Scripture Master Tip #14: Study In The Morning

14. Study in the morning. 

This one is hard for everyone but missionaries and General Authorities.  It is difficult for most of us to make time to study in the morning because in most people’s lives the morning is when they are the busiest.  School usually starts pretty early, and most people leave for work fairly early in the morning.  If you have kids then you have to get them ready and out the door too, and that's a big project in itself.

Nevertheless it is worth rearranging your schedule so you can study your scriptures in the morning if possible.  The reason why you should make an effort to make time in the morning for scripture study is because the morning is when your mind should be at its most refreshed and receptive. The morning is therefore the best time to try to attune your self to the voice and inspiration of the spirit.

It is generally a rule for missionaries to do their personal and companionship studies in the morning. This is because the Church naturally desires to maximize the inspiration that these young men and women can receive each day.  The brethren have learned (from their own years of experience and intimate acquaintance with the scriptures and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost) that the morning is the best time to study and to receive personal revelation, and naturally they desire that those young men who represent the Lord day in and day out  for two years might also learn to gain access to this same well of sublime divine inspiration.

It should also be mentioned that the reason why missionaries are in a position to gain such inspiration in the morning is because they also make sure to go to bed early.   I don't think that it is unreasonable to suggest emulating the missionaries in at least this aspect of their discipline.  After all, what was it that Benjamin Franklin said? "Early to bed and early to rise..." Certainly, as representatives of Jesus Christ, the missionaries can use all of the health, wealth, wisdom, and inspiration that they can get.  Well, why are you any different? Do you think that you can do with less health, wealth, wisdom, and inspiration in your life?

"I have learned that the best time to wrestle with major problems is early in the morning. Your mind is then fresh and alert. The blackboard of your mind has been erased by a good night’s rest. The accumulated distractions of the day are not in your way. Your body has been rested also. That’s the time to think something through very carefully and to receive personal revelation.

I’ve heard President Harold B. Lee begin many a statement about matters involving revelation with an expression something like this: “In the early hours of the morning, while I was pondering upon that subject,” and so on. He made it a practice to work on the problems that required revelation in the fresh, alert hours of the early morning.

The Lord knew something when He directed in the Doctrine and Covenants, “Cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated” (D&C 88:124). . . .I counsel our children to do their critical studying in the early hours of the morning when they’re fresh and alert, rather than to fight physical weariness and mental exhaustion at night. I’ve learned that the dictum “Early to bed, early to rise” is powerful.  When under pressure—for instance, when I was preparing this talk—you wouldn’t find me burning the midnight oil. Much rather I’d be early to bed and getting up in the wee hours of the morning, when I could be close to Him who guides this work."  (Boyd K. Packer, "Self-Reliance," Ensign, Aug. 1975, 86–89).

Don't be discouraged if you are unable to study in the morning because of work or school schedules.  Studying in the morning is probably best, but studying the scriptures at any time of day will be immensely beneficial to you, even if you do miss some of the benefits of studying in the morning.  The point is that, even if you can't study in the morning (which would be ideal), at the very least you need to have a specific time of day set aside for study, no matter how busy you may be.

“Many find that the best time to study is in the morning after a night’s rest has cleared the mind of the many cares that interrupt thought. Others prefer to study in the quiet hours after the work and worries of the day are over and brushed aside, thus ending the day with a peace and tranquility that comes by communion with the scriptures.  Perhaps what is more important than the hour of the day is that a regular time be set aside for study.”  (Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64)

"My experience suggests that a specific and scheduled time set aside each day and, as much as possible, a particular place for study greatly increase the effectiveness of our searching in and study of the scriptures."  (David A. Bednar, "Because We Have Them before Our Eyes,"  New Era, Apr. 2006).

“The only way you can be sure that a busy schedule doesn’t crowd out scripture study is to establish a regular time to study the scriptures” (President Henry B. Eyring, "A Discussion on Scripture Study," Ensign, July 2005, 24).

Next tip:  Scripture Master Tip #15:  Write Down What You Learn

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.

Introduction to ScriptureSight

Welcome to ScriptureSight! Please take a minute to view this brief introductory video.

Scripture Master Tip #13: Create An Appropriate Study Space

13. Create an appropriate study space.

Study at a table or a desk. 
I stole this from the missionary handbook. While it is great that you are reading the scriptures at all, I find that when I read the scriptures while sitting on the couch, or lying on the floor or on my bed, it doesn’t really feel like studying. That is to say, my mind wanders, and I am more easily distracted. Also, some people that I know have a tendency to fall asleep if they lie down for more than 5 minutes at a time. The point is that if you want to maximize your learning experience with the scriptures, you need to arrange yourself so that you are ready to learn. What do you think a teacher in school would do to you if you decided to lie on the floor in their classroom instead of sitting at a desk?  Just to be clear, I'm not saying that you can't ALSO read the scriptures while sitting on the couch or lying on your bed.  What I am saying is that you need to have a dedicated formal study time set aside in which you sit at a table or a desk and assume an attitude signifying your desire to be taught by the Lord.

Create an appropriate study space.
It also helps if you create or set aside a particular place for study.  When you set up a study space for yourself, make sure that you have enough room to spread out, so you can have a notebook handy, and any reference materials that you feel might aid in your study of the scriptures.  Make sure that your study space is clean and organized, so as to be free of clutter, disorder, and distractions.  Try to choose a place that is quiet and (if feasible) removed from household traffic, and other noisy distractions like the TV, radio, or even the internet.  Study in a place that has sufficient light--studying in a poorly lit environment is hard on your eyes, but it also invites drowsiness--and why make scripture study any more difficult than it has to be?

