Peshat

Nephi demonstrates his expression to rabbinical "peshat" learning, in praying that he "may walk in the path of the low valley, that he may be strict in the plain road!"
2 Nephi 4:32
Torah- Mystic learning, "Peshat"

The Names

The phrase "take the names" has covenant significance, binding as recorded in heaven and on earth.  Hence, such a process connects our memory of it, never to be forgotten on earth- "of an oath".  Thus, the Lord has called servants to help us in this remembrance of our oath- their "seal unto it".
Mosiah 6:1-3
Nehemiah 9:38

Mine, Words

"I am not giving these experiences for you, write them down"

"Have I seen the hand of God, evidences of God during the day"

"I heard a voice in my mind, not mine, words"

Henry B. Eyring

These messages from President Eyring are a good reason why to have a journal.

Story Log

It is always a great idea to keep a log of stories you read in the scriptures. Log this one to begin:

Judges Chapter 3
14 So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
15 But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.
16 But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
17 And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
18 And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.
19 But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.
20 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.
21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
23 Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.
24 When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.
25 And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
26 And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
27 And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.
28 And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the Lord hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.
29 And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.
30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.

Scripture Chapter Themes

In the Book of Mormon, the topic of baptism of little children is condemned in Moroni chapter 8. No condemnation comes upon little children because they are righteousness and pure already, needing no law.

3 Nephi 17:
21 And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. 22 And when he had done this he wept again; 23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.  

Little children have received completely the Lord's mercy and love. Could it perhaps be a lesson, of a way people may mock the plan of Christ- of his complete immersion of his mercy, and true knowledge of his law.  Can we approach this knowledge, of his atonement in living mockery or even condemn it by our lack of understanding and application of this divine principle in our lives if we are not children.

Fruit Was Good

  75 And it came to pass that when the ^aLord of the vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And ^bblessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the ^cnatural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have ^djoy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.
Jacob 5:

The promise of being diligent in my vineyard meant "with me"  to "enter into my joy."
Matthew 25:21

Jesus Christ, Topical Guide

Earlier posts of scripture man used the topical guide as an excellent study resource. In fact, one could become a better scriptureman by reviewing all the references of the Savior,  "I've become a different man",  said Russell M. Nelson doing it.

President Boyd K. Packer cited, "Before handing the scriptures to the chaplain, I opened the Topical Guide and showed him one subject: 18 pages, very fine print, single-spaced, listing references to the subject of “Jesus Christ.” It is one of the most comprehensive compilations of scriptural references on the subject of the Savior that has ever been assembled in the history of the world--a testimony from the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price."

List

"Since President Monson’s challenge six months ago, I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you."
Russell M. Nelson

Write It

2 Nephi chapter 29:

12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.

Nephi was very familiar with the writings of the Old Testament, especially regarding to messianic messages.  He cites "write it" four times in verse 29. Of which many were I believe found in the Brass Plates. Nephi was taught by such records.  In fact, Nephi wrote and taught according to biblical verses as referenced in...

Ezekiel 43:11...and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.

Jeremiah 31: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Isaiah 30: Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever.

Nehemiah 9:38 And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.

Nephi's authenticity and teaching prove appropriate to messianic messages of the covenants from his word's written in the Book of Mormon.

WordPlay OF Themes

With the writings of Isaiah wordplay of themes can be an exciting exercise.  Nephi used his writings prophetically (compare with the book of Isaiah).  I tried it with these temple theme verses:

2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.

3 And many people shall go as like a train which fills it (the temple), and singing "come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths"; then praying within her walls they say, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory". Here we are, send us forth, and "thou wilt go for me", he saith.

2 Nephi 12:2-3

2 Nephi 16:1-3, 8

Wordplay

"The Book of Mormon contains several quotations from the Hebrew Bible that have been juxtaposed on the basis of shared words or phrases, this for the purpose of interpreting the cited scriptural passages in light of one another. This exegetical technique — one that Jesus himself used — came to be known in later rabbinic times as Gezera Shawa (“equal statute”). In several additional instances, the use of Gezera Shawa converges with onomastic wordplay. Nephi uses a Gezera Shawa involving Isaiah 11:11 and Isaiah 29:14 twice on the basis of the yāsap verb forms yôsîp/yôsīp (2 Nephi 25:17 and quoting the Lord in 2 Nephi 29:1) to create a stunning wordplay on the name “Joseph.” In another instance, King Benjamin uses Gezera Shawa involving Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, and Deuteronomy 14:1 (1–2) on the basis of the Hebrew noun bēn (“son”; plural bānîm, bānôt, “sons” and “daughters”) on which to build a rhetorical wordplay on his own name. This second wordplay, which further alludes to Psalm 110:1 on account of the noun yāmin (“right hand”), was ready-made for his temple audience who, on the occasion of Mosiah’s coronation, were receiving their own “endowment” to become “sons” and “daughters” at God’s “right hand.” The use of Gezera Shawawas often christological — e.g., Jacob’s Gezera Shawa on (“stone”) in Jacob 4:15–17 and Alma’s Gezera Shawa on Zenos’s and Zenock’s phrase “because of thy Son” in Alma 33:11–16 (see Alma 33:4 17). Taken together, these examples suggest that we should pay more attention to scripture’s use of scripture and, in particular, the use of this exegetical practice. In doing so, we will better discern the messages intended by ancient prophets whose words the Book of Mormon preserves."

