Notes from My Study Journal, Part I

For one hour each morning at 8 a.m. I study the gospel of Jesus Christ. My greatest resources—or friends—for this period of study are the scriptures and Preach My Gospel, a manual written by living prophets and apostles and directed toward full-time missionaries like me. Following are some things I've learned during these precious hours of study.

The Book of Mormon is a Book from God — January 19, 2012

I've just finished reading the Book of Mormon again. I feel impressed to record my testimony of this marvelous book now, while still filled with the peaceful yet prodding spirit of Moroni's words—"[C]ome unto Christ, and be perfected in him." (Moroni 10:32)

Make the Book of Mormon your best friend. You will never regret it

My study of the Book of Mormon this time around included an 87-page synopsis of its words. From start to finish, I summarized each verse of scripture and often recorded my feelings about particularly important verses. I included key words that will help me cross reference and correlate my study of this book in the future. It's been a rewarding experience, and I believe I've gained a greater testimony of the Book of Mormon because of it. More than at any other time of my life I understand and marvel at how this book and the prophets who authored it were prepared by God from the beginning.

I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It testifies of Jesus Christ with unique power and clarity. From 1 Nephi 1 to Moroni 10 there is not a chapter in this book that does not serve as a testimony or illustration or analogy of the Savior and His merciful mission.

I rejoice in this powerful promise penned by Moroni—

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:4-5)

With all my heart I declare: This promise is true! Anyone who will read and pray with sincere heart and real intent will receive an answer through the Holy Ghost. God is not selective in sharing His knowledge. Regardless of our circumstances or our perceived inferiority, He will answer. He rewards us openly for our faith and humility. Please do not pass up this sublime opportunity to learn God's will for you. Please do not disregard the beautiful simplicity of His plan and His promises. If ever you are tempted to stray from the truth you already know or are about to learn, pause to ponder God's supreme love for you. And then read the Book of Mormon, which offers the most powerful testimony of God's love I know of.

For honest and humble seekers of truth the Book of Mormon will engender or renew faith in Jesus Christ. Often more important than the words on its pages are the feelings which come into our minds and hearts and which inspire action, for a careful study of the Book of Mormon will always be accompanied by the Holy Ghost.

Make this book your best friend. You will never regret it.

MORE ONLINE
Safety for the Soul, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
The Power of Scripture, Elder Richard G. Scott
The Book of Mormon—a Book from God, Elder Tad R. Callister