"My experience suggests that a specific and scheduled time set aside each day and, as much as possible, a particular place for study greatly increase the effectiveness of our searching in and study of the scriptures."  (David A. Bednar, "Because We Have Them before Our Eyes,"  New Era, Apr. 2006).

"Study at a desk or table where you can write (not lying down or sitting on your bed),
organize your study materials, and remain alert" (Preach My Gospel, 22).

For more tips on creating a good study space visit "how-to-study.com" HERE.

To go on to the next tip in the series click here:  Scripture Master Tip #14:  Study In the Morning

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.

Scripture Master Tip #12: Rid Yourself of All Distractions

12. Rid yourself of all distractions (the inward distractions, as well as the outward ones). 

This is easier said than done, but it is very important. A meaningful and fulfilling session with the scriptures can only happen under the inspiration and assistance of the Holy Spirit. The spirit speaks in a still, small voice. If you are listening to Heavy Metal on your headphones, and watching the TV out of the corner of your eye, do you really think you’ll be able to hear the spirit? That’s the real reason that sacred places are quiet, because the spirit works best when it’s quiet.

 "In silence and in stillness a devout soul profiteth, and learneth the hidden things of the scriptures." (Thomas Hammerken, The Imitation of Christ, 34). 

The Spirit also works best when you are quiet.  Do everything you can to quiet your mind and shut out the meaningless interference of your busy life so you can hear the Spirit when He speaks to you and develop your relationship with God. Unfortunately there is much in this world that is designed to distract you from what matters most.  Our modern world is filled with things which, if you allow it, can keep you from communing with God and His Spirit, and your deepest self, by cluttering your life with noise and trivia.

In order to avoid such clutter and interference in your life you will have to make a point to spend time "in silence and in stillness" searching, pondering, praying, and meditating over the scriptures.  Try to quiet your inner self by focusing your thoughts on what you’re reading, and shut out feelings of anger and stress, or anything that might detract from the inspiration of the Spirit.

 "There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight.  Another principle is to be cautious with humor. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not. A sense of humor is an escape valve for the pressures of life.  Another enemy to revelation comes from exaggeration or loudness in what is stated. Careful, quiet speech will favor the receipt of revelation."  (Richard G. Scott, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life," Ensign, May 2012).

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church points out, the Holy Ghost is "...a gentle guest and friend who inspires, guides, corrects, and strengthens this life" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, part three, section 1697, p. 472).  A friendship like that is worth cultivating.  A messy house, inappropriate (or inappropriately loud) music or television, feelings of anger or contention (especially with members of your own family) are all things that can drive him away.  To avoid offending our gentle guest, we must do everything we can to make both our homes and our hearts into a place where the Spirit of God feels welcome.

Scripture Master Tip #11: Read More Than One Verse a Day

 
11. Read more than one verse a day or per study session. 

The Book of Mormon is organized in such a way that you can often read a single chapter and it serves as a stand-alone meditation on a certain topic. This is true to a slightly lesser degree of the New Testament as well. However if you merely read a single verse at a time, you likely won’t gain the full meaning, or comprehend the intent of the subject of which you are reading. This is because you are reading a few words here and there out of context, and it will seem to you like nothing more than a nice saying. For that, you might as well have a desk calendar as a set of scriptures.  While reading one or two verses a day is better than not reading your scriptures at all, it hardly qualifies as study, therefore it isn't very much better than not reading at all.

“I have heard many well-intentioned Church leaders and teachers instruct congregations to find time for daily scripture study, ‘even if it’s only one or two verses per day.’ Though I understand the point they are trying to teach and applaud the sincerity of that conviction, may I gently suggest that if we are too busy to spend at least a few minutes every day in the scriptures, then we are probably too busy and should find a way to eliminate or modify whatever activities are making that simple task impossible (Elder M. Russell Ballard, When Thou Art Converted, 68).

 For more about feasting on the word of God, please refer back to Scripture Master Tip #10:  Immerse Yourself In the Scriptures.  To find out why reading one verse out of context is a problem see Scripture Master Tip #22: Context is Everything. To go on to the next tip in the series click here:  Scripture Master Tip #12:  Rid Yourself of All Distractions

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.

Scripture Master Tip #10: Immerse Yourself in the Scriptures

10.  Immerse yourself in the scriptures. 

Immerse yourself in the scriptures.  Take the time to actually study your scriptures, and don’t just skim through them.

"Reading habits vary widely. There are rapid readers and slow readers, some who read only small snatches at a time and others who persist without stopping until the book is finished. Those who delve into the scriptural library, however, find that to understand requires more than casual reading or perusal—there must be concentrated study."  (President Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64). 

“. . . One of the most important things you can do...is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, 47).

You’re not in a race to finish the scriptures, and in some ways finishing is not the point. I know that I said before that quantity can lead to quality, but I was talking about time spent in the scriptures and not to the number of pages or chapters read. You could spend a month studying 1 Corinthians 15 if you wanted to, go ahead, there’s enough meaning there to keep you occupied if you approach it in the right spirit.

