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As I Search the Holy Scriptures...

I think I'm like most of you when I say that I have an ongoing love affair with the scriptures.... :-)

I love (!) to read the Holy Word of God. There is nothing that brings me greater satisfaction than the few minutes (not nearly enough) I spend each morning communing with God through the medium of His scriptures. I am so grateful to those who have sacrificed so much so that I can have them here - at work, at home, in my car, at church, everywhere... Even online! What a blessing it is - what a THRILL it is to be alive in such days! Ah, I cannot say even the smallest part of what I feel.

This morning I had a couple of thoughts as I read. First, from the Book of Mormon:

2 Nephi 26:

8 But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish.
9 But the Son of righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him...

This is a direct reference to the appearance of Christ to Nephi's descendants as recorded in 3rd Nephi. But might this also be likened to us? Could we not also look forward to Christ and hearken to the words of His prophets, that we might not perish, but rather have Christ appear to us, that he may heal us and bring us peace? I will tell you, THAT is the fondest desire of my heart. That is my goal in this life, in preparation for the life to come...

I also read this morning in 2 Corinthians 4:

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Which reminded me of this verse from D&C 121:

7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Paul and Joseph Smith had a lot in common. They were both well acquainted with affliction and persecution because of their belief. They were both eventually martyred for their testimonies. And they both saw and knew the Lord. Yet, in spite of their faithfulness, integrity, and strength, they still sought consolation from the Lord, the Source of all Peace and Happiness. He is the great Prince of Peace, promised long before He was born in the flesh. And truly, with His stripes we are healed.

God be praised for the matchless gift that is His Son!

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