A Heavenly Gift
A Heavenly Gift
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
September 9th, 2024
We welcome the 18 new missionaries who joined us last Wednesday. We are grateful to be serving with you in CASRM. Sister Quinn and I look forward to getting to know you better.
One of the blessings of missionary work is the opportunity to study the scriptures each day. In Preach My Gospel we read that, “the scriptures are a heavenly gift.” (page 17) I love this perspective that the scriptures are a gift from our Father in Heaven. I hope that as you open the scriptures each day, you do so with the anticipation you feel opening a gift on your birthday or at Christmas. I hope you treasure the spiritual gifts the scriptures give you. The scriptures will help you understand the mind, will, and wisdom of God. A sincere and prayerful study of the scriptures will bring the Spirit into your daily life and missionary service. Your studies will bring you revelation:
“And in the seventy and ninth year there began to be much strife. But it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi, and many of their brethren who knew concerning the true points of doctrine, having many revelations daily, therefore they did preach unto the people, insomuch that they did put an end to their strife in that same year.” (Helaman 11:23)
How did these individuals receive daily revelations? They did it by qualifying for revelation through their understanding of the “true points of doctrine.” This understanding came through their study of the scriptures.
Reading further in Preach My Gospel, we are taught what we can do to make our study of the scriptures a revelatory experience as described above in Helaman 11:23:
“Prayerfully studying the scriptures will open a window of revelation for the Spirit to speak to your mind and heart. He will bless you with guidance, inspiration, and answers to your questions. Through your study of the scriptures, the Holy Ghost will strengthen and comfort you. He will give you knowledge and conviction that will bless your life and enable you to bless others eternally.” (PMG page 18)
I have experienced revelation that comes from prayerfully studying the scriptures. When I begin my scripture study with a prayer, asking the Lord to open my understanding to help me in a calling or with a difficult challenge, the scriptures have opened for me in new and inspiring ways. I have received insight and revelation answering the questions or challenges I was facing.
I invite you to “go deep” in your scripture study. I invite you to begin your scripture study with a prayer. Ask your Father in Heaven to open your understanding. When you feel impressions, even small ones, write them down. I promise that if you do these things, you will unwrap “heavenly gifts” in the scriptures.
Sister Quinn and I are looking forward to being with you in zone conference this week. We are excited for you to meet our special guest.
Love,
President Quinn
(707) 758-6380