"Some people like to read so many [Bible] chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather lay my soul asoak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart!" --Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"There are some who read to a schedule of a number of pages or a set number of chapters each day or week. This may be perfectly justifiable and may be enjoyable if one is reading for pleasure, but it does not constitute meaningful study. It is better to have a set amount of time to give scriptural study each day than to have a set amount of chapters to read. Sometimes we find that the study of a single verse will occupy the whole time." (President Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64).

"The life, acts, and teachings of Jesus can be read rapidly. The stories are simple in most instances and the stories are simply told. The Master used few words in his teachings, but each one is so concise in meaning that together they portray a clear image to the reader. Sometimes, however, many hours might be spent in contemplation of profound thoughts expressed in a few simple words."  (Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64).

Any time spent in the scriptures can benefit you, but if you race through them just so you can say "I read the WHOLE Book of Mormon before Christmas!", then you have your reward, but you are missing the point.  If you are too casual in your approach to reading the scriptures you will miss important truths and insights that you could have obtained if you had taken the time to truly immerse your soul in the doctrines of the scriptures.  Don't be in such a hurry that you don't have time to be taught by the Spirit, who reveals truth and gives comfort only gradually and over time, and only with much diligence and application on our part.

"Gospel knowledge and understanding come through diligent study of the scriptures and the tutoring of the Holy Ghost. The combination that opens the vault door to hidden scriptural treasures includes a great deal of work--simple, old-fashioned, hard work. A farmer cannot expect to harvest in the fall if he does not properly sow in the spring and work hard during the summer to weed, nourish, and cultivate the field. So it is for you and me. We cannot expect to reap scriptural insight unless we pay the price of regular and diligent study. Casual strolling through or dabbling in the scriptures will not yield enduring gospel understanding.  And the scriptural treasures we seek in our lives cannot be borrowed or loaned or obtained second-hand. We must each learn to open the vault door by applying the principle of work."  (David A. Bednar, Ricks College Devotional, January 6, 1998).

It would be a tragedy to miss out on the knowledge and the deep and abiding comfort and healing that the Spirit can provide simply because we are in too much of a hurry.  If we are too casual in our relationship with deity, we can lose the companionship of the Spirit altogether.  Fortunately, we can always return to the scriptures, and the scriptures (coupled with sincere repentance) can help guide us back to where we need to be in order to enjoy the sublime companionship of the Holy Ghost which is so essential for our spiritual nourishment and welfare.

“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.”  (Spencer W. Kimball, "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball" (2006), 67).

If you can learn to immerse yourself in the scriptures, you will find them to be an unending source of healing and comfort.  The scriptures can be your road back to God whenever you have strayed, and for whatever reason.  They can be your lifeline that will guide you back to Him, and they are just as essential for your spiritual survival as a line tossed to a drowning man.  If you feel that God is far away, and "it seems that no divine ear is listening," the scriptures can help you to grow closer to God.  As James said in James 4:8:  "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."  Immersing yourself in the scriptures can help you do that.

"Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. The word of God inspires commitment and acts as a healing balm for hurt feelings, anger, or disillusionment." (Quentin L. Cook, "Can Ye Feel So Now?," Ensign, Nov. 2012).

"I plead with you to make time for immersing yourselves in the scriptures. Couple scripture study with your prayers. Half an hour each morning privately studying, pondering, and communicating with your Heavenly Father can make an amazing difference in your lives. It will give increased success in your daily activities. It will bring increased alertness to your minds. It will give you comfort and rock-steady assurance when the storms of life descend upon you."  (M. Russel Ballard, CES Fireside for Young Adults, 3 March 2002).

Next Tip:  Scripture Master Tip #11:  Read More Than One Verse a Day

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.

Scripture Master Tip #9: You're In For The Long Haul!

9. You’re in for the long haul!

The scriptures can seem kind of intimidating when you are first starting out, but you don’t need to feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of knowledge and doctrine contained in the scriptures.  There is certainly a lot to learn, but you should just relax: no one expects you to learn it all in one sitting. You have your whole life to master the gospel, so pace yourself and enjoy the ride.  Learning the gospel, and applying it in your life, is more like a marathon than a sprint.  Making your scripture study a daily habit is important for a number of reasons, but one of them is because learning to understand and live the Gospel is like eating a hippopotamus, you can do it if you take it one bite at a time.  Or to put it another way, you can never finish the race if you don't keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Don't become intimidated and give up just because there is so much to learn and so much that you don't know.  Nobody expects you to learn everything all at once.  Take your time and be willing to pay the price that is required to obtain such treasures of knowledge and wisdom.

"Gospel knowledge and understanding come through diligent study of the scriptures and the tutoring of the Holy Ghost. The combination that opens the vault door to hidden scriptural treasures includes a great deal of work--simple, old-fashioned, hard work. A farmer cannot expect to harvest in the fall if he does not properly sow in the spring and work hard during the summer to weed, nourish, and cultivate the field. So it is for you and me. We cannot expect to reap scriptural insight unless we pay the price of regular and diligent study. Casual strolling through or dabbling in the scriptures will not yield enduring gospel understanding.  And the scriptural treasures we seek in our lives cannot be borrowed or loaned or obtained second-hand. We must each learn to open the vault door by applying the principle of work."  (David A. Bednar, Ricks College Devotional, January 6, 1998).

