Mormon Life - Holy Ghost tag

Teachings of George Albert Smith 11: Revelation from God to His Children

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:04:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to ask? Because that is how revelation is received." -Richard G. Scott Note: As the Church has said, the manual has been prepared as the primary source of lesson material. This supplement, from a general conference address, is only meant as a complement to your study on this lesson’s topic.

Excerpt from "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life," by Elder Richard G. Scott, April 2012 General Conference:

The Holy Ghost communicates important information that we need to guide us in our mortal journey. When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration.

An example of revelation would be the direction that President Spencer W. Kimball received after his long and continued supplication to the Lord regarding providing the priesthood to all worthy men in the Church when at the time it was available to only some of them.

Another example of revelation is this guidance given to President Joseph F. Smith: “I believe we move and have our being in the presence of heavenly messengers and of heavenly beings. We are not separate from them. … We are closely related to our kindred, to our ancestors … who have preceded us into the spirit world. We can not forget them; we do not cease to love them; we always hold them in our hearts, in memory, and thus we are associated and united to them by ties that we can not break. … If this is the case with us in our finite condition, surrounded by our mortal weaknesses, … how much more certain it is … to believe that those who have been faithful, who have gone beyond … can see us better than we can see them; that they know us better than we know them. … We live in their presence, they see us, they are solicitous for our welfare, they love us now more than ever. For now they see the dangers that beset us; … their love for us and their desire for our well being must be greater than that which we feel for ourselves.”1

To read the full talk, click here.

Podcast: Recognizing “the Spirit”

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:45:00 -0700

source: mormonmatters.org

Most of us were raised with the idea that even amidst all of life’s confusion, if we live in a certain way and follow clear steps to put ourselves in the right frame of mind and heart, we have the right and ability to know for certain God’s will and wisdom for us through communication via the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. For many of us, however, as we grow older and encounter various findings in science and psychology about biological and sociological biases, or as we experience disappointments and other types of complexities, our confidence in this simple formula for recognizing and hearing the Spirit, and sometimes even the very existence of this promised Comforter and Guide, begins to wane. Can we ever truly “know” what is true, or what is best for us? If so, how? If not, how can we still live richly and with confidence in the choices we make, as well as our decisions about what life means?

In this two-part episode, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon and panelists Kristine Haglund, Scott Holley, and Michael Ferguson explore these questions and much more.

If God whispers to us, why do we shout to others?

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:02:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

They were on my aisle, but I could have heard her yelling from across the grocery store. The woman — presumably a mother — was reprimanding her son for grabbing items off the shelves.

"I'm speaking to you," she shouted. "Do you hear me?"

We all do, I thought, and I might have been embarrassed for them if I weren't also guilty of using volume to teach or protect my own children.

How Does the Spirit Send You Revelation?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:18:00 -0700

source: radio.lds.org

Elder Zwick counsels leaders 'to let the Spirit guide them'

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:19:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

When the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ visited the Nephites and instructed them, the 12 disciples whom the Lord had chosen knelt and prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus for "that which they most desired" (see 3 Nephi 19:9).

Elder W. Craig Zwick finds it striking that of all the things they could have prayed for on that occasion, "they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them."

Elder Zwick of the Seventy was a speaker Jan. 11 at the Provo Missionary Training Center for the three-day Seminar for New Missionary Training Center Presidents and Visitors' Center Directors.

Young Men Lesson 6: The Holy Ghost

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "The spirit of revelation is real—and can and does function in our individual lives and in the Church." -David A. Bednar

Discussion Questions

• What can I do to receive daily promptings from the Holy Ghost?

• How can the Holy Ghost help me be morally clean and avoid temptations like pornography?

Excerpt from "The Spirit of Revelation" by Elder David A. Bednar, April 2011 General Conference:

I express gratitude for the inspiration that attended the selection of the hymn that will follow my remarks, “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223). I get the hint.

I invite you to consider two experiences most of us have had with light.

The first experience occurred as we entered a dark room and turned on a light switch. Remember how in an instant a bright flood of illumination filled the room and caused the darkness to disappear. What previously had been unseen and uncertain became clear and recognizable. This experience was characterized by immediate and intense recognition of light.

The second experience took place as we watched night turn into morning. Do you recall the slow and almost imperceptible increase in light on the horizon? In contrast to turning on a light in a dark room, the light from the rising sun did not immediately burst forth. Rather, gradually and steadily the intensity of the light increased, and the darkness of night was replaced by the radiance of morning. Eventually, the sun did dawn over the skyline. But the visual evidence of the sun’s impending arrival was apparent hours before the sun actually appeared over the horizon. This experience was characterized by subtle and gradual discernment of light.

From these two ordinary experiences with light, we can learn much about the spirit of revelation.

To read the full talk, click here.

Comfort in Trials: Power of the Holy Spirit

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:29:00 -0700

source: radio.lds.org

Young Women Lesson 4: Seeking Companionship of the Holy Ghost

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:04:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "These four words—'Receive the Holy Ghost'—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon." -David A. Bednar

Discussion Questions

• How do we feel impressions from the Holy Ghost? Do all people feel promptings and impressions in the same way?

