The Promise

Over two years ago I embarked on a new adventure. During general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson followed up on an invitation of President Thomas S. Monson to read the Book of Mormon daily. However, President Nelson added the invitation to ponder what was read and record sacred insights and personal revelation received while doing that daily reading.  I quote from his talk, 'The Book of Mormon: What would your life be without it?' from the October 2017 General Conference:'Remember in the Sunday morning session of the April 2017 general conference, President Thomas S. Monson pleaded with 'each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day.' Many have responded to our prophet’s plea.'He then went on to say:'My dear brothers and sisters, I testify that the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God. It contains the answers to life’s most compelling questions. It teaches the doctrine of Christ. It expands and clarifies many of the 'plain and precious' truths that were lost through centuries of time and numerous translations of the Bible.'The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere. It teaches what it really means to be born again. From the Book of Mormon we learn about the gathering of scattered Israel. We know why we are here on earth. These and other truths are more powerfully and persuasively taught in the Book of Mormon than in any other book. The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon. Period.'The Book of Mormon both illuminates the teachings of the Master and exposes the tactics of the adversary. The Book of Mormon teaches true doctrine to dispel false religious traditions-such as the erroneous practice of performing infant baptisms. The Book of Mormon gives purpose to life by urging us to ponder the potential of eternal life and 'never-ending happiness.' The Book of Mormon shatters the false beliefs that happiness can be found in wickedness and that individual goodness is all that is required to return to the presence of God. It abolishes forever the false concepts that revelation ended with the Bible and that the heavens are sealed today.'When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.'My dear brothers and sisters, I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions-every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day, even the gripping plague of pornography and other mind-numbing addictions.'I have highlighted his promise. Over the last two years I have put his promise to the test. I can now testify with him that the Book of Mormon is the word of God! It is true! It brings with it power! The windows of heaven have been opened to me. I have received answers to questions and personal revelation for direction in my life. I can add my witness that his promises are from the Lord and are true. His promises are now my promises to my posterity.