Matthew L. Bowen

This wordplay can be used in our personal scripture study.  Let's try it.  

I experimented with phrases from two recent conference talks, Elder Gong 2016 and Elder Holland 2017. 

"He embraces us still by carrying the marks of his pure love...these nail-scarred hands, extending, holding on to us and encouraging us;"

Prophetic Power Of "Likening"

Nephi wrote, “I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23).

In the Book of Mormon, here Nephi places forth to "liken all scriptures unto us" and if we do "profit and learning" is acquired.  This scripture "likening" can be personal as well as interpersonal- a collective interpretation to a broader meaning and teaching purpose.  Nephi used this pattern (likening) in the use of the writings of Isaiah. He uses it to prophetically describe the restoration to come forth from the writings of Isaiah.

This use can be highlighted just recently in a talk by Henry B. Eyring, he said,
"We are all gatherers. This is the work of our generation, what the Apostle Paul called “the dispensation of the fulness of times,” when he said God would “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10). This is made possible through the atoning work of God’s Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Because of Him, our family members, “who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:13–14).
April General Conference 2017

He uses the writings of Paul for us to view the prophecy and fulfillment of family history work.  He concludes:

"You have felt this, as I have, when you have experienced an increase of love as you looked at the picture of an ancestor. You have felt it in the temple when the name on a card seemed like more than a name, and you couldn’t help but sense that this person was aware of you and felt your love."
Henry B. Eyring, April- General Conference 2017

Number Building Blocks

In Ezekiel 40: Ezekiel in revelation described the temple.  This view of the Gilbert Arizona Temple portrays many of the themes Ezekiel is thus inspiring- his measurements certainly building in ones mind a majestic temple like this one.  

As an exercise, take all his numbers and determine each numbers symbolic message?

Bulls Eye of the Cross Scriptural Symbolism Post

"his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob". Genesis 49:24

 "made strong by the mighty God of Jacob" stating boldly that "the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers". I Nephi 4:1-3

Lehi taught this biblical concept to his sons- "power from his progenitors" as revealed from Joseph of old.

Cross Scriptural Symbolism

Often cross scriptural symbolism can be identified. Here is an example: Joseph was promised a "fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall"... continued... "his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob". Genesis 49:24

Now, recall the three stories of Nephi in the Book of Mormon:

1. "who were without the walls" I Nephi 4:5
2. "we did take our bows and our arrows" I Nephi 16:14
3. "the bands were loosed from off my hands" I Nephi 7:18

In summing up Nephi used similar language like unto Joseph "made strong by the mighty God of Jacob" stating boldly that "the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers". I Nephi 4:1-3

1

Compound In One
Progression

"If things were compound in one, there would be no other"

"To dream to seek the unknown. To look for what is beautiful is its own reward. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?"
City of Z

11 ​For it must needs be, that there is an ​​​opposition​ in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; ​​wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. 2 Nephi 2:

This principle- as we choose appropriately can guide us only to happiness.

Literary Motifs

The scriptures provide paralleled, spiritural literary motifs. The themes and patterns in these identified scriptures cause one to awe at such description through story similarity. Like an artist, painting a broad masterpiece.  These scriptures detail such grand display if in a gallery below:

Matthew 27: 12-37...to the end of the chapter

Alma 14:15-17, 18-22

John 19:1-5; 10-19

I Nephi 18:9-19

JST Comparative Interpretation

Joseph Smith, Jr.  took 3 years to translate the King James version of the Bible. His mission he described of himself as a "translator".  His translation of the Book of Mormon in contrast from the plates took roughly 3 months.  Below this verse from  Psalms added great insight:

5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

comparative interpretation: 

5a

JST Ps. 30: 5 For his anger kindleth against the wicked; they repent, and in a moment it is turned away, and they are in his favor, and he giveth them life; therefore, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. His translation of Genesis 17:1...added this doctrine: "that thou mayest know forever that children are not accountable before me until they are eight years old".

