Receiving Personal Revelation - January 11, 2014

Here are some of Katie S.'s thoughts shared during today's presidency message on Receiving Personal Revelation:

To me, one of the most comforting doctrines in our church is that we can receive personal revelation from our Heavenly Father. Don’t we all feel lost and confused at times? As wonderful as this world is, it can be an awfully big place, full of all sorts of decisions and challenges that can leave us feeling completely bewildered.

President Uchtdorf said,

"The Everlasting and Almighty God, the Creator of this vast universe, will speak to those who approach Him with a sincere heart and real intent.
Of course, there will be those who scoff and say such a thing is impossible, that if there were a God, He would have better things to do than hear and answer a single person’s prayer.
but I tell you this: God cares about you. He will listen, and He will answer your personal questions. The answers to your prayers will come in His own way and in His own time, and therefore, you need to learn to listen to His voice." (Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

I have been taught this doctrine my whole life - the idea that when we need to know something, we ask God - just as Joseph Smith did - and so many others before and after him. And so throughout my life, when I’ve had a big decision to make, I have tried to do just that: I have asked God. Sometimes I’ve studied things out in my mind, made a decision, and asked for God’s approval. And I have to say, that the answers have never come to me in the way I’ve hoped or in the way they have been described in scripture.

This is one of the reasons I have felt prompted to study this topic of personal revelation. The more life I live, the more desperately I feel the need to receive revelation from Heavenly Father. I do not have the confidence or the understanding on this subject that I would like to have - and I have come to believe that personal revelation from God is a gift that each one of us has access to - but it is a gift that we need to learn to use. 

Just like when my kids’ Uncle Dan gave them a cotton candy machine for Christmas. We have the gift, but we don’t know how it works, so we have not enjoyed the gift yet! We need to learn how it works and how to make the cotton candy before we fully appreciate and use his gift.

“We all know that human judgment and logical thinking will not be enough to get answers to the questions that matter most in life. We need revelation from God. And we will need not just one revelation in a time of stress, but we need a constantly renewed stream. We need not just one flash of light and comfort, but we need the continuing blessing of communication with God.” (President Henry B. Eyring, Continuing Revelation)

You may remember that previous General Relief Society President, Julie B. Beck, said:

“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) 

And so she helps us understand that receiving personal revelation is a skill - one that we can develop.

• How do we receive revelation? 
• How can we recognize answers and promptings from the Lord?

We heard from Monajo E. who related her experience with revelation as telling the Lord 'where I am', knowing He loves me, at the end of a prayer - waiting in silence/listening, and keeping a prayer in your heart all the time.

Here are the main points I plan to take away from this lesson. I have hope and faith that as I draw closer to the Lord, He will help me to recognize His hand and his guidance in my life. I have felt impressed that I need to write down and take note of impressions, feelings, and thoughts I have when seeking to receive revelation. I feel more committed to being more thoughtful in both prayer and scripture study. I will be more patient. I will look for small and simple impressions. I will take note of the moments when I feel, as Richard G. Scott said, “peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling.”

“The Savior has told us in our day, “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
The more we incline our hearts and minds toward God, the more heavenly light distills upon our souls. And each time we willingly and earnestly seek that light, we indicate to God our readiness to receive more light. Gradually, things that before seemed hazy, dark, and remote become clear, bright, and familiar to us.” (Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth”)

May this be the case with all of us!

The Birth of Jesus Christ: “Good Tidings of Great Joy” - December 21, 2014

Natalie M. taught our Christmas themed lesson using story, song and a sweet spirit.

Her husband told of the story of the WW1 Christmas truce between British and German troops then sang/played the Garth Brooks song "Belleau Wood" written about the event.

• What do you do in your home to remember the Savior at Christmastime?

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Natalie shared a family story of longed-for, store-bought dolls and the Christmas two sisters would have received them but instead learned a more important lesson as they generously gave them to two girls who had suddenly lost their father.

There is also the poignant Parable of the Bicycle which parallels Christ's gift of grace to each of us.

Joys of Scripture Study - November 30, 2014

Sue J was our guest speaker from the Palo Alto 1st/Redwood City 2nd ward guiding us through a plan for better scripture study and the blessings of regular personal study.

