Presidency Message

Sisters,

This is always such a beautiful and inspiring time of year! The signs of new life are everywhere. What a great reminder they bring of the Resurrection and the New Life that the Savior continually offers to each of us. It seems so fitting that we also get to hear the renewing Word of God through His chosen servants this month.

I hope that each of you are able to fully enjoy the blessings of the Living Word from this month’s General Conference as you hear, read, and study them over the next few months. We each have our own struggles, circumstances, and questions, but I know that each of us can find the comfort, help, and answers we need at this time as we sincerely search these precious words. Neal A. Maxwell stated that, “We can scarcely be in tune with God if we are not in harmony with His prophets. We are not likely to hear God’s instructions to us as we pray if we neglect the counsel of His leaders.” I pray that we all can be in tune with God as we seek to know and follow the words of His chosen leaders so that we can receive the personal revelation for our lives that we so desperately need.

I love you all and hope that you have a Very Wonderful Easter!

Emily Chapman

Visiting Teaching Message (April 2009)

Search the Scriptures DiligentlyEnsign, April 2009

Teach the scriptures and quotations that will help the sisters you visit understand these principles. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

Why Search the Scriptures?

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): "I commend to you the revelations of God as the standard by which we must live our lives and by which we must measure every decision and every deed. Accordingly, when you have worries and challenges, face them by turning to the scriptures and the prophets" ("Fear Not, Little Flock," in 1988–89 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1989], 112).

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): "Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. . . . Certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it. . . .
" . . . Recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them" ("The Power of the Word," Ensign, May 1986, 82).

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): "As you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to 'treasure up' the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?" ("The Role of Righteous Women," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102).

How Can I Treasure the Scriptures?
2 Nephi 4:15: "For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children."

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "One good way to start studying the scriptures is to 'liken' them to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Some people start by choosing a subject in the Topical Guide that they need to know more about. Or they start at the beginning of a book of scripture and look for specific teachings. . . .
"Whichever way a person starts studying the scriptures, the key to unlocking important knowledge is to keep studying. I never tire of discovering the rich treasures of truth in the scriptures because they teach with 'plainness, even as plain as word can be' (2 Nephi 32:7). The scriptures testify of Christ (see John 5:39). They tell us all things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:3). They 'make [us] wise unto salvation' (2 Timothy 3:15).
"Through my scripture reading and the prayers that accompany my study, I have gained knowledge which brings me peace and helps me keep my energies focused on eternal priorities. Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them" ("My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures," Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 108–9).
President Thomas S. Monson: "The holy scriptures adorn our bookshelves. Make certain they provide nourishment to our minds and guidance for our lives" ("The Mighty Strength of the Relief Society," Ensign, Nov. 1997, 95).