“The treasures of both secular and spiritual knowledge are hidden ones—but hidden from those who do not properly search and strive to find them....Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the asking; even prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of one’s life....Of all treasures of knowledge, the most vital is the knowledge of God” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 389–90).

It is my opinion that the scriptures, and the doctrine and principles and knowledge contained within them, were designed to take us a lifetime (or even longer) to fully master.  That is why it is so important that we get started sooner rather than later by adopting the habit of steady and diligent daily scripture study now.

"We should make daily study of the scriptures a lifetime pursuit. . . ."  (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, 47).

Scripture Study Tip #8: Quantity Often Leads to Quality

8.  Quantity Often Leads to Quality

When it comes to time spent studying the scriptures, quantity often leads to quality. That is to say, that the more time you spend reading the scriptures, the more you will enjoy them. The more you enjoy them and the more you get out of them, the more you will desire to study them. Or as Joseph Smith put it when speaking about the Bible, “He loves it best who reads it most.”   To put a finer point on it, how can you hope to learn to understand what is written in the scriptures if you never spend any time reading them?

"Where could there be more profitable use of time than reading from the scriptural library the literature that teaches us to know God and understand our relationship to him? Time is always precious to busy people, and we are robbed of its worth when hours are wasted in reading or viewing that which is frivolous and of little value....It would be ideal if an hour could be spent each day; A half hour on a regular basis would result in substantial accomplishment. A quarter of an hour is little time, but it is surprising how much enlightenment and knowledge can be acquired in a subject so meaningful. The important thing is to allow nothing else to ever interfere with our study" (Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64).

As I mentioned in my tip about planning (Tip #2), it helps to have a regular time set aside in your day in which you can study without interruption.  Part of the reason why planning is so important is that you need to study your scriptures consistently, day in and day out, in order to realize their full value in your life.

"It is certain that one who studies the scriptures every day accomplishes far more than one who devotes considerable time one day and then lets days go by before continuing. Not only should we study each day, but there should be a regular time set aside when we can concentrate without interference." (Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64)

I recognize that we all lead busy lives, so it is a good idea to develop a system by which you can approach your study session so as to make more efficient use of your limited study time.  With that said, be careful not to impose some kind of an arbitrary quota upon yourself as to the number of pages, or chapters finished in a certain time.  While it is good to have a goal what matters is that the quantity of time you spend in the scriptures is also quality time.  So take the time that you need in order that you can fully grasp what you read--immerse yourself in the scriptures in order that you might have a truly meaningful study.

“We should not be haphazard in our reading but rather develop a systematic plan for study. There are some who read to a schedule of a number of pages or a set number of chapters each day or week. This may be perfectly justifiable and may be enjoyable if one is reading for pleasure, but it does not constitute meaningful study. It is better to have a set amount of time to give scriptural study each day than to have a set amount of chapters to read. Sometimes we find that the study of a single verse will occupy the whole time (President Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64). 

Scripture Master Tip #7: Get Creative!

7. Get creative!

You are free to do pretty much anything you want when it comes to personal scripture study, so do what seems the most fun to you (while still acting in harmony with the spirit: the scriptures should be treated with respect, but they can still be fun to study.)  Use your creativity to come up with other ways to make scripture study a natural (and fun) part of your daily routine.  Here are some suggestions:

When studying the scriptures, you should try to engage as many of the senses as possible (preferably at the same time, or at least during the same study session):

Sound:

Read Out Loud
Reading the scriptures out loud, to your self or to another person is an important and beneficial study technique.  I am convinced that the extra understanding that comes to us as we actually enunciate the words is one of the many blessings that is attached to the family scripture study we have each been counseled to do in addition to our own personal study.  If you are single, and/or do not have a family, you can still read to yourself, or as I suggested earlier you might organize some sort of study group with your friends. This should not replace your individual daily study of the scriptures, but it can enhance it.

"Some prefer to study alone, but companions can study together profitably. Families are greatly blessed when wise fathers and mothers bring their children about them, read from the pages of the scriptural library together, and then discuss freely the beautiful stories and thoughts according to the understanding of all. Often youth and little ones have amazing insight into and appreciation for the basic literature of religion."  (Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64).

Audio Recordings of the Scriptures
The scriptures are also available on various audio recordings, and these are nice, but they often go too fast for deep study so do not assume that you have read the scriptures if you have only listened to them like a book on tape.  The scriptures were designed to be gradually studied and comprehended over the course of a lifetime, so do you really think that you have managed to master them after listening once or twice to a recording of someone else reading them?

With that said, I actually suggest using audio recordings of the scriptures to help with learning how to pronounce those unfamiliar words that tend to fill the scriptures.  Odds are the person they got to record a reading of the scriptures is a better reader than you are so listening to the scriptures as read by a professional can do a lot for overall comprehension.

Musical Renditions of Scripture
Another way that hearing can help you to learn and understand the scriptures is by listening to the many sublime classical pieces which use the scriptures for their text.  Some examples include Handel's "Messiah" oratorio, Brahms' "A German Requiem," and much of the liturgical music of Thomas Tallis.  Make sure you find a recording in English (or in whatever language you happen understand the best, if it is available).  These pieces, and others like them, can help you to feel the emotion which sometimes gets lost when you read words on a page.  They are also incredibly beautiful, and I feel that listening to them helps to invite the company of the Spirit.  I do not recommend listening to them while trying to study your scriptures though.  Do one and then the other so as to minimize distraction to experience the full benefit of each one.