• How can we qualify for the companionship, guidance, and protection of the Holy Ghost each day?

Excerpt from "Receive the Holy Ghost" Elder David A. Bednar, October 2010 General Conference:

My message focuses on the importance of striving in our daily lives to actually receive the Holy Ghost. I pray for and invite the Spirit of the Lord to instruct and edify each of us.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

In December of 1839, while in Washington, D.C., to seek redress for the wrongs done to the Missouri Saints, Joseph Smith and Elias Higbee wrote to Hyrum Smith: “In our interview with the President [of the United States], he interrogated us wherein we differed in our religion from the other religions of the day. Brother Joseph said we differed in mode of baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We considered that all other considerations were contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 97).

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead; He is a personage of spirit and bears witness of all truth. In the scriptures the Holy Ghost is referred to as the Comforter (see John 14:16–27; Moroni 8:26), a teacher (see John 14:26; D&C 50:14), and a revelator (see 2 Nephi 32:5). Revelations from the Father and the Son are conveyed through the Holy Ghost. He is the messenger for and the witness of the Father and the Son.

The Holy Ghost is manifested to men and women on the earth both as the power and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon a person before baptism; it is the convincing witness that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, sincere investigators can acquire a conviction of the truthfulness of the Savior’s gospel, of the Book of Mormon, of the reality of the Restoration, and of the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed only after proper and authorized baptism and by the laying on of hands by those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood.

To read the full talk, click here.

Elder Jensen Testifies of Holy Ghost at CES Devotional

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:31:00 -0700

source: news.lds.org

Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke about “the importance of the Holy Ghost and the unspeakable gift that He is,” as mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 121:26, at a Church Educational System devotional on Sunday, January 8, 2011.

The devotional was broadcast from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, USA. Elder Jensen emphasized the importance of the Holy Ghost by relating the Savior’s visit to the people in the Book of Mormon.

Feeling the Holy Ghost

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:42:00 -0700

source: radio.lds.org

Where Do You Find God?

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:02:00 -0600

source: the-exponent.com

Mormon Life says: A great discussion about the various (and unexpected) ways Heavenly Father can reach out to us. I was sitting on the floor in the religion section at Barnes and Noble with tears streaming down my face. This was a very odd experience for me; I don’t cry often, and almost never in public. And what was even stranger was what had brought me to this rather ridiculous place — the song playing over the sound system:

“All God’s creatures got a place in the choir

Some sing low, some sing higher,

Some sing out loud on telephone wire,

Some just clap their hands or paws or anything they got. “ (Celtic Thunder’s album Heritage)

New Testament Lesson 32: Live in the Spirit

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:04:00 -0600

by Ted L. Gibbons
source: MormonLife.com

INTRODUCTION:
Paul was a witness of God in every situation in which he found himself. He had been given this direction at the time of his conversion. Ananias said to him on the day he was healed and baptized,

The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard (Acts 22:14-15, emphasis added).

All of us who are under the covenant of baptism are obligated to “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death” (Mosiah 18:9). No one ever did this any better than Paul. And the likelihood of death was never a determining factor in his witnessing. Paul never sought a safer environment on his own, but at least eight times in the book of Acts when Paul was in danger, the disciples tried to move him out of harm's way (see Acts 9:24-25; 9:29-30; 17:5-10; 17:13-14; 19:28-31; 20:22-24; 21:4, 10-13). The Lord had commanded him: "Speak, and hold not thy peace" (Acts 18:9). And that is what he did for the final thirty years of his life, regardless of personal danger.

Paul went where he was supposed to go and said what needed to be said. If he could not make a personal appearance, he wrote letters. Paul’s life and his epistles make it abundantly clear that Paul was ready at any time to speak and hold not his peace.

I. PAUL TEACHES, BAPTIZES, AND CONFERS THE HOLY GHOST ON BELIEVERS IN EPHESUS.

Paul spent some time at home in Antioch following his second mission (see Acts 18:22,23), but he was not given to protracted sabbaticals. Before very long, “he departed (again!) and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”

In Ephesus, where Paul spent almost three years, he heard of a most remarkable man, a “certain Jew named Apollos.” Apollos knew of the baptism of John but not of the Holy Ghost. However, even without that gift in his life, he
1.    Was an eloquent man (18:24)
2.    Was mighty in the scriptures (18:24)
3.    Was instructed in the way of the Lord (18:25)
4.    Was fervent in the Spirit (18:25)
5.    Was willing to speak and teach “diligently the things of the Lord” (18:25)
6.    Mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly (18:28)
7.    Showed “by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ” (18:28)

Apollos sounds very much like John the Baptist, preparing the way for the coming fullness in Ephesus and Corinth. Members who heard him speak in the synagogue on a Sabbath took him aside and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26).

When Paul arrived at Ephesus, he met certain disciples who had been baptized with the baptism of John. They may have been disciples of Apollos who had departed for Corinth. When Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost, they said, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2).

Paul knew what we know. Baptism has two parts: the baptism of water and the baptism of fire. They cannot be separated, and one with out the other is meaningless. Anyone commissioned by Christ who performs a baptism does so with the promise that the gift of the Spirit will follow.

