A Heavenly Gift
A Heavenly Gift
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
July 20th, 2024
One of the blessings of missionary work is the opportunity to study the scriptures each day. In Preach My Gospel we read that, “the scriptures are a heavenly gift.” (page 17) I love this perspective that the scriptures are a gift from our Father in Heaven. A sincere and prayerful study of the scriptures will bring the Spirit to your daily life – and missionary service. In the Book of Mormon, we are taught how our studies of the scriptures can bless us with revelation:
“And in the seventy and ninth year there began to be much strife. But it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi, and many of their brethren who knew concerning the true points of doctrine, having many revelations daily, therefore they did preach unto the people, insomuch that they did put an end to their strife in that same year.” (Helaman 11:23)
How did these individuals qualify to receive revelations daily? They did it by studying to find and understand the “true points of doctrine.” Where do we find the “true points of doctrine?” In the scriptures. We are blessed to have the scriptures available to help us understand the true doctrine of the Savior’s gospel – and with this understanding learn His will and wisdom for living a joyful life.
We believe that the scriptures contain the inspired words of God given through revelation to His prophets. Understanding that the scriptures were written by revelation can help us have confidence that we can find revelation in the words of the scriptures. Reading further in Preach My Gospel, we are taught what we can do to make our study of the scriptures a revelatory experience as described above in Helaman 11:23:
“Prayerfully studying the scriptures will open a window of revelation for the Spirit to speak to your mind and heart. He will bless you with guidance, inspiration, and answers to your questions. Through your study of the scriptures, the Holy Ghost will strengthen and comfort you. He will give you knowledge and conviction that will bless your life and enable you to bless others eternally.” (PMG page 18)
In our mission leader seminar last October, we were joined via Zoom by Elder and Sister Bednar. Elder Bednar instructed us that our daily scripture study can be revelatory by going to the scriptures with a question or purpose.
In my own life, I have experienced the truth of this instruction from Elder Bednar. When I begin my scripture study with a prayer, asking the Lord to open my understanding to help me in a calling or with a difficult challenge or question, the scriptures have opened for me in new and revelatory ways. I have received insight and revelation answering the questions or challenges I went to the scriptures to answer.
I invite you to “go deep” in your scripture study. I invite you to begin your scripture study with a prayer. Go to the scriptures with a question or purpose. Ask your Father in Heaven to open your understanding. When you feel impressions, even small ones, write them down. I promise that if you do these things, you will unwrap the “heavenly gifts” contained in the scriptures.
My hope is that as you open the scriptures each day, you do so with the anticipation you feel opening a gift on your birthday or at Christmas. I hope you treasure the spiritual gifts the scriptures open to you. I testify the scriptures will help you understand the mind, will, love, and wisdom of your Heavenly Father and Savior.
Sister Quinn and I are grateful to serve with you. We are grateful and inspired by the dedicated service we see from you across CASRM. May the Lord bless you in His important work.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
