Online scriptures are an important part of my regular worship. Do you remember the saying “If you want to talk to God, pray? And if you want God to talk to you, read the scriptures?” That is a very true statement. There are many times I will be reading my scriptures and thoughts will come into my head. The thoughts don’t always relate to the scriptures I’m reading. But they often answer personal concerns, and they always give me peace. And did you know that online scriptures are an amazing, easy-to-transport, option?
The Scriptures Guide
For example, I was reading 1 Nephi chapter 13 a few weeks ago. I was concerned after reading a news article highlighting a corrupt political figure. It seems like I run across similar articles nearly every time I read the news.
And I was dispairing because so many in our country are out to destroy our liberties for personal gain. And then I came to verse 18. It says:
18 And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.
My heart raced as I read these words. It was as if Heavenly Father was speaking to me, telling me that He was going to take care of things. He knew of the corrupt people and would not let them win. I knew at that moment that I had nothing to fear from men because God was far more powerful. It was beautiful.
Scripture App
My favorite place to read the scriptures is in the free app Gospel Library. Of course, you can read the scriptures online at churchofjesuschrist.org. But I love the app because I can highlight my favorite verses. There are footnotes highlighted in the text, similar to online. For example, in the grouping of verses where I found the quote above, there is another verse I love. It says:
19 And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.
If you follow the link for the footnote attached to “delivered” you get more clarity on the message. It takes you to 2 Nephi 10: 10-14. It reads:
10 But behold, this land, said God, shall be a land of thine inheritance, and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon the land.
11 And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles.
12 And I will fortify this land against all other nations.
13 And he that fighteth against Zion shall perish, saith God.
14 For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.
When I read the first verse the Spirit spoke to my heart. And in following the footnote the message is further strengthened. Our Heavenly Father will not allow any other king to be raised in His place.
Paper VS Digital
In college, I had a Franklin Covey day planner. I loved that thing. I also brought my scriptures to church with me. Those were the days of paper. These days I get my scriptures to church on my phone. It’s so handy!
It fits in my purse and I don’t have to carry anything else. The colored pencils that I used to mark favorite scriptures are replaced by a simple highlight tool in the app.
Some people may argue that you need the old-school paper version to experience the scriptures. And many others feel strongly about the digital version of the Word. I know God speaks to each person in their own language. So I know that God doesn’t care how you choose to read the scriptures, He just cares that you DO read them.
Gratitude
I’m so grateful for a Heavenly Father who constantly works to reach His children. I am grateful that He loves us and has prepared this Earth, the scriptures, and every needful thing to bless us.
We all have a lot to learn, which is why we are here on Earth. And I am so grateful that He gave us His Word to guide us. With our Heavenly Father close by, we can confidently go forward guided by His holy word- both the paper and digital versions.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In