Whoever had baptized these disciples was not sent forth by proper priesthood authority. Paul baptized them again, “in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy ghost came on them and; and they spake with tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:5,6).

Paul knew what we must know. This gift of the Holy Ghost is an absolute imperative in our lives if we mean to earn exaltation. President Boyd K. Packer taught this.

“Joseph Smith said: ‘You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost’ (History of the Church, 5:499).

“To prepare people for baptism without teaching about the gift of the Holy Ghost is like a sacrament meeting where only the bread is blessed and passed. They would receive but half” ((Pres. Boyd K. Packer: Ensign, Aug. 2006, p. 52).

I spoke at my granddaughter’s baptism several years ago. My assigned topic was the Holy Ghost.

I told her that I have a picture of her with her sister on my computer wallpaper. “Every time I turn on the computer, she is there with you,” I said. “If she could be with you all the time in your life, would she help you choose the right?” This 8-year-old was pretty sure she would. I asked the same questions about her mom and her dad. She thought that if one of both of them could be with her all the time, she would be able to make pretty good decisions because someone would always be there who knew more than she did to help her.

I even asked about President Hinckley. This little girl thought that he would help her with her decisions too. But she agreed with me that he might be too busy to follow her around 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “But if he could, you would always know the best thing to do, wouldn’t you?” I asked.    She was pretty sure that was true.

Then I asked her what it would be like to have a member of the Godhead with her all the time. We read 2 Nephi 32:5.

For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do (2 Nephi 32:5)

I am amazed at this—that God would give all of his covenanting children continuous access to a being who knows everything. This is what Paul was doing for the unconfirmed disciples in Ephesus. And he did it with the proper authority.

This chapter contains additional emphasis on the need for proper authority in this work.

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded (Acts 19:13-16).

The words of this work might be spoken without priesthood authority; even the forms of the ordinances might be practiced, but without ordination to the priesthood by one with authority, it is all show without substance. And proper record keeping is, in our day, an indispensable part of this process as well. I once ordained a young man a Priest who was in his twenties and was making a great effort to return to full activity in the Church. When I asked him, he assured me that he had been ordained a Priest. Even his mother was certain. But the records of the Church listed him as a Teacher. We performed the ordination again. Now there is no question.

As great an evangelist as Apollos was, Paul was greater. I am continuously amazed at what he does as at the zeal with which he does it.

In Ephesus he “went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8) This must be the longest sermon on record!

When the Jews in the synagogue were hardened against him, he “separated the disciples, disputing [teaching] daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (Acts 19:10,11).

In Acts 20 we find Paul preaching

publickly, and from house to house. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (20:20-21).

Paul charged the leaders of the Church at Ephesus: to “remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31).

You will not be surprised to read in these chapters that even Paul’s ministry in Ephesus encountered opposition.

A craftsman named Demetrius was terrified of the success of this Roman Jew. He manufactured silver shrines for the goddess Diana. Since her temple at Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the tourist trade was lucrative, but if Paul were to turn enough people away from this idol worship, then

not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth (Acts 19:27).

I wonder how many times in the history of the world the pocketbooks of men have intervened between their hearts and the manifestations of the Spirit. In a city in the state of Sνo Paulo, Brazil, I taught the gospel to a man who owned a bar. Business was good and his family was doing well. But he and his family were prepared and excited and, before long, baptized. During a visit not long after they joined the church, the father took me into an office in his business and said something like this. “I have a problem. I make my living selling stuff that I do not believe people should use.”

Not very long after, he sold his bar. Unable to find new employment for a while, he lived on the proceeds of the sale and spent his days working on the new chapel being constructed in his city. When the building was finished and a church reorganization occurred, he became the bishop of his ward. A few years later he became Stake President.

He was a man unlike the silversmiths of Ephesus. He refused to let his silver impede his spirituality. This is a lesson we must all learn, for as the Savior said, “A rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:23).

Aroused by the claims of Demetrius, the whole city of Ephesus rushed into the theater. We assume this was the temple of the great goddess Diana, which, according to ancient records held about 24000 people. For two hours these people shouted, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” Think about that meeting the next time you get bored at stake conference.

II. PAUL GIVES A FAREWELL ADDRESS TO CHURCH LEADERS FROM EPHESUS.

“After the uproar was ceased” (Acts 20:1), Paul departed from Ephesus and went to Greece. On a Sunday he spoke to the saints in Troas. He was leaving the next day, and had a great deal to say, and so he “continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:9). Elder McConkie said,

Sermons can and sometimes should be long. The modern penchant for capsule presentations often deprives men from coming to a full knowledge of the doctrines of salvation. Who among us would object to listening to Paul or Peter or Joseph Smith for as many consecutive hours as human strength allowed? (DNTC, v. 2, p. 176).

But not everyone was captivated.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead (Acts 20:9).

Let that be a warning to all of us who have a tendency to doze off when long-winded speakers claim the pulpit. Paul was not deterred, however. He healed the young man, broke bread with the saints, “and talked a long while, even till break of day . . .” (Acts 20:10-12).

