Those who engage in self-congratulation over a supposed strength have lost the protection of humility and are vulnerable to Satan's using that strength to produce their downfall. In contrast, if we are humble and teachable, hearkening to the commandments of God, the counsel of his leaders, and the promptings of his Spirit, we can be guided in how to use our spiritual gifts, our accomplishments, and all of our other strengths for righteousness. And we can be guided in how to avoid Satan's efforts to use our strengths to cause our downfall. - Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, October 1994
Tag Archives: promptings of the Holy Ghost
Guidance Through the Scriptures
As Nephi concluded his sacred record, he left us a wonderful, comprehensive promise that when we "feast upon the words of Christ ... , the words of Christ will tell [us] all things what [we] should do" (2 Ne. 32:3). This is a very bold promise. Can we really receive divine direction in all things?
In the first chapter of the Book of Mormon, Nephi tells how his father, Lehi, beheld a vision. In that vision, an angel gave Lehi a sacred book, and "as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord" (1 Ne. 1:12). When we search the scriptures, individually or as families, our hearts and minds are filled with the Spirit of the Lord. With that Spirit, we can indeed find the direction we seek within the pages of the standard works. - Spencer J. Condie, “Feast upon the Words of Christ,” Ensign, September 2004
The Works of Christ (Monson)
Out of Nazareth and down through the generations of time come his excellent example, his welcome words, his divine deeds. They inspire patience to endure affliction, strength to bear grief, courage to face death, and confidence to meet life. In this world of chaos, of trial, of uncertainty, never has our need for such divine guidance been greater. - Thomas S. Monson, “Can Any Good Come from Nazareth?” Liahona, April 1989
The Light of Revelation (Faust)
We can all see by the candle of inspiration, which is the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. It will light our way out of darkness and difficulty. The most sure way to come out of darkness and into the light is through communication with our Heavenly Father by the process known as divine revelation. President Wilford Woodruff (1807-98) declared, "Whenever the Lord had a people on the earth that He acknowledged as such, that people were led by revelation." The inspiration of God is available to all who worthily seek the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is particularly true of those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. - James E. Faust, “Put Life in Your Life,” Liahona, June 2007
Revelation and History
Always the thoughtful mind discerns the need for revelation and divine guidance. All that we see about us in science, technology, architecture, agriculture--civlization in general--can be truly said to be the fruit of history in the broadest sense. Where revelation and divine guidance have been absent, or ignored, we see the stark contrasts in history. - G. Homer Durham, “Why Study History?” Ensign, September 1978
Having the Spirit in Our Lives (Benson)
The most important thing in our lives is the Spirit. I have always felt that. We must remain open and sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost in all aspects of our lives. - Ezra Taft Benson, “Seek the Spirit of the Lord,” Ensign, April 1988
How the Spirit Teaches Us
The Spirit leads, guides, and shows us what to do. He will not, however, do for us what only we can do for ourselves. You see, the Holy Ghost cannot learn for us, feel for us, or act for us because this would be contrary to the doctrine of agency. He can facilitate opportunities and invite us to learn, feel, and act. - Matthew O. Richardson, “Teaching after the Manner of the Spirit,” Ensign (CR) October 2011
“Look unto me in every thought”
Years ago I was on my way to a high counselor speaking assignment to a small branch in our stake, when I was started by an impression. A little inner-voice said, “You’re gonna sing a hymn in sacrament today, by yourself.” I said, “No, I’m not.”
I said that because as a child I had a singing experience with my grandmother that left me traumatized about singing in church. Grandma had written some original words to a familiar tune. The problem was she had too many words for the music and it was impossible for me to keep up with her.
It was a really embarrassing experience and when I tried to sing after that in a church setting, I just couldn’t do it. I’d freeze up with fear, hoping the congregation would think it was the emotions of the Spirit and not my fear that was the problem. But I knew the truth. I was terrified.
Outside of a church setting I could sing with no problem. So, when the little voice said, “You’re gonna sing in church today”, I said, “No way.” The voice persisted and finally I yielded, “Well, if the Lord wants me to sing, somehow He’ll find a way to help me.”
So, when I arrived at the chapel, I grabbed a hymn book and opened it at random, without looking, and the booked opened to the hymn “How Great Thou Art. I spoke to the the pianist, who was also the branch president, before the meeting and said, “Look, I’m not saying I’m gonna do this for sure, but should I decide to sing this hymn, can you play it? Of course, he could.
Half-way through my talk, that little voice said, “Sing it now.” I nodded to the branch president and he went to the piano and played the introduction. Just before I started to sing, a deep calmness came over me and I was able to sing with no problem. Noticed a lady sitting with the missionaries wiping tears from her eyes. Wasn’t sure if it was because I was doing that bad of a job or if something else was going on.
At the end of sacrament meeting the missionaries brought this lady up to meet me. One of them said, “You need to hear this.” This wonderful, humble lady explained that the missionaries were teaching her so many things that were new to her, that she had knelt in prayer that morning and prayed that Heavenly Father would allow her to hear something familiar as a witness that what she was learning from them was truly of God.
She then smiled and said, “How Great Thou Art” is my very favorite hymn and I feel my prayer has been answered. I saw the Lord’s hand, not only in her life, but in my life as well as He allowed me to be an instrument in His hand to help her, and to be helped as well with overcoming my fear of singing in church.
How great the Lord is and how kind He is to us His children. – Grandpa Tony
D&C 6: 36 aLook unto me in every bthought; cdoubt not, fear not.