Act Out Scripture Stories
This one is more for the kids, but it certainly helps the scriptures to come to life when you and your family put yourselves in the shoes of the people that you read about.  It helps if you make a point to ask each of the participants what they would do if they were faced with a similar situation.  For instance, if you were acting out the story of Daniel and the lion's den you could ask your kids if they would be brave enough to pray even if it was forbidden, as Daniel did, even under the the threat of death.  This is a wonderful way to involve everyone in a fun and personal approach to the scriptures.  It is also a wonderful family home evening idea.

Scripture Master Tip #6: You Are Not Alone!

6. You are not alone!

Don’t study in a void. While certain aspects of personal scripture study are indeed meant to be personal (like the promptings, feelings, and even personal revelation that you may receive through the Spirit as you read), the gospel itself was meant to be shared with others. Just so, you can share insights gained from personal study with your family and friends. Also, you can ask each other questions about things that you read but don’t understand. Trust me, it’s not cheating to ask other people about the scriptures.

"Some prefer to study alone, but companions can study together profitably. Families are greatly blessed when wise fathers and mothers bring their children about them, read from the pages of the scriptural library together, and then discuss freely the beautiful stories and thoughts according to the understanding of all. Often youth and little ones have amazing insight into and appreciation for the basic literature of religion."  (Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64).

You can adapt this idea and use it as a missionary tool (under the guidance of the spirit) to share the restored Gospel with those of your friends that have not yet heard it.  I believe that talking about the scriptures with others is a form of pondering, which can lead to a much deeper understanding of the gospel as a whole. They say that the best way to learn something is to teach it, and I think that that applies in this instance.

"You will find that efforts to share knowledge are often rewarded with more understanding as additional light flows into your mind and heart"  (Richard G. Scott, "Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge," Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86–88).

I personally enjoyed the privilege of teaching an informal weekly bible study with a small group of my friends over the course of four years.  Studying the scriptures and discussing them with my friends presented me with the chance to see things from their perspective and to learn from the wisdom and insight which they have received during their own personal scripture study.  While I can't speak for my friends, I can tell you that I count the insights, knowledge, and comfort that I received through the spirit and from my friends while teaching and preparing Bible study, to be among the greatest experiences of my life.  A scripture study group is certainly no substitute for church, and it should never be viewed as such, but it is still an excellent (and fun) way to improve your personal understanding of, and experience with, the scriptures.  You can also benefit greatly from associating with wholesome friends who share your values and who support you in your desire to live a better life.

Also, it’s not cheating to seek out study aids, like Bible commentaries and concordances, or books about people in the Book of Mormon. There are also several excellent Bible websites out there that feature a whole range of commentaries on scripture.  Christian bookstores, LDS centered stores like Deseret Book, and even your average run-of-the-mill Barnes and Noble offer a whole range of wonderful study aids which can help you to more fully understand some of the more obscure passages of scripture.  The manuals created by the LDS church for use in their institutes of religion are also excellent, and inexpensive, and I recommend them highly.  Print copies are available for purchase at church distribution centers, but they can also be easily accessed online for free HERE.

Some of the best study aids out there can also be found right inside the LDS edition of the scriptures.  The LDS edition of the scriptures features one of the world's most exhaustive systems of footnotes and cross-references between all four of the standard works, as well as an excellent topical guide and Bible dictionary.  All of these study aids and commentaries can do much to supplement your understanding and enjoyment of the scriptures.

However, I have two warnings on the subject of study aids and commentaries:

First, do not rely too much on study aids to do your thinking and pondering for you.  I have met countless people who, because we have such an excellent set of resources right inside our scriptures, do not seem to feel any urgent need or desire to search and find things out on their own.  They use the cross-references and appendices as a crutch, thinking that they do not need to search and inquire for themselves because it has all been provided for them.  I hate it when people just assume that I get all of my scripture knowledge out of the topical guide-like it is some kind of cheat sheet, and there is no work involved-which is what I suspect they are hoping will be the case in their own studies.  The LDS scripture aids are not comprehensive and all-encompassing nor were they ever intended to be.  They were intended to be a supplement to your own study, not a substitute for your own study.  This principle applies to all study aids, I have simply cited the misuse of the LDS scripture study aids as an example.  Don't be lazy, or the Spirit won't teach you, and then you'll end up both lazy and ignorant.

“Latter-day Saints know that learned or authoritative commentaries [or other study aids] can help us with scriptural interpretation, but we maintain that they must be used with caution.

Commentaries are not a substitute for the scriptures any more than a good cookbook is a substitute for food. (When I refer to “commentaries,” I refer to everything that interprets scripture, from the comprehensive book-length commentary to the brief interpretation embodied in a lesson or an article, such as this one.)

One trouble with commentaries is that their authors sometimes focus on only one meaning, to the exclusion of others. As a result, commentaries, if not used with great care, may illuminate the author’s chosen and correct meaning but close our eyes and restrict our horizons to other possible meanings. Sometimes those other, less obvious meanings can be the ones most valuable and useful to us as we seek to understand our own dispensation and to obtain answers to our own questions. This is why the teaching of the Holy Ghost is a better guide to scriptural interpretation than even the best commentary” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Scripture Reading and Revelation,” Ensign, Jan. 1995).