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the church leaders to meet him there (Acts 20:17) for a farewell address. His review of his credentials is touching. I will highlight the characteristics of Paul that made him great among these people:

18. When they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19.    Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
20.    And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
21.    Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. . . .
26.    Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27.    For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God (Acts 20:18-21, 26,27,34).
34.    Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands [Paul’s hands] have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

Paul departed knowing that hard times were in his future.
22.    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23.    Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24.    But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
25.    And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

But Paul’s entire life since his conversion had been hard. You can read a long time in Acts and the epistles before you will find Paul discussing any of the easy things he had to do. But no prospect of danger moved him. The thing that mattered was not personal safety—“neither count I my life dear unto myself”—but that he should finish his life, his course, with joy in the Lord.

Paul warned the Ephesians about external enemies whom he called “grievous wolves,” and internal apostates who would arise “speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29,30).

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship (Acts 20:36-38).

How these people loved Paul. He was their angel–their first link to the truthfulness of the Gospel and the atoning power of Jesus Christ. Thirty years after my mission I returned to Brazil and to the home of a family that had joined the church when I was in their city. I found on the end table next to the couch a Book of Mormon I had given them when they were baptized, with my photo and testimony in it. They told me that they had used the book for several years until it began to wear out. Then, they said, for two decades that book had rested on that table so that they would never forget what their missionaries had done for them.

III. PAUL CHASTISES AND COUNSELS THE GALATIAN SAINTS.

Sometime during his third mission, Paul wrote a letter to the saints in Galatia. Word had by some means come to him that the members in branches there had returned to some of the practices of the Law of Moses. He was astounded at their regression.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed (Gal. 1:6-9).

Judaizers were Jewish Christians who believed that many of the ordinances and requirements of the Law of Moses were still binding on New Testament Christians. Their influence seems to have troubled the saints of Galatia and pulled many of them back into the morass of daily rituals enjoined by the Law of Moses. These Judaizers seem to have taught that Paul was encouraging the rejection of the Law in order to make the gospel more pleasing to converts, but that he had no authority to do so. Note Paul’s response to this:

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:10-12).

I wonder if we are ever guilty of preaching in such a way as to make the doctrines more acceptable to our hearers. Do we ever choose to overlook or under-emphasize certain requirements of the kingdom in order to avoid offense or argument? Paul would never have done this. He spoke the truth the way he learned it by revelation after his conversion.

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days (Gal. 1:15-18, emphasis added).

Paul learned the doctrine in the deserts of Arabia, conferring with the Spirit and with the scriptures. After three years he traveled to Jerusalem, and in fifteen days received the apostolic seal on his understanding and his teachings from the President of the Church. Those were Paul’s credentials. He had been taught by Peter, and, years later, accepted by Peter, James, and John (Ga1. 2:9). Thus Paul can write, “Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not” (Gal. 1:20).

The message of this letter is probably best summarized in Galatians 2:16.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Suppose God had reduced all of the commandments of the Gospel to one command: “Thou shalt pull a train to the top of Mount Everest by thy own power.” No need to repent or love or forgive or attend meetings or do our home and visiting teaching. Just pull the train to the top. We would all be on our way to the “dark and benighted dominions of Sheol,” because none of us—not a single one—could ever comply. Perhaps if the ground sloped slightly downward in the beginning, the very strongest might move the train (if there were only a few cars) a few inches. But to the top? It could not happen. This is Paul’s point. You will never be saved by living the law because you cannot live it well enough. Only by the grace of Christ, only by the power of Christ, only by faith in Christ, can we ever hope to reach the top. Thus, “no man is justified by the law in the sight of God . . . for the just shall live by faith” (Gal 3:11).

The purpose of the law was to be “our schoolmaster until Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster” (Gal. 3:24,25, JST).

Paul’s desire was to set his converts free from the bondage and oppression of the law. He might want to set us free as well. Many of us long for lists and definitions of the permissible activities on the Sabbath and in other areas of our religious life. “How much kissing is too much?” is a question I often ask members of my young adult ward. Can we put a number on that? “What must happen for you to get your home teaching done every month?” One visit? A meaningful phone call? A brief conversation in church? Paul warned these saints about the danger of these kinds of questions with this language:

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years (Gal. 4:9,10).

We must walk in the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, live in the Spirit, and enjoy the fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:16, 18, 22-25).

CONCLUSION:
Apostasy has not disappeared from among us. I have a letter in my possession written by a former colleague and Elders Quorum President. The letter contains a “revelation” calling me to the Quorum of the Twelve in his church, of which he is, according to his business card, “Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.” I have another friend, an associate of twenty years, who has turned from the sweetness of the revelations and living prophets back to the practice of polygamy. You all know of stories like these. They are tragic but they must be warnings to us to live in such a way and with such obedience that we can enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, which will “show unto you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:5).

Young Men Lesson 17: The Holy Ghost

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:02:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: By careful practice, through the application of correct principles, and by being sensitive to the feelings that come, you will gain spiritual guidance. Discussion Questions:

How do you know when you are being influenced by the Holy Ghost?
What experiences have you had where you have been comforted, warned, or inspired by the Holy Ghost?
What can you do each day to qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost?