Simple Math

"the pure in heart, and the wise, and the noble, and the virtuous, shall seek counsel, and authority, and blessings constantly from under thy hand"
Doctrine & Covenants 122:2

1+2+2+2= 7,  perfection and completeness

Ibraining

Something that one can do in personal gospel study is to add something to a quote of message.  By extending the message or quote with your own insight and additional interpretation, it really causes one to think about a message and internalize it deeper into your mind, ibraining if you will- causes one to remember better the content:  for example, in ital-

Humility is the essence of repentance. Humility is selfless, not selfish. It doesn’t demand its own way or speak with moral superiority. Instead, humility answers softly, 2 and listens kindly for understanding, not vindication or uncontrollable, mouth-foaming anger in reeling, heated argument. Humility recognizes that no one can change someone else, but with faith, effort, and the help of God, we can undergo our own mighty change of heart. 3 Experiencing the mighty change of heart causes us to treat others, especially our spouses, with meekness. 4 Humility means that both husbands and wives seek to bless, help, and lift each other, putting the other first in every decision. Watch and learn: repentance and humility build happy marriages.
from Conference Message, LDS Bro Clayton

Lining

Scripture chapter heading/themes  are highlighted at the beginning of each chapter in the LDS scriptures.  Using these chapter themes can be very useful in your consistent study time of them. Read a theme, and then draw a line from it to the beginning of the verse in the chapter.  You can also highlight that scripture for emphasis.

Repeating Words

Moroni Chapter 10

In this chapter, Moroni uses this word eight times, "exhort".  I could list where they are mentioned, but I'll let you read them.

This type of teaching is of no significance.  Moroni is not only using the word to teach, but the word to teach symbolically. The pattern of eight (8) has a meaning of new, i.e. new creature, new life, a new way or beginning.

Ancient prophets used this method to heighten or increase the importance of the message to people. Such a method causes one to think deeper or to take more time with the presented passages. The presented theme has logic, or perhaps a formula to calculate.  Case in point, a star, a circle, numerous triangles.

Random- Learned At Church

The old covenant of the Old Testament was mostly found to be honored by a list of duties to be checked off with satisfaction.  A higher covenant could not be honored by Moses and the children of Israel, so the old covenant remained.

Hence, a new covenant presented a honest, new, and heightened measure of faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, and combined an effort to obey his commandments.  This combination, if faithfully endured, and sincerely approached authethically- cleanses each of us through the Lord Jesus Christ and blesses us with his highest goodness and mercy.

The parable and the pharisee and the tax collector highlights this description above by the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

“I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every man that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:10–14.)

In answer to this parable, Jesus highlights the humility of one- a sinner, and the other- a prideful, justified Pharisee, who mocked the mission and new covenant presented by Jesus.

This type of teaching is so powerful.  It is a thoughtful and inner learning model that causes difficult choices for some, but promised blessing for another.

Hyrum

My study led me to learn of the reconciliation power of Hyrum Smith.  My times he used this skill in providing relief, rapprochement, and fence-mending of offended early church leaders.  The Lord firmed it up by declaring of him: "Blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me." D&C 124:15

A Great Story

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

Exodus 14:21

Summer Gospel Stories

It is always a great idea to keep a log of stories you read in the scriptures.
It would be a great activity to do this summer.

“The Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the
face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed
upon the waves of the sea before the wind.

“And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

“… When they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

“And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind” (Ether 6:5–8).

John 12:

I love the verses from Esaias describing the light.  The light of our Savior.

This Esaias or Isaiah really had the flair for symbolism and description;  his way of writing scripture causes one to really ponder, and seek over them for answers and expansive interpretation.  Like in Isaiah 28:10 I believe throwing in the phrase "strange acts? meaning?

Pondering

"Pondering the scriptures regularly—rather than reading them occasionally—can substitute a superficial understanding for a sublime, life-changing enhancement of our faith." April 2017, Foundations of Faith

Pondering the scriptures takes a little more effort than just reading them.  Pondering has a purpose. Pondering has a set hour.  It causes you to mark or highlight what you read.  It causes you to reference other scriptural verses or even source materials.  Your memory is intensified to remember what you study, to draw conclusions, or most important to find answers to your prayers.

A great way to enhance understanding what you have pondered. Is to write a question or series of questions of your study.  For example:

Why is the sapphire stone mentioned in the antemortal appearance of Jesus Christ, Exodus 24:10?

Write 7 of these each month, then review and test yourself at the end of the month.