Second, be careful when you consult any book that deals with the meaning and import of scripture.  Such commentaries and study aids are wonderful sources of knowledge based on the learning and insights of other people, and as such can be very beneficial, however it is well to remember that these books and guides are intended only as supplements to your study and are not actually scripture. Do not mistake these books for an authoritative and inspired source of pure doctrine. Even the best commentary on scripture contains nothing more than the opinions of a man, no matter how well educated, and therefore should not to be considered authoritative.  While the best (and in truth most) scripture commentaries and study aids contain much that is true, their writers are not perfect and so their books will contain some error.

This warning even applies to BYU professors and other well-known LDS writers and scholars who write and speak about the scriptures and the gospel.  It is common for people to confuse scholarly expertise with divine authority when it comes to defining and understanding gospel doctrine and scriptural meaning.  Even the most respected religious scholars, including those who teach religion at church-owned schools, do not possess the same right to speak under the the inspiration of God to authoritatively establish doctrine for the church as do the prophet and the quorum of the twelve apostles.  I'm sure that most scholars who are also members of the church would be the first ones to remind you that they do not hold the authority to interpret or declare God's word to the world.

Even after all of these warnings I still recommend using commentaries and other study aids. I am simply suggesting than you should exercise good judgment and always follow the direction of the Spirit concerning the truth when comparing a commentary or study aid with what you believe and what the church teaches to be true.  If you need an answer to a question, or help to understand a difficult passage of scripture, there is no substitute for the guidance and profound insight provided by the teaching of the Holy Ghost.

“As Paul told Timothy, “all scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16; also see 2 Pet. 1:21). This means that in order to understand scripture, our minds need to be enlightened by the Spirit of the Lord. As we learn from the fiftieth section of the Doctrine and Covenants, “he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth” (D&C 50:21). When this happens, the reader is edified by personal revelation.

President Spencer W. Kimball told the members of the Church that he was “convinced that each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves” (Ensign, Sept. 1976, p. 4). When we do that, we can obtain revelation. If we depend only upon our own reasoning or the scholarship or commentaries of others, we will never obtain the understanding that can come only by revelation. Persons in that circumstance will be left forever with what Alma calls ‘the lesser portion of the word’” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Scripture Reading and Revelation,” Ensign, Jan. 1995).

Go on to the next tip:  Scripture Master Tip #7:  Get Creative!

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.

Scripture Master Tip #5: Live What You Learn.

5. Live what you learn.

It’s hard to feel connected to anything that stays disconnected from your daily existence. If your read a strategy guide every day for a video game that you never play, it’s not going to be very easy to retain, and you won’t gain very much from it.  Likewise, scripture study is always going to lack meaning for you if you never apply what you have learned in your day-to-day life. Additionally, why should the Lord bless you with increased understanding if you don’t use that understanding righteously?

The Lord is very clear about the condition of obedience that is attached to any blessing: “For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world (D&C 132:5)”. I would go so far as to say that if you truly want to gain a testimony and an understanding of any principle or doctrine you must first be willing to obey it. This is born out by the Savior’s words in John 7:17, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

It is at this point that scripture study becomes a much nobler, and more difficult, principle to live; because, as we begin to grasp the principles that we read, we are laid under a responsibility to live those principles to the best of our ability.

D&C 82:3  For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

This is a good thing, because more light and knowledge will help you to make better choices and you will be happier for it.  However, choosing to live the gospel isn't always easy.  The gospel requires you to make fundamental changes in your life and lifestyle, and even in your way of thinking.  The gospel makes you grow, and growth can often be painful (at least in the short term).  Fortunately the reward is worth the pain and difficulty that sometimes accompany a life of gospel discipleship.

"While easy to find, true principles are not easy to live until they become an established pattern of life. They will require you to dislodge false ideas. They can cause you wrenching battles within the secret chambers of your heart and decisive encounters to overcome temptation, peer pressure, and the false allure of the ‘easy way out.’ Yet as you resolutely follow correct principles, you will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Your consistent adherence to principle overcomes the alluring yet false lifestyles that surround you.  Your faithful compliance to correct principles will generate criticism and ridicule from others, yet the results are so eternally worthwhile that they warrant your every sacrifice."  (Richard G. Scott, Ensign, May 1993,32, 34).

John 7:17  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

D&C 63:23  But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life.

D&C 58:2-4  For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.  Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.  For after much tribulation come the blessings.  Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.

Go on to the next tip:  Scripture Master Tip #6:  You Are Not Alone!

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.

Scripture Master Tip #4: It's OK to Ask Questions!

4.  It's OK to Ask Questions!

Surely there is something that you have always wanted to know about God and his Gospel.  Odds are that the answer is in the scriptures somewhere, and it falls to you to search it out on your own.  I therefore recommend that you approach your daily scripture study with a question or two (or a whole series of questions) in mind.

"You will be taught more easily as you approach the scriptures if you search with a question and with a determination to act on the answer. We can receive what seems to us new truth when we go back to the same scripture with new questions."  (Henry B. Eyring, "Studying and Teaching the Old Testament," Ensign, Jan. 2002, 32).

The doctrines contained in the scriptures will become much more meaningful to you if you find them in answer to your own heartfelt and personal inquiry.  There is joy that can come with discovery, especially when it is accompanied by the spirit.  It is in those moments when your questions are answered that you will come to feel the most joy in your studies.

“I am convinced that each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again.”  (Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 62.)

