#86 The Book of Mormon for Latter day Families Jacob 2:22

I had someone question me today about my ability to speak with confidence of what I find in the scriptures and their meaning.

It was a reasonable question and I would like to address it here. I share this program as I would with my children and grand children if they were so inclined and maybe someday they will be.

The scriptures were given to us to be read and considered and digested and we can never take one reading or hearing of the scriptures and think that we can determine what their meaning is for anyone except ourselves at that time.

This does not mean that it is not important to read the scriptures and discuss them and consider what they might mean. That is the pondering and exercising of spiritual muscles along with the intellect and the heart that may lead us to a more complete testimony and true conversion if we choose to exercise that agency which we have to do so.

I have said many times on my programs that you may have a different understanding as you read depending on where you are at right now. And another time you may expect to receive greater insights. As you do this you will begin to have a real working relationship not only with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father but with the Holy Ghost so that he can even give you greater understandings as you are able to receive and God sees fit for you to have.

A caution should be noted that the adversary will try to lull you away to worship him, if possible. To protect ourselves from this we need to see the scriptures as a whole as well as individually and we of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints know that the scriptures will not reveal that which is contrary to what the prophets, apostles, and the current living prophet have taught us.

Do not be afraid of the scriptures. They hold great treasures for those who are willing to search them and seek them out and live by the word of God.