Excerpt from "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance" by Richard G. Scott:

Now I share an experience that taught me a way to gain spiritual guidance. One Sunday I attended the priesthood meeting of a Spanish branch in Mexico City. I vividly recall how a humble Mexican priesthood leader struggled to communicate the truths of the gospel in his lesson material. I noted the intense desire he had to share those principles he strongly valued with his quorum members. He recognized that they were of great worth to the brethren present. In his manner, there was an evidence of a pure love of the Savior and love of those he taught.

His sincerity, purity of intent, and love permitted a spiritual strength to envelop the room. I was deeply touched. Then I began to receive personal impressions as an extension of the principles taught by that humble instructor. They were personal and related to my assignments in the area. They came in answer to my prolonged, prayerful efforts to learn.

As each impression came, I carefully wrote it down. In the process, I was given precious truths that I greatly needed in order to be a more effective servant of the Lord. The details of the communication are sacred and, like a patriarchal blessing, were for my individual benefit. I was given specific directions, instructions, and conditioned promises that have beneficially altered the course of my life.

Subsequently, I visited the Sunday School class in our ward, where a very well-educated teacher presented his lesson. That experience was in striking contrast to the one enjoyed in the priesthood meeting. It seemed to me that the instructor had purposely chosen obscure references and unusual examples to illustrate the principles of the lesson. I had the distinct impression that this instructor was using the teaching opportunity to impress the class with his vast store of knowledge. At any rate, he certainly did not seem as intent on communicating principles as had the humble priesthood leader.

In that environment, strong impressions began to flow to me again. I wrote them down. The message included specific counsel on how to become more effective as an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I received such an outpouring of impressions that were so personal that I felt it was not appropriate to record them in the midst of a Sunday School class. I sought a more private location, where I continued to write the feelings that flooded into my mind and heart as faithfully as possible. After each powerful impression was recorded, I pondered the feelings I had received to determine if I had accurately expressed them in writing. As a result, I made a few minor changes to what had been written. Then I studied their meaning and application in my own life.

Subsequently I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I received further impressions, and the process of writing down the impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was. When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance.

*To read the full talk, click here.

FHE: Holy Ghost

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:05:00 -0700

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed only after proper and authorized baptism and by the laying on of hands by those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood. Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read "Receive the Holy Ghost" by David A. Bednar, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 94–98.)

Thought:
The Holy Ghost is manifested to men and women on the earth both as the power and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon a person before baptism; it is the convincing witness that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, sincere investigators can acquire a conviction of the truthfulness of the Savior’s gospel, of the Book of Mormon, of the reality of the Restoration, and of the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith. The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed only after proper and authorized baptism and by the laying
on of hands by those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood.

(David A. Bednar, "Receive the Holy Ghost", Ensign, Nov. 2010, 94–98.)

Song:
“The Still Small Voice,” Children’s Songbook, p. 106.

Scripture:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

Object Lesson:
Invite a child to come up and help. Tell the group you are going to whisper something important to them. Give the child the can and spoon. Instruct her to bang on the can as you whisper to the group. Very softly, whisper, “The Holy Ghost is a wonderful friend. He wants to help you return to Heavenly Father.”

Ask if it was hard for the group to hear you. Explain that the inspiration of the Holy Ghost is often like someone quietly whispering. Sometimes we may need to go to a quiet place and ponder or think about the guidance we need.

Brainstorm: Encourage your group to share things that might keep us from hearing the Holy Ghost. Discuss ways to eliminate those distractions.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book 2, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 49.)

Story:
Amy was in the fourth grade. It was springtime, and every day after lunch she would play softball with the other children. Some of the children liked to make fun of her. They teased her when she tried to hit the ball, run, or catch. This hurt her feelings, and she began to say mean things to them. Each day her problem seemed to get worse.

After school one day, Amy talked to her mother about what was happening at school. Her mother comforted Amy, but she also reminded her that the Holy Ghost was there to help her too.

Amy thought about that all afternoon. That night as she prayed she told Heavenly Father about the problem, and she asked for the Holy Ghost’s help. As she knelt quietly beside her bed, she was reminded of the mean things she had said to the other children. (Ask: Who reminded her of things she should repent of? The Holy Ghost.) She felt sad, and she told Heavenly Father how sorry she was. She promised him she would not act that way again.

The next day, as the children played softball, the teasing began again. Once, Amy nearly said something rude in return, but suddenly she remembered her promise to Heavenly Father. (Ask: Who helped her remember her promise? The Holy Ghost.) It took a lot of strength, but she treated everyone kindly, even the children who were being mean to her.

Day after day the children kept teasing Amy. She continued to pray for the Holy Ghost to help her. One day as she began to go on the softball field she had a feeling she shouldn’t play ball that day, so she went to the playground and played by herself on the swings. It was a little lonely.

The following day Amy once again felt that she shouldn’t play ball. She went over to the swings. This time there was another girl swinging too. After a few minutes, Amy thought she should talk to the girl. She said hello and asked her what her name was. The other girl’s name was Stacy, and her family had just moved into town. Amy found out that she was in the other fourth grade class. Amy and Stacy became very good friends. (How did the Holy Ghost help Amy to make a new friend? The Holy Ghost prompted her not to play ball. The Holy Ghost also prompted her to talk to the new girl.)