Questioning versus Asking Questions

Let me add that you should always feel safe about asking questions when it comes to the gospel.  Feel free to ask God anything (as long as you approach Him with the reverence and respect which He deserves), and feel free to ask your family for help, as well as your friends, your fellow ward members, your local church leaders, the missionaries, and so on.  You should never be afraid to ask somebody for help and clarification if there is something about the gospel, the scriptures, or the church that you do not understand. Don't worry that your question might be a "stupid" one--the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask--at least when it comes to the gospel.  Don't hesitate to ask a question just because you are sure that "everyone else knows (or understands) this but me."  Just ASK, because asking questions is the only way to get answers, and therefore it is an essential component in the process of obtaining personal revelation.

Occasionally, faithful members may feel reluctant to ask too many questions for fear that others might think that they are "questioning" the teachings and leaders of the church.  There are those few who may judge you unfairly for "asking too many questions," but my advice is to ignore them.  Otherwise you might miss out on learning something really special.  You are not an apostate just because you want to learn more about a particular principle or teaching so you can live it a little better.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking honest questions out of a sincere desire to learn the truth.  After all, it was the simple, heartfelt, question of a young boy in the spring of 1820 that helped to usher in the restoration of the gospel and the church of Jesus Christ.

“It’s natural to have questions—the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith—even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, 23).

Moreover, you should not feel threatened if somebody asks you sincere questions, even if you don't know the answers.   It is possible to apply the principles of critical thinking to the gospel and the church without also being a critic of said church and said gospel.  There is nothing wrong with asking sincere questions, and there is no reason to discourage honest questions made in the spirit of earnest inquiry.

On the other hand, there are those who constantly question everything that comes from the church, its leaders, and the scriptures.  These are the people whom Paul described as "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

When it comes to the gospel there is an important difference between asking questions, and questioning.  The difference basically comes down to intent.  A person who asks honest questions approaches their questions with a sincere desire to be taught and with real intent to act upon the truth once they find it.  They are prepared to change their mind (and even their lives) once they obtain the truth, and they are more interested in what is right than they are in who is right.  These people are largely motivated by a spirit of humility, which makes them teachable and "easy to be entreated" (see Alma 7:23), which is why I like to call them "humble seekers of truth."

A person who questions the gospel or the church (as opposed to asking sincere questions) tends to be more interested in questions than they are in answers. Often their intent may be to criticize, discredit, or embarrass someone else; be it church leaders, the scriptures (or even God), or even just another student in Sunday school. Sometimes people who elect to question instead of asking questions are just trying to make themselves look or feel smart.  Many seek to justify their own personal choices or mistakes by calling into question the validity or the veracity of the scriptures, the prophets (living or dead), or the church.  In most cases those who choose to question instead of asking sincere questions are more interested in who is right than they are in what is right.  These people are mostly driven to satisfy their own pride and thus they aren't interested in listening to or being taught by others, and they certainly aren't interested in changing their mind or their lives, no matter what the truth may be.

Asking honest questions will eventually lead you to the truth, but questioning will generally lead you away from the truth and into error.  That is why the apostle Paul also warned of the dangers of "doubtful disputations," and counseled the disciples to "avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain" (see Romans 14:1 & Titus 3:9).

The Great Questions of the Soul

I also wish to add that studying the scriptures shouldn't be approached as just another intellectual exercise or simply to satisfy an idle interest.  The scriptures can provide real guidance and comfort, as well as answers to "the great questions of the soul" in times of great crisis or sorrow, or when considering weighty decisions, which is exactly when you need those answers and that guidance the most (see Ezra Taft Benson, “Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 5).

"Going to the scriptures to learn what to do makes all the difference. The Lord can teach us. When we come to a crisis in our life, such as losing a child or spouse, we should go looking in the scriptures for specific help. We will find answers in the scriptures. The Lord seemed to anticipate all of our problems and all of our needs, and He put help in the scriptures for us—if only we seek it."  (Henry B. Eyring, in Gaunt, "A Discussion on Scripture Study,"  Ensign, July 2005).

 We'll talk more about the importance of asking good questions, and HOW to go about asking those questions in Scripture Master Tip #20:  Search, Ponder, and Pray.  To go on to the next tip in this series click here:  Scripture Master Tip #5:  Live What You Learn

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.

Scripture Master Tip #3: You Can Choose What (and How) to Study.

3. You can choose what (and how) to study.

You're not in grade school anymore, so there isn’t some teacher hanging over you telling you what you can and can't study or how you're supposed to go about doing it.  You're the boss now, which means you get to make the rules.  The scriptures are the text, and the Holy Ghost is the teacher, but you get to set the curriculum, which means that you can choose to study anything in the scriptures that happens to spark your interest.  Many of the people whom you may know that you might consider to be “scripture experts” often elect to study by topic according to whatever they feel prompted to explore that day.

"Study topically as well as chronologically. Both approaches have merit, but we need to go to the Topical Guide or the index from time to time and read all that the Lord has said on repentance, faith, or some other principle."  (M. Russell Ballard, "Be Strong In the Lord," Ensign, July 2004).

You can gain a great deal of knowledge if you can learn to break the gospel and the scriptures down one subject or principle at a time.  Sometimes novice scripture readers assume that they have to read the whole set of scriptures from beginning to end in order to become a scripture master, which is actually pretty difficult to sustain and not actually the best way to go about it.  Naturally, they quickly become discouraged and give up after making a few valiant tries to eat the whole hippopotamus in one sitting.

