57- 3-11-2024 Personal Revelation

 57 3-11-2024

For Valentines Day mama gave me President Nelson’s new book, The Heart of the Matter. I’m not all the way through it yet, but it is excellent. It’s really just a compilation of all of his talks over the years since he has been called to be the prophet, but organized in a way that really builds on how to live a life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. 


One of the things I’ve learned most from President Nelson over the last several years is the need for personal revelation in our lives, and how to prepare to receive that revelation. The Holy Ghost has witnessed to me over and over again that what our prophet is teaching us is true. I am grateful that I know how to live my life to be in tune to my Heavenly Father’s direction. I am even more grateful that all of you know how to do the same.


This week Miles shared with us several examples of personal revelation, whether it was one of his friends seeking answers to their prayers or just inspiration he received during his normal daily service. Here are a couple that stood out to me from talking with him today.


The first was just inspiration coming to him in the middle of his work. He shared how a woman in the branch came to his mind with the distinct impression to check on her as he hadn’t seen her at church recently. They found her frail and in need of a Priesthood Blessing as she had recently learned of her terminal breast cancer diagnosis. Nothing physically can be done for her, but spiritually she can find so much strength in knowing God is aware of her and can comfort her in her time in need. I am so proud of Miles for recognizing this prompting and acting on it.


Another example was with his friends who they challenged to be baptized. Last week they extended this invitation to them and asked them to pray about it. These friends have enjoyed the lessons, but felt like they needed a sign from God in order to be baptized. When Miles and his companion returned for the next appointment, their response was they had not received a sign, but wanted to go ahead and schedule their baptisms because the thought (impression) came that they should move forward, and continue to progress. I love that! What an example to all of us when we are seeking answers to our prayers. Maybe not receiving direct answers like we want, but receiving the thoughts or impressions to continue to move forward and progressing in our faith.  Thanks Miles for sharing these experiences with us. You are such a great missionary!


These examples remind me of the talk given years ago by Elder Bednar on how personal revelation or answers to prayer are received. I’ll attach the talk to the bottom of this email, but he compared receiving light immediately, like the turning of a light switch, and receiving light slowly over time, like the rising of the sun. Sometimes we get those light switch impressions randomly, and we should act immediately. Sometimes we receive a little here, and a little there over time, and the Holy Ghost helps us put this inspiration together in the form of an answer that builds. This is how it seems to work most often in our lives. Elder Bednar teaches us this: “Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven”. This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare…”


Invitation: Look for examples in your own lives of instances where you are seeking personal revelation. Instead of looking for “light switch” answers, try to open your hearts and minds to what revelation you are receiving, line upon line,  and here a little and there a little, over time. Allow these thoughts and impressions to build on each other as you faithfully move forward and continue to progress, seeing God unfold the answers you seek as you patiently put your trust in Him. 


I know that our Heaven Father answers our every prayer. I know that the Holy Ghost is the source of personal revelation, and as we are worthy of His companionship, and seek to align our lives with God’s will, we will be directed in all we do. 


I love each one of you so much, and hope you have an amazing week. Love,


Dad


The Spirit of Revelationchurchofjesuschrist.orghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org › study › 2011/04

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