I find it useful as I read (and especially memorize) scripture, where it is appropriate, to personalize the passage; make it my own by changing it to first person format, in my mind – no need to cross out words, etc. Keep in mind that this becomes a destination and is not necessarily a current reality!

Thus one example is D&C 4…   1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth in the life of  kdm (my full name). 2 Therefore, as I embark in the service of God, I will serve him with all my heart, might, mind and strength, that I may stand blameless before God at the last day. 3 Therefore, since I have desires to serve God I am called to the work; 4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, when I thrust in my sickle with my might, I layeth up in store that I perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to my soul; 5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify me for the work. 6 I remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility,diligence. 7   I ask, that I might receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto me. Amen. (original text D&C 4)

Another comes out of perhaps the most powerful of scripture for personal growth ever written… given us from God through Joseph Smith, the first prophet of this last dispensation.  In this passage changing the word priesthood for the paradigm of father/husband, or mother/wife (whichever is most relevant to you personally) we read and become aware of deeper meaning: thus D&C 121: 34-46 would read:

34 Behold, there are many fathers/husbands called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? 35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson 36 That the rights of a father are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of our children or spouse, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the righteous fatherly influence or the authority of that man. 38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks (sharp sticks used to prod cattle), to persecute the saints (his wife/ children?), and to fight against God.

39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. 40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen. 41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by position of fatherhood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; 42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved (a key part often swept aside/ forgotten), lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; 44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. 45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the righteous fatherhood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. 46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.  (see original text: D&C 121:34-46)

kdm

Bad Behavior has blocked 127 access attempts in the last 7 days.