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book 2, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 49.)

Activity:
The object is to blow out a candle which rests on a table.

A player is blindfolded, moved back three steps, and turned around. He may take three steps before blowing.

It is hard to reach goals if you attempt to do it blindly. The Holy Ghost helps you find your way.

(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 122.)

Refreshment:
Parmesan Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup shortening
1 egg
2⁄3 cup milk
1⁄2 cup butter, melted
1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl. Cut the shortening into the flour mixture with a fork or pastry cutter until it forms coarse crumbs the size of a pea. Combine egg and milk in a small bowl. Mix well, and add to the flour mixture. Stir with a fork until it clings together. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead 1 minute. Using a rolling pin, roll out to about 3⁄4-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut dough into biscuits. Gather dough scraps into a ball and roll out again to make more biscuits. Roll each biscuit in melted butter. Put Parmesan cheese in a small bowl and roll buttered biscuit in cheese. Put biscuits on a large cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Serves 6 to 8.

(Jill McKenzie, 52 Weeks of Proven Recipes for Picky Kids, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2008], p. 95.)

*For a printable pdf, click here.

Young Men Lesson 1: The Godhead

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:03:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost” (A of F 1:1). Discussion Questions

What role does each member of the Godhead have in your life?
How would you explain our belief about the Godhead to a friend of another faith?
What experiences have you had where you have been influenced by the Holy Ghost?

"In These Three I Believe"

And so I believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

I was baptized in the name of these three. I was married in the name of these three. I have no question concerning Their reality and Their individuality. That individuality was made apparent when Jesus was baptized by John in Jordan. There in the water stood the Son of God. His Father’s voice was heard declaring His divine sonship, and the Holy Ghost was manifest in the form of a dove (see Matt. 3:16–17).

I am aware that Jesus said they who had seen Him had seen the Father. Could not the same be said by many a son who resembles his parent?

When Jesus prayed to the Father, certainly He was not praying to Himself!

They are distinct beings, but They are one in purpose and effort. They are united as one in bringing to pass the grand, divine plan for the salvation and exaltation of the children of God.

In His great, moving prayer in the garden before His betrayal, Christ pleaded with His Father concerning the Apostles, whom He loved, saying:

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us” (John 17:20–21).

It is that perfect unity between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost that binds these three into the oneness of the divine Godhead.

*To read the full article, click here:

FHE: Personal Revelation

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:05:00 -0700

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. *For a printable PDF file, click here.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “‘And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit’,” by Julie B. Beck, Ensign, May 2010, 10–12.

Thought:
The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.
(Julie B. Beck, “‘And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit’,” Ensign, May 2010, 10–12.)

Song:
“Tell Me Dear Lord,” Children’s Songbook, p. 176.

Scripture:
Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. (Doctrine and Covenants 112:10)

Lesson:
After reading 1 Nephi 17:45 with your family, tell them that listening to the voice of the Lord is a little like listening to the radio. Turn on a radio and tune it to a spot where all you can hear is static. Ask how this radio signal is like what Laman and Lemuel received from the Lord. Now tune the radio to a crystal-clear station. Ask how this signal is like what Nephi heard.

Share the following statement from Elder Boyd K. Packer: “The scriptures generally use the word voice, which does not exactly fit. These delicate, refined communications are not seen with our eyes, nor heard with our ears. And even though it is described as a voice, it is a voice that one feels, more than one hears.” (“Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, January 1983, p. 52.)

Ask your family why someone with a hard heart would have difficulty hearing the voice of the Spirit. Bear your testimony of how wonderful it is when you are able to feel communication from the Spirit.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 39.)

Story:
Several years ago I learned a great lesson while laboring as the managing director of the Church's Welfare Services Department. We were at a critical stage in the history of Church welfare, and it was time to go through an agonizing reappraisal of the program in light of current world conditions.

After praying for a solution to the problems we faced, I had a terrific thought: Glenn, you have access to the Quorum of the Twelve and to a member of the First Presidency. What a resource! I called for appointments and met individually with these great men. I poured out my concerns and added my feeling that we were at a stage where further revelation on the subject was necessary. Then I sat back with my pen and yellow notepad and waited for pearls of wisdom. I was devastated when their collective counsel amounted to this: "Brother Pace, we commend you for your concern and conscientiousness in finding solutions to these weighty matters. We, too, have some deep concerns and anxieties, and you are absolutely right—we do need revelation. Now, go get it!"

Who, me? I was an employee of the Church, not a General Authority. However, I had been taught that I had the responsibility to take to the Brethren well-thought-out recommendations that could be confirmed, modified, or rejected in the appropriate forums. It was my obligation and right to receive inspiration. And I knew that inspiration would come only after intense, agonizing study, research, and meditation. In other words, I learned that revelation is 95 percent hard work.

(Glenn L. Pace, Spiritual Plateaus, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1991].)

Activity:
Give everyone a pencil and a piece of paper with the word REVELATION written at the top. At the signal to start, the players make as many words as they can in five minutes, using only the letters in the word revelation. The winner is the person with the most words after the time is up.

(George and Jeane Chipman, Games! Games! Games!, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 131.)