Not only should one eat a hippopotamus just one bite at a time, but there is nothing wrong with eating your favorite parts first.  If you will take the time to devote yourself to obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of a particular principle (which happens to interest you), you will find the scriptures to be much less intimidating and much more manageable and approachable.  When you figure this out, scripture study becomes much less like eating your vegetables (or a hippopotamus), and more like fun.

Go on to the next tip:  Scripture Master Tip #4:  It's OK to Ask Questions!

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.

Scripture Master Tip #2: Planning Is Everything

2.  Planning is everything.

It’s easier to find time to do anything if you make time for it ahead of time. Structure your day so that you have a regular and specific time set aside in which you know you can study the scriptures.  Schedule your other activities around that time so as to avoid a conflict that might interfere with, or prevent you from, studying your scriptures.

 "Given the hectic pace of our lives, good intentions and simply “hoping” to find the time for meaningful scripture study are not sufficient. My experience suggests that a specific and scheduled time set aside each day and, as much as possible, a particular place for study greatly increase the effectiveness of our searching in and study of the scriptures."  (David A. Bednar, "Because We Have Them before Our Eyes,"  New Era, Apr. 2006).

 “The only way you can be sure that a busy schedule doesn’t crowd out scripture study is to establish a regular time to study the scriptures” (President Henry B. Eyring, "A Discussion on Scripture Study," Ensign, July 2005, 24).

 If you find that you have too much on your plate to be able to devote sufficient time to meaningful and diligent study of the scriptures each day then you should consider eliminating or curtailing some activities from your life in order to make room for what really matters.

“How can we do this in our homes? Some of you have heard me tell how overwhelmed my husband, Mel, and I felt as the parents of four young children. As we faced the challenges of parenting and keeping up with the demands of life, we were desperate for help. We prayed and pleaded to know what to do. The answer that came was clear: “It is OK if the house is a mess and the children are still in their pajamas and some responsibilities are left undone. The only things that really need to be accomplished in the home are daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening.”

We were trying to do these things, but they were not always the priority and, amidst the chaos, were sometimes neglected. We changed our focus and tried not to worry about the less-important things. Our focus became to talk, rejoice, preach, and testify of Christ by striving to daily pray and study the scriptures and have weekly family home evening.”  (Linda S. Reeves, “Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home,” Conference Report, April 2014).

Refocusing your priorities can help you to feel less overwhelmed when you are reminded of the importance of scripture study and prayer.  Making scripture study a priority in your life will also help you to face trials and challenges with less frustration and anxiety because you will have the Lord's wisdom and guidance to draw upon.

“A friend recently cautioned, “When you ask the [members] to read the scriptures and pray more, it stresses them out. They already feel like they have too much to do.”

Brothers and sisters, because I know from my own experiences, and those of my husband, I must testify of the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening. These are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction to our lives, and add protection to our homes. Then, if [sin] or other challenges do strike our families, we can petition the Lord for help and expect great guidance from the Spirit, knowing that we have done what our Father has asked us to do.” (Linda S. Reeves, “Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home,” Conference Report, April 2014).

The Lord's help and guidance is crucial to maintaining a balanced and happy life, and so Satan will try to place distractions and obstacles in your way, in order to prevent you from taking the time to have a meaningful and spiritual study session. As Elder Richard G. Scott said:

“Satan doesn’t have to tempt us to do bad things. He can accomplish much of his objective by distracting us with many acceptable things, thus keeping us from accomplishing the essential ones. We need to frustrate that distraction by identifying what is critically important in our lives. We must give the cream of our effort to accomplish those things. Where there is limited time or resources, this pattern may require that some good activities must be set aside.”  (Richard G. Scott, “To Learn and to Teach More Effectively,” Brigham Young University 2007-2008 Speeches, 21 August 2007).

One of those critical and essential things in our lives is scripture study.

"I believe that few other activities will bring us greater spiritual benefit than the daily, consistent study of the scriptures.  In section 26 of the Doctrine and Covenants—a revelation given “to strengthen, encourage, and instruct” the Prophet Joseph Smith and others—the Lord counseled, “Behold, I say unto you that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures"  (Michael John U. Teh, "The Power of the Word,"  Ensign, March 2013, 52).

Missionaries plan every waking moment of their lives, and they adhere to a disciplined study schedule, and they are better off for following it.  If you will follow their example, your whole life will be better, not least because you are studying your scriptures daily.  Developing your planning skills will help you to become more consistent in your study habits, which will go a long way toward making your study time more enjoyable.  When scripture study becomes more than a harried afterthought that we squeeze in between job, television, children, and sleep it can become a true joy and a solace to you, a balm by which unseen hurts might be healed and the stresses of the day are made to fall away or diminish.  It just takes some effort on your part to make time to study before you can fully realize these blessings. 

“Make scripture reading a part of your regular routine, and the blessings will follow. There is in the scriptures a voice of warning, but there is also great nourishment.”  (Boyd K. Packer, “The Key to Spiritual Protection,” Ensign, November, 2013, 27).


Go on to the next tip:  Scripture Master Tip #3:  You Can Choose What (and How) to Study

**There are 22 Scripture Master Tips in total!  You can find them all HERE.