Day 311

  • Principle: Search the words of the prophets.

  • Book of Mormon Reading: 3 Nephi 23:1 - 23:14

  • Boyd K. Packer, speaking about the words of Isaiah, said:

    • “Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament. The Lord Himself quoted Isaiah seven times, the Apostles forty times more. In addition there are ninety partial quotes or paraphrases of Isaiah’s words.

      “Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the Doctrine and Covenants. Sixty-six quotations from thirty-one chapters of Isaiah attest to the singular importance of this great prophet.

      “All of this confirms that the Lord had a purpose in preserving Isaiah’s words” (Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled [1991], 280).

  • What does the Lord teach about the importance of scripture? Specifically the writings of Isaiah?

  • Inviting to search the scriptures Joseph Smith said:

    • “Search the Scriptures—search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory, nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation. No; for when men receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them. Then again we say: Search the Scriptures, search the Prophets, and learn what portion of them belongs to you” (History of the Church, 1:282).

  • Ezra Taft Benson:

    • “When individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow” (“The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 81).

  • True to the Faith adds:

    • “Latter-day prophets counsel us to study the scriptures every day, both individually and with our families. …

      “You will benefit greatly by following this counsel. Daily, meaningful scripture study helps you be receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. It builds your faith, fortifies you against temptation, and helps you draw near to your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son.

      “Develop a plan for your personal study of the scriptures. [Set] aside a certain amount of time each day to study the scriptures. During that time, read carefully, being attentive to the promptings of the Spirit. Ask your Heavenly Father to help you know what He would have you learn and do” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 156).

  • In verses 6-13 Jesus Christs invites the people to maintain accurate records.  

    • How do accurate records and scripture study support each other?

    • What are you recording in your life that will be of help to future generations?

  • Additional Study:

    • L. Lionel Kendrick, “Search the Scriptures”, April 1993

    • We Listen to a Prophet’s Voice, Hymns No. 22

    • Latter-day Prophets, Children’s Songbook No. 134