Refreshment:
Almond Chocolate Pie

1 graham cracker crust or baked 9-inch pie shell
1/2 cup almond slivers, toasted
1 (7-ounce) chocolate bar
1/2 cup half-and-half
18 large marshmallows
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Place almonds on a cookie sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes at 350 degrees F. Almonds should be light golden brown. Remove from oven. Be careful not to overcook; almonds will continue to brown after being removed from the oven.

Place the chocolate bar, half-and-half, and marshmallows in the top of a double boiler and heat until chocolate bar and marshmallows are melted. In a large bowl, whip the cream until stiff; fold cream and almonds into chocolate mixture. Pour into crust and refrigerate to cool. When cool, pace in freezer. Remove from freezer 1 hour before serving. Makes 1 pie.

(Lion House Pies, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p. 16.)

Relief Society Lesson #22: Gifts of the Spirit

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:38:00 -0700

source: the-exponent.com

I taught this lesson about a year ago, from the new manual for our Gospel Essentials class. I started out by sharing this personal story:

Several years ago I had the fantastic opportunity to visit Paris with my older sister. I was fresh out of three years of High School French and was eager to try out the language. I was greatly disappointed when I found out that practically everyone in Paris speaks English.

One day, however I was with my sister going through some touristy shops located near Notre Dame. We came to one that sold table linens and other similar things. My sister, who has a thing for sunflowers, spotted a table cloth with a sunflower border folded up on a hanger on a clothes rack. She wanted to look at the table cloth to see how big it was, and if there was a design in the middle of it. The shopkeeper noticed my sister’s interest in the item and came over to try and offer her help. The shopkeeper asked my sister, in French, if she would like to look at the table cloth.

Relief Society Lesson: The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:17:00 -0600

source: the-exponent.com

Holy Ghost vs. Gift of the Holy Ghost

I would start the lesson by asking the class what they think is the difference between experiencing the Holy Ghost and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. How are these related?

With the class you could consider the following passages from the manual:

“A person may be temporarily guided by the Holy Ghost without receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (see D&C 130:23). However, this guidance will not be continuous unless the person is baptized and receives the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

“However, there is no guarantee that the person will receive inspiration and guidance from the Holy Ghost just because the elders have laid their hands on his or her head. Each person must “receive the Holy Ghost.” This means that the Holy Ghost will come to us only when we are faithful and desire help from this heavenly messenger.

June 2010 Sharing Time: Truth from the Holy Ghost

Wed, 19 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "The Holy Ghost is our true, eternal friend." - Children's Songbook, p.105 This sharing time will help the children think about the truth and comfort they can receive from the Holy Ghost.

Preparation: On a large sheet of cardstock or poster board write "The Holy Ghost is our true, eternal friend." ("The Holy Ghost," Children's Songbook, p. 105). Cut the poster into six puzzle pieces. Write one of the following scripture references on the back of each puzzle piece: D&C 39:33, John 14:16, D&C 9:8, Matthew 3:16-17, D&C 31:11, and John 14:26. Familiarize yourself with each scripture.

Collect a small gift box, a quilt or blanket, a candle, a picture of a dove, a compass, and a picture of a teacher. Attach the corresponding puzzle piece to each item (see below).

Presentation: Ask the children if they have ever felt frightened. Ask them if they have ever been confused about what they should do. Ask them if they have ever felt unsure if something was true. Explain that the Holy Ghost can help us in all of these situations.

Tell them they are going to learn more about the Holy Ghost and share it with each other. Divide the primary into six groups (make sure there is at least one leader or teacher with each group). Give each group one of the puzzle pieces and attached item. Ask each group to read the scripture on the puzzle piece together and decide how the item or picture can represent the Holy Ghost. Ask them to think of a story from the scriptures or their own experiences to share concerning the Holy Ghost. Give the groups five minutes to read and discuss.

Gift. D&C 39:33: "And again, it shall come to pass that on as many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Quilt. John 14:16: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever."

Candle. D&C 9:8: "But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."

Picture of a Dove. Matthew 3:16–17: "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Compass. D&C 31:11: "Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go."

Picture of a teacher. John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

Ask the first group to bring up their puzzle piece and post it on the board. Have them show their item and share what they learned about the Holy Ghost. Ask one person to tell a story or experience. Repeat with the remaining groups.

After the puzzle pieces have been put together, have all the children repeat the phrase on the poster. Tell them that this is a line from a song about the Holy Ghost. Have all the children sing the song "The Holy Ghost," Children's Songbook, p. 105.

Summarize how the Holy Ghost can help us and bear testimony that this is true. Sing additional songs about the Holy Ghost as time allows, such as "The Gift of the Holy Ghost," Friend, Aug 2005, 24-25; "Listen, Listen," Children's Songbook, p. 107; or "The Still Small Voice," Children's Songbook, p. 106.

Young Men Lesson 4: Companionship of the Holy Ghost

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:00:00 -0700

by Gerald N. Lund
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Let us make it a part of our everyday striving to open our hearts to the Spirit. Today I should like to speak on the importance of opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit.

