Nephi taught that we should liken the scriptures to ourselves. For Elder L. Tom Perry, a couple of verses from a revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants reinforced some personal revelation he had received. "Tarry ye in this place," the verses said, supporting a decision to turn down a job offer and remain in Massachusetts.
“What I Say Unto One I Say Unto All”
Even when God speaks to an individual or a group, His intended audience may be much larger. He sometimes signals universal truths with the phrase, "What I say unto one I say unto all."
Keeping a History
Joseph Smith described to W. W. Phelps the content to include in a church history (D&C 85:1-2). We can use that description as a series of prompts for our own journal-writing. When we recognize, as Nephi did, the sacredness of our daily lives, we will be more inclined to write about even seemingly ordinary details.
Profit and Learning
Nephi, Lehi, and the Lord in modern revelation all emphasize that scripture is intended for our "profit and learning." We must therefore do more than understand the scriptures; we must apply them to our daily decisions. President Nelson has emphasized that we should apply scriptural principles holistically, to all aspects of our lives.
Receiving Extraordinary Gifts
Sometimes we are offered gifts of untold value, yet we may fail to grasp their significance. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of those priceless treasures. If we are not attentive, we may fail to recognize that it is "a blessing as great as [we] have never known" (Doctrine and Covenants 39:10).
The Empty Tomb
On a Sunday morning, three women approached a tomb and found it empty. Today, we celebrate that moment. Because of the Savior's resurrection, we will all be released from the bondage of death. Because of Him, death is temporary, and life is forever.
Devoted to Study
Scripture study requires time and effort but leads to personal revelation and spiritual growth. Prophets like Nephi, Jacob, and Benjamin emphasized diligent searching of the scriptures. Jesus commanded us to study Isaiah and the other prophets. By dedicating time daily to the scriptures, we gain insights, improve decision-making, and prepare ourselves to share true principles.
The Counsels of God
Jacob said, "Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from His hand." When Joseph Smith asked a question three times, he probably didn't think he was rejecting revelation, but he was. We need to pray with the intent to learn, not to persuade.
“To Disabuse the Public Mind”
Joseph Smith wrote his history in response to disinformation. His purpose was "to disabuse the public mind" by putting them in possession of the facts. When we trust our listeners to be fair-minded, we share information which is beneficial to them.
The Islands of the Sea
Lehi's family took comfort in knowing that God remembers people who live on islands. Whether we are isolated geographically, or whether we isolate ourselves, He is always mindful of us, and we are more connected with other people than we may realize.