3 Ours

So many insights bring to life Abraham.  Such truths came forth from Joseph Smith and his gift of translation, as he translated these ancient records from the catacombs of Egypt. Such highlights:

Before he was being brought up for sacrifice, he "lifted up his voice", and the Lord "hearkened and heard his voice", and "the angel unloosed my bands". Abraham 1:15

and as his life was tried to be taken, these words from the Lord..."Behold I will lead thee by the hand, and I will take thee", "to put upon thee my name". Abraham 1:18

And through Abraham's adventures, he proclaims, "therefore, eternity was our covering and our rock and our salvation".  Abraham 2:16

Prophecy In Scripture 2

A viewer of this blog identified this great example:

Isaiah 53:3-5 & D&C 19:16-19

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

Prophecy In Scripture

As you study, a great learning message occassionally is demonstrated, that of how scripture verses or references witness to each other as prophecy.  This happens often in Topical Guide Study.  Like this message found in:

 Zech. 13:6; D&C 45:52

Threes

In your topical guide, topic review- I have found that linking scriptures numerically and forming creative phrases or ideas can help you remember verses and scriptures.  For example these profound scriptures identified from: Jesus Christ, Mission Of,

Hebrews 5:9- "source of eternal salvation"

Mosiah 3: 9- "that salvation might come unto the children of men"

Hebrews 9:15- "mediator of the new covenant"

Each verse has 9 identified, and multiply 5 and 3. And Hebrews and King Mosiah shop at H&M.  

List

A common feature of Scripture Man has been the identification of the effective learning tool of Lists. Here is one that I found:

1) We strive to live worthy of the spirit.
2) We must be willing to receive the spirit.
3) we must recognize the spirit when it comes, and
4) we must act on the first prompting.
Elder Rasband

A great exercise with this list, or any list, is to identify a scriptural character with the listed item.

Learned At Church

A great power to your study is writing down the things you learn from lessons at Church.  I enjoyed three thoughts from Sunday worship:

1) the significance of the words bare/bear testimony; origin: bear- to carry with you, and bare- to cleanse.

2) the compounded interest (time) and the mountain of evidence (gospel study, scriptures) required in building one's testimony.

3) the pattern of perfection identified through payment of  your Tithes and Offerings.

Such a study from these messages given brings meaning to your learning, but causes one to be more mentally involved  in worship exercises.

How The Temple II

Abraham was an "everyman" according to Hugh Nibley.  He wasn't loaded materially- yet, he had what he needed.  He endured his lot, and sacrificed all for the Lord.  He could have had it all, but relinquished material things or Pharoah's honor for a knowledge toward heavenly constellations- as a rightful heir.

Here described is what he sought:

Abraham 1:

2 And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.

If we hold this type of belief and desire for seeking divine knowledge, through our temple worship and service- Wow, what a difference!

Use Of Hymns

An effective way to enhance your scriptural study is to place hymns as a part of your learning. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland used this most recently in his April 2017 conference message, for example:

We then take courage from His ability to hear our silence and take hope from His melodious messianic intercession in our behalf. Truly it is “when the Lord is near” that “the dove of peace sings in my heart [and] the flow’rs of grace appear.” (Sunshine In My Soul, 227- LDS Hymnal)
Doctrine and Covenants 38:4

My take:

As we travel through our life's path, we are not alone- he will..."lead thou me on" forward to "the distant scene, one step for me" with his and his "angel faces smile(ing)" on me. (Lead Kindly Light, 97- LDS Hymnal)
Psalm 43:3

Topic Study

Scripture Man loved it when one of the LDS General Conference speakers suggested studying the life of Jesus Christ by reviewing all topics related to him in the Topical Guide of the scriptures.

'Earlier this year, I asked the young adults of the Church to consecrate a portion of their time each week to study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works.9 I invited them to let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become their personal core curriculum.10

I gave that challenge because I had already accepted it myself. I read and underlined every verse cited about Jesus Christ, as listed under the main heading and the 57 subtitles in the Topical Guide.11 When I finished that exciting exercise, my wife asked me what impact it had on me. I told her, “I am a different man!” Russell M. Nelson

I started one today with my son, Jesus Christ, Advocate.

Scripture Man used this method when he reviewed the Topical Guide study of, Vessel.  This entry of November 6th describes the topic study pattern:

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Dive

"Scriptures are like packets of light", Elder Richard Scott said.  A topical guide dive is such a "packets of light" experience:

From my dive, the topic Vessel. I really liked these scriptures:

be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord: Isa. 52:11 ; ( 3 Ne. 20:41 ; D&C 38:42 ; D&C 133:5 ; ) (Topical Guide, Vessel)

6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. (Old Testament, Jeremiah, Jeremiah 18)

48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. (New Testament, Matthew, Matthew 13)

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; (New Testament, 1 Thessalonians, 1 Thessalonians 4)

23 Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also. (Book of Mormon, Alma, Alma 60)

THFS TIONS

Now another LDS General Conference is upon us, make sure to record your favorite thoughts and memorize them. I call these passages memorized as "thought fillers" (thfs) or "script-ions".  Put these thoughts, in your mind as you close your eyes right before going to sleep. Picture them in your mind. Roll them from the front of your head to the back, like a film rolling credits.

Deut 11:18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.