After baptism we are confirmed and given the Holy Ghost. This is a supernal gift. The Holy Ghost comforts, teaches, warns, enlightens, and inspires us. Nephi put it very simply: "If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do."1 We need the help of the Holy Ghost if we are to make our way safely through what the Apostle Paul called the "perilous times"2 in which we now live.

The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, which allows Him to dwell in our hearts and communicate directly with our spirits.3 The voice of the Spirit is described as still and small and one that whispers.4 How can a voice be still? Why is it likened to a whisper? Because the Spirit almost always speaks to our minds and to our hearts5 rather than to our ears. President Boyd K. Packer has said, "The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear."6

We feel things in our hearts. In the scriptures, the prophets teach that personal revelation is closely linked to the heart. For example:

Mormon taught, "Because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost."7

Alma said, "He that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word."8

Mormon wrote of the Nephites, "[Their souls were filled] with joy and consolation . . . because of their yielding their hearts unto God."9

And then the Psalmist simply wrote, "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart."10

Isn't that something we all seek, brothers and sisters -- to be visited by the Holy Ghost, to have the Lord draw closer to us, to find joy and consolation in our lives? If so, then carefully assessing the condition of our hearts is one of the most essential things we can do in this life.

The heart is a tender place. It is sensitive to many influences, both positive and negative. It can be hurt by others. It can be deadened by sin. It can be softened by love. Early in our lives, we learn to guard our hearts. It is like we erect a fence around our hearts with a gate in it. No one can enter that gate unless we allow him or her to.

In some cases the fence we erect around our hearts could be likened to a small picket fence with a Welcome sign on the gate. Other hearts have been so hurt or so deadened by sin that they have an eight-foot (2.5-m) chain-link fence topped with razor wire around them. The gate is padlocked and has a large No Trespassing sign on it.

Let us apply the idea of a gateway to the heart to receiving personal revelation. Nephi taught, "When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men."11 Elder David A. Bednar noted the use of the word unto: "Please notice how the power of the Spirit carries the message unto but not necessarily into the heart. . . . Ultimately, . . . the content of a message and the witness of the Holy Ghost penetrate into the heart only if a receiver allows them to enter."12

Why just unto the heart? Individual agency is so sacred that Heavenly Father will never force the human heart, even with all His infinite power. Man may try to do so, but God does not. To put it another way, God allows us to be the guardians, or the gatekeepers, of our own hearts. We must, of our own free will, open our hearts to the Spirit, for He will not force Himself upon us.

So how do we open our hearts?

In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior said, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."13 If something is pure, it is not polluted or tainted by things which do not belong to it. Purity of heart is certainly one of the most important qualifications for receiving inspiration from God. While none of our hearts are perfect, the more diligently we strive to eliminate impurity, or push out things which do not belong there, the more we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Note this sweet promise of the prophet Jacob: "O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love."14

While in Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that describes a condition of some hearts:

"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

"Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men."15

Many in the world now live in prosperous and peaceful circumstances. In the Book of Mormon, prosperity often led the people away from the Lord. Mormon warned, "We may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art . . . , then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God."16

The Lord noted three natural consequences of having one's heart set on the things of the world: First, we seek to hide our sins instead of repenting of them. Next, we seek to gratify our pride and vain ambitions rather than seeking the things of God. Finally, we begin to exercise unrighteous dominion over others.17

Note that pride is a natural consequence of setting our hearts on the things of the world. Pride quickly desensitizes our hearts to spiritual promptings. For example, the Lord said, "I, the Lord, am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon; he exalted himself in his heart, and received not counsel, but grieved the Spirit."18 Compare that to this promise: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."19

In the Liberty Jail revelation, the Lord described the effect of a worldly heart: "Behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and . . . behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself."20 Brothers and sisters, in these very "perilous times," we cannot afford to grieve the Spirit and be left to ourselves.

I say again, the condition of our hearts directly affects our sensitivity to spiritual things. Let us make it a part of our everyday striving to open our hearts to the Spirit. Since we are the guardians of our hearts, we can choose to do so. We choose what we let in or hold out. Fortunately the Lord is anxious to help us choose wisely.

I close in testimony with two of the promises He has made to those who seek to come unto Him: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with [His] love, . . . that we may be purified even as he is pure."21

And finally this stirring declaration of Paul the Apostle: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."22

May we ever ask Christ to strengthen our hearts and fill them with His love is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes 1. 2 Nephi 32:5.

2. 2 Timothy 3:1.

3. See D&C 8:2.

4. See D&C 85:6.

5. See D&C 8:2.

6. "Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise," Liahona, June 1997, 10; Ensign, Nov. 1994, 60.

7. Moroni 8:26.

8. Alma 12:10.

9. Helaman 3:35.

10. Psalm 34:18.

11. 2 Nephi 33:1; emphasis added.

12. "Seek Learning by Faith," Liahona, Sept. 2007, 17; Ensign, Sept. 2007, 61.

13. Matthew 5:8.

14. Jacob 3:2.

15. D&C 121:34-35.

16. Helaman 12:2.

17. See D&C 121:36-37.

18. D&C 63:55.

19. D&C 112:10.

20. D&C 121:37-38.

21. Moroni 7:48.

22. Philippians 4:13.