Take this personal inventory:

• How many times a month do you have personal scripture study?
• How many minutes each time?
• On a scale of 1-10, what is your quality? 10 being that you learning something relevant, connect with the Lord, and feel the Spirit every time.

30 days-60 minutes-10 quality is possible if you want it.
The Lord wants it for us but needs us to want it.

On her mission, Sue met a humble woman who cared for handicapped men in her home. Scripture study meant a lot to her. She would get up an hour early to be in the Book of Mormon.
Her sacrifice allowed the Lord to bless her.  Sue tested this and found the same blessings.
Her commitment not to miss a day brought her a relationship where the Lord is always teaching her.


The process to be open to what the Lord has to teach:

• Have a set time. For Sue it is first thing in the morning. When would you set aside an hour?

At Gethsemane, Jesus Christ found his disciples asleep and said:

"What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matthew 26:40

• Pray. For consciousness, to understand- a deeper meaning, to remember, I don't get this, have a conversation "help me" about what we're reading, revelation on concerns, direction/service, what to study, be more "(blank)"
  

Study General Conference talks, don't just read them.
Sue uses a journal and decides on a focus/principle.  Write.

Read till you find something to focus on.

For example, Sue was studying Elder Christofferson's talk from the most recent conference and wrote this passage in her journal:

It is God’s will that we be free men and women enabled to rise to our full potential both temporally and spiritually, that we be free from the humiliating limitations of poverty and the bondage of sin, that we enjoy self-respect and independence, that we be prepared in all things to join Him in His celestial kingdom.

I am under no illusion that this can be achieved by our own efforts alone without His very substantial and constant help. “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”²⁴ And we do not need to achieve some minimum level of capacity or goodness before God will help—divine aid can be ours every hour of every day, no matter where we are in the path of obedience. But I know that beyond desiring His help, we must exert ourselves, repent, and choose God for Him to be able to act in our lives consistent with justice and moral agency. My plea is simply to take responsibility and go to work so that there is something for God to help us with. 

I bear witness that God the Father lives, that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Redeemer, and that the Holy Spirit is present with us. Their desire to help us is undoubted, and Their capacity to do so is infinite. -Free Forever, to Act for Themselves By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

She chose "help" to be her study focus with thoughts of a couple she wanted to help.

• Begin in the Topical Guide or a scripture from memory.
• Write those scriptures in your journal.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Be still, and know that I am God Psalms 46:1-5, 10 

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:13-16 

This scripture made her feel comforted in worrying about how to help this couple.

• Write the words that come to you.
  

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. 1 Nephi 3:7

Reading this scripture, she felt inspired. If she was commanded then He will help her.

Revelation - November 23, 2014

Natalie M. instigated discussion based on the two conference talks: "Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth" by President Uchtorf and "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring.

• How we can we receive personal revelation?

Turn to the scriptures, develop a habit of prayer, let the spirit guide your prayers, limit distractions, be still, do your part/work, humble yourself before, set appropriate/righteous expectations.

Imagine Heavenly Father's joy when we choose the righteous path.

When Lehi heard Nephi speak..., the scripture says that “he was exceedingly glad.”¹ He was glad because he knew that Nephi had been blessed with confirming revelation that his father’s dream was a true communication from God. Nephi did not say, “I will go and do what my father told me to do.” Rather he said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.” "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring

Our children are also capable of making decisions from revelation.

President Boyd K. Packer described that identifying mark of the true Church this way: “Revelation continues in the Church: the prophet receiving it for the Church; the president for his stake, his mission, or his quorum; the bishop for his ward; the father for his family; the individual for himself.”² "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring

We can receive revelation for those we love and have stewardship over.
It takes courage, as you act you can get more. We can be given revelation as we teach in our callings.

Lesson Summary: February 9, 2014

Tori G. led us in discussion of the tender and powerful subject of the Savior as we studied the lesson from Chapter 2: 'Our Savior, Jesus Christ' in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith.

President Joseph Fielding Smith impressed upon his family his great love for Jesus Christ as illustrated in the following story related by one of his sons.

“[Once] as I sat alone with my father in his study, I observed that he had been in deep meditation. I hesitated to break the silence, but finally he spoke. ‘Oh, my son, I wish you could have been with me last Thursday as I met with my Brethren in the temple. Oh, if you could have heard them testify of their love for their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!’ And then he lowered his head, and tears streamed from his face and dropped to his shirt. Then, after many seconds, without as much as raising his head, but moving his head back and forth, he said, ‘Oh, how I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 2: Our Savior, Jesus Christ)

Surely the Prophet's love for the Savior grew from his intense study of the scriptures and obedience to the commandments.

• Who is Jesus Christ and what do we know about him? As the Son of God and as Savior of the world?

Grace. A word that occurs frequently in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul. The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.
It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.
Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the fall of Adam and also because of man’s weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient. Hence the explanation, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25:23). It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible. This principle is expressed in Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches (John 15:1–11). (Bible Dictionary, Grace)

• How does His grace and our part in it change our relationship with Christ?

While men may formulate plans, adopt theories, introduce strange works, and gather and teach many peculiar doctrines, one teaching is fundamental, and from it we cannot depart: all things are concentrated in and around the Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world. We accept him as the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, the only one who has dwelt in the flesh who had a Father who was immortal. Because of his birthright and the conditions surrounding his coming to the earth, he became the Redeemer of men; and through the shedding of his blood we are privileged to return into the presence of our Father, on conditions of our repentance and acceptance of the great plan of redemption of which he is the author. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 2: Our Savior, Jesus Christ)

• Why did we have to have a savior?
• What are the differences between God and the Savior?
• What is the difference in our relationships with each?

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me. (Book of Mormon, Alma 7:11-13)

He wants you to know that you are loved through a plan of salvation with a loving savior.

You can feel the joy of his presence and have his inspiration to guide you each day of your lives if you will seek it and live worthy of it. Jesus’ love and the comforting strength of his Holy Spirit can be just as real to you as they were to the children he drew close to him when he lived on the earth. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 2: Our Savior, Jesus Christ)

Lesson Summary November 3, 2013

Heather C lead a wonderful discussion around the general conference talk "Do We Know What We Have?" by Carole M. Stephens, first counselor in the general relief society presidency. 

This past week, have you come across something you needed to do but couldn't do?
How do the ordinances and covenants empower/enable us in our daily lives?

These priesthood ordinances and covenants provide access to the fulness of the blessings promised to us by God, which are made possible by the Savior’s Atonement. They arm sons and daughters of God with power, God’s power,⁸ and provide us with the opportunity to receive eternal life—to return to God’s presence and live with Him in His eternal family.

What covenants have we participated in?
- Baptism

We need baptism. When we are immersed in the waters of baptism, we covenant to take Christ’s name upon us, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end, that we may always have His Spirit to be with us.²

-Confirmation
We need the gift of the Holy Ghost. Through that ordinance, we can have access to the constant companionship of the Spirit. President Wilford Woodruff taught: “Every man or woman that has ever entered into the church of God and been baptized for the remission of sins has a right to revelation, a right to the Spirit of God, to assist them in their labors, in their administrations to their children, in counseling their children and those over whom they are called upon to preside. The Holy Ghost is not restricted to men, nor to apostles or prophets; it belongs to every faithful man and woman, and to every child who is old enough to receive the gospel of Christ.”³
Personal stories:
*Hilary M. shared how the Holy Ghost reminds her to be become a better person. She tells of the time she returned home from her mission and how the Holy Ghost comforted her and reminder her to love others and have charity.  
*Tori G. shared a story about a rigorous youth trek. She explained how she was strengthened during a physically weak moment by the Holy Ghost and was able to immediately feel greater strength. 

-Sacrament
We need the opportunity to renew our covenants each week as we partake of the sacrament. Latter-day prophets and apostles have taught that when we worthily partake of the sacrament, we can renew not only our baptismal covenant but “all covenants entered into with the Lord.”⁷

-Endowment
We need to receive the temple endowment. Elder M. Russell Ballard said: “When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the same power, which by definition is priesthood power. … The endowment is literally a gift of power.”⁴
*Strengthened us in times of loneliness

-Sealing
We need the sealing ordinance, which leads to eternal life, “the greatest of all the gifts of God.”⁵ This priesthood ordinance is received only by a man and a woman together. Elder Russell M. Nelson taught, “Priesthood authority has been restored so that families can be sealed eternally.”⁶

Conclusion:
Jesus Christ is the one who makes our covenants valid. His love makes us want to be better. Try hard. Keep growing and keep going.

Thank you Heather for the wonderful lesson!

Lesson Summary: October 27, 2013

Catherine B. led our discussion on Elder Neil L. Anderson's talk "Power in the Priesthood" from the October 2013 General Conference.  A great supplement to this talk and subject is Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk "What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government" and his April 2010 talk "Power of the Priesthood".

"A man may open the drapes so the warm sunlight comes into the room, but the man does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings."  (Power in the Priesthood - By  Neil L. Andersen (2013 October General Conference)


                            Partnering with Priesthood Power

What
Heavens have borne record regarding what the priesthood is and is not.

•“Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present.” [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]
•“Priesthood is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls.” [Bednar, “Powers of Heaven”, 4/12]
•celestial power gifted to a telestial world to elevate the experience

Who
•“The priesthood is the power and authority of God given for the salvation and blessing of all—men, women, and children.” [Apostle Anderson, GC, 10/13]

How is Priesthood power realized for women?

Ordination
confers
AUTHORITY
⇓
Permission

Worthiness
confers
POWER
⇓
Spiritual Capacity

“Righteousness is the qualifier … to invite priesthood power into our lives.” Sister Linda K. Burton, BYU Women's Conference

“In the ordinances … the power of godliness is manifest.” [D&C 84:20]

"As we are worthy, the ordinances of the priesthood enrich our lives on earth and prepare us for the magnificent promises of the world ahead." [Anderson 10/13]

Ordinances ⇒ Covenants ⇒ Power ⇒ Light

          wherever you are on your path of discovery      |     questions for contemplation

1. Others Centered – in what ways do you participate in blessing others?

• Inherent in “what” is that Priesthood power designs only to bless others

"A priesthood holder is expected to exercise this sacred authority in accordance with God’s holy mind, will, and purposes. Nothing about the priesthood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people."  [Bednar, “Powers of Heaven”, 4/12]

• Understanding of workings is magnified through experience w/ service

2. Active – how do you make Priesthood power active in your daily experience?

• Apostle Bednar lament

Attribute       Women            Men
Access          constant           requires engagement
Strength        varies               varies

"My message ...to all is that we can live every hour “blessed by the strength of priesthood power,” whatever our circumstance." [Anderson 10/13]

“One breaks the priesthood covenant by transgressing commandments—but also by leaving undone his duties. Accordingly, to break this covenant one needs only to do nothing” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 497).

"The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be." [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]

3. For Everyone – harnessing the globe with Priesthood power to bless others?

“We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations.” [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]



How is this power manifest to you?
How do I firmly affix the priesthood in my home?

Lesson Summary: June 30, 2013

Today Bishop J. gave a joint lesson about unity.

In preparation of this lesson, he found gratitude for living prophets and their willingness to share promptings from the Lord without waiting until the next General Conference.
Two recent trainings that have been broadcast are getting the power of the priesthood in the home and also the recent missionary broadcast.
These speak to the power of one and how that combines to the work of us all becoming one in unity.

The blessings of the priesthood in every home [video clip]

This home is a sacred space and so can ours be as we remember that our homes are comparable to the temple.
Where a righteous woman and the power of the priesthood combine, the power of godliness is manifest.
It has the power to lift us up, to cleanse us from pain and sin.
As we want this in our homes, we come to want it in the homes of our neighbors.

Some changes were announced at the June 23 broadcast. The full time missionaries will be using social media more during the day and providing tours of the meetinghouses, like a local visitor's center.
This marks a unifying of the work.

We are one Eyring [video clip]

Pray, plan, act, share, and give thanks.
Plan how you will respond to the direction of the Spirit.
Open our hearts and homes we will be blessed, they will be blessed and we will become as one.

I'll go where you want me to go music video