Scripture Power

We are reading the Pearl of Great Price as a family right now. We are almost done with it (it's pretty short) and I have to say again that it is a favorite of mine. Monday night for FHE we were reading to make up for some missed mornings and it fell to me to read Joseph Smith--History 1:25-26. The whole Joseph Smith History is precious to me because of experiences when I was a missionary. The discussions I learned included much of this section verbatim. We memorized the words and every time I taught them I could feel the power of Joseph's testimony. I get teary eyed even now after more than thirty years.

So it was with me.

I had actually seen a light,

and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages,

and they did in reality speak to me;

and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision,

 yet it was true;

and while they were persecuting me, reviling me,

and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying,

I was led to say in my heart:

Why persecute me for telling the truth?

I have actually seen a vision;

and who am I that I can withstand God,

or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen?

For I had seen a vision;

I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, 

and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; 

at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God,

and come under condemnation.

My love and gratitude for Joseph Smith knows no bounds. I'm so grateful for his faith, his obedience and his endurance to the end. His example is one worthy of following.

I'm so thankful for the scriptures--they have the power to change us, bring us closer to Our Father and His Son, our Savior. Gathering the manna daily has brought so many blessings to me and my family, I highly recommend it!