Sunday Scripture : Personal Revelation

Alma 17:3

"But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

There have been many opportunities for me to receive personal revelation in my life, and through the Holy Ghost, have done so, through callings in which I have served, for my children, for myself, and for those whom I have served. I believe that much of the time it comes to me in thoughts or ideas that have led me to help someone who was in need, to handle a particularly difficult moment with a child, or occasions where the promptings have kept me safe. I strive to keep my direct line to the Holy Ghost open, that I might be available at a moments notice to hear and then act upon that which I have been instructed to do. At times I will have a feeling and I will not know the exact reason or purpose but I try to to rely on the knowledge that my Heavenly Father possesses, knowing that His picture is much broader and that if I will listen, He will lead me to do what is right.

When Jimmy received the job offer here in Colorado, we both prayed to know if this was where we should be, and for me the feeling was one of comfort but also the instruction to "Follow my husband" I knew that I would not be led astray if I were willing to stand beside my best friend in his decision. When Jimmy accepted the position, I knew that this was where the Lord wanted us, it was not "Our" first choice of cities we wanted to be in, but the Lord knew we needed to be in this city. Coming here with that knowledge, made it much easier and we have truly been blessed in our new surroundings, it has been such a testament to me of the power that we are able to tap into to receive answers to prayers, promptings from the Spirit, and a greater knowledge of our Heavenly Father. I know that when I allow Him to guide and direct me I am blessed and strengthened.

In the September 1999 Ensign, Elder L. Lionel Kendrick gave instructions on how to prepare ourselves for personal revalation.

Fasting

“Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me” (Alma 5:46).

The sons of Mosiah prepared themselves by the same means: “They had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the … spirit of revelation” (Alma 17:3).

Think pure thoughts. If we are to have the channels of communication open, we must clear our minds of worldly and impure thoughts. We must follow this counsel of the Savior: “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 priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45).

Develop a spirit of reverence. To receive revelation, we must develop a spirit of reverence. Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counseled, “Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings.” 2 He added, “Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit,” and “Reverence invites revelation.” 3

Irreverence not only shows disrespect to Deity but also makes it hard for the Spirit to teach us the things we need to know. The Savior said, “And your minds in times past have been darkened because … you have treated lightly the things you have received” (D&C 84:54). He counseled, “Trifle not with sacred things” (D&C 6:12). The process of receiving revelation is sacred. It is a divine discussion with Deity and must be reverenced if it is to work.

Happy Sunday and Love to you,