, trying to help them openly talk and come to conclusions.  At the end, the Lord blessed us with such a strong spirit that it brought tears to our eyes.  We then left and as we were walking down the street a drunk came up to us, asking for $ for some beer.  Then an urgent feeling came over me saying to catch a Taxi & leave!!  About 3 or 4 Taxis came by.  The empty ones didn’t stop & I started getting scared.  The drunk was getting very upset because we didn’t cooperate.  We kept trying to walk and the drunk started to look around as if to see if there were people.  Well, I looked ahead and there was a Taxi backing up to us.  I was so happy because we were in a full on feeling of Satan.  We got in the Taxi (Ponciano got in back, entering from the other side) and the drunk wouldn’t allow us to shut the door.  I told the chofer to Go, so he did.  The Tax driver then told us that he saw us as he passed by.  He then went up the hill and came back down in front of us and then backed up.  He told us that the drunk was a robber, and that he had a knife on him.  We thanked the Taxi driver for stopping, paid him & left.  As I said, I’m shooken up.  1st of all because of what COULD’VE  happened if we didn’t have the Spirit with us, and to recognize the difference as the drunk came up.  2nd of all, Satan is trying so hard to kick us out of this sector.  He has done more things with us this past week that I see that he’s working intensely.  He has given us the creeps, etc, but he won’t send us out of here.  I know that we are here to kick him out of this sector and zone, and he’s fighting until the end.  Stan is testifying to me that Elder Ponciano is a valiant Spirit, that he’s going to be the one to finally overcome this sector.  That’s the goal.  Kick Satan out through hard work, obedience, studies, positive attitude, Love, Patience, diligence, and the Priesthood of God.  I love this work.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal