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How to recognize the promptings of the Spirit in our lives

I have to speak in Stake Priesthood meeting tonight.

My talk outline is below:

Lehi

Youth in Stake
Great youth leaders
Ward Conferences



How to recognize the promptings of the Spirit in our lives

Ask for raised hands to see who would like to feel more of the Spirit in our lives

How many of us are willing to give up some “roadblocks to revelation” that we currently engage in?

Spencer W. Kimball said "The Lord is most anxious to give you the Holy Ghost when you have really humbled yourself and paid the price in reaching, fasting, praying, studying, pondering, cleansing and purging."


How does the Lord usually communicate with us through His Spirit?
From an experience of the prophet Elijah, we learn how the Spirit most often speaks to us: “The Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11–12).


3 Nephi 11: 3.
it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.








TAKE TIME TO PREPARE AND PONDER

1 Nephi 11:1
For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord

Importance of “alone time” and daily "stop, look and listen time" in order to give the Spirit a chance to speak to an individual while no one else is around.

It is a good idea to have the scriptures and a journal nearby during such times.

In our fast-paced culture there is rarely going to be a time or place in which the Spirit is going to be easily felt unless a person purposefully sets aside that time.

Importance of praying for those we have been given accountability over due to our callings in life and in the church.

The Spirit can most easily give inspiration for those we think of often.

Pres. Smith—pray for the families we home teach.
HOW CAN WE BE EXPECTED TO RECEIVE INSPIRATION AND PROMPTINGS FOR PEOPLE WHOSE SITUATIONS (AND SOMETIMES NAMES) WE DO NOT KNOW?






















OBEY WHEN COMMANDED

• A persistent, righteous thought seems to come back after you have dismissed it.

We hear often of peoples’ experiences of ignoring a prompting, but it returns multiple times until heeded.

3 Nephi 11:4-6
4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.
5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard . . .

• The thought prompts you to act in a manner you would not normally consider, but when pondered upon, its truthfulness and correctness resonates with you.

6 And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.
7 Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine.
8 And when I came to him I found that it was Laban.
9 And I beheld his sword, and I drew it forth from the sheath thereof; and the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most precious steel.
10 And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him.
11 And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property.
12 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands;
13 Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.
14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.
15 Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law.
16 And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass.
17 And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his commandments.
18 Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.


“Each of us is influenced strongly by our own desires and preferences. We may even mistake these influences as the ratification or prompting of the Holy Ghost. It is therefore significant when we feel prompted to do something contrary to our personal preference. That is good evidence of authenticity. Conversely, a feeling that seems to confirm a person in some action he or she strongly desires should be received with caution and subjected to more than one test of validity. In that circumstance a person could well ask himself, ‘Am I humbly submitting myself to the will of my Heavenly Father and asking for his guidance, or am I proudly submitting my will to my Heavenly Father and asking for his approval?’ Humility is more likely to receive inspiration; pride is more likely to be deceived and fall.”
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, June 1983, 27.

• The thought increases your awareness of a situation so you can make a good decision.

Double entendre—good in “sound” and “good” meaning “righteous”

Moroni 7: 12-13
12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

ACT FOR OURSELVES

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.

Does this mean we should just become an empty container awaiting the Lord tell us what to do? NO!

D and C 58:26
For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.


The only thing we truly have to give to Heavenly Father is our will. He wants to bless us, but He wants us to learn accountability and responsibility.


STORY:
Meeting for stake presidencies where General Authorities taught. The presiding authority called on members to share an experience in which they had been led by the Spirit. Among men of much experience, one ventured to say that many times he wasn’t completely sure whether an impression was inspired until afterward when he saw the outcome. The presiding authority replied, “Would you feel better if you knew it’s that way much of the time?”

We are taught that if we take upon us the name of Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments, we will have His Spirit to be with us (see Moroni 4–5).
By entering this covenant, we can act in faith with the assurance that our righteous feelings and actions mirror the desires of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Instead of worrying about where a prompting originates, we can listen and act for righteousness’ sake.

That is the crux.


TAKE TIME TO PREPARE AND PONDER
OBEY WHEN COMMANDED
ACT FOR OURSELVES

THE LIFE AND EXAMPLE OF MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS

Unlike many other Christian religions, Mormons do not worship Mary. However, we rightfully hold her in high esteem. She must have been one of Heavenly Father’s most choice spiritual daughters as she was foreordained to be Christ’s mortal mother and caretaker, to raise him during his tender years of infancy, adolescence, and into adulthood. Many prophets, including Isaiah, Nephi, King Benjamin, and Alma, before the meridian of time foretold that the Only Begotten Son of the Father would be born to the virgin Mary, a precious and chosen vessel of the Lord (see Isaiah 7:14; 1 Nephi 11:18-20; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10).

As I began to research Mary utilizing various scriptural accounts, I found myself reviewing many of the same stories I was aware of since I was small—Gabriel’s annunciation to her in the temple, her interactions with her cousin Elisabeth shortly thereafter, the marriage incident at Cana where water was turned into wine, and finally some of his final words before death to His mother at the foot of the cruel cross. There is so little scriptural information about Mary that one has a hard time learning about her directly. However, the accounts that are recorded have common themes that show she was an example not only to the mothers we celebrate today, but to all true disciples of Christ.



BUILD A FOUNDATION OF FAITH

In Luke, Chapter 1, there are two accounts of the angel Gabriel visiting Zacharias and Mary, both of whom were soon-to-be parents of important Gospel figures. Both mortals ask questions of their angelic visitor, but their attitude when asking the questions show a profound difference in the level of belief, trust, and understanding of God’s power.

Gabriel first visits Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist. Reminiscent of Abraham and his wife Sarah, Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth, had no children and were well past the normal years of childbearing. In learning from the angel he and his wife were to conceive a son, John the Baptist, Zacharias doubtfully comments “Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.” His question, one showing not only a lack of understanding but apparently also a lack of faith, caused him to be struck dumb until his son, John the Baptist, was born.

Mary, on the other hand, had a similar visitation by the same angelic messenger. Her response shows not only her faith and willingness to do all required by her of the Lord, but also her testimony of God’s power and ability to do whatever He sees fit to do. When told by Gabriel she would conceive the Savior of the world, she asks how this would come to pass as she was espoused to Joseph but they were not yet married. He answered her question, and her response is very telling of her faith and willingness to believe and do whatever was required of her. In Luke 1:38, she said “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Faith overpowered logic and reason in her child-like answer showing total willingness to believe! Like Mary, we too must develop a sure knowledge of God’s perfect love for us, and be willing to do whatever he requires of us so we can achieve true joy in this life. We must not doubt, but be believing as true disciples of Christ.

GLORIFY GOD
After the annunciation, Mary went to live with her aged cousin Elisabeth for about 3 months. No doubt these were stressful times for Mary as Joseph knew she was expecting a child he himself did not father and was deciding whether to continue or sever their engagement. Though distressed by thoughts of uncertainty regarding her relationship with Joseph, Mary did not have a pity party. She understood all things were in Heavenly Father’s hands and she glorified the Lord, saying:

“… My soul doth magnify the Lord,

“And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

“For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

“For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

“He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

“As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.” (Luke 1:46–49, 54–55.)

We know Joseph was blessed with divine guidance and understandings through a dream to comprehend Mary’s situation, but even when faced with potential public humiliation and embarrassment at being pregnant outside of wedlock Mary retained a positive attitude, glorified God, and understood her role in helping create a mortal tabernacle for the Savior of the world.

DISCOVER GOD’S DESIRE FOR US

We all have a special mission to perform in this life. Mary’s mission was to help raise the mortal messiah. Although tutored by angels and other heavenly messengers, He was also taught at the knee of His mother as He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Like all other mortals, a veil was drawn over his mind at birth, temporarily obscuring memory of his premortal existence and status. The Doctrine and Covenants indicates that in the flesh he received “not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace.” (D&C 93:12. See also Acts 8:33.) For sure, Mary played a great role in helping Jesus understand who he was and what he was to do. Mary’s influence on her son was great as she taught him with a tenderness that can only be known between a mother and child.

Likewise, we have been born into families and given certain life situations not randomly or haphazardly, but for a specific purpose and reason. We have family members, friends, and acquaintances that we can touch in a way that no others can. When we discover God’s desire for us, we become aware of our divine destiny and how our relationships and interactions with others help us achieve our full potential in this life. We change the way we view other people, gain empathy for the sinner, and acquire a renewed conviction to do what is right.

ACCEPT AFFLICTIONS AND PATIENTLY PERSIST
Mary also knew the depths of despair. Having the confirmation that Jesus was the Son of the Eternal Father, it must have been very difficult for her to understand why he was despised and rejected during his ministry.

Many questions must have plagued her: Why did Herod want to kill him? Why did her neighbors reject him—those who had known him from childhood? Why did the nation he was sent to save try to kill him because he claimed to be what she knew him to be—the Messiah and Redeemer of all mankind? He previously had escaped attempts on his life because he had the power within himself to stay death until he knew his work was finished and he himself consented to allow his spirit to depart his mortal body. Perhaps when Mary stood at the foot of the cross she wondered if this would happen again.

No doubt as she stood at the foot of the cross on Calvary, one of a few devout disciples to stand unembarrassed and undeterred at the feet of her Savior, her mind reflected on the prophecy of Simeon, a “just and devout” man Mary and Joseph had met in the temple at Passover time shortly after the Savior’s birth. The Holy Ghost revealed to Simeon that this young child was to be the long-foretold Christ, and he prophesied this knowledge to Mary, saying, “Yea, a spear shall pierce through him to the wounding of thine own soul also.” (JST, Luke 2:35.) for he knew her suffering would be great.

Looking down in mercy from the cruel cross, and no doubt trying to shield her from the pain he knew she was enduring, he compassionately commends his beloved disciple, John, to her as he says, “Woman, behold thy son!” Then he spoke to John, “Behold thy mother!” [John 19:26–27] Shortly thereafter, John took Mary away from the scene of agony as her firstborn son successfully finished the mission he had undertaken for all mankind.

Mary, through her life of righteousness and example of motherly affection, has taught us many things. She has taught we must BUILD A FOUNDATION OF FAITH, GLORIFY GOD. DISCOVER GOD’S DESIRE FOR US, and ACCEPT AFFLICTIONS AND PATIENTLY PERSIST.
Mary was an elect daughter of God who taught us we be doers of the word and not just hearers only—our actions must align with our beliefs. We should not just talk the talk, we must walk the walk as well.
Along these lines, I would like to share a poem with you before I close:

“I love you, Mother,” said little John;
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden swing,
And left her the water and wood to bring.

“I love you, Mother,” said rosy Nell—
“I love you better than tongue can tell”;
Then she teased and pouted full half the day,
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

“I love you, Mother,” said little Fan;
“Today I’ll help you all I can;
How glad I am that school doesn’t keep!”
So she rocked the babe till it fell asleep.

Then, stepping softly, she fetched the broom,
And swept the floor and tidied the room;
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and happy as a child could be.

“I love you, Mother,” again they said,
Three little children going to bed;
How do you think that Mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?

Like the children in this poem, we show our love for our Father in Heaven when we do what He asks of us. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” We show through our words, thoughts, and actions where our hearts lie. If we are true disciples, we will do as the Lord requires. At first it may be tough, but as we persist His will becomes our will and we find ourselves doing the right things not because